Page 57 of Wilde In His Arms

Nicole and Emma were painting their nails.Stacy was coloring with Toby.They were all relaxed.Happy.

All too soon, he’d take them to their parents and the reality of their past would come back to haunt them.

He squeezed her hand.“Thank you for doing this for them.For giving them a little piece of normal before they have to face their past.”

“They’re kids.They’re resilient.And we’ll keep in touch with them, make sure they’re safe and okay.”

He stared up at her, amazed by her big heart.“Why would you do that?”

“Because you saved them.And they deserve to have good people in their lives who stick.Mason told me on the plane, there are a lot of people you help that you’re still in touch with.”

He felt humbled.“What else did he tell you?”

“Nothing I didn’t already know.You love your job, because you help people.You care.And that’s why I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

She brushed her fingers through his hair.“I know.”

“I hope you’ll still love me when my caring so much means I spend way too much time away from you.”

She leaned in, her gaze right on him.“Even then.”She kissed him again.

His mom sighed next to him.

Nick could feel his father’s pride and happiness that Nick had someone like Aria by his side.On his side.“I don’t deserve you.”

“I bet those kids would say you deserve everything good that comes your way.”

“You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I want to be.”She brushed her fingers through his hair.“Now, eat before you have to get ready to go.Can I get you a coffee?”

“No.Just stay right here.I don’t want to miss a minute before you leave again.”

She helped him hand out croissants to everyone in the room, then sat beside him while he ate two himself.Mom and Dad caught up with Mason and Lyric.They talked a lot about the baby Lyric was carrying and made plans for a baby shower and visiting them as soon as the baby was born.

Aria chimed in with ideas for the baby shower and made a list of things they’d need for the baby.She seemed really into it, but he saw the hint of envy in her eyes that it was her sister and not her.

He couldn’t wait to have a family with her.But first he’d like to get them under the same roof.And in the same bed every night.

Soon.

Well, as soon as he could get Javier Lopez locked up where he belonged.

Chapter twenty-two

Nickwatchedthereunionat the FBI offices between the parents and children.Everyone looked hesitant, excited, worried, and a bit wary.He couldn’t imagine not knowing where his child was, or if they were dead or alive.

Nicole hesitated.She didn’t get too close to her parents until her mom broke down crying and said, “I love you so much.I’ve missed you so much.”Nicole rushed into her mother’s arms and held her like she’d never let go.Nicole had been missing fourteen long months.All that time, abused and wishing to go home but told no one wanted her back.

It was a tactic used to dehumanize and disillusion victims.Make them feel like they’re not wanted.Make them feel like there was nowhere for them to go.

He hated seeing that look in someone’s eyes, like they weren’t worth saving.

Everyone was worth saving.

Everyone deserved a safe and happy life.

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