“What’s up?”
“Did you bring Lumien on because of her MOS?” The words were abrupt.
Meredith looked at him. “No.”
“Then how do you explain the fact that she was a rifleman?”
“Divine intervention?” She looked at him, folding her arms across her chest.
He snorted and looked at her. “Don’t bullshit me, Merry.”
“I knew when I saw her that she had what I was looking for. When I called her CO, we never talked about her specialty other than in general terms of being in the infantry. When I got her records, I realized that you two had a lot in common. That’s the extent of it, D. I’m not plotting against you.”
Sinking against the wall, he rubbed his face. “I’m sorry. It just seems too convenient, you know?”
She patted his arm. “I can see where you’d think that. Maybe she ended up with us for a reason, and the two of you can help each other.”
Howie looked up at her, thinking about her words.
“You ready to run?” She smiled at him.
He sighed. “I knew you weren’t going to let us get away without joining you.”
The other guys showed up, grumbling at the early hour. Meredith just laughed at them as she looked them over. Both the primary and secondary bodyguard teams were there, just in case of any fan trouble. Ramos looked particularly delighted at the prospect of PT. The secondary team didn’t look happy at all.
“Okay, people, here’s the route. We’re out the pool door, down two blocks, over two, and we’ll reach the park. There’s a three-mile trail, which will put us about a half mile from the hotel. Everyone ready?”
“Hoo-yah!” The five men and the former Seals let out a customary yell.
“HOO-rah!” Not be outdone, Lumien let the standard Marine cry burst forth.
“Jarhead.” Leary looked down at her.
“Squid.” Lumien just returned his gaze.
The secondary team just looked at the people with them. Meredith laughed.
“I won’t even make you run in formation.”
“Aw, what’s the fun in that?” Brian walked out the door behind Sullivan and Mike.
“Ramos, you heard him.” Meredith watched as her crew fell into a standard formation. The secondary bodyguards looked a little lost until she explained that she wanted them to line up on the other side of the guys so that each singer was in the middle of his bodyguard team.
They started off in a march, just to give the new guys a chance to get into the rhythm. When they got to the park, Meredith grinned. “Double-time.”
The group started off in a jog that drew attention as they moved down the trail. Ramos started a cadence, but cleaned it up due to the number of children around. When they got back to the hotel, Ramos took the guys and the primary team through some calisthenics. Meredith sent the second team to get cleaned up and to look over the events for the day.
After an hour, the guys collapsed on the ground in the gym, while Meredith and the bodyguards just looked at them.
“Think they’ll make it to the tour?” Leary stared down at the group.
“Maybe.” She smiled before heading towards the elevator, the rest of her group not far behind.
***Backstreet Boys***
After everyone had their showers and were back to regular clothes, they headed downstairs to eat in one of the private dining rooms of the restaurant. Bodyguards and Backstreet Boys were sprinkled around the table in random order, and it gave everyone a chance to talk to someone they usually didn’t get to see. Kevin looked at the petite woman sitting next to him and found it hard to imagine her beating the hell out of someone, although Brian, Howie, and Nick had all seen her do it.
“How did you get the name Lumien?”
She looked up, startled at the question. “My dad. He loved looking at the stars. My name means ‘little starlight’.” She lowered her head and looked at the table when she finished speaking.
There was something about the young woman that made him want to hug her. Realizing that wouldn’t be in the best interest of his health, Kevin lightly touched her arm. Lumien looked up at him.
“It’s a beautiful name, and I think it suits you.”
She blushed slightly and smiled at him before turning back to her plate. She picked up her fork and began to eat her vegetables. Howie looked at her then looked over at Kevin, who returned his look with a smile. The younger man looked down at his own plate, missing his friend’s speculative glance, as well as the glances from Meredith and AJ.
***Backstreet Boys***
AJ watched Meredith move around the room, tucking her things away so she could keep track of them when she packed for the break.
“What happens next?”
She looked up at him. “With what?”
“Where are you going when we take the break?” He played with the rings on his fingers, nervously tapping his foot on the floor.
Hearing the undercurrent of stress in his voice, Meredith moved to sit next to him on the bed. Laying her hand over his, she smiled at him.
“What’s wrong, mine?”
“I want to ask you something, but I don’t want you to get mad, and I’m afraid you will, but if I don’t ask it’s going to drive me insane.” The words flew out of his mouth in one breath.
