BROKEN HOPE (Broken Redemption Book 2)

Chapter 19

Emilia

I wake to the feeling of a warm hand caressing the side of my face. Even in my sleep-induced haze, I know who it is because I can sense him. There's something about this man that's always been so familiar to me. Like we're connected somehow, two pieces of the same whole separated by time.

"Embree, sweetheart." He leans in, dropping a soft kiss on my temple. "The girls are already up and dressed. Now it's your turn."

Opening my eyes, I can't help but return his smile. His hair is wild, either from sleep or because he's been running his hands through it like he does when he's frustrated or nervous. At the sight of it, my fingers tingle with the need to tangle into those strands, so I can pull him close and convince him to finally claim all of me.

"Stop looking at me like that." Like he can't help himself, he leans down, taking my lips with his in a slow, sensual kiss I feel down to the tips of my toes. "As much as I want to stay in this bed and kiss you breathless, we have a full day ahead of us and I'd like to feed you before everyone gets here."

"Everyone?" My mind is slow to process what he's talking about until I remember the events of last night.

"James and Zeb are downstairs with the girls and Ben and Dom should be here within the hour to help us load up. Owen is already at the house with the installers upgrading the security system, and Pastor David is on his way to meet us there when we arrive. He confirmed the house is fully furnished, and he's asked the property management folks to stock the fridge with the basics. All we need to pack is clothes for you and the girls, toys, and maybe enough bedding, blankets, and towels to get us started. Anything else we can get later, once we're settled."

"Wow. You've been busy." I sigh. He makes it sound so simple, while to me, it all feels incredibly overwhelming. "Were you able to get any rest?" I reach up to cup the side of his face, focusing in on the dark circles underneath his tired eyes.

"Some. I had to get things moving early, given our decision to stay in Ruby Creek. I talked it over with Ben and Owen to make sure it was doable, and the good news is that we're set. When we're ready, you and I will drop the girls off at Offset Tactical Headquarters. Annelly will be waiting there with Zeb and James, who'll watch over them while we get things settled at the house. OTS is built like a fortress, so they'll be safe there until we're ready for them to bring them back to us."

"Gosh, Luc. I don't know what to say." I look away, not wanting him to see the sudden wave of emotion that's burning behind my eyes.

"Hey." He scoots closer and reaches for my hand. "What's going on, Emb? What's got you so upset?"

"Nothing." I shake my head and give him what I hope is a convincing smile. "I guess I'm a bit overwhelmed. Plus, I hate that while I was up here sleeping you were downstairs making plans and putting everything into motion. I guess I just hate feeling so useless."

"You're not useless, Emb. If anything, your job is the most important one here." Reaching up, he tucks an errant curl behind my ear. "Do you know anything about SEAL Teams?"

When I shake my head no, he smiles.

"In the Teams, an operator's role is determined by their training level and area of expertise. In this context, my expertise lies in security and logistics, while yours revolves around the girls. My knowledge about children is limited, and I'm depending on you as their mother to inform me if the plan we're crafting isn't practical. Take last night, for instance. Without your objections and insights, we might have entered into a situation that wouldn't have been in their best interest, potentially jeopardizing the very plan designed to keep the three of you safe."