"Perfect." Izzy's voice cracked. When had her baby gotten so wise?
"Five minutes," someone called out. The backstage energy shifted to barely controlled panic.
Izzy made her way to the sanctuary, finding their usual spot, where her mother already waited, her walker positioned in the aisle. Cory had saved her seat, looking oddly nervous in his dress uniform. Every crease perfect, shoes shined to mirrors—but she caught him tugging at his collar like it was too tight.
"You okay?" she asked, sliding in beside him.
"Good. You?"
The familiar exchange made them both smile. Some habits were worth keeping.
The church was packed—standing room only. Word had spread about their ordeal, and it seemed like the entire town had turned out. Whispers followed them, but the looks were warm, supportive. Hope Landing taking care of its own.
"Psst." Martha's stage whisper came from behind. She and Bill had claimed the pew at their backs. "Insurance company's paying everything. We'll be flying by New Year's."
"And that MedFlight woman slunk out of town yesterday," Bill added with satisfaction.
"Though she had the nerve to leave her business card." Martha's indignation could have powered a small city. "Can you imagine? After everything?"
Izzy turned, catching Martha's hand. "We're going to be okay. All of us."
Martha's eyes went misty. "We're more than okay, honey. We're family."
Before Izzy could respond, her team invaded the sanctuary like they were securing a perimeter. Axel took point, scanningfor threats that didn't exist, Olivia trailing behind him with an indulgent smile. Kenji followed with Cassidy, already setting up his phone to record. Maya had a proper camera because of course she did, while Ronan carried her equipment bag with the patience of a man completely smitten with his fiancée.
"Jade's saving seats," Deke explained, sliding past them to join his girlfriend two pews up.
"So," Kenji said, turning around from the pew in front of them, "are you two the new Bonnie and Clyde?"
"More like Beauty and the Beast," Deke called back.
"Which one's the beast?" Cory asked dryly.
The team's laughter felt like home. Cassidy leaned into Kenji, whispering something that made him grin wider. Olivia was already chatting with Martha behind them.
Ronan leaned over, his usual stern expression softened. "Good to have you both back."
"Good to be back," Izzy said, meaning it with every fiber. She caught Maya adjusting Ronan's tie—they'd be married in two more months.
Cory turned to Axel. "We need to talk about the zip-tied drug dealers."
The big man went still. Olivia's hand found his arm, a subtle show of support. "That gonna be a problem, Chief?"
Everyone held their breath. The vigilante issue had been the elephant in the room since they'd returned.
"Only if it continues." Cory's voice was calm but firm. "Hope Landing has one law enforcement approach. Mine."
Axel studied him for a long moment. "Copy that. I hear that. Loud and clear."
Izzy exhaled. Axel choosing family over his crusade was huge. Cory had handled it perfectly—firm but fair, giving Axel a reason to stop that preserved his dignity.
Her phone buzzed. The number on screen made her heart skip—she hadn't seen it in months.
Griff: Good job, Reyes. Heard you solved it without me.
Her fingers flew across the screen:
When you coming home?
