Page 40 of Gage

Today, I was on my way to interview River and Kat, and I was grateful they had agreed to speak with me. I wanted to hear about the time Kat was kidnapped, locked inside a massive crate aboard a ship bound for foreign shores, and how she survived adrift in the middle of the dark ocean on nothing but a small raft.

What surprised me most was that they even knew who I was. When I arrived at the gate, I sent Kat a quick text, and almost immediately, it swung open. As I pulled up and parked, a woman stood waiting for me, smiling. She was stunning, and I knew instantly—this had to be Kat.

At her feet sat three German Shepherds, their sharp eyes locked onto me.

“Hello,” I said as I stepped out of my vehicle.

“Hi! I’m so happy to finally meet you,” Kat said warmly. “I’ve heard so much about you from everyone, but mostly from Gage.I know you’re perfect for him.” She gestured toward one of the dogs. “This is Rex—he’s Gage’s. And these two are Penny and Sissy; they belong to us.”

“They’re beautiful,” I said, smiling. “And I’m happy to meet you, too.”

Kat nodded toward the house. “Come on in. I should let you know—River won’t be here. He had to leave on a mission, but you can ask me anything you’d like. The babies are down for a nap, so we won’t be interrupted. I made us lunch, so let’s eat first.”

“Thank you. I’d love that. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now,” I chuckled.

Kat laughed with me, and within minutes, we were seated, chatting easily as we ate. An hour had passed before a soft knock sounded at the back door. When Kat opened it, I saw a woman standing there, holding a baby.

“I’m sorry to intrude,” she said with a smile. “I just wanted to meet you. I’m Laney—Gideon’s wife. Gage has told us so much about you.” She stepped inside, shifting the baby in her arms. “I’m also really sorry about everything you went through when you were kidnapped. We actually got to visit with your dad when he was here, and I took him fishing on the beach.”

Lori’s face lit up. “He told me all about that. Thank you both for making him feel welcome.”

“Are you kidding?” Laney laughed. “He’s the sweetest man in the world. And he can cook! He made us fudge-like, actual homemade fudge. We loved having him here.” She hesitated, then added, “I’m so glad they caught those brothers. You don’t have to worry about them anymore.”

A weight seemed to lift from Kat’s shoulders. “I can’t even explain how relieved I am that they’re locked up. I just hope they stay there.”

“They have to,” Laney said, frowning. “They admitted to wanting to kill you.”

“You know,” she added after a pause, “Gage’s house is sitting empty. Why don’t you stay there instead of at your dad’s place?”

Kat nodded. “It’s right next door to us.”

I shook my head. “I appreciate it, but I need to be at my dad’s house. There’s so much to take care of, and I don’t like leaving him alone. My sister, Sammy, and her girls are staying at my place.”

Kat grinned. “Oliver adores those girls. He said he’d kill anyone who dared to lay a hand on them. We could tell he liked your sister too, but he didn’t talk much about her, so we didn’t pry.” She laughed. “I should probably get back to work before I start sounding like one of those gossiping housewives who go door to door just to chat.”

I laughed along with her. Somehow, I didn’t think she had to worry about that.

Laney checked the time and sighed. “I have to go pick up my daughter from school. But it was great meeting you.”

After she left, I turned back to Kat, eager to hear her story. As she spoke about the terrifying ordeal of her kidnapping, I caught the slight hitch in her voice, the way certain memories still haunted her. I could feel the weight of what she had endured.

After we finished, I stood and smiled. Kat turned toward me. “I’m really glad I got to meet you. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again soon. I hope you don’t mind, but… Gage told me he loves you.”

My face softened. “I don’t mind at all. I fell in love with Gage years ago. I love that we’re finally together, and I can’t wait for him to come home.” I glanced down at the notes I had taken. “That’s why I want to get this story written up—I don’t want to be working when he’s here.”

She nodded, understanding completely. “I’ll see you around.”

I drove back to my dad’s house, smiling for most of the way, thinking about Kat and Laney. They were just like me—we had all been through hell, saved by the men who loved us. I’d been so nervous to meet them, and for no reason at all.

As I pulled into the driveway, my smile faded. Blinking, I hoped my eyes were deceiving me, but no—there he was, standing at the top of a ladder, painting the trim around the house.

I sighed, shaking my head as I opened the door.

“Dad! What are you doing? What if you have a dizzy spell?” I hurried toward him. “Please, come down. We can hire someone to do this.”

“I’m fine,” he called down, waving at me like he hadn’t just taken years off my life. “Stop worrying about me.”

“Dad, I swear, if you don’t come down right now, I’m calling Nurse Helen. She can come over and yell at you instead.”

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