TIFFIN 3

64

It was quite the celebration when everyone returned to the compound. 

The anticipated hour-long wait soon turned into more. I wasn't surprised. With the kidnapping that had happened, there was no stone that Captain Willard would leave unturned.

I was shocked to find that Niall and the rest of the men were still in their combat gear. Being me, I would have stripped out of it the first chance I got. Standing outside that warehouse, unsure of what was going down inside... Dear God. I could only imagine how Ezekiel felt.

Speaking of which-

"E," I began worriedly, "Where's Kylie?"

Ezekiel laughed, though it died to more of a cry as it went on.

"She's okay, Kristina. She had a close call though. If we hadn't gotten there when we did, she may not have made it. Nevertheless, she's back home with her parents."

Her parents?

"She stays at the fraternity."

"Not anymore," He growled out, "She insisted that she move in with her parents, but I wouldn't have let her step foot there anyways. Those girls she sees on a daily basis... I don't like them one bit."

Oh, right. Ellie, Annie, Nora, and whoever I might have been forgetting. I never asked Kylie how life was in that house since she pretty much disowned them. No doubt Annie would have been the first to give her hell.

"We don't either," I clarified, "That's good she's at her parents'. Do you know where they live? I need to have a word with her."

Ezekiel nodded.

"Yes, I do. They reside in Chico. I was sure her stepfather would kick me to the curb when he met me, but I was surprised at both her parent's insistence that Kylie's friends visit. I do need to warn you all that she's in rough shape. Cuts and bruises everywhere."

My eyes watered. As I stared back at my friends, I caught Jo's eyes red-rimmed as well. Perhaps she hadn't meant what she'd said after all.

Immediately, Niall enveloped Josephine in his arms as well as the other men with their significant others. There were sobs and weeps reverberating off the walls.

"I thought I wouldn't get to see you again," Jo cried out, "When the screen went black, we could only think of the worst. You're the only one for me. How would I have moved on?"

"Shh," Niall cooed as he kissed the top of her head, "Don't think like that. I'm not going anywhere, baby."

"So, you still want to try?" Jo sniffled. "You know?"

Niall grew a hungry look in his eyes.

"Bet your ass I still want to."

All the declarations of love in the room made me happy, but I still had a sour taste in my mouth.

Hero wasn't here.

"Well," Captain Willard boomed amidst our celebration, "Are you all ready to go home? Not that I don't enjoy company, but I got shit to do."

I giggled.

"Yes, captain. I think we are."

The air changed as we all headed back to town in E's van. What they said had been true: When life puts you through something extreme, you realize that you need to live life to the fullest. It seemed everyone had a new appreciation for all that they had.

I did too.

Little one inside my tummy... you will receive all the love in the world.

Ezekiel made a few calls to Kylie's home, ensuring that she come to my mansion. Her parents had their worries of her over-exerting herself, but knowing him, he'd make damn sure that didn't happen.

With hours to spare, we all headed to the nearest grocery store together to find the fixings for a backyard barbeque. I never noticed the picnic tables and grill out back, post my Hero meltdown, so I was glad to see that we had the means to rejoice.

As the music from Niall's speaker pounded and the ribs began caramelizing, Kylie arrived. As mentioned, she did look worse for wear. Though she still looked radiant with her black locks and lace dress, her purple bruises showed like a terrible beacon.

I was surprised to see that she could even walk.

I was the first to greet her, careful not to hug her too hard.

"My god Kylie," I whispered with a wavering voice, "You're here. You're really here, my darling friend. I'm so sorry-"

She instantly pulled away.

"There will be no apologies." She demanded in a stern tone. "All is done and over with."

"Fine," I replied wiping at my eyes, "But you must promise me that you will never try to protect me like that again."

Kylie actually burst out in laughter, taking everyone by surprise.

"I can't do that. Family protects each other. That's how much our friendship means to me. Now, can I say hello to my fiance?"

My eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.

"Um... Fiance?"

Ezekiel pushed past our crowd of friends to gather Kylie in his arms.

"Did you knuckleheads think I'd risk another moment away from this beauty? No. As soon as I got her in my arms again, I knew she needed a ring on her finger."

At this, Kylie raised a brow.

"Was this pre-planned? I wondered how you just happened to have a ring."

E blushed.

"No. To be honest. You're wearing a cherished heirloom. It's my great-grandmothers."

Kylie grinned.

"Then, I shall keep it as safe as possible."

As they shared a deep kiss, Niall's voice rang out.

"Enough you lovebirds! How about we eat some ribs, eh?"

It was crazy as well all pushed out the sliding glass doors. The smell of meat and freshly prepared salads wafted in the air completing the scene. I smiled. Kylie had been right: They were all my family now. We hadn't known each other long, but we had each other's backs when it mattered most.

It was time.

I cleared my throat, clanging my fork against my lemonade glass. At once, all the laughter and conversation died down as well as the music.

"I'm so glad you're all here," I spoke loudly, "You're all like family to me. Kylie couldn't have said it any better. So, there isn't anyone else I want to share this news with. I found out the baby's gender today."

Several gasps erupted. I laughed.

"I know. I was saving the news for today."

As I continued to speak, my friends' eyes only grew wider. Was it really that exciting?

"And the gender of the baby is-"

"NO!"

Josephine's voice screeched, interrupting my announcement.

"Kristina. Look behind you."

I didn't know what I had been expecting, but it definitely hadn't been who I saw.

"Hero?"