“You’re gonna have to just ask because I can’t read your mind.”
“Will you come back with me?” He held his breath.
“Sure. I mean, I was planning on…”
“No. Will you come back *with me*?”
Gazing into his eyes, it suddenly became clear what he was asking. Blowing out a surprised breath, Meredith looked at AJ.
“Not for a visit.”
“Not for a visit.” He began to stroke her fingers as he waited for her answer.
“What about Stasi?”
“Bring her. She’ll enjoy the kids.”
“She might *eat* the kids.”
He chuckled. “No, they’ll be fine.”
“What about my stuff?”
“Bring whatever you want. You said you’d help me warm the place up, and I can’t think of a better way than having you there forever.”
“What about the house?” Her voice was low.
He looked at her, knowing the house held a lot of memories that she didn’t want to forget. “I’ve always wanted a second place in Virginia.”
Smiling, Meredith wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek against his. “Are you sure?”
Stroking her back, running his fingers through her curls, AJ smiled and whispered into her ear. “Yes, I’m sure.”
***Backstreet Boys***
Once it was decided that she would be moving down, Meredith started calling people to start the process of transferring accounts to a bank branch in Florida and making arrangements for the house. When the guys were all in the lounge watching a movie, she curled up on the bed and picked up the phone.
[Hello?]
“Hey, Reeny-beanie.”
[What’s up?]
“I’m moving to Florida.”
The silence was so long that Meredith was afraid she had been disconnected. “Irene?”
[When?]
“After the promo tour. We’ll come back to Emerald Point, pack some things, pick up Stasi, close up the house, and drive down.”
Again, silence stretched out between them.
“Are you mad?”
[Not mad, per se. Just very surprised…and shocked…okay, I’m a little mad.]
“Why? It’s not like I’m disinheriting you or anything. I’ll still be your sister, and it’s not like you don’t know where I’ll be.”
[I know. It’s stupid, but I won’t be able to…just pop down and see you anymore. You know, no warning, just go into the house and bake something to wake you up.]
“You can still do that. AJ won’t care.”
[I know. I’ve just gotta get used to it. I’ll be okay.]
“Will you come down and help? I’m sure I could drag Kevin along.” Meredith tried to make Irene laugh, knowing the news had upset the younger woman more than she cared to admit.
[Well, he was coming here anyway for part of the break. Sure, I’ll come down. Just don’t expect me to be jumping for joy when I have to watch you drive away.]
“Oh, sweetie. I’m sorry that this is such a shock.”
[You know the funny thing? It’s not really that much of a shock. I’ve got to get on the phone to Geneva in a few minutes. Call me tomorrow, okay?]
“I will. Love you, Reenie.”
[Love you, too.]
Meredith hung up the phone and laid back on the bed. Pulling a pillow close, she wrapped her arms around it and sighed. Around midnight, AJ crept into the room and disappeared into the bathroom. After getting ready for bed, he crawled in behind Meredith and snuggled up, trying to stay quiet.
“I’m not asleep.”
“What’s wrong?” He knew by the tone of her voice that something wasn’t right.
“Irene was a little *surprised* by my announcement.”
Tugging gently, he rolled her over onto her back so he could look at her face in the moonlit room. “What did she say?”
“I think she’s afraid of losing me. She says that she can’t just pop down and wake me up with cinnamon buns or anything.”
“I don’t care if she comes down. She’s more than welcome. She’s family.” He stroked her face, brushing the hair from her forehead.
“That’s what I told her. I think she’s gotta get used to sharing me again. She was like this when Andy and I got together, too.”
Moving close, she wrapped her arms around him and breathed in his scent. “I’m glad that I’m going to be with you. Being away was so hard.”
AJ felt everything in his life click into place when he looked down into her eyes. “But I won’t be away anymore.”
“Good.” Sighing, Meredith closed her eyes and let her body sink into his. She was asleep in minutes.
He laid there for a long time, softly rubbing her back. In the crazy, chaotic, mixed-up world he called his life, he was so very grateful to have found the one person who made everything right. Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply and fell asleep.
***Backstreet Boys***
With the promo tour finally at an end, Meredith gathered her security team together and went over the plans for the next two months before the actual tour began.
“Okay, I want everyone back in Orlando in two weeks. The guys will be on vacation until then, so enjoy your time off. You won’t have any more for a *long* time. Any questions?”
