Page 31 of Shelter (The Wanderers 4)

“You’re a good man, Braylon,” she finally said before glancing at the rest of them with tears in her eyes. “All of you. I like to think I had something to do with that. I love you boys. I want the best for you.”

Storm’s throat was clogged with emotion, but he felt he needed to say some things. “Thank you, ma’am, for everything. You saved my life. You made me the man I am today. You’re like a mother to me. One I never had.”

Marian smiled at him as she wiped away tears. “Please be safe. Live your lives. Be happy. Be free.”

For several seconds, no one said anything. Finally, Marian turned away. As she headed for the stairs, she looked over her shoulder. “It might take me a week or so to get everything in place, but prepare yourselves.”

“Thank you.” Rush said in a gentle voice. “For everything.”

Storm could only nod. He was too choked up to do anything else.

Rush had approached the bars and was now gripping one with a tight fist.

Storm instinctively reached out and wrapped his hand around Rush’s, squeezing his fingers in silent solidarity. They were all in this together now. No going back.

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