Page 16 of Wyatt
“We do that tomorrow,” said HG. “Tonight, we’ll have a family dinner. Everyone get settled, and I’ll start cooking, with the help of my future daughter-in-law.” Wyatt smiled at his father, giving a nod.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Remember, you have Ethan as a father-in-law.” As the others erupted in laughter, Wyatt just shook his head.
Ian and Faith had maintained the house for years, knowing it would be used for exactly such occasions. With nine bedrooms and more space than one family should need, it was perfect for their family.
The outdoor kitchen proved to be the most useful for them. With a massive grill that was welcome to the team, they grilled steaks, baked potatoes, squash, and zucchini.
Seated around the fire pit, they happily ate their meal, laughing and talking about old times.
“This is where Aunt Ani and Uncle Noa found the loves of their lives,” smiled Ulani.
“She’s right,” said the big, deep voice. Noa and Kelsey walked through the gate, Carter and Ani right behind them.
“Aunt Ani! Uncle Noa!” she said, running toward them.
“Hello, precious,” laughed Noa. He looked over her shoulder at Wyatt and pointed two fingers toward him, then back at his own eyes, indicating he was watching his every move. Then he gave a big grin.
“You’re not being nice,” laughed Wyatt.
“Why are you guys here?” asked HG.
“This is our old stomping grounds,” said Noa. “We thought you could use some help. Besides, Kelsey might be able to help identify the drug that’s being used. Suzette and Riley are reviewing all the sample results right now. Hopefully, they’ll have something for us soon.”
“Have a seat,” said Ethan. “So, this is where the Lim siblings fell in love?”
“That’s right,” smiled Kelsey. “Although I was a bit of a bitch when Noa and I first met. I wasn’t very nice to Ian and my mother when they announced they were getting married.”
“Why? They’re perfect together,” said Christian.
“They are. They always were. My father wasn’t exactly truthful about my mom, and the guy I was dating at the time was turning me away from Mom.”
“He was a fucking douche bag,” growled Noa. Kelsey smirked, kissing his cheek.
“He’s not lying. He was tied up with a terrorist and drugs and all kinds of things. He kidnapped me, beat me, tortured me, and left me for dead in a cold, empty house in Boston in the middle of winter. I was naked and freezing to death.”
“Aunt Kelsey,” whispered Ulani.
“Your Uncle Noa found me and carried me to safety. Then he stayed by my side, and I fell in love with him.”
“And I fell in love with her,” smiled Noa.
“That’s so sweet. What was it like for you, Aunt Ani? Did you fall in love with Carter right away?”
“Uh, not exactly,” she laughed.
“She got me drugged, dragged to Tijuana, and nearly killed,” he frowned. She kissed him, rubbing his arm.
“Now, it wasn’t that bad. We got out,” she smiled.
“It was that bad,” he said flatly. “But. I wasn’t a fool. I fell in love with her. Truth is, I fell in love with her the day I picked her up from her hotel. She was here for Kelsey and Noa’s wedding and had a bit of an issue with the agency.”
“Isn’t that the whole fiasco that lost Travis one of his testicles?” asked Abe.
“Yes,” laughed Carter. “We can laugh about it now, but I damn sure wasn’t laughing then. He put his life on the line for my sister. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, but it changed him for the better and allowed him to see true love when it was in front of him.”
“We’ve been through a lot over the years,” said HG. “Our team is pretty damn special.”