Nobody had one, and she let them go. After a few minutes, it was just her and Lumien in the conference room.
“What are you going to do, Lumien?”
“Go to Orlando and look for a place to stay, I guess.”
“Not going to see family?” Meredith closed her planner, looking up to catch the grimace on the young woman’s face.
“I haven’t seen my mom since she suggested I go back to Bruce after he nearly killed me and I left him.”
“And your dad?”
Lumien sighed. “He died when I was ten.”
Meredith rested her hand on the other woman’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.”
When she felt the stare, Lumien looked up to find her boss watching her. “What?”
“I've got an idea. I’m heading to Virginia with AJ to close up my house, pack stuff, and get Stasi.”
“Stasi?”
“My dog. Anyway, I could use another person to drive one of my cars down to Florida. Interested? Howie could be working on finding you some place to live since he’s got a real estate company.”
Lumien thought about it for a few minutes. “Okay. Sounds like a plan.”
“Good. It’s settled.”
***Backstreet Boys***
AJ was cool with the idea, and Kevin was going to fly back with them since Irene would be traveling down to the house to bring Stasi and help pack. The four of them boarded the plane and spent the long hours talking, sleeping, or listening to music. When they finally landed in Emerald Point, Irene was waiting for them.
She leaped into Kevin’s arms, wrapping her arms and legs around him and kissing him deeply. The other three stood aside and watched the passionate greeting. Meredith finally leaned over and popped her sister on the butt.
Irene broke the kiss and winced. “What was that for?”
“I’d like to get to the house some time today, little sister.”
Irene pulled away from Kevin’s embrace and hugged Meredith and AJ. She smiled broadly at Lumien before leading the group to baggage claim and then the Land Cruiser.
“Nice ride, Irene.” Lumien admired the leather interior of the SUV.
“Thanks, but it’s Merry’s.” She started the car, and the sounds of %Backstreet’s Back% blasted out of the stereo.
“Oh, man, give me a break.” AJ closed his eyes as he slumped in the seat next to Meredith. Kevin groaned from the front seat, but Irene just laughed.
“why doesn’t Kevin just turn it off?” Lumien leaned forward from the back seat and whispered to Meredith.
“The rule in my car is that the driver gets to choose the music. Irene is taking advantage of that.”
They finally arrived at the house, much to the delight of the two men, and walked inside. Lumien widened her eyes at the beautiful house, slowly turning around as she looked.
“This is beautiful.”
“Thanks. I’ll take you on a tour as soon as we get everyone settled.” Meredith smiled. “Kev, you and Irene in your old room?”
“Yeah, I’ll take the bags.” He disappeared down the hall followed closely by Irene.
AJ disappeared down the hall towards the master bedroom with his and Meredith’s bags. Meredith held out her hand in invitation.
“Follow me.”
She led the young woman down the hall to the first bedroom door. “This is the farthest from Kevin’s room, so it should be okay.”
Lumien just chuckled and set her bag on the floor.
“Okay, three more bedrooms, then Kevin’s. Bathroom’s here, and there’s the weight room. Feel free to use it.”
She led the way back towards the foyer. “Game room, den, kitchen, dining room.” Meredith quickly pointed out rooms as she walked, knowing Lumien wouldn’t have any problem finding her way around.
“Down this hall is my office, you can check e-mail if you want, and my bedroom.” She opened the door to her room to find the balcony door open. “AJ must be out back with Stasi. Just a word of warning, I’ll introduce you to her, then you shake her paw so she can imprint you.”
The dog came bounding into the room, stopping by Meredith’s side and staring at the stranger. Meredith leaned close.
“Friend.”
Stasi held out her paw, and Lumien shook it. The dog sniffed her then licked the skin quickly before turning back to Meredith. Leaning close, she licked her mistress’ legs as Meredith hugged and patted her.
“You’re such a good girl. I’ve missed you.” She leaned down to kiss the dog’s nose, laughing as she was soundly licked.
When AJ came into the room, Stasi went over to lick him several times, and he petted the dog. “How ya doin’, girl?”
The trio walked out of the room, Stasi loping in front of them. She apparently heard Kevin’s voice because they found the dog licking him excitedly, too.
“What’s for dinner?” Lumien rubbed her stomach as it growled.
