Rachel settled into a chair, the cold condensation from her lemonade bottle sliding against her palm as the late sun pushedthrough the patio overhang. Ghost sat beside her, one arm resting along the back of her chair, fingers brushing the fabric of her dress every so often, a quiet reminder that she wasn't alone.
The table in front of them was half-filled, salads still chilled, condiments clustered near the center, paper plates piled high.
A chair scraped across the deck.
Frost dropped into the seat across from them, cracking open a beer and nodding toward the grill. "Torch still pretending he's not enjoying himself?"
"Dead serious about the meat rotation," Ghost said.
Frost smirked, tipping the bottle to his lips.
Brick and Predator joined next, sliding into the chairs to Frost's left, already mid-debate about flank steak versus ribeye. Rachel watched the easy dynamic settle in, the quick banter, the rough humor, the familiarity that made it feel less like a team and more like family.
Reaper appeared behind them, silent as always. He didn't sit right away, just handed Predator a cold beer and took the open seat near the corner. Rogue followed, dragging a chair with a dramatic sigh like the day had worn him out, even though he'd barely lifted a finger since arriving.
Echo trailed behind him, sunglasses still on, arms crossed. He gave Rachel a faint nod before taking the last open seat at the table.
The noise picked up again, Rogue throwing jabs at Brick for being "domesticated," Predator lecturing Frost on beer-to-meat ratios, Reaper's quiet presence anchoring them all.
Then, just as the energy started to peak, the side gate creaked open.
A woman walked in carrying a small gift bag in one hand, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She wore jeans and a simple blouse, hospital badge still clipped to her bag. Her eyes swept the group briefly before landing on Ghost.
Rachel sat up straighter, watching as Ghost's entire face changed. He stood immediately, crossing the patio in a few long strides.
"Em," he said, pulling her into a hug.
"Sorry I'm late," the woman said, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "Had a full trauma bay. No time to change."
Ghost pulled back, keeping one hand on her shoulder. "You're here. That's what matters."
He turned, gesturing Rachel forward. "Rachel, this is my sister, Emily."
Rachel stood, her pulse jumping slightly. His sister. Ghost had talked about her on a number of occasions, but this was the first time they were actually meeting.
Emily's smile was warm as she stepped forward, extending her hand. "Rachel. It’s great to finally meet you.”
Rachel shook her hand, returning the smile. "You too. Really good to finally meet you.”
"Logan's told me basically nothing," Emily said, giving her brother a pointed look. "Typical. But I've been reading about you. That exposé was incredible. Brave as hell."
"Thanks," Rachel said, her chest warming. "I had a lot of help."
"From what I heard, you almost got yourself killed," Emily said, but her tone was gentle.
Ghost's jaw tightened slightly beside her.
Rachel met Emily's eyes. "Yeah. But I'm still here."
Emily nodded once, her smile softening. "Good. My brother would've been unbearable if you weren't."
That pulled a surprised laugh from Rachel. Ghost rolled his eyes but didn't argue.
"Come on," Ghost said, nodding toward the back deck. "Grab a plate before Predator eats everything."
Emily moved toward the food, greeting the guys as she passed. Torch tipped his beer in her direction. Falcon opened the cooler and tossed her a sparkling water. Rogue offered a chair with a wink.
Ghost turned back to the group as Emily settled in. "Whole team's here," he said, his voice carrying across the patio.
