Page 82 of Secret Redemption

“Are you saying my son sees dead people?”

“Don't say it like that. He might see ghosts or be able to receive messages or something.”

Zack looked at Riley, studying his face and demeanour. He seemed okay and none the worse for it all. “What about Helen?” he asked, half afraid to know.

“Oh yeah she has definite skills,” Nate laughed.

“Meaning?” Zack asked impatiently.

“She’s fluent in Spanish and French now, and currently learning Russian. My mother has developed the art of picking up languages overnight or more like hearing it once, and she knows it fluently. It's quite freaky really and driving poor dad mad.”

Zack rubbed his head, a headache forming as he considered it all. “We need to find this person and quickly.”

“Will is already trying to make contact, but nothing yet.”

“I need to get out of here and get back to work. I want that bitch found. How are we with the codes?” he demanded, now in full work mode.

“Making headway, but it seems like the codes have been modified over the years, and it’s time-consuming,” Ava replied as she put Riley down to toddle around.

“Okay. Nate, can you go find me a doctor and tell them I'm leaving. I haven’t got time for this shit.”

Nate chuckled and turned to leave.

“Hey, wait up,” Daniel called and sauntered to the door.

“Can you take Riley for me for a minute, Daniel. I need to speak to Zack about something,”

“Sure,” Dan said and hefted Riley into the air making him squeal in delight.

“Now my little man, let’s go see if we can find you an ice-pop from the shop downstairs,”

Zack watched Daniel leave with his son, his eyes coming to Ava. She walked to him slowly, the swing of her hips a sexy little distraction from the pain in his leg. She laid her hands on his chest and looked up at him. She had that look all mothers wore when they were about to reprimand you, but in such a way that you knew you would be begging for forgiveness.

“What?” he asked cautiously.

“I don’t know Zack, what?” she asked sarcastically.

“I have a feeling I'm in trouble, and I'm not sure what I’ve done?” he said questioningly.

She put her face to the side and looked up as if she was thinking. “Maybe,” she said putting a finger on her temple. “Maybe it’s the fact that you put a tracker in my engagement ring and didn’t tell me? Yes. Yes, that’s it.”

“Green Eyes I can explain,” he started.

“Oh, I hope so, or it’s going to be a dry summer for you if you know what I mean.”

Zack did know, and he didn’t like the sound of that at all. He was counting on some hot sex to aide his recuperation. “You wouldn't?” he questioned. Her raised eyebrow told him she just might. Did he call her bluff or risk being on the sofa before they had even got to the honeymoon? Zack was a risk taker above all else, but this wasn't one he was prepared to take. “Fine. I did put a tracker in your engagement ring, but it was to keep you safe, not spy on you. Ask Will. I haven't looked at it plus it has to be triggered to work. I was going to tell you, but with everything going on, I forgot. You mean more to me than I can tell you and I won’t apologise for trying to keep you safe because I would do it again. I will apologise for not telling you though.” He ran a thumb over her full bottom lip as he cupped her face. He saw the second she forgave him, her whole body relaxed into his, and her eyes went the softest green.

“Fine. I forgive you but don’t do it again,” she admonished as she laid her head on his chest.”

Zack tilted her head back and looked down at the woman who had stayed his demons with her love, humour, and tenacity. “I want us to get married soon, like as soon as we can. I don’t want to waste any more time.”

“Okay baby,” she replied readily.

“Okay? No arguments?” he asked and saw her wrinkle her nose in annoyance. “Okay let’s do it,” he smiled and lowered his head taking her mouth in a hungry kiss.

~~~

Two floors down in the maternity ward Dane was cradling his tiny daughter in his arms as his son nursed. Leah looked at him with big beautiful blue eyes that held so much wisdom it was almost unnerving. He had been terrified when Lauren was pregnant with them that perhaps he wouldn't bond with them or something bad would happen. Her being in a hospital was his own personal nightmare. The whole time they had been here he had worried that something would happen, that they would be taken like Megan had been.