Page 114 of Viper

They’d just collected their bags at the airport. Their flight had left Florida a little sooner than the other guys’, and since they didn’t have a vehicle parked at the airport Molly had offered to pick them up.

Molly waved enthusiastically, then gathered Paige in a hug when they got close enough. “Oh my god, you poor thing!” Molly cried, pulling away to hold her at arm’s length. “Also, you look gorgeous despite the hell you’ve been through.”

Molly tossed her long blond hair over her shoulder then wrapped Troy in a hug before looping her arm around Paige’s. “How was the flight?”

“Not bad.” After all that’d happened last night, she’d just wanted to get home. They’d gotten on the soonest flight they could.

“I’m starving,” Troy grumbled, while pulling their luggage behind him.

“Well, it’s almost dinnertime,” Molly said, “so I guess you would be.”

“We ate on the flight,” Paige said with a chuckle.

He laughed. “Oh, great, you’re going to complain about how much I eat too?”

She caught his arm. “Never. I love it.”

“Rogue’s grilling at his place if you guys feel up to a visit. No pressure, but Atlas and the others will join us when their flight gets in . . .” She pulled out her phone to check the time. “In an hour.”

They stepped outside, and the warm sun touched her face. Boy, it felt good to be home.

Troy glanced at her, his eyebrows raised in question. “What do you think?”

“Sure, that sounds perfect. We’re kind of dirty and gross from traveling, but⁠—”

“Nonsense. You both look great. Laine will be so happy you guys can come.”

She led them to her large black SUV.

Troy opened the passenger door for Paige, and she got in the front seat while he tossed their bags in the hatchback then climbed in the back.

The conversation stayed light during the drive. Thankfully, because she really didn’t want to rehash everything that had happened, even if Molly was curious. But her friend didn’t bring it up at all and Paige was grateful.

Twenty minutes later they pulled into Rogue’s driveway. Molly led them through the back gate and into the yard.

Ruff, ruff!

Oliver, the family’s dog, came charging around the house. The shepherd mix bounded toward them and licked Paige’s hands and legs in greeting.

“Hi, Oliver,” she crooned.

Satisfied, the dog frolicked away. Molly followed him and Paige trailed behind.

Troy came up beside her, hooking his arm around her waist. “You sure you’re up for this?”

She grinned and patted his hand. “We need to eat regardless, and I don’t think I can stomach takeout after the risky tuna sandwich I ate on the plane.”

He grunted in agreement. “I’m sure they won’t mind if we don’t stay long.”

They rounded the corner of the house. A large lilac bush met them, the purple vibrant against the freshly cut grass. Cedar trees boxed in the yard and the new fence. A large, stained deck housed patio furniture and the grill.

“They’re here!” Emmy shrieked. The little girl looked as cute as ever in denim shorts and a pink T-shirt. Her dark hair was pulled back in a French braid.

She ran for Troy first. He bent and caught the five-year-old, tossing her in the air and catching her.

Emmy, the daredevil, laughed ridiculously. “Again!”

“Emmy, please. They just had a long flight. Let them eat.” Laine stepped through the patio door, drying her hands on a dish towel. Her brown hair was also in a braid.