Lethal Echo by Cara Carnes

21

“Ilove everything you’ve done here,” Bree said. Her gaze swept her friend’s new home.

Toys were strewn about the large living room, which was filled with comfortable sofas and chairs. Everything about the area screamed family. Bree blinked back the happy tears welling in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Rhea wrapped an arm around her and guided her to sit. “Talk to me.”

“Nothing.” She smiled. “I’m just so happy for you. I-I was so afraid you’d never have this after finding out about…” She took a deep breath. “Seeing all these toys and hearing the kids laughing outside. It’s perfect. So perfect.”

Tears ran down Rhea’s face. “When Jade told us, you were the first person I thought about. I wanted to share what’d happened with you. God, Bree. I was so terrified when we went to meet them. So many scary thoughts. What if they didn’t like me? What if I screwed up?”

Bree hugged her friend. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there.”

They cried together a few minutes. The silence was comfortable, a balm that eased the ache in Bree’s chest. “I should’ve been there.”

“You were where you needed to be,” Rhea whispered. “You’ve always put others before yourself. I’m glad you took the time you needed. I just wish I could’ve been there for you.”

“You were where you needed to be,” Bree repeated. “The timing really sucked, huh?”

She couldn’t help but laugh. Rhea joined in. Any discomfort she’d felt slipped away. Her gaze swept to the small table in the corner, where a small lab set was. “Which of them are you infesting with our crazy?”

“Kaylani.” Rhea’s smile made Bree’s heart swell. Pride shone on her friend’s face. “God, B. She’s so smart. A little sponge ready to soak up everything. She and DJ are both so obsessed with the drones. Jacob promised to get her a toy drone built soon.”

Bree made a mental note to get with Jacob when everything was over. The young man’s “toy drone” was far beyond a mere toy. She’d offered some advice when he’d first started designing it, but she knew he’d wanted some time to improve on it.

She and Ram had eaten with Fallon, Rhea, and the kids. Kaylani and her younger sister, Dava, had chatted happily as they ate their chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. Mike, the eldest, had been quiet but his gaze had remained locked on Bree and Ram the entire meal.

“Mike’s really intense,” Bree commented into the silence.

“We’ve been worried,” Rhea admitted. “He’s better when it’s just us or us and Kamren’s crew. He latches onto TJ a lot. Kamren and Dallas told me not to worry about that, but I can’t help but wonder if that’s good for either of them.”

“They’ve both been through a lot,” Bree said. “Mike must see himself in TJ. The intensity. TJ’s improved so much since he first got here. He’ll help in ways we can’t.”

“That’s what the therapist said, too.” Rhea swiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “The first few days they were here, Mike wouldn’t let anyone near his sisters. God, B. It broke my heart to see the fury and terror on his little face when he glared at Fallon or one of the Masons.” Rhea looked up at the ceiling. “They were so good with him. Fallon and Dallas gave him the space he wanted, but made it known they weren’t a threat. They were so patient.”

Bree glanced out the sliding glass door leading to the backyard. Kaylani and Dava both played in a pale green “castle” Kamren had clearly made. The converted deer blind was similar to one the boys had at Kamren’s farm.

Mike was tossing a football with Fallon and Ram. The boy hovered closer to Fallon, but his gaze remained on Ram. A wide grin appeared on Mike’s face when Ram said something a couple moments later.

“He’s good with them,” Rhea commented. “Ram. Several have come over. I’ve never seen Mike relax this much around a stranger.”

“You should see him and the other two with Luke. God, it was so embarrassing.” Heat rose in Bree’s face. “The whole superhero thing. Ram, Doug, and Pierce all took it in stride and fed Luke’s joy rather than smash it like they could have. Pierce is even giving him shooting lessons with a toy gun.”

“How’s Lars handling the situation? I’d imagine moving here is an adjustment for all of them,” Rhea said.

“Everything’s been so nuts I haven’t spent as much time with them as I want to. Lars is looking forward to being off the mountain. He knows this is a great move for them all, especially the kids.” Bree laughed. “The Masons are already trying to talk him into helping them with survival training. I may have mentioned he was pretty good with stuff like that. Not Kamren good, but definitely better than a lot of the commandoes.”

“It sounds like he’ll fit in great,” Rhea said. “Fallon mentioned he was good with construction as well. I’d bet Burton Construction would love to have his help.”

