The new security room renovations were finished. The scent of fresh paint was still strong. We were bringing in the gear and installing the new monitors. It would be ready in a few more days.

"What do you think?"

Beside me, Gunnar nodded. "It's going to be perfect. Your design works really well."

He'd started the new job this week. He refused to wear a suit, and was wearing dark jeans and a blazer instead.

"Did you go over the camera and sensor installation plan while I was gone?"

"Yes. I made a couple of tweaks." He grinned. "But you do good work for an Army grunt."

"I'm really glad you're here, Gunnar."

"Me too."

I glanced at my watch. "I need to leave for Ollie's school thing soon. I'm just waiting for Allie so we can drive over."

My friend's grin widened. "Caden Castro, family man."

"Hey, don't knock it until you try it."

A contemplative look crossed his rugged face. "Maybe I will."

Gunnar had moved into a suite in the hotel, and was acquainting himself with Windward. I knew that had included visiting Tessa's aunt's shop in town several times.

It appeared he was waging a full-on, romantic assault on the beautiful widow.

Enzo popped his head through the door. "Caden, I have a message from Allie. She's been held up.

A plumbing leak's ruined a room on level five and the hotel's fully booked.

Her team needs to get it cleaned before the next guests arrive.

She said to tell you to go ahead, and she'll meet you at the school. "

"Thanks, Enzo."

The concierge nodded.

"Go," Gunnar said.

With a wave, I exited the security room. Allie would discover the gift that I'd left for her in her locker. I'm sure she was going to give me an earful about it.

I drove to the school, I navigated the slushy road, and passed by the Windward Police Department building.

My thoughts turned to Blake Moreland. The ESG had turned on each other, tripping over themselves to make deals.

They'd all do some time, but Moreland would be spending a very long time as a guest of the State.

After I parked at the school, I headed to Ollie's classroom.

As I neared, I heard the hubbub of young, excited voices.

In the room, several parents were standing around the walls, along with a few grandparents.

I nodded at the teacher, and scanned the kids on the mat.

Unsurprisingly, they were all having trouble sitting still.

Ollie spotted me, and bounced and waved.

"All right, let's get started," the young teacher said. "Lucy, you can start."

A tiny girl with dark hair walked over to a couple who were clearly her parents. She introduced them, then started talking about her sisters, her cat, and their house.

"Made it." An out-of-breath Allie appeared at my side. I hugged her and she waved to Ollie.

"Work drama sorted?"

"Yes, but I have a bone to pick with my sometimes-bossy hot guy."

I raised a brow.

"Imagine my surprise when I rushed to get my keys so I could drive here, and I couldn't find them." Her gaze narrowed. "Or my SUV."

"It was a piece of—" I looked at the nearby kids "—crap."

"It was fine. Then I got an even bigger surprise when I found keys to a shiny, new Jeep in my locker."

"Mmm."

"Caden, you can't buy me new car without talking to me about it."

"I already did."

"We're a couple, a team, we talk about things like this."

"When it comes to you having a safe vehicle to drive in the winter, there's nothing to talk about. It's about your safety, it's about Ollie's safety."

I saw the fight go out of her. I knew she'd do anything for Ollie.

"Fine," she grumbled. "I'll let this slide." She took my hand and squeezed it. "Thanks for the new car."

"You're welcome."

"Oh, I also got a message from your mom. She's excited for our visit in January. She can't wait to meet Ollie."

Allie had encouraged me to reconnect with my mom, Clara, and Sara. It hadn't been easy, but Mom and my sisters had made it clear they missed me. We were heading to Texas for a visit in the new year.

"She wants grandbabies. My sisters aren't making any yet, so prepare for her to lavish the love on Ollie and spoil him."

"Next up is Ollie," the teacher announced.

Ollie bounced up and rushed over to us. He turned to face his class.

"My mommy and daddy died." His voice wobbled, and Allie touched his shoulder. He smiled up at her. "I miss them. In my life before, I lived with my parents in a house. Daddy was going to get me a dog."

A dog? Maybe that was something else we could do once we found a new house.

"Now, I live with my aunt Allie." Ollie beamed up at her. "And my Caden."

When he looked at me, I winked.

"Now, we all live together." Then Ollie reached out and took Allie's hand. She froze, looking shocked, then she closed her fingers on his. He reached out with his other hand and took mine. "Now, we're a family."

Hell, the kid was killing me. I never thought I'd be the man I was before I joined the military again.

I never thought I'd feel so much, care so much, or love so much.

But now, while I'd never be that young idealistic man again, I was a new man.

One who was in love with an amazing woman and her nephew.

I looked over Ollie's head at Allie. Her eyes were misty and her mouth moved. Love you.

I smiled at her. My life after was better than anything I'd ever imagined.

I'd happily spend my lifetime protecting them, loving them, and doing everything with this woman by my side.

I hope you enjoyed Allie and Caden's story!