Page 42 of Rush

“I never thought of that,” said Ece. “I could manage the reporting from a place of first-to-know kind of thing.”

“We would support that,” said Grace. “I know we would. We just can’t mention their names or the name of our business.”

“I know,” she said, nodding. “Moose was very clear about that. He’s so beautiful, you guys. When I saw him above me when they were digging me out of the rubble. I kept thinking that someone sent an angel for me. He’s so big, strong, and handsome. He makes me feel special and safe.”

“That’s because you are,” said Caroline. “Believe me, Rush makes me feel the same way.”

“Will they be alright over there alone?” asked Ece.

“Oh, honey, they are never alone,” said Erin. “There are always men and women ready to rush in and rescue them if needed.”

“He asked me to be his wife, but he never mentioned love. I want to be in love. Isn’t that something that takes time?”

“It can,” smiled Caroline. “You’re going to get a double whammy today. I’m going to give you some advice from Kate and Ajei. Then, I’m going to let Erin give you the advice she gave to all of our mothers and even grandmothers.”

“Alright,” smiled Ece.

“Kate and Ajei say that love is so very hard to find that when you do, recognize it as the gift it is. You should hold it gently. Don’t squeeze too hard, but don’t let it go. These men are different in every way. Their lives have been entirely about protecting others, with no thought as to who would protect them. Expect that they’ll be overbearing, alpha in every way. But recognize how unbelievably special that is and that they’ve chosen us to be by their sides. He will protect you, but you will protect him as well. He will drive you mad with his overprotection, but he will soothe you with his love and adoration of you. And there is nothing like the love of one of these men.”

“That’s beautiful and a little scary in some ways,” said Ece, turning to look at Erin. “What’s your advice?”

“It’s similar but yet different. Here’s what you need to know. These men, these men protect so fiercely, so devoutly it’s all-consuming. And they love the same way. All-consuming. It’s remarkable to watch and a blessing to be a part of it. If you want my advice, don’t question anything. Just let yourself feel. These are special men, and if you don’t mind me saying so, it will sound a bit conceited on my, on our part, but it takes special women to be with them.

“You’re special, Ece. Moose chose you to be his wife. To spend your days wrapped in his arms, loving one another. I hope you know what a gift that is.”

“I know,” she nodded, seeing the men enter the building. He was with a very large man named Frank. She’d met him and his beautiful wife and son earlier in the day. “Excuse me, ladies. And thank you.”

Ece rose from the table and limped toward Moose on her boot. When she reached him, she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. Moose lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist, and carried her to their cottage.

“I can’t wait until that’s me and Rush,” said Caroline.

“It will be the two of you soon enough,” said Lucy. “For now, how about you come out and help me with a llama named Gertrude.” Caroline laughed, shaking her head.

“Mom, you know that if you name the animals, you’re never going to let them go.” Lucy looked at her daughter and smiled.

“I know. But your father doesn’t know that yet.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“Kaan and his officers have blocked the city. No one enters or leaves without going through a checkpoint, including at the harbors. He had basically instituted martial law. He told the press it was due to the earthquake and possible looters and criminals coming into the city. Now, Grigoryan will be seriously pissed off. He’ll have no way to get in or out, and he won’t be able to recruit in the city,” said Nine.

“He’s also going to be pissed that the military has called back two thousand troops who were helping with the earthquake,” said Rush. “Now, we have him angry. We just need to find him and stop him completely. How are we looking at where his other men are?”

“I think we need to go back to the plaza and see if his men are still there. Those who were displaced have been moved to safety, but that might not stop them from trying to recruit local, radical young Turks,” said Trak.

“Let’s go,” said Alec. “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” frowned Tailor.

“So are you!”

“Children, could we rein it in just for today?” frowned Trak.

“Aw, we’re just teasin’, Trak,” smiled Tailor. “You know you love me. You can’t imagine a day when you don’t hear my big feet sneakin’ up on you.” Their sons all laughed, shaking their heads. Trak had a frown, then a smile that turned serious.

“You are right, my big friend. I cannot imagine a day where I do not hear that. I hope that I will hear it always.”

Trak walked out the door, and Tailor looked at Nine and the others, frowning. He was much too serious. More serious than his usual self.

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