Page 38 of Annika's Aurora

“Mom,” Annika started.

“Just ignore me, Sweetie.” She sniffed. Then, “Oh look, Jansen. They got a tree!”

Annika and Logan laughed at her sudden change in mood. Never a dull moment when Johanna was around.

Later while the girls made dinner, Jansen pulled Logan aside. “How is she really? Was she badly hurt?”

“I … she snuck out when I was asleep. We hadn’t really talked yet, so she was avoiding me. I watched for her to return, but it was taking so long. When the snow picked up, I just knew something must have happened.”

“But you found her. You saved her.”

“She was half in the water when I found her. If I’d waited any longer to look for her, she might have drowned.”

“But she didn’t.”

“I know, but she could have.”

“But she didn’t!” Jansen insisted. “Because of you.”

“She was so cold. Even after I got her up, she was still in danger.”

“Did she go to the hospital?”

Logan looked down. He probably should have taken her to the hospital. He hoped Jansen would understand. “No.”

“Good. She’s had enough of hospitals.”

“I figured the ambulances wouldn’t have been able to get to us with all the snow. I’ve had experience with hypothermic victims. I knew the best way to warm her.”

“Body heat.”

Logan blushed again. What was wrong with him? “Yes.”

“Good. Learn all that in the SEALs?”

“Some of it. Some with the organization I’m working for now. They trained me to be a paramedic.”

“What organization is that?”

Annika walked over to them then. “He’s a Nighthawk, Daddy.”

“Really?” Annika nodded. “Well, once a hero, always a hero. Damn proud of you, son.” He slapped Logan on the back, which surprisingly almost sent him to the floor. Annika giggled at him again.

He glared at her. “Would you stop giggling at me!” That made her laugh harder. He lunged for her and dug his fingers into her sides, where he knew she was most ticklish. She laughed until she couldn’t breathe.

“All right. All right! Uncle!” she wheezed. “I’ll stop laughing at you!”

“Good.” They lost themselves in each other’s eyes, forgetting they had an audience. Annika was still in his arms when they heard a throat clearing.

“Come on, you two,” Johanna said with happy tears in her eyes. “Dinner’s ready.” She turned away but not before he saw her wipe a tear away.

“Mom,” Annika crooned, going to her mother.

Johanna waved her away again. “Just sit. Eat.” Jansen went to her instead and put an arm around her shoulders. He squeezed her and gave her a quick kiss on the head before taking his seat.

“Smells good, ladies.” Jansen dug into the first dish. They’d made a chicken and broccoli dish with plenty of cheese, just the way Logan liked. The first bite was like coming home. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed Mama Jo’s cooking, how much he’d missed this. Sitting around a dinner table talking about the day. With family.

When they finished eating, Johanna raised her glass. The rest of them followed suit. “To my warrior children. Together again at last!”

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