Whispers of You (Lost & Found #1)(76)

After everything Lawson had done for us, I’d give him anything.

The sound of shuffling papers came across the line. “We got a call from out of state. A girl who’s been backpacking up here didn’t check in with her parents when she was supposed to. They have the coordinates for where she would have likely been over the past twenty-four hours. Asked if someone could go look for her. They’re sick with worry.”

“Backpacking alone?”

Lawson let out a huff. “Don’t get me started. It was some walkabout after she broke up with a boyfriend.”

It was beyond reckless. Anything could happen in these mountains, and if you weren’t prepared, it could be deadly. “What do you need from me?”

“It’s a wide area, and it needs to be searched. With everything going on down here, I can’t leave to help. A few others on the team can’t get off work today either. Can you go with Nash?”

My gaze automatically pulled to Wren. The last thing I wanted to do was leave her. She’d been through too much in the past twenty-four hours. “I don’t think—”

“He’ll meet Nash at the station,” Wren cut in.

“Cricket…”

She smiled at me. “Grae’s been blowing up my phone like crazy. I told her I’d meet her in town for lunch. She won’t rest until she sees for herself that I’m in one piece.” Wren leaned over and kissed me. “Go help this girl.”

Lawson’s voice intruded on the moment. “It’s gonna be your ship soon anyway.”

Wren’s brows lifted. “Your ship?”

“Way to spill the beans,” I said.

“You haven’t told her?”

“Told me what?” Wren asked, a little annoyance slipping into her tone. My Cricket didn’t like being left out of the loop.

I grinned. “Got a new gig. Team leader for Harrison County Search and Rescue.”

Wren’s jaw went slack. “But your company…”

“Jack’s taking the helm there. He’s buying me out for a sixty-percent stake. I’ll still help with strategy and higher-level planning, but I won’t be in the day-to-day business.”

A hint of worry swept over her face. “But you worked so hard to build it. You guys are at the top of the industry.”

“You been checking up on me?”

Wren huffed out a breath. “It doesn’t take a superspy to google in a moment of weakness.”

I leaned over and kissed her, drowning in her taste. “Love you.” My hand slipped under her hair, squeezing her neck. “I’m proud of what I built. But so much of that urge to push for more, to reach for the best, was because I was running. From memories. From demons. I don’t want that anymore. I don’t need it. What I do need is a life here. With you. With my family.”

“Holt…”

“I love you, Wren. I want this life with you. That means living it each and every day. Not running around the globe whenever a call comes in.”

She searched my face. “You’re sure?”

“Never been more sure of anything in my life.”

Wren’s mouth stretched into a wide smile, and she let out a squeal as she launched herself at me. I knew the move had hurt her when she winced.

“Careful, Cricket.”

Lawson cleared his throat. “Uh, guys. Love you both, but I really don’t need to hear you going at it over the phone.”

Wren’s face flamed. “Sorry about that.”

“Shove it, Law.”

He chuckled. “Nash is headed to your place right now. Dad’s with him to run comms from the SUV.”

I shook my head. “You were so sure I’d say yes?”

“I know my brother,” Lawson said. “You always come through when we need you.”

My chest burned as Wren burrowed deeper into my side. “Love you, too, Law.”

My throat was so tight I could barely get the words out. Emotion pressed down on me, an avalanche of gratitude for this second chance—with my family, with Wren, and with the life that was always meant to be mine.





38





WREN





“Looking like a prizefighter, Little Williams,” Nash said as he climbed out of his SUV, Nathan following behind.

Holt glared at him. “Nash…”

He only rolled his eyes. “I’m just saying our girl’s a badass. That’s all.”

I padded across the drive and wrapped my arms around him in a hug. “Thanks, Nash Bash.”

His smile widened, taking on a more authentic air. “Been a while since you called me that.”

Too long.

“I’m feeling more like myself lately.”

Nash gently ruffled my hair. “Couldn’t think of better news.”

Nathan surveyed my face, his mouth going tight.

I let go of Nash and turned my hug on Nathan. “I’m fine. I promise.”

“You don’t look fine. Maybe you should go up to the house. Kerry can take care of you today. You can rest and—”

I stretched up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “I’m fine. I need to clean up around the house, and I’m meeting G for lunch.”