Kevin looked at Irene who looked at AJ who looked at Meredith. “Giuseppe!”
Lumien just stared at them as they answered in unison.
***Backstreet Boys***
Lumien stretched and looked up at the ceiling. Lying there, she thought about how much fun she had the night before as the five of them ate dinner. She opened up a little, letting a couple of zingers fly at AJ and Kevin, much to the amusement of Meredith and Irene. An early night was the order of the evening, and she called out a heartfelt goodnight to everyone before disappearing into her bedroom.
Getting up, she pulled on some clothes and went in search of the workout room. Inside, she found Meredith and Irene working out—Meredith on a bag and Irene on some weights.
“Morning.” The older woman smiled before kicking the bag.
“Hey, Lu. How’d ya sleep?” Irene set the butterfly bar back in its cradle and stretched.
“Good, thanks. Can you tell me a good route to go running? I really feel the need to move this morning.”
“Sure. Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll join you.” Meredith smiled.
“Okay.” Lumien sat down on a mat and began some simple stretches to warm up her muscles.
Irene looked at her sister. “We taking the guys?”
“Only if we can get them up. I’ll go see if I can drag AJ out of bed.” Meredith smiled as she wiped her face and neck with a towel and drank some water.
“I’ll go wake Sleeping Beauty.”
“Good luck.”
Irene rolled her eyes. “I don’t understand the problem you have waking him up. *I* don’t have that problem.”
Meredith smirked. “Guess I’m just not issuing the right wake-up call.”
Her sister laughed. “He probably still remembers you dumping his ass on the floor.”
“Well, if he’d heard me the first four times I called, I wouldn’t have rolled him out of bed, would I?”
Lumien watched the two women, admiring their relationship. Not for the first time, she wished she had a sister to share things. Shaking her head slightly, she got up and stretched some more.
“Meet us in the foyer in ten minutes, Lu. We’ll be ready to go whether the guys are ready or not.” Meredith walked out the door, Irene close behind her.
Ten minutes later, Meredith and Irene dragged two sleepy men into the hall.
“Everyone ready?” Meredith.
AJ and Kevin just looked at her, but she laughed at them and herded everyone out to the street. Starting off in a walk, they took the time to warm up a bit before their run. An hour later, they returned to the house. AJ wiped his face and drank some water.
“You know I hate this, don’t you?” He stared at his lover.
“Yes, but I like spending time with you, and if sweat’s involved, all the more fun.” Meredith smiled at him then began to back up slowly as he approached her.
“There are more fun ways to sweat, love.” He kept advancing, moving her down the hall towards the bedroom.
“Really? You’ll have to show them to me.”
“Oh, I plan to.” Any further conversation was cut off by the door closing.
Lumien stared at the other couple, who were holding each other and laughing. “I’m going to take a shower, if you guys don’t mind.”
Irene smiled. “Go ahead. We’ll probably just use the one in the middle bedroom.”
The young woman nodded and went to her room, gathering her shower stuff and clothes. Thirty minutes later she was staring into the fridge to find something to eat.
“Anything good?” AJ dug out filters to make some coffee.
“Leftovers from last night.” She grabbed a slice of pizza and munched on it.
“Reminds me of Meredith.” He smiled and joined her at the refrigerator.
“You like omelets?” He pulled out eggs and other ingredients.
“I was in the Marines. I’ll eat just bout anything.” Lumien sat down at the table.
“That’s not what I asked.” He looked at her, tilting his head.
She looked at him. “Yes, I like omelets, with cheese, bacon, and tomatoes.”
“You can chop vegetables then.” AJ handed her the vegetables and put her to work.
Meredith walked in and stopped to kiss the back of AJ’s neck before she proceeded to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup. After the first sip, she sighed.
“What do you need me to do, mine?”
“Toast or bacon.”
“I’ll take bacon.” She placed strips in the pan and started cooking it.
Irene and Kevin eventually made their way into the kitchen, helping finish the breakfast. The group sat down at the table, and Meredith bowed her head to say grace. Lumien followed the others in bowing her head, but didn’t really participate. She expected someone to say something, but nobody even looked twice or said a word.
As they ate, Meredith laid out her plan of attack for packing things up and getting everything ready to go. She had made a list on the plane and went over it, asking for suggestions or improvements to make things flow smoother.