“Yeah, Lars mentioned Nolan mentioning that. Dom’s been coordinating most of the builds at the compound, but he’s got his hands full with the mechanical stuff. There’s definitely a lot of options for work when Lars is ready.” Bree loved that everyone was helping make her family feel welcome.

“Things are going well with you and Ram?”

Bree nodded. “So good it terrifies me sometimes. I…” She took a breath. “I’ve never had anyone like that in my life. Someone to whisper my darkest thoughts or fears to. No matter what I share, I know he’ll listen without judgment. It happened so much faster than I expected. I love him. So much.”

Rhea hugged her. “I’m so happy for you. You two have been hovering around one another for a while. I’m glad you finally landed on your happy.”

Bree was too. Now all they needed to do was survive the Facility Six mission and finish what The Arsenal had started. Once they got all the assholes involved with Carlisle, everyone could breathe easier.

“You’re going to do great,” Rhea whispered. She squeezed Bree’s hand. “Just listen to Ram and the others. That’s what I did. Trust them to get you through the mission.”

“That place.” She shivered. “It’s been in my nightmares for so long. Going back…” She swallowed. “I know I’ve got to be there. I won’t chicken out because Shelly is relying on me. On all of us.”

“Do you think she’ll want to stay here?”

“No.” Bree would love it if she did. “She’s a lone wolf. There’s no way she’d want to be at the compound. I just want her safe.”

“She will be.” Rhea smiled. “Want to help me make some cookies?”

“You know I’m not good at baking. Even Ellie’s given up.” Bree stood. “But sure. Tell me what to do.”

Spending time with Rhea had been exactly what she needed. Seeing her friend’s new life as a mom and wife? Perfect. Bree clung to the love and joy within the home. This was what she wanted with Ram.

* * *

“Thank you,” Fallon said as he tossed the ball to Ram.

Ram caught the football and tossed it gently to Mike. The kid had relaxed a lot since they’d started playing toss. “No thanks needed.”

“You’ve had Spade’s and Donovan’s backs. I fucked up and wasn’t there when they both needed me.” Regret filled the man’s face. “Jesse and Nolan are helping me figure out what’s best for the team. Leading a crew isn’t my strong suit. I warned them I’d mess up and I did.”

“You didn’t.” Ram caught the ball when it came at him. “Teams take a lot of work. Your crew were all lone wolves not used to trusting others to have their backs. You’ve done well by them. You gave them what they thought they wanted. Now you man up and give them what they need. They either accept it or move on.”

“That’s what Nolan said,” Fallon admitted. He grinned. “You should have a team, you know. All three of you should.”

“Nope.” Ram shook his head and tossed the ball to Mike. “That’s never in the cards. We’re solid.”

“Fair enough.” Fallon glanced back at the house. “You’re good with her. Rhea’s slept a lot better knowing you’re with Bree. Loving them is a blind jump into the deep. We never know what we’ll run into.”

Ram couldn’t help but laugh. If anyone understood loving Bree, it would be the man who’d fallen for her best friend. “Yeah. I’ve never been afraid of blind jumps. The fall is worth what’s waiting at the end.”

Fallon moved to Mike’s side and pulled the kid into a hug against his side. “It is. We’d better get inside. Your mom mentioned making cookies. They might be edible this time around.”

Ram laughed when Mike shook his little head. “She sure tries hard. I’m not sure why they aren’t ever as good as Aunt Ellie’s. It’d be easier just letting her give us some.”

“Yeah,” Fallon said. He crouched in front of his son. “But then they wouldn’t be made with the love she has for us. Your mom doesn’t ever take the easy approach when it’s something important for those she loves.”

“I’m still gonna hide the salt,” Mike muttered as he headed toward the house.

Fallon chuckled. Ram slapped the man on the back.

“You’ve got a great family here,” Ram commented. “You’re a damned good dad.”

“This terrifies me more than any mission I’ve ever done,” Fallon admitted. “I focus on these good days and appreciate there are far more of them than the bad ones. It’s gonna take time to break all Mike’s defenses down so he can heal from everything. I’m patient. We’ll get through and he’ll see he’s safe and loved.”

Ram admired Fallon’s determination. He’d grown up without that love. If anyone could get Mike through, it was Fallon. “Come on. Let’s go taste those cookies.”