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She blew out a breath, quickly pressing her hand to her chest as she closed her eyes trying to get her reaction undercontrol. “You scared me to death. I didn’t see you there,” she finally said, opening her eyes to look at him.

“Because you were looking one way and walking in another,” Quin said.

“And I realized as I ran into you that my guards should have intercepted whoever you were, but didn’t. I was a little confused,” she said.

Quin pulled her gently into his arms and cradled her uncomfortable form against his body. “I am sorry.”

“Yeah, but are they? They just let me walk right into you,” her muffled voice asked from the safety of his arms, as she tried to lift her arm to point haphazardly at her guard where they stood around them.

“Don’t know about them, but I’m a little put out.”

Vivian’s body tensed, she stood a little straighter, her head lifting from Quin’s chest to look around.

Quin started chuckling. “Kitty! Leave him be!”

Vivian pressed against him lightly so she could stand back and look up into his face. “No!” she rushed out.

Quin was grinning ear-to-ear. “Yes,” he said.

“Oh, my, God!” she half-shouted, trying to move around Quin to get to the person behind him.

Quin turned to allow her direct access, and so that he could watch the reunion.

“Vivian. You are the picture of the perfect woman. I just thought you lit up a room before. You are even more beautiful now. At least I think so. If I could make this over sized barn-cat leave me alone,” Bart said.

Vivian smiled at the sight of Kitty standing up on his hind legs to rub his head on Bart’s face. “He loves you.”

“He likes to intimidate me,” Bart said.

“That, too.”

“Kitty! Move!” Quin insisted, grabbing the chain that made up Kitty’s collar and tugging him away from Bart.

“Bart…” Vivian managed to get out while her lip trembled and the tears started as she walked into his arms.

“Why the tears? You’re supposed to be happy to see me,” he said as he hugged her and held her tight.

“I am happy. This is me happy, now. I’m so not who I was. I cry all the time. I hate crying.”

“You are very much who you were. You’re just dealing with the pregnancy hormones that make you over the top emotional.”

Vivi stood comfortably in Bart’s arms with her eyes closed, soaking up the warmth and belonging that being near one of her only surviving family members could bring. She felt Bart swaying just a little to and fro and smiled softly to herself, knowing that same motion was one she’d use on her own child if he or she ever decided to vacate her body and actually be born.

“Vivian?” Bart asked softly.

“Mmhmm.”

“Open your eyes,” Bart said.

“Hmm?”

Don’t move. Don’t look up at me. Don’t look back at Quin. Just open your eyes.”

She thought about it for a second, then did exactly what he asked. It wasn’t like it could be that dangerous, Quin and her guard, and Bart were all right here. And these were the males she trusted most in life. Not even adjusting her body or the angle of her head, she slowly opened her eyes. Though Bart wasn’t a Cruestaci warrior, he was still a tall male, well over six feet tall, so his shoulder was the first thing in her line of sight. Then she noticed a tuft of dark grey, curly hair and sideburns, framing the kindest light soft brown eyes. Slowly she let go of Bart, who then stepped away.

Vivian clenched her jaws together, trying to maintain some type of composure. “It’s you,” she murmured as she sniffled, and swallowed repeatedly trying not to break down completely.

“And it’s you.”

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