Behind him comes Tildie, practically bouncing on her feet, a huge smile on her face.
Coin and Maddox follow, then Ounce, then a handful of others—Bracken, Porter, even a few of the prospects hanging back near the door.
Kinsey's there too, her arms crossed, watching with those knowing eyes of hers.
And Venus.
She's leaning against the wall near the back, her eyes fixed on the truck.
On Vanna.
Her expression is carefully blank, but I can see the coldness underneath.
The possessiveness she has no right to feel.
"Ready?" I ask.
Vanna takes a shaky breath. "No. But let's do it anyway."
We climb out of the truck together.
The cold hits us immediately, sharp and biting, but I barely feel it.
I keep my hand on the small of Vanna's back as we walk toward the group, feeling the tremor that runs through her body.
Ruger steps forward first.
He's an intimidating man—tall, broad, covered in tattoos—but his expression is warm as he looks at Vanna.
This is the Ruger most people don't see.
The one who takes care of his people, who builds family out of broken pieces.
"Welcome home," he says simply. Then he pulls her into a hug, brief but genuine. "Glad you're back."
"Thank you." Her voice is thick. "For everything. I know you?—"
"Don't." He cuts her off with a shake of his head. "You're Bloodhound's wife. You're family. That's all that matters."
He releases her and meets my eyes over her shoulder, giving me a nod that says everything.
I've got your back. Whatever you need.
Before Vanna can respond, Tildie pushes past Ruger and throws her arms around her.
"Oh my god, look at you!" She pulls back, holding Vanna at arm's length. "You look amazing. You're glowing. Is that a baby bump? That's definitely a baby bump. I can't wait to throw you a shower. We're going to have so much fun planning the nursery. Do you know if it's a boy or a girl yet? It's too early, isn't it? That's okay, we can do a gender-neutral theme?—"
"Tildie." Ruger's voice is fond but firm. "Let the woman breathe."
"Sorry, sorry." Tildie releases her but doesn't stop smiling. "I'm just so happy you're here. We have so much to talk about. I want to hear everything about the facility, and the baby, and your plans for the nursery—oh, have you thought about names yet? I have a whole list of suggestions?—"
"Tildie."
"Right. Breathing. Got it." She squeezes Vanna's hands one more time before stepping back. "Later. We'll talk later."
Coin steps up next, quieter than the others.
He's got his hands shoved in his jacket pockets, his expression thoughtful.
