Page 81 of Hell and High Water

After another shower to rinse off our delightful disaster, we all head downstairs just in time for the door to open, Tell stopping short as we all look up at him at the same time. Almost like he caught us doing something we weren’t supposed to be doing.

A little smile pulls at my mouth.

“Uh. Why are you all looking at me like that?” He grins, his eyes flicking from me, to Gavin, to Evan, and back.

“No reason,” Gavin answers too quickly.

“Welcome home!” I hop up, trotting over to help him with his bags and steal a kiss.

Depositing everything on the counter, Tell swoops in for a proper hello, scooping me into a hug and devouring my lips. I let it linger, taking him in, reveling in my spoiled rotten high.

“You all smell so fresh,” he quips, eyeing Evan as I plop back down on the stool next to him. “Glad to see you finally made it out, Heaven.”

Evan scowls, leaning on the bartop. “Tellbert.”

“Lame. But keep trying. What’s crawled up his ass? Uh-oh, is she making him pay for it?” Tell mutters to Gavin out of the corner of his mouth.

“Oh, yeah. Big time.” Gavin rolls his eyes a little at all the drama.

And me? I just sit there in the middle of the three most amazing men in my life, grinning like a fool.

“She gave me a little guff too. You’ll get over it, right, Hella?’

“Depends on whether Evan ever stops pouting.”

“You’re unbearable.” Evan feigns disinterest.

“I'll get over it eventually,” I say offhandedly, snacking on some chips and salsa. “What did you bring me to eat?”

“Oh, is that how this works? Am I here only to service you, milady?” Tell snickers.

“Yes. Please. I am starving and there isn't any food.”

Tell points to my snack, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t give me logic. Give me tacos!”

Snatching the loaded chip out of my hand, Tell gobbles it up and sticks his tongue out at me. Gavin chuffs a big laugh and pushes him out of the way. “Alright. Let me work.”

Soon, the glorious smells of sauteing onions and peppers fill the house.

“That. Smells. Amazing.” I skip by, trying to sample everything he’s working on. Gavin shifts to block me, thwarting me.

Sticking my tongue out at him, I grab a drink and plop back down.

The next few minutes slip by, the four of us snacking, drinking beers and just… being.

Looking around, I nearly fall apart, emotion threatening to overwhelm me. Could this be my life one day? When all the threats are gone, when the danger passes…

Could we be a family?

It’s a moment of true peace in an otherwise stormy sea of doubt and worry. Sanctum is in turmoil. But right now, this is my safe harbor.

Tell is sharing stories, jokes, making everyone laugh. Evan’s playing the straight guy, egging him on, teasing him by shutting him down. Gavi’s in the background, goading both of them on or siding with whoever is losing, all while taking care of each of us, refilling out drinks.

They’re each wonderful in their own way.

It flicks a switch on something I haven't addressed yet, haven’t had the guts to really think about.

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