All three remained quiet as the jet landed, a car already waiting to take us to the estate. When I was settled inside, Alexander whispered something to the driver before climbing into the passenger seat.
“We’re going to take a tour, which is something we didn’t do when you were here before,” he said.
“I was a prisoner before. Remember?”
“And you think that’s any different?” Daniel teased.
“Such bad men.”
They remained quiet, the only sound some interesting Caribbean music coming from the driver’s cell phone.
As we moved into a clearing, I was able to see the main house, including the pool, but everything was different. There was a huge slide and a colorful cabana. Almost everywhere there appeared to be swings and other playsets, all in vibrant hues. The closer we came, the more shocked I was.
Then I realized what I was looking at. He’d turned the BDSM resort into a family resort, complete with almost anything a child could want. It reminded me of… Disneyland.
“What did you do?” I managed, my heart racing.
“I took your advice,” Alexander said, his voice cracking. “This is the first of the Little Bird Foundations, resorts established for low to middle income, the underprivileged, children with wishes in hospitals.” He turned to look at me, tears in his eyes.
“Wetook your advice,” Daniel corrected. “We have dozens of investors already, plans for four more resorts this year, six the next. Everything is included. Food. Entertainment. Travel. We’ve tried to think of everything, but our signature resort could use a woman’s touch.”
“What do you think?” Brogan asked as the driver slowed to a stop.
I was speechless, uncertain of what to say. When I stepped out, I heard laughter. Children’s laughter. I moved closer to the massive building and pool, watching several families playing in the water together, beach balls flying.
Then I squealed, clamping my hands over my mouth.
Daniel wrapped his arm around me, taking a deep breath. When Alexander flanked one side, Brogan the other, I almost burst into tears.
“What about your business, Alexander? Won’t your father be unhappy?”
“He’s retired, but I think he approves of us going legit. If not, I couldn’t care less.” He grinned, winking at me, then grabbing his sunglasses.
“And Daniel? What about the CIA?”
“Well, it seems I was right that my friendship created some skepticism. I thought it was time for a change anyway. I’m the COO of the organization. I’ll have plenty to do.”
“And you?” I asked, pulling Brogan closer.
“I’m in charge of construction.” His grin was infectious.
“Little Bird Foundation, huh?” I asked, wiping tears from my eyes.
“We thought it was appropriate.” Alexander turned his head. “We have a house on the island. We’ll be spending most of our time here.”
“We will?” I purred.
“Absolutely. We need somewhere to keep our gilded cage,” he half whispered.
I fingered the necklace I’d worn, rubbing my fingers across the smooth stone. Then I took a moment, unclasping the hook and removing the ring. When I turned to Brogan, he tilted his head.
“I want you to have this. Garrison would have wanted it.” As I handed him the ring, Brogan glanced toward the sky, taking raspy breaths.
“If only there were stars in the sky,” he managed, his fingers shaking as he slipped the ring on his finger.
“There are. All you have to do is look beyond the sun.” As I pointed toward the sky, all three men followed my trail.
As we stood basking in the beauty of the day, I shivered. Not because of fear or trepidation. And certainly not because of the decisions I’d made.
But because of the love I felt for three broken men who’d reminded me that no matter the circumstances or tragedies, there was still a little magic left in the world.
If only we would believe…
The End
