No one moved. The wide-eyed faces of 17th Company glanced at one another as though trying to wrap their heads around what Dr. Winter just offered.
Rhett spoke up. “Thank you for your generous offer, Dr. Winter. Just knowing we have options opens a new world to us.”
“Of course, Rhett,” Margo nodded, then thought better of it and reached up to wrap her arms around the boy’s neck—pulling him in for a real hug. “Thank you for taking care of my daughter.”
Rhett stood stiffly, completely caught off guard at the woman’s show of affection. She pulled away just as he was about to lift his hands to put them on her back, mimicking her actions, when Dr. Winter stepped back to look him in the eye.
“I uh—I mean—uh—she took care of herself, Dr. Winter.” He glanced over at Meg, desperately looking for help.
Meg grinned at his reaction to her mom acting like a mom.
“Mom, why don’t we let Rhett address his Company so he can share the situation report with everyone and manage logistics?”
“Of course.” Margo turned back to Rhett. “My house is your house. You’re welcome to anything you need and if you have questions, any one of us can find the answers for you.” Margo motioned to the immediate family.
“Thank you, Dr. Winter,” he smiled awkwardly before adding, “Excuse me.”
Rhett turned and faced his Company. Valen and Nate materialized at either side of him and instantly, all eyes were on their leader.
Margo motioned for the family to follow her down the wide corridor leading to the bedrooms and laboratory.
63 A Time for Everything
Once everybody piled into Margo and Theo’s master bedroom, Margo closed the door so they could hear over Rhett’s commanding voice and the excited “hooahs” from down the hall.
“Come here, you,” Margo wrapped her daughter in another hug and shook with joy at the feel of her baby girl in her arms.
“I missed you so much, Megglet,” her mother cooed and began slowly rocking her back and forth just as she’d done when she was a little girl.
Meg buried her face in her mother’s strong neck and breathed her familiar scent. “Oh, wow—I missed you too, Mom.”
“Thank you God, for this moment. Thank you for letting me hold my daughter again,” Margo prayed aloud.
Meg heard sniffling. She looked over her mother’s shoulder to see Alik and Evan both fighting back tears.
“Come here you two,” she reached out and both boys stepped forward, wrapping the girls in an even bigger family hug.
“I’m so thankful for my family.” Alik’s voice scratched with emotion.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.” Evan sniffled even harder.
“Let’s not find out. No one is allowed to leave home.” Margo stepped back to look at her children with mock sternness. “You’re all grounded until further notice!”
The room chuckled.
“I love you, Mom,” Meg beamed. “I love all of you so much that my heart feels like it will burst with joy.”
The boys were rubbing the moisture off their faces and grinning like little kids.
“Aw, you’re so darn mushy, Megaphone!” Evan teased.
“What a bunch of saps we turned out to be.” Alik grinned over at Farrow happily watching the reunion with tears in her eyes.
“We love you, Meggie,” Margo sighed before wiping her face dry with the back of her worn hands.
“Right, so. We all need to rest. You’re sure we’re safe for now, Meg?”
Meg closed her eyes and double-checked the status of Williams and his soldiers. “Williams is settling in for the night. His soldiers have been ordered to stand down until further notice.” Meg opened her eyes. “I’m sure we’re safe for tonight.”
“Good. Everyone try to get some sleep,” she stifled a yawn before continuing. “Girls, you two can use Meg’s room. Creed, you can bunk with either Evan or Alik.”
“I’d rather take the floor in the hallway, if that’s all right with you ma’am.”
“You’re always on guard, son.” Margo shook her head slowly. “If that’s what you prefer, I’m fine with it.”
Everyone exchanged “goodnights” and headed out to the corridor.
Alik squeezed Farrows hand softly as they parted. He ducked into his room but hesitated at the doorway watching her as she continued down the hallway to Meg’s room.
Evan slugged him on the shoulder. “Get some sleep, Romeo,” he yawned. Alik blushed and grinned at Farrow’s beautiful back before forcing himself to let her walk away.
Seconds later, the brothers had flopped face first into their beds, too exhausted to worry about cleaning up first.
64 Meg and Creed
Meg and Creed slowly walked the length of the corridor, hand in hand. “Let me get you a pillow and blanket,” Meg insisted turning toward her room.
“I’m fine, Meg. I can sleep on an anthill, if I need to,” he said to her back.