Page 41 of Desert Wind

“Neither are we,” said Nine. “I’m not an expert in these things, but you’re going to need a new wardrobe for this little trip. We want our Jenna to let the world know that she’s something special. Because you are.”

“We called Gwen to come to the cabin for some measurements and fittings. She said she has several dresses and gowns that will be perfect for this. You worry about what to wear for the trip, and we’ll worry about everything else. Okay?” smiled Gaspar.

“Okay. So Nash will go with me. Who else?” she asked tentatively.

“The four of us. Kane, Max, Titus, Antoine, Gabe, Alec, Tailor, Trak, and our wives.”

“That’s a lot of people,” she frowned.

“Yep. Because you’re important. We’re not going to risk anything happening to you.”

“Thank you all for this. I don’t know what will happen, but I feel as though this will allow me to close this chapter of my life. No matter, this is my home, and I will be coming back here.” She kissed Nash’s cheek and picked up her coffee mug. “Anyone else want more coffee.” They all laughed, nodding. But it was Ghost that spoke up first.

“Silly question, woman. We always want coffee.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

With a wardrobe that a supermodel would have been proud of, Jenna felt ready to head to Paris. She had no idea what to expect from her biological mother and not a clue as to what to expect from the ball.

“Where are we going?” she asked as they headed toward the runway in the large caravan of ATVs.

“We have a private airport for our planes,” smiled Nash.

“Planes? As in plural?”

“Yes,” he laughed. “Again, our technology here is superior to just about anyone on the planet. We have helicopters, airplanes, and hybrids of helicopters and planes that no one has seen. They’re equipped with safety and communications equipment that will protect anyone on board.”

“This is amazing,” she said, gasping as the plane came into view. “It looks like a commercial jet but sleeker, if that makes sense.” Nash nodded, agreeing with her summation.

“I know what you mean. I was shocked when I saw all of this initially, as well. Come on. Let’s get boarded.”

“What about our luggage?” she asked.

“The luggage will be put on board, don’t worry.” He took her hand and boarded with the other couples, happy that Jenna was comfortable enough that she happily sat with the other women, laughing and talking.

“This is my first time anywhere other than here and Arizona,” she grinned. “I can’t believe I’m going to France. I’m excited but nervous, too.”

“It’s okay to be nervous,” said Erin. “Maybe this can help you to finally get some answers that you really need and want.”

“I hope so,” she nodded. “I’m not even sure what answers I want. I guess I’ll start with why she gave up so quickly in finding me. I’m not a mom, but I can definitely say that if any child I knew were kidnapped, I wouldn’t give up.

“I remember one of the girls that had run from the Flaming Skulls was very young, only fifteen. She just wanted to go home, but I couldn’t find her family. I called all the numbers she had, asked police to visit their home, everything I could think of.”

“What happened?” asked Alexandra.

“They’d moved. They packed up everything and left their town, moving to another state without leaving any forwarding information. Police actually thought they had something to do with the disappearance of their daughter.

“When we finally found them, I thought it would be this tearful, loving reunion, but it wasn’t. They looked at her and called her ‘soiled.’ Can you believe that? Who would look at their child and call them soiled?”

“You’d be surprised,” said Lauren. “We’ve had to deal with a lot of young women and young men who were trafficked, abused, kidnapped, all of it. Sometimes parents just can’t get past what happened to them.”

“That’s true,” said Faith. “And unfortunately, sometimes, some people weren’t meant to be parents. They don’t care what happens to their children, and when something does happen, it’s almost a relief for them. It’s horribly sad.

“When Kelsey disappeared, I was so distraught I could barely think for myself. Ian knew right away that something was wrong and sent Noa to find her. It was the best decision of our lives. Noa, that huge, massive, big-hearted Hawaiian cared for her in a way I might not have been able to at the time.”

“Why not?”

“Honey, I was so distressed I don’t think I could have focused on what was important. Noa, all of these men have this ability to care for the human but also protect from evil. It’s a wonderful thing to possess.”

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