The memories of her past, the battles she fought and the fights she lost, would remain there where they belonged. In the past, where she had been weaker, alone and struggling to stay alive.
After fighting the greatest fight of all, to live, she knew that there would never be a greater challenge. She wanted to live for her lovers. She wanted to feel Brody’s strong arms around her, and enjoy his quiet company. He was such a stern, strong, compassionate man, hidden behind a face of steel, unless she was around. She smiled to herself. To listen and laugh with Ricky, as he tickled her, aroused her senses and made her smile from his jokes and teasing. Especially his naughty bedroom talk and all the crazy things he promised to try with her when she was fully healed. Her belly quivered just thinking about the possibilities. She looked toward Murphy. Her big, wild Mad Dog, who got under her skin and turned her on all in the same moment. He was a force to be reckoned with. A soldier through and through. A man to be proud of and love simply for whom he was and what he stood for.
Then there was Waylon. She fought to live, to see Waylon box another day and achieve his dreams. His desire to become a world heavyweight boxing champion had become her dream. He forced her to face her demons and her ghosts from the past and make her see that life was worth living and there were things worth fighting for.
They each had their pasts and their scars to heal, and they did it together. One unit, one team, one family. And she sure did have a family now. A huge one, and she loved them all so deeply.
So, as she leaned back and listened to the sounds of boxing gloves hitting the bags, trainers encouraging moves, and her men teasing yet supporting their brother, she felt content and at home. This was what life was worth fighting for. The moment of realization, that true love existed, and she had just that. It was true love that connected her heart with Brody’s, Waylon’s, Ricky’s, and Murphy’s.
Destiny was what you made of it. Working hard, achieving dreams and goals weren’t easy at all. Anything worth fighting for and achieved after such heartache, blood, sweat, and tears was worth it. There was nothing stronger than her love for her men. She would love them for the rest of her life.
THE END