Total pages in book: 187
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 174623 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 873(@200wpm)___ 698(@250wpm)___ 582(@300wpm)
"All that being said, we do have a gathering planned for this evening," Kincaid says. "Dustin, who goes by Kid, his son Landon has just been discharged from the Marine Corps, and we're having a little get-together this evening as a welcome home party. As we said, you're more than welcome to join, and we hope that you feel comfortable enough to do so."
These men are incredible, I realize. They have all of this other stuff going on, but rather than postpone everyone coming here, they're just adding them into the fold as if it's an everyday occurrence for new people to show up and move in for the foreseeable future.
"Maybe this is a good time to mention spouses," Emmalyn prods.
"Yes," Shadow says. "We do not discriminate against anyone. Landon is married to a man named Rick. There are other persons here with what some would consider alternate life choices."
"Alternate?" Melissa asks.
"I'm in a committed relationship with a man and a woman," Max says from behind his computer.
"Really?" Kayla says in a way that makes me think she sees it as something salacious.
"If anyone feels like that is something they don't want to witness, then these gatherings may not be a very good fit for you," Kincaid says to all of us before turning his eyes to Dana. "Same for the kids."
"Love is love," Dana says quickly. "They've always understood that."
"Very good," Kincaid says. "Am I missing anything?"
His eyes go to his wife.
"I think you've just about covered it all," Emmalyn answers. "Anyone have questions?"
"Denise was wondering what she should do," Victoria says.
"We'll work those logistics out in a while," Kincaid answers.
"What about school?" Dana asks.
"We have a room the kids can use," Shadow explains. "It's my understanding they're off this week?"
"They are," Dana says.
"Is there an update on Traci?" Caroline asks.
"We don't have an update on her," Max interjects.
"Are you keeping an eye on her?" Caroline asks.
"No," Kincaid says. "She didn't want us to, so we're respecting her wishes. She made it to the bus station safely this morning. That's where our involvement with her ended."
Caroline frowns, and I don't know whether it's because she didn't like what Kincaid said or because she's disappointed in Traci's decision to leave.
"One last thing," Kincaid says. "My family is here. My wife, my daughters, and my grandkids. This is our sanctuary, and I'm glad that you ladies are here. That being said, if you make the choice to go back to your old lives, you will no longer be allowed back on Cerberus property. This is to keep everyone here safe. We will always be here to help with resources and can provide you with a list of alternative organizations in the community for aid if you choose. I will protect you here with my life, but I will also protect my own family as well."
"Anyone have something else to add?" Shadow asks after a long pause.
"Someone at work mentioned that something happened at the fundraiser," Melissa says.
"What was said?" Emmalyn asks.
"Not much," Melissa says. "Just that everyone left all at the same time. It caused a little bit of a panic."
"I can see how that would happen. We have a lot of people in our group," Emmalyn says with a smile. "We had a block of time set aside for the event, and when it was time to go, we all headed home."
That's a very diplomatic way to explain it.
Melissa shrugs. "I figured they were exaggerating."
"We'll let you guys see your rooms," Emmalyn says, addressing the entire group. "The guys carried all of your belongings inside, and that is the only time they will have entered your area. If you need anything, let us know. Lunch will be at one in the kitchen unless you want it in the common area of your space. Our welcome home party starts at about four. Please join us if you like. We'll be gathered inside and outside enjoying the pool."
The women stand, Kayla the first to move in that direction and open the conference room doors.
"The kids don't have swimsuits," Dana whispers to Emmalyn.
"We have so many," Emmalyn assures her. "I'll bring some for them to choose from in just a bit."
Dana thanks her before leaving the room. Caroline and Melissa walk out without looking back.
"About Denise," Kincaid says to Victoria. "She's welcome to come and be here, but it's not necessary. She'll still get paid until she finds another job."
Victoria frowns. "That's not ideal for her."
"Finding another job?" Kincaid asks, his brow scrunched a little.
"This whole situation is just a little overwhelming for everyone," she says with a sigh, as if she's more stressed now than she was before.
"We can find work for her to do here," Kincaid assures her. "We just don't need her overnight. If she's able to move to the day shift, then she's more than welcome to come."