Page 50 of Master Vidar & Vali

Gabriel laughed so hard he choked. “Jared? Could you imagine? No, he’s just disgustingly rich with way too much time on his hands. I’ll admit the man is very well-connected around the world. He probably threw enough money at some people with the skills he needed. I’m honestly more surprised he bothered. He’s never done that before.”

That was a very good point and it made me also wonder about his actions.

Colin growled and shook his head. “What are you guys talking about? I swear the arsehole’s middle name is interference.”

We all laughed at his obvious annoyance.

“Now, Colin, just because he’s been the second older brother you’ve never wanted doesn’t mean you should call the man names,” Gabriel chided.

Colin glared at Gabe and that just made us laugh harder. It was moments like these that reminded me how grateful I was for my adopted family. I would die for every single one of them.

A few more stories circled about Jared before we called it a night and we were finally alone with Zara.

I pressed her toward the bed until the backs of her legs made contact with the mattress. I cupped her chin in my hand. “I’m so glad you are okay.”

“I’m better than okay. I’ve realized something today.”

I dropped to my knee so she and I were eye level. Colin followed suit. Zara’s eyes were so bright, like someone had turned on a light inside her. The darkness that sometimes haunted her was nowhere in sight. Joy and desire welled up inside me. I wanted nothing but happiness for her from that day forward.

“Go ahead, princess. What do you have to say?” Colin asked.

“I’ve been questioning how real all this is. Especially after today. The thought of you two, Brody or any of the rest of the men dying to keep me safe broke something inside me. I questioned why my life was worth theirs, or possibly yours. I didn’t feel worthy. I’ve never felt worthy. But then I realized I’d been looking at things from a place of lack. When I did that, your sacrifice and theirs showed me how honorable you are. In fact, you two are the very heart of honor. It dawned on me that not knowing your favorite color or any other detail didn’t matter because you two are the best men, and I know you will love me and protect me with your lives.”

Her eyes shone with so much trust and love that something in me cracked and shifted. She meant it and I saw myself through her eyes instead of the one on the field of battle. I could be everything I wanted and more, for her.

“I love you, Zara.”

It was the purest declaration my heart had ever made. The boldest words I’d ever spoken and it was because I finally knew what love was.

Colin gripped my shoulder. “We both love you.”

Like the last puzzle piece settling into place, I knew with all my heart and soul that the three of us were forever.

“Colin,” Zara began. “I meant what I said. What happened before… you need to forgive yourself. Circumstances were outside of your control, just like for me, and all we can do is the best with what we’re given. I love you and Linc loves you, but you need to love yourself.”

She hadn’t said anything the rest of us hadn’t thought before. In fact, I was sure that at some point, Gabriel had said something similar to Colin. Maybe it was because of the circumstances of today which could have led to her death, or maybe because seeing me accept love into my heart had affected him, whatever it was, I could see Colin let go. What started as a single tear, turned into several. There was a collective hush from Zara and I as the floodgates opened in my friend’s eyes for the very first time.

“Oh, Colin.” Zara flung herself into his arms and they collapsed backwards onto the carpeted floor. I joined them and pulled them both into my arms, holding him as great shuddering sobs wracked his body, and Zara cried right along with him.

It was the most remarkable experience I’d ever had and never thought to have. Time ceased to exist as the three of us cuddled and laughed, cried and loved. When we did finally rise off the floor, it was to grab tissues and climb into bed, exhausted. We slept, the three of us together, until late in the morning.

I was the first to awaken and rolled up onto my forearm to look on the other side of Zara to find Colin nested in her arms and looking more peaceful than I’d ever seen him. Happy, I rolled out of bed and grabbed a pair of sweats from the overnightbag we’d brought with us, tossed them on and silently left the room in search of coffee.

Gabriel was standing in front of the giant picturesque deck gazing out. He turned when he heard me. Gliding on the high from last night, I stalked over to him and threw my arms around him, giving him a bear hug. I couldn’t hold back the goofy smile when he finally disentangled himself from me.

“What has gotten into you?” he asked, looking amused.

“I’m just happy. It’s amazing how much the right woman can change.”

He smiled and nodded. “Damn straight. I was worried for the two of you. I’m glad you found your peace.” He pulled me back in for a hug and I let him.

Since returning from Iraq, casual touching had been something I avoided. It felt right for that to change as well with Zara in my life. It was going to be okay, and I was better than okay. I felt reborn.

“Let’s go to the kitchen and I’ll make you a coffee and then you can tell me all about it.”

“Aren’t you going into the office?”

“Rose took the helicopter in and told me to come in when I was ready. She had a hunch you guys might need my help today.”

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