Twenty years ago, Dorian Lindstrom would have been first out the door. Ten years ago, he would have been right beside Theo. Tonight, he’d stood back and let his son take point.
And Theo hadn’t failed him.
“Doesn’t mean they won’t debrief us for three hours once we get back,” Theo said.
Scarlett snorted. “Oh, Dad’s already composing his critique. I’m sure he’s got notes.”
The main building came into view, warm light spilling from the windows. Theo could see movement inside—people gathering near the door, watching for their return.
They reached the entrance, and the door swung open before anyone could touch it. Charlie stood in the gap, already reaching for Marshall and Ashley, pulling them inside with the force of a woman who’d been mothering people for four decades and wasn’t about to stop now.
“Get in here, both of you. Finn, get blankets. I’ve already put the coffee on—not the decaf, the real stuff. Hot chocolate is also in the works. Move.”
The warmth enveloped them as they stepped inside. Behind Charlie, the rest of the family had gathered—watching, waiting, various degrees of tension still visible in their postures. Annie already had her medical bag in her hands. She never went anywhere without it.
And there, near the hallway, stood the OG dads.
Zac had his arms crossed, jaw set in that particular way that meant he was holding himself back through sheer will. Finn’s shoulders were tight, his eyes tracking Derek and Bear the moment his sons came through the door. Gabe’s whole body seemed to unclench when Scarlett appeared.
And Dorian stood slightly apart from the others. His face was unreadable. His eyes were not.
Well done.
The words didn’t need to be spoken. Theo saw them clearly in his father’s single nod.
He nodded back.
Scarlett caught her father’s eye across the room and gave him a small salute. Half mocking, half genuine. Gabe’s expression flickered—exasperation and pride fighting for dominance.
Pride won.
Marshall and Ashley looked overwhelmed—not by fear anymore, but by the sheer volume of warmth being directed at them. Everyone else moved further inside, volume once again back at pre-dessert levels.
Theo stayed by the door for a moment longer.
The next generation had handled it. The family was safe. And Bear’s kids from the camp still knew where to come when they needed help.
Not a bad Christmas Adam after all.
?*
* Books from characters in this chapter:
Theo & Eva – HERO UNBOUND
Ray & Dorian Lindstrom (Theo & Savannah as children) – GHOST, SCOUT epilogue, BLAZE
Derek & Becky – HERO’S FLIGHT
Bear & Joy – HERO MINE
The book with Bear’s Kid Camp – HERO’S PRIZE
(No, Scarlett doesn’t have a book yet; maybe next Christmas)
Chapter 8
Full Circle
