“It’s good to be free.”

And that’s the reality. Each step to date has been like a jail. I haven’t felt like I’m allowed to do something, and for a free spirit like me, that’s soul destroying.

“Hello.” Aria walks towards me with a bouncing child in her arms. She’s so tiny and dainty. “Welcome to the mad home.”

“Hello. Is that this Sharlynn?”

“It’s.”

Sharlynn immediately locks her eyes on Clay and Caleb. Clay pushes Caleb’s palms away from taking his daughter and reaches for his niece. She virtually bounces into his arms. I can’t take my eyes off Clay and the infant; they’re lovable. I attain out to take the baby’s hand in mine.

“She has everybody wrapped round her little finger.” Aria rolls her eyes. “Come and get a seat.”

I’m glad Aria mentioned that. I’d by no means say I wanted to sit down down first.

Clay’s mother walks out of what I imagine is the kitchen, with oven gloves in her hand. “Shay, welcome residence, darling.” She kisses my cheek softly and holds my face in her palms to take a look at me. “I can’t imagine every little thing you’ve been by means of, however you’ve received us all in your aspect now. I do know my boys will do every little thing they’ll that will help you.”

“They already are, Mrs. Shawland.”

“Please, name me, Mother. You’re pretty much as good as household now. Sit down and I’ll get you a sizzling drink and a few freshly baked muffins.”

“I might get used to this.”

“Clay mentioned you want chocolate, so I’m afraid I’ve gone slightly OTT with chocolate muffins, chocolate cookies, chocolate cake.” She shakes her head at herself and laughs.

“Oh, wow! I’m going to wish Chris’s private coaching sooner reasonably than later at this price.”

Clay catches my arm. “Brief stuff, that is Amber and Mike, two of our staff which are serving to together with your case.”

“Good to place a face to the names. I’ve heard a lot about you guys.”

“Likewise. Welcome residence, soldier.” Mike salutes me.

I really feel my coronary heart soften. I by no means anticipated everybody to be so type and welcoming.

“Mike and Amber are ex forces too,” Clay explains.

I nod. “As soon as within the forces, all the time within the forces,” I mumble, extra to myself than anybody.

I sit down on the sofa and Clay sits beside me with Sharlynn nonetheless in his arms. She’s pulling the hood on his jacket as we communicate.

“Can I?” I maintain my palms out for the infant.

“Certain.” Clay palms her over to me and he or she comes willingly. I’m glad she isn’t an odd little woman. I assume I’m not stunned with the massive household she’s part of.

“Hello, attractive. You look similar to your mommy.”

I’ve heard all about Aria’s story. I feel we’ve received extra in widespread than we most likely notice. It’s simply good to see that Aria, Caleb, and Sharlynn have gotten a cheerful ever after. I hope I can have that someday.

I look across the room, and everybody’s eyes are on me and Sharlynn. I can see the love and satisfaction. They may by no means have given up searching for me, however proper right here, I can see that they thought they’d by no means see this second. I don’t blame them, as a result of I by no means thought I’d be right here both.

***

Later that evening, all worn out after an exhausting day, I lastly snuggle down into mattress with a Kindle Aria left for me. Clay should have informed her that I really like books, as a result of this Kindle is loaded with numerous goodness. It’ll preserve my thoughts occupied once I’ve received nothing else to do.

A gentle knock on the door has me trying up from my Kindle to see Clay leaning towards the doorframe. He has a cheeky smile on his face. A smile I’ve by no means forgotten.

“Can I get you something earlier than I name it an evening?” asks Clay.

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