Page 102 of Fighting for Family

“I saved some money. Depending on how things go, I might settle around here. If it makes you uncomfortable, I might try Seattle and visit Mama sometimes,” Theo explained.

“We told Theo about our celebration today at Bear’s. We can squeeze one more person in,” Bryanna prompted. “Theo offered to repay me for the damages to my bakery.”

“If you hear of any jobs, I’m open to anything,” Theo replied. “A man has to earn respect for himself. No job comes without gaining some experience.”

“I’m not promising you anything,” Saint warned.

“I’m not expecting you, too,” Theo replied. “I’m only asking for a second chance to get my family back.”

Saint took a deep breath. The mission took him away from his own for months. He missed them terribly. Did Theo learn his lesson and understand the importance of family?

“I won’t tolerate lying, stealing, or threats,” Saint said firmly. “I can’t speak for Mama. If you hurt her or my family, we won’t give a third chance.”

“I know,” Theo said quietly.

CHAPTER 34

Leo drove his family over to Bear’s. Melody held Koda in her lap while Grace peered at the instructions Leo received in the mail for building a child-sized tank. Something told him his second daughter might turn out like a Victoria with the skills of a SEAL. Derrick babbled from his car seat, and Catherine leaned over to check Henry.

They entered the barn to find all their family and friends gathered. As usual, Ty, Tess, and Bryanna provided a huge spread. The grans fussed over the babies while the moms got the kids settled to eat.

Bear made a little enclosure and set up a small petting zoo for the kids. Tommy gave the tours.

Kassie and Chase brought the fixings for a bonfire later, and he watched as two of his best friends kissed. Taco snuck a taco, earning a swat from Tess. Shadow touched Avie’s belly, excited to become a new dad. Whiskey made balloon animals in the corner, surrounded by the kids, and it didn’t seem to bother him. His friend did the work to heal, and Leo couldn’t be happier for him.

Annabelle put her arms around Ragu’s neck and kissed him, making him grin. Leo felt relieved they finally got him help, and he found love to boot.

Noticing Maddie and Carol giving their husbands the cold shoulder, Leo wandered over in their direction, listening in on their conversation.

“I don’t care what excuse you give me, Jake,” Carol seethed. “You’re not a spring chicken. You and Joe might’ve gotten your fool heads killed, taking such a risk.”

Maddie placed her hands on her hips as she glared at her husband. “I’ve heard of a mid-life crisis, but not a geriatric age-defiance disorder. What if something happened to you?” she asked tearfully.

“But nothing did,” Joe insisted. “We’re here safe and sound with all our boys.”

Approaching the two women, he hugged them both. “I know you’re not happy with them, but if it weren’t for their fast thinking, Ghost and his team might not have seen where we were surrounded. They saved all of us. My Dad and his best friend braved your anger to help us.”

Knowing they came to celebrate, both women kissed him, settling the matter. They walked away to help with the preparations, still giving the men stink eyes, but softening under Leo’s words.

Jake and Joe sighed in relief, shot Leo a grin, clasped their arms around each other like boys, and went off to play with their grandchildren.

Saint approached him with a scowl on his face.

“Who pissed in your pudding?” Leo asked.

“Dad, give me five dollars for the swear jar,” Melody said, holding out her hand.

Sighing, Leo dug into his wallet and handed her a twenty. “This should buy me half a day.”

“Theo came back,” Saint said as Melody took off with Koda running after her.

“Oh?” he said, waiting to hear his friend’s thoughts.

“He’s claimed he’s changed and wants a second chance,” Saint said.

Leo rubbed the scruff along his jaw. “It’s a tough call. But none of us are perfect. You’ve screwed up with Bryanna, and she gave you another chance. Let’s not get started on how much trouble I get myself into.”

“He wants to stick around. But he doesn’t have a job,” Saint replied, watching Theo take his mother through the food line and fill her plate. “He seems changed, but I don’t want to take his word.”