Chapter Forty-Seven

“Mom, stop,” Jasper whines and tries to escape my hold.

I haven’t been able to leave the twins alone since we returned. To them, it was no big deal, and hugs of glad you made it home, and Jade said she knew we would return unharmed and successful, were all we received on our return.

“Sorry, not sorry. I just love you so much.” I pull him in closer and plaster him with kisses all over his face.

“Oh, you think that’s funny, do you? I guess it’s your turn,” I say to Jade, who’s sitting on the couch with Rafe, laughing at her twin.

“No,” she squeals as I release Jasper and jump over the side of the couch, landing on both of them and pulling her down to me. Soon it’s me squealing as Jasper and Rafe tickle me, while Jade wiggles free.

After our time roughhousing, we all sit laughing on the couch as one big family. I’m feeling the best I have in what feels like a very long time.

It’s been two weeks since we returned, and tonight we will have an official memorial for all lives lost during the