Kevin suggested she go through each room and label what needed to be packed. He and Irene would go out and get the boxes and tape needed to complete the job. Meredith nodded and stood up to start clearing the table. With everyone helping, it didn’t take long to clean up the breakfast dishes.
Meredith grabbed a pen and a pad of sticky notes to go through and mark things. AJ started in her bedroom, folding clothes to pack. Lumien followed the older woman through the house, carefully inspecting things she really didn’t get to see the night before.
“Meredith, who is this?” Lumien reached out to touch the photograph on the wall.
Meredith stopped and looked at the photo, a memory taking her back to the day it was taken. “That’s Andy, my husband.”
The young woman looked at the other woman in confusion.
“He died three years ago. He was a Seal.”
“I’m so sorry.” Lumien looked at the picture again.
“Me, too. He was a good man.”
They continued to the office, and Meredith marked things she wanted packed. Opening a closet door, she pulled out computer boxes and set them against the wall so she could unhook and pack the computer right before they left.
The two women made their way towards the den, and Meredith stood in the doorway sighing.
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s so much more stuff than I thought there would be.” She began putting sticky notes on things that she wanted to take with her.
“Is there enough room at AJ’s for your stuff or are you going to store some of it?” Lumien walked around the room and studied the knick-knacks and photos.
Meredith began to laugh, and the young woman looked at her. “I’m sorry, Lu. It’s just that, well, AJ’s house is very…white.”
Lumien arched an eyebrow. “White? What kind of description is that?”
“Well, he and the former girlfriend decorated it in minimalist, I guess you could say, so it doesn’t have a whole lot of color in most of the house.”
“AJ’s house has no color.” Shaking her head, Lumien sat on the couch. “Why do I find that so hard to believe?”
“Because you’ve seen AJ. There’s plenty of room for my things, since I’m not really interested in taking furniture or anything like that. I’m just taking things that mean something to me.”
“Hmm.” She nodded in response to Meredith’s statement. “I’ll do this room if you want.”
“Thanks, Lu. I really appreciate your help.”
Smiling the first full smile Meredith had ever seen, Lumien kept her reply simple. “Welcome.”
***Backstreet Boys***
Kevin and Irene returned with armfuls of boxes and tape. AJ and Meredith started packing her bedroom, while Kevin and Lumien started on the den. Irene worked on the office.
Lumien carefully held the photograph that showed Meredith being awarded the Medal of Honor. Kevin watched her as she reverently stroked the glass.
“Amazing, isn’t she?”
The young woman looked up at him, nodding quietly, then carefully wrapped the picture and packed it away.
***Backstreet Boys***
Meredith held the picture frame in her hand, staring at the photograph.
“You can bring it down.” AJ wrapped his arms around her as he looked at her wedding picture.
With a final caress, she shook her head and wrapped it up, laying it in a drawer. They finished packing up her clothes, taping up the boxes. When they finished with the most of the items, they took a break and headed for the kitchen to grab some lunch.
Kevin and Irene were getting ready to grill hamburgers outside while Lumien sat at the table and watched the couple work. She admired they way they moved around each other, having a wonderful time even when they managed to get into each other’s way. She noticed that about AJ and Meredith, too, that recognizable symmetry between two people who were meant to be together. Even though she had pretty much given up ever finding it for herself, a part of her heart still longed for that incredible love she saw displayed between the two couples.
The doorbell rang, and AJ went to answer it. He smiled as Arianna launched herself at him, hugging him around the waist. He picked the little girl up, smiling at her.
“Hey, cutie. How have you been?”
“Good, Mr. AJ. I saw you on TV and everything.”
“You did? Did you like it?”
“Uh huh.”
“Arianna.” Theresa’s voice reminded her daughter of her manners.
The girl bowed her head then looked at AJ. “Yes, sir.”
He smiled and set her down, leaning over to give Theresa a hug. He shook hands with Tony, brushing his fingers over the baby’s cheek.
“C’mon in. Kevin’s fixing to grill. Wanna join us?”
“Oh, we don’t want to impose.” Theresa attempted to shoo away the invitation.
“But I insist.” Meredith walked into the hall, opening her arms for Arianna.
She held the little girl for several moments before letting her go. Straightening, she hugged Tony and Theresa, taking the baby from Tony’s arms.
“You’re getting so big, little man.” Meredith chuckled as they walked into the kitchen.
