Santa Soldier Bear - Meg Ripley Page 0,39

to do this myself.” She knew it was true. She was heartbroken enough over Roman, and there was little she could do about it. But she could do herself the favor of being the one to hand Ruby over, to see her parents, to know she was doing the right thing. It would be a type of closure for her, even if it hurt.

Emersyn nodded. “I’ll gather her things.”

Downstairs, a couple was standing near the front door. Jude and Reid stood nearby, and that let Melody know that these people really were who they said they were. She knew the two brothers, who’d been orphaned as children, would never let Ruby be handed into the wrong arms. That thought made Melody realize how much comfort she’d taken in the little things that the Force offered. It wasn’t just the fact that she had a roof over her head, a steady job, and a sense of satisfaction that came from getting things done. It was that she knew these people and all their little idiosyncrasies. She knew what to expect from them, and she knew she could count on them.

Jude made the introductions. “Melody, this is Allison and Matthew Wilson. Ruby’s parents.”

“Hi,” Melody said with a forced smile as she blinked back her tears. “My name is Melody. I’ve been taking care of Ruby for these past few weeks.”

“Oh!” Allison swooped in to take her daughter. “Oh, my sweet baby! My little princess! I’ve missed you so much! I’ve been so worried about you!”

Ruby replied with an enthusiastic coo, her arms and legs bunching in and punching out in excitement as she saw her mother again.

There were tears in Matthew’s eyes as he stroked his baby girl’s back and turned to Melody. “Jude and Reid told us what good care you’ve been taking of her. I admit we were relieved when we found out she was with the SOS Force, but it makes me feel even better to see how happy and healthy she is. We can’t thank you enough.” His wife was bawling too hard to even respond.

Melody understood that sentiment, as she could no longer stop herself from crying. “It was my pleasure. I know you already know, but your daughter is such a sweet, amazing little thing. And she’s so cute when she shifts into her bear cub.” She laughed through her tears at the memory of Ruby chasing after Lucas in the yard.

Matthew and Allison looked at each other in shock. “She shifted in front of you?”

“She sure did.” Alarm bells went off in Melody’s mind. She would feel terrible if that’d been the first time their daughter had taken on her animal form and they weren’t around to see it. “Hasn’t she done it before? She didn’t seem to have any trouble with it.”

“She has,” Matthew replied, his thumb gliding over the back of Ruby’s head in awe, as though he was seeing her for the first time. “It’s just that we’ve found she only does it in front of those she’s extremely comfortable around, such as ourselves and our parents. Even the rest of our clan hasn’t seen her change before. You really are something special, Melody.”

“Yes, she is,” Emersyn replied for her, putting her arm around her friend once again. “We’re just so glad we found you. I’ve gathered up Ruby’s things, including her blanket. We had ordered some clothes for her, as well, so she’ll have some new outfits.”

“What can we do to repay you?” Allison asked.

“Not a thing,” Melody said. “Having time with Ruby was enough.” She turned, not waiting to see Ruby leave, not wanting to press her forehead to the window as she watched her parents load her into their vehicle and drive off to live her life. Melody would get past this at some point, she knew. She had to, and they said that time healed all wounds. But it sure as hell hurt right now.

11

“You’re sure this is what you want to do?” Amar asked as they sped toward the airport.

Roman was starting to regret letting Amar drive him there. It would’ve been easier to just get up early, sneak off before anyone else had gotten out of bed, and waste time in the lounge, but he’d felt he owed it to his old friend to do a little more than that. “Yes. I’m sure.”

“But it’s not even officially Christmas yet,” Amar countered.

“That’s true,” Roman said with a nod. “And that’s exactly why it’s a good idea to