LOREN
When Atticus returned home, I held him for a good five minutes, needing to reassure myself he was back with us.
“So, what happened?” Sax asked.
Atticus looked up, sighing. “I’m beat. Can we recap in the morning?”
“Yeah, sure thing.”
Atticus linked his fingers in mine and pulled me to his bedroom. The rest of the guys nodded, slapping him on the shoulder or back as he passed, happy he’d returned to us. A few minutes later, we crawled into bed; Atticus wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. I was content to lie in his arms, feeling his presence behind me.
“He’s getting scared, Bellezza. We just have to hang on for a while longer. I have faith in us to succeed,” he whispered. His thumb brushed against my palm, and I snuggled back into his embrace.
“Me too,” I agreed, pulling his hand up to kiss.
We didn’t say anything else; nothing else needed to be said. We would defeat Dayton, or we would all perish. There wasn’t really any other option. None of us could survive in a place he was. It was as simple as that.
It was Dayton or us, and we all prayed it would be us.
* * *
The morning came too soon,but I found myself waking with a sense of urgency. Today was the day that my mother was gone from my life for good. I could feel it in my bones. She would pay for what she’d done, and I would never have to deal with her again. What happened from this point forward would be her choice, but I didn’t have much faith in her redemption. Jacqueline Hanover was too self-centered for that.
Getting dressed alongside Atticus, I felt the power couple we were becoming. Him in his dark slate suit, me in a flowy silk top and black dress pants, we looked like a million bucks. And since I no longer saw how much my clothes cost since Atticus had stuff ordered and delivered, we very well could be wearing close to that. But it was more of the people we were becoming beneath our expensive trappings.
Atticus was focused, determined, and compassionate. Those were three characteristics I knew would take him far in this fight. He’d embraced the things that he felt were minor and showcased the genuine growth he’d made.
“What are you smiling about?” he asked, adjusting his tie.
I finished applying my lipstick, my smile even more prominent once I was done. “Just how much we’ve grown, and how our clothes reflect the people we’re becoming.”
He moved over to me, a small smile lifting the corner of his mouth as he wrapped his arms around my middle from behind. His head dropped to my shoulder, and he stared at us in the mirror, taking us in.
“And what do you see, Bellezza?”
I turned, wrapping my arms around his neck. “A powerful man who doesn’t have to step on others to achieve his success.”
“Hmm, and what about yourself?”
I tilted my head thinking, my eyes calculating as I thought about it. “A woman who is both soft and strong, who goes after what she wants, and doesn’t let others determine her worth anymore.”
Atticus’ eyes lit up, sparkling with something. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. The moment I met you, I was enraptured by your presence. I didn’t understand what it was at the time, but now that I know you, it was your goodness, your light. You see people for who they can be, never judging their past mistakes. I needed someone to believe in me, and you gave me that. You are all you said and so much more. I’m glad you’re able to see that for yourself.”
“Better be careful; you might give me a big head,” I said, dropping my eyes. It still felt weird hearing compliments and accepting them as truth. While I knew my worth, there was still that voice of doubt that wanted to deny what others said.
“I don’t think you could ever think too highly of yourself, Bellezza.” He kissed my nose, bringing my eyes up to his. “Let’s go have some breakfast with our family and finalize our plans. We’re taking out our foes today.”
Walking into the kitchen together, the sound of chatter and laughter filled the space. Almost everyone was already present, sitting around a large table with pancakes, eggs, and sausage in the center. The cook, Mrs. Gilbert, nodded as we entered, motioning for us to take a seat. Atticus kissed my head as I sat, walking over to grab us both some coffee. I sat and took in the presence of the others, enjoying just sitting and listening. The dogs laid on the floor at the feet of the kids, in heaven as they ate up the scraps dropped to them.
“I want to go swimming. Can we, Dad?” Levi asked, looking up to Monroe.
“Me too!” Lily added, bouncing in her seat. And like I’d come to notice, Olivia jumped in. She adored Lily and wanted to do everything the older girl did.
“Me too, Lily,” Olivia said.
Monroe looked over at us, and I nodded, not seeing the problem. “I think that can be arranged. Do you all know how to swim?” I asked, figuring it would be important to know that.
“I do!” Levi said, raising his hand high.