Page 71 of Haunted By the Storm
"Tape emergency with Emily," I explain, relaxing. "You guys want coffee? Beer?"
"Beer," they answer in unison, shrugging out of their jackets. The somber look in both men's eyes tells me they've been making funeral preparations as well. Shadow especially looks worn thin. As Seri’s man and the club's intelligence officer, he's been working nonstop to track down leads on the shooter.
Shadow drops a heavy binder on the kitchen counter. "Seri says Camryn needs to look at these 'right away or everything will be ruined.'" His air quotes make it clear he's repeating verbatim.
I shake my head, amused by the wedding frenzy that's overtaken the women of the club, even in the midst of mourning. What Camryn and I had planned as a simple ceremony has somehow evolved into an event, though thankfully still small by most standards.
The oven timer beeps, and I grab a mitt to retrieve the cookies. Blaze watches with undisguised amusement as I carefully transfer them to the cooling rack.
"Look at you, being all domestic," he teases, though the usual spark in his eyes is dimmed. "Cruz would have given you hell for this."
The mention of Cruz's name hangs in the air between us. "He would have," I agree, remembering how Cruz had laughed himself hoarse when I mentioned buying this house. "He called me a 'domesticated pussy cat' for a week straight."
"To your face," Shadow adds with a grim smile. "That's what made Cruz... Cruz. No filter, no fear."
I hand them each a beer, taking one for myself. "To Cruz," I say, raising the bottle.
"To Cruz," they echo, the three of us sharing a moment of silent remembrance.
Blaze takes a long pull from his beer then sets it down with purpose. "Any more word from Makenna's people? Or Pyro?"
I shake my head. "Nothing concrete. Shooter's a ghost. Professional, patient, knows our patterns."
"It's personal," Shadow says quietly. "Has to be. The playing card, the timing of the shots... they're sending a message."
"But to who?" Blaze asks, frustration evident. "And why?"
Before I can respond, the sound of rapid footsteps precedes Emily's arrival in the kitchen, a blur of energy and festive sweater. She launches herself at Blaze, who catches her with practiced ease.
"Uncle Blaze! Did you bring me anything?" she asks, shameless in her excitement.
"Emily," Camryn admonishes, following at a more sedate pace. "That's not how we greet people."
"Sorry," Emily says, not sounding sorry at all. "Hi Uncle Blaze, hi Uncle Shadow. I love you both very much and I'm so happy to see you. Did you bring me anything?"
Shadow roars with laughter, momentarily free from the weight of grief, and even Camryn can't maintain her stern expression. I catch her eye across the kitchen, sharing in the moment of pure joy that is our daughter; fearless, loving, utterly herself.
"As a matter of fact," Blaze says solemnly, "I might have something in my jacket pocket. If someone were to check."
Emily squeals and dives for his discarded jacket, returning triumphantly with a small wrapped package. "Can I open it now? Please?"
Camryn sighs in mock exasperation. "Go ahead. But that's the last one until Christmas, understand?"
Emily nods vigorously, already tearing into the wrapping. Inside is a butterfly pendant on a silver chain, delicate wings set with tiny colored stones. "It's beautiful!" she gasps, holding it up to the light.
"Your mom said you needed something special to wear for the wedding," Blaze explains, helping her with the clasp.
The mention of the wedding brings a fresh wave of anticipation. Two weeks. Just two more weeks until Camryn is officially mine, until our family is bound in every way possible.
As if reading my thoughts, Camryn moves to my side, her arm sliding around my waist. "Tomorrow's going to be hard," she says quietly, referring to the funeral.
"Yeah," I acknowledge, pressing a kiss to her temple. "But we'll get through it together."
She nods, strength in her expression. The club has become her family too, their hurts her hurts, their losses her losses.
Seri arrives shortly after, bringing more wedding supplies and food for tomorrow's gathering after the funeral, despite her own grief. Cruz had been like an annoying older brother to her. Channeling her energy into caring for others is a trait she shares with Camryn.
The conversation flows around us, wedding details, funeral arrangements, memories of Cruz. Emily shows off her new necklace then drags Shadow to see her latest art project. The house fills with voices, with laughter tempered by grief, with life continuing despite loss.
