Eye of the Storm -SAFE HOUSE BOOK 2-

44

The entire family was at the restaurant when Briana parked her car and walked in with Austin and Courtney. "How does it feel to be adopted," her sister asked the two friends, now siblings. Straightening her blouse and blazer, Briana grinned from ear to ear. Everything had worked out the way that she wanted it to.

She would never be yanked out of the house again. A license had no power over her. She was finally safe and happy in a place she could feel comfortable calling home. "It feels so good," Austin answered for both of them. "I feel a lot safer. It's nice to know we can't be taken out of the house or be separated ever again," he explained, one hand in Briana's as they waited for the waitress to come and take their order.

Drinks were served moments later, and Briana took small sips of her cranberry juice, looking around at her new family. Maybe they were her old family, too. Sicily and Greg had never cared for her. The Carters were the family she and Austin were meant to have, the family that they deserved.

"That's how I felt, too," Courtney revealed, hands shaking as they got up to walk around the room. Caleb had always loved looking at the lobster tank, so the kids had agreed to take him over. Everyone nodded as Jamie reminded them not to take too long. She could officially call herself his daughter now, Briana realized with glee. Caleb held onto her hand and led her over to the tank, where he pointed and laughed.

They were waiting on a few more people to join the party before ordering their food. After the adoption was finalized, Laura and Jamie had decided a celebration was in order. Friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins were ushered in. Austin and Briana felt overjoyed to meet the newest members of their family. Just as a few familiar faces walked in, Courtney rushed off to see them. "Garrett! I'm so glad you could come. I haven't seen you in forever," she exclaimed, wrapping her friend in her arms. The two friends exchanged pleasantries as their parents hugged and got caught up. Courtney hadn't seen Garrett in months and was excited to be with him again. He had chosen to go pre-med for college, and was pleased to have been accepted to Beaufort University's pre-medicine program. He had hoped to become a surgeon ever since he was six years old and was allowed to watch a few of his uncle's procedures from time to time.

Looking at Courtney now, Briana could only wonder what horrors she had experienced during her time in the system. She and Austin were only in the system for one year, but Courtney was thrown into foster care at such a young age. She had been through so much more, and Briana only hoped Courtney knew how sorry she felt for her.

Devon came up then, looking so much like his father in his button-down shirt and jeans. He clapped his friend on the back as they talked about girls, future plans, and college. It was hard to believe that the future was right around the corner, but Briana was ready for it. After everything she had been through, she felt that she could be ready for anything and everything the world might want to throw her way.

There were so many good days to come. She would go away to college and learn great things, about herself and her profession. Law school would bring more challenges, but even more benefits. Briana beamed as she thought of the possibilities she might be allowed now. Was Austin thinking about that, too? He must have been as they shared almost identical smiles. He said nothing as he squeezed her hand and took a bit of his pasta. It was strange to think back on the journey they had been on, and that it all started with them running away together.

The safe house was a thing of their past now. All those nights, huddled together and terrified, could fade into the yesterdays, disappearing with the setting sun. Beaming with his family, Austin thought of the future he could have now. The challenges and pain were a thing of the past. He had found his way to the eye of the storm again.