“Yeah,” he said. “Lennox has a post-military plan for me. It’s easier to just let him get it out of his system than argue with him.”
I laughed, knowing exactly what he meant. “Where is he?”
Dane motioned over his shoulder. “Scoping out the food, of course. Go ahead and get comfortable. I need to do a walk around.” As he started checking the exterior of the plane, we climbed the steps. Lennox was in the galley, opening boxes and checking out the food selection.
“We’re not late,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Guess you have a debt to pay.”
He grinned, then stepped toward me with outstretched arms. “You know me better than that. I took that bet knowing I’d lose. And really, am I the loser? I think not.”
We laughed as he pulled me into a hug. “You didn’t have to do this,” I whispered into his ear.
“I know, but I wanted to. So did they,” he said, releasing me.
“They?” I asked.
He grinned and pointed outside. “Them. The late ones.”
I turned to look out the door where Carson and Colin were making their way to the plane. My heart couldn’t take it, and my eyes started to leak. Not only had Lennox and Dane taken their weekend to support me, but Carson and Colin did too. “God damn it,” I said, wiping at my eyes.
“Whoa,” Lennox laughed. “Those are powerful words coming from you.”
“Yeah, well…” I sniffed as Tommy handed me a tissue. “You did this, didn’t you?”
“Sweetheart,” he said, “theydid this. They called me and told me they were going. I had no say in the matter. The only reason Hudson and Evan aren’t here is because Erin is sick, and someone had to keep the dogs.”
It was almost too much as Colin climbed the steps, followed by Carson. “Dingoes reporting for duty. I’m ready to fuck some shit up if need be.”
“That’s my line,” Lennox griped, stepping out of the way. “The dog thing was yours.”
Colin smirked. “Are you playing flight attendant? If so, I’d like a sex on the beach.”
I laughed as they bickered. Carson rolled his eyes until he met my gaze, smiling sympathetically. “I’m sorry in advance. I had to bring him.”
Emotion filled me again as I looked at my friends. Tears welled in my eyes as Thomas hugged me closer. “One day you’re going to have to accept that they love you equally.”
Dane climbed the steps and closed the door behind him. With it locked in place, he looked us over. “Alright, gentlemen, we need to get in the air. Grab a seat and buckle in while Roger and I get us underway.”
Taking our seats, Thomas smiled over at me, then handed me another tissue. “What time does Axel arrive?”
“Six, east coast time.”
As I looked at Lennox handing out bottled water, I knew with these men, and my brother, this was going to be okay, despite Melinda. “Does Maddie know we’re bringing guests?”
Thomas smiled. “Oh yes. And she’s delighted.”
Of course, she was. She’d do whatever I needed. “I’m glad we opted for the house now.”
He nodded. “Me too. Five professional athletes and two military men in one house should be fun. I have a feeling Axel will fit right in.”
I couldn’t contain my smile as we taxied toward the runway. “I do too.”
When we landed at the regional airport closest to the resort, the guys waited out by the cars Maddie had arranged to pick us up while I checked my phone for messages from Axel. According to the airline app, his plane had landed ten minutes ago. It had been four months since I’d seen him in London, and I couldn’t wait.
Scanning the arrivals area, tears formed the minute I spotted him coming toward me. Was I going to react this way every time I saw him? When his eyes met mine, the smirk took over his face. I started walking until we met in the middle of the walkway. Dropping his bag to the floor, he opened his arms as I wept like a baby. Again. “Hello, little brother.”
“Hey,” I croaked, wiping at my eyes.
Axel released me after a long hug. He ran his hand over his new beard. “Like the addition?” I did, because it made him look just like me.
