Page 51 of Innocent Target

“Good always comes out of evil, Merc.” He kissed the shell of her ear, and she sighed in contentment.

Soon after, King and Sydney arrived with their brood, then Mason and Cleo, followed by Frida, Malco, and their son. Alex, Imari, Cain, Wolf, Caitlin, Nick, and his family arrived together, and lastly Shane and Emme with their latest addition joined them.

Raymond had left them the boat when he’d suddenly died from a heart attack, and it was full of the family they’d chosen as well as that of blood. With everyone on board, they set sail for the cove they’d found, where they’d celebrate the twin’s second birthday.

With noise and laughter abounding, it was in beautiful chaos that they dropped anchor near the blue belt cove. The sun was high as Mercy climbed into the water with Paige and James helped her take Ben to the beach. Some of the other men swam back to get the food for the barbecue.

Mercy grumbled, but this was her favorite place in the world and the perfect spot to celebrate. A day spent playing games on the beach, eating good food, swimming, and laughing with friends—there was nothing better.

As the sun began to set and her babies slept in the sun shield, she leaned back against her husband as he sat behind her and wrapped her in his arms. The sky was a bruise of blues, purples, and pinks, and it was hard to think of a better moment to tell him what she’d been hiding for days.

“You were right.”

Her hands rubbed his arms that held her as James cocked his head in question. “I was?”

Mercy laughed at the surprise in his voice and turned to look at him fully. “Yes, the best things happen when you stop looking. First, I found Alliance, then I found you, then the twins and now,” she halted and took his hand, sliding it to her belly, “and now there’s going to be another blessing for us to love.”

His eyes widened in surprise as she’d known they would. They hadn’t been trying to get pregnant, but they hadn’t been using protection either.

“You are?” James asked, his voice thick.

“Yep.” Mercy nodded and watched his eyes grow glossy with tears before he flipped her to her back with care and, holding her, kissed the breath from her. She knew she was home. He was her home. James, the kids, and the family she’d made at Alliance and there was no place else she would rather be.

“Fuck, I love you, Mercy Valentine.”

“I love you too, my Romeo.”

THE END