Booker found himself pulled down between Nicky and Andy. Nicky against his back and Andy pressed against his front. He rested his chin on top of her head and closed his eyes tight against the almost overwhelming wave of emotion.

He loved them all so much. He wished he could let go of the grief that dragged him down and be happy. He wished he could embrace the love they gave him fully.

“I love you too,” he said softly. He didn’t want to wake up Joe and Nicky who were sleeping so peacefully. “I know you love me. Don’t doubt that, okay?”