Page 22 of Cole
“All ten of us?” asked Moose. “Even me? I mean, I’m not blood.”
“Don’t start that shit in this room,” growled Eric. “Every man here is blood and you know it. Yes. All ten of you. We’ve got a good representation of the branches, skills, abilities and experience. You could break up the leadership by certain areas of the business, or not. It would be up to you.”
“I’m honored,” said Rush shaking his head. “Like, seriously. I’m getting emotional over this.”
“Me, too,” said Tobias. “I never thought about taking over as a leader.”
“It’s a lot of fucking work,” said Cam. “It’s been my honor, but I’m telling you there is a lot of work, and a lot of worry every time one of our team leaves this property. It won’t be easy but you’ll be the next generation of VG.”
“Which brings us to the next issue. You need to decide if you’ll change the name, rebrand if you will,” said Hex. “First, we just need to know that you accept the responsibility.”
The men looked at one another, then smiled, nodding to themselves.
“I accept,” said Rush. Around the table each of the men nodded, making the same statement. Jak, Gator, Ham, Patrick, Christopher, Tobias, Dan, Conor, and Moose.
“That’s ten for a yea vote,” smirked Luke. “Congratulations. You are now the leadership team for the new VG, or whatever you want to call yourselves.”
“We’ll need to think about that,” said Moose. “Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought.”
“Same,” said Tobias.
“Well, you’ve got time to think about that. We’ll make the announcement about the new leadership tomorrow morning at our meeting. For now,” said Cam, “it looks like our osprey is arriving with our new, and old, guests.”
“Yeah, I think I need to have a conversation with Angus,” frowned Ham.
“You should be thrilled,” smirked Luke.
“Why?”
“Well, your full name is Hamish Angus McDonald. If Bailey marries, Angus, chances are good they’ll name a son after you, and him.”
“I don’t want to think about her having babies. It’s hard enough thinking about Ambry carrying three.” Luke laughed, slapping his back as they left the conference room.
“Like it or not, brother, it’s gonna happen.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Welcome home, Angus,” smiled Luke.
“Thank you for welcoming me,” he said, shaking the other man’s hand. “I think I need to speak to Ham.”
“And me,” frowned Sadie. Angus nodded, swallowing as he stared at Bailey’s beautiful mother. Her father walked toward them. Both hugged their daughter.
“Mom, Dad, nothing has happened. I know what you’re thinking. When I saw Angus in the hotel I couldn’t believe it. He was the one who saved the hostages, not me. He walked in with all of them, ready to bring them home. He recognized me and we started talking. Next thing I knew, he was helping me find Cole.”
Sadie and Ham looked at one another, then at their daughter.
“He’s a lot older than you, Bailey,” said Sadie softly.
“I know, Mom. I remember when he was here. I was very little, but I remember. Angus has been nothing but kind to me, respectful. And let’s face it. We all knew I was the old soul of the three of us. I wasn’t going to fall in love with someone my own age.” Angus turned quickly, staring down at her.
“You’re truly in love with me?” he asked. Bailey laughed.
“Of course, I am. Did you think I’d bring you home if I weren’t?” She hugged his waist, her parents smiling as she did. “I love you, Angus. This is where you belong, here, with me.”
“With all of us,” said Sadie. “Welcome back, Angus and thank you for taking care of my daughter and my son. You’re family now.”
“Thank you, Sadie,” he nodded. “I love your daughter and I would do nothing to hurt her. She’s amazingly special to me.”