It was another round of hellos as the Alberti family greeted Kevin and Irene with hugs and handshakes. Lumien moved farther into the corner to remain out of the way, but Meredith pulled her up.
“This is Lumien Washington, a member of my security team. Lumien, this is Tony and Theresa Alberti, their daughter, Arianna, and their son, Tony.”
Lumien smiled at all of them. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Good to meet you, too, Lumien. You must be a saint for hanging out with this one.” Tony laughed as he gestured to his friend.
Meredith slapped the back of his head, and he winced.
“Hey, no beating a lower-ranking officer.”
“I’m retired, Tony. Besides, I still have an in with your CO, so I can still arrange for that garbage scow in Alaska.”
“Man, I don’t get any respect.” He flopped into a chair, patting Stasi on the head.
The group laughed as Kevin and Irene finished shaping the burgers, making enough for everyone.
“You guys staying for lunch?” Irene smiled at her friends.
Tony and Theresa nodded. “We were just coming over to see if you needed any help, but were convinced to stay for lunch instead.”
“Thank you. I think we’ve made a good start. I’m leaving a lot of stuff here, so that’s helped a lot. Besides, if I really need something, I can come back and get it.” Meredith smiled. “Kevin and Irene are leaving tomorrow, and I expect we’ll head out tomorrow afternoon to at least get a start on the drive.”
Kevin went out on the deck to grill the burgers, while Tony and AJ kept the kids busy and Irene, Meredith, and Theresa finished gathering items for lunch. Lumien sat at the table and watched.
“Miss Lumien, what do you do?” Arianna stared at the woman, fascinated by the streak of white hair.
“I’m a bodyguard. I watch and make sure no one gets hurt.” She smiled at the little girl, feeling more at ease.
“Who do you watch out for?” She leaned closer, ignoring the looks from AJ and Meredith.
“Howie.” Lumien was surprised at Arianna’s serious face.
“Please make sure you take good care of Mr. Howie, okay? He’s special.”
The young woman held out her hand, and the girl shook it. “I will.”
Arianna smiled and walked over to her mother and Meredith, wrapping her arms around their waists. AJ looked at Lumien and smiled.
When lunch was consumed, stories shared, and several yawns given by both Tonys, the Alberti family made its way to the door. They said goodbye to Lumien, expressing their enjoyment at meeting her. They said goodbye to Kevin and AJ, with Tony giving AJ a look as he shook his hand. AJ just nodded. Theresa hugged them both, as did Arianna. The baby was kissed and hugged.
Irene was next, hugging the family several times. When she finished, she stepped close to Kevin, grateful to feel his arm around her. Then, there was only Meredith.
She hugged Tony, holding on to him tightly.
“If he doesn’t treat you right, I’m coming down there to kick his ass, and I’m bringing the Seals with me.” He whispered in her ear with one last squeeze.
She nodded, unable to say anything. Theresa was next, tears streaming down her face as she hugged her friend.
“You have been so much more than a friend—you’ve been a sister. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for us.” Theresa leaned back and wiped the tears from her face, then wiped the tears from Meredith’s cheeks.
Meredith held the baby, kissing and cuddling with him before handing him to Theresa. Then she got down on her knees and looked at Arianna. The little girl tried not to cry, but her mouth trembled and the tears slipped over anyway.
“I’m going to miss you an awful lot, Miss Merry.”
“Oh, sweet girl, I will always be here for you. I want you to promise that you’ll call me and that you’ll send me pictures, and that you’ll come down to see me. I’ll take you to Disney World.”
Arianna nodded and wrapped her arms around Meredith’s neck, holding tight as she sniffled. They remained locked together until Tony put his hand on his daughter’s head. The girl looked up as she stepped back, then looked at Meredith. Reaching out, she laid her palm on the woman’s cheek.
“I love you, Miss Merry. And I’ll always be here for you.”
Meredith nodded, the tears slipping down her cheeks. The Alberti family smiled and waved one more time before walking out the door.
She couldn’t move, the tears sliding down her face as she wrapped her arms around herself. AJ moved to kneel in front of her, and she leaned forward to rest her head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her as she cried. Irene turned in Kevin’s arms, laying her head against his shoulder, unable to look at Meredith for fear of breaking down. Lumien slipped quietly away and disappeared into her room.
Table of Contents
Chapter Twenty-Three