Fitz looked like he wanted to run away. He was sweating profusely, his eyes moving back and forth between his husband and the other adults, urging, someone, anyone, to save him.
“Those cruise ships are really big and expensive, love bug,” Jude began with a smile. He knelt beside Aurora. “Did your Dad ever tell you that he got seasick on the cruise to Bermuda we took a few years ago, before you were born?”
“Daddy got sick?” Aurora asked.
Jude nodded. “He barfed all over the side and you could see little fish nibbling on it in the ocean.”
“Ewwww!” Aurora giggled. “That’s gross!”
“You’re absolutely right. Itwasgross. So we all figured it would be a better idea to take a little ship to see how your Dad handles it before we try him on the big ship again, okay?”
Aurora nodded. “Okay, Uncle Jude. Am I gonna barf on the boat?”
“Nope!” Remember the little stickers we put behind your ears this morning?” Jude turned his head and pointed to his. “The sticker is gonna keep us all from blowing chunks. We’re doing this for your dad. Okay?”
“Yup. I don’t want Daddy barfing on my dress. It’s my favorite.” Aurora hugged Jude and ran off to hug Fitzgibbon.
“Nicely done,” Ten said. “I don’t remember Fitz getting sick on the cruise.”
“He didn’t.” Jude snickered. “We needed a reason for not taking a huge cruise ship. I knew Aurora would feel bad about Fitz being sick.”
“Good call.”
“Since I have you alone, how are you doing? I’ve asked Ronan and he makes it seem like it’s all unicorns and rainbows.”
Ten smiled. Jude might be loud and unruly at times, but he was an amazing friend, first and foremost. “I’m still struggling a bit. Having trouble with anxiety and fear.”
“You’re afraid another former client with come at you like Autumn Miller did?”
“It’s not that she came at me. Hell, I make predictions all the time that don’t come true, but it was the way that she did it. Coaxing a member of law enforcement to disregard his oath to serve and protect to arrest me. Throwing the brick through our window and hurting the girls.” Ten closed his eyes. If he lived to be a hundred, he’d never forget the sound of Everly and Aurora screaming in fear, both girls bleeding from the attack. “Then coming for me at the hospital with a loaded gun and threatening to finish the job they’d started with the kids.” Ten shivered in the warm sunshine. “I’ve never had someone hate me that much in my life.”
“I dealt with people like that when I went to live with Running Eagle. People hated me because my mother was white. Some just insulted me, while others tried to hurt me, thinking I’d leave the reservation. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to, but that’s why I wouldn’t leave.”
“You’re so strong, Jude. I could never be as strong as you.” Ten shook his head. Aside from Ronan, Jude was the strongest man he knew.
“Bullshit,” Jude said with a grin. “You’re doing the same thing I did. Standing your ground. Protecting the things you love. In fact, you’re actually much stronger than me. I was just looking out for myself. You’re protecting your kids, husband, and all the rest of us. Everyone feels fear, Ten. Anyone who tells you they don’t is lying. What makes us brave is being afraid and doing something anyway.”
Ten knew Jude was right. “Sounds like something I’d say to the kids.”
“Youdidsay it. I just stole it from you.” Jude chuckled.
“What?” Ten couldn’t remember saying anything like that to Everly or Ezra.
“Remember when the kids at school were making fun of Everly because of her gift? She didn’t want to go back to school the next day and you told her she didn’t have to, but that being brave meant doing something even if you’re scared.”
“I do remember that. It was that booger kid, Kenny P. His father told him I was a conman and he just repeated it back to Everly, but with a spin that would hurt her more. What an asshole that kid is.”
Jude snorted. “Be a Tennyson Grimm in a world full of people like Kenny P. Your kindness and loving spirit are your superpower. Yeah, you can see into the future, but being able to love with your entire heart makes you a superhero. Never forget that.” Jude wrapped an arm around Ten and led him toward the boat, where the kids were learning how to put their life vests on. “On a scale of one to ten, how angry would you be at me if I pushed Ronan overboard.”
Ten burst out laughing. He hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. Like his old self. “Set the scene, is Ronan being a royal pain in the ass?”
“He’s always a pain in the ass!”
“True, that’s why I love him.” Ten stopped at the ramp leading to the ship. “It’s why I love you too, Jude. You’re both cocky and full of bravado, but underneath, you’re all heart. Thank you for pulling me aside for this conversation.”
Jude blushed and ducked his head. “Yeah, well, who do you think I learned this from?” Jude pointed at Ten.
“Will the two of you stop planning my death and get on the boat?” Ronan called out from the top deck. He was wearing a bright orange life vest and the plaid bucket hat he’d bought last year at Old Orchard Beach. He looked like a complete dork. But come hell or high water, Ronan washisdork.
