Claire’s eyes fluttered as her body quaked in anticipation. Gripping his shoulders, she whispered, “Don’t disappoint me—there will be consequences.”

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.

—Richard Bach

The aroma of sea filled the air as a gentle breeze brought the sound of the surf into the large living room. Madeline’s smile reflected the mood of the occasion. It had been years since she’d had so many people on the island. By the glow in her big brown eyes, her heart was as full as the house. The little baby she’d helped bring into the world was a beautiful little girl with large brown eyes—soft as suede and filled with joy –just like her father’s.

Claire held tightly to her sister’s hand as they both watched Tony place their grandmother’s pearl necklace around Nichol’s neck.

“Look, Momma! Look, Aunt Em! Isn’t it pretty?” Nichol exclaimed as she spun toward them, exposing her precious gift. Turning back, she wrapped her small arms around Tony’s neck. “Thank you, Daddy!”

As Tony swung their daughter into his arms, Claire let go of Emily’s hand and walked toward Nichol. Kissing her cheek, Claire replied, “It sure is, honey; this necklace means a lot to Mommy—and Daddy”—Claire’s eyes shifted momentarily to Tony’s as the emerald glistened with memories only the two of them shared—“So,” she continued to Nichol—“it’s only for special occasions. A long time ago, it belonged to Aunt Em and Mommy’s grandmother—your great-grandmother.”

“Is today a special occasion?” Nichol asked.

“It sure is!” Tony exclaimed. “It’s your third birthday. I don’t think anything is more special than that!”

Claire leaned closer as Tony wrapped one arm around his wife and held tight to their daughter. Their group hug had the attention of everyone in the room—John, Emily, Michael, Brent, Courtney, Maryn, Caleb, Julia, Meredith, Jerry, their children, Madeline, and Francis. Undoubtedly, it was a full house and would be until after Christmas.

Tony and Claire couldn’t think of a better way to thank all of the people who’d worked to keep their daughter safe and helped to make their world right. Truly, it was an unlikely assembly—one brought together against all odds. Some might say that, at one time, this assembly would’ve been considered improbable—maybe even impossible; however, as everyone rejoiced and wished Nichol a happy birthday, they were a family—united with unbreakable bonds.

Their ties had gone through the fires of hell and come out stronger—refined by the flames—not consumed; nevertheless, the safety of their family would never be taken for granted. That was why Eric and Phil where outside, patrolling the shores and watching the skies. Phil had updated the security, both at the estate and on the island. He and Tony both told Claire it was only a precaution. After all, Catherine was in the Iowa State Penitentiary and would be for a long time; however, even Claire realized there would always be threats. The Rawlings were wealthy people, and despite Claire’s dislike for fame, their money would forever make them possible targets. There was no measure Tony or Claire wouldn’t be willing to endure to insure the safety of their family—all of them.

Phil looked at the text message and shook his head.

“Did something else arrive?” Eric asked.

“Yes, this one’s also addressed to Nichol Rawls. This time, it came with a birthday gift.”

“Has it been opened?”

“Not yet; it has to be scanned to be sure there aren’t any explosives.”

Eric stiffened his neck. “So far, the only clue we’ve had was that one of the envelopes was sealed with female DNA—the feds have ruled out Catherine London.”

“That isn’t enough. Maybe we’ll get more on this one.” Phil squared his shoulders and looked out toward the crystal blue sea. “I believe it goes without saying—I’d have no problem getting rid of this threat once she’s identified, and I think we both know who the most likely candidate is.”

Eric nodded. “After Mr. Rawlings had her fired, it was as if she dropped off the face of the earth.”

“I still support his decision.”

“As do I,” Eric said with pride. “You’d think she’d be smarter than to rehash this shit.”

“I’d go all-in that she’s the sender of these little reminders.”

Eric’s lips formed a straight line. “Next to me, she worked the closest with Mr. Rawlings—for many years.”