Melody's Six

EPILOGUE

On the firstanniversary of the Athena Project, the Colorado skies were gray and heavy with snow. Up at the Lost Valley Ranch, the mood was sunny and bright as everyone gathered for the big celebration.

Hank Patterson, his wife Sadie, and their beautiful children had arrived the night before. Gunny and RJ had a feast in the works and champagne was chilling. Many of the other Brotherhood Protectors stationed in Colorado were also here to raise a glass to their success.

Today was about reminiscing, in the best possible way, about how they’d come together. As all five Athena teams assembled in the lodge, Mel couldn’t recall ever being so happy, satisfied, or proud. Definitely not at the same time. The skies could dump a foot of snow. She’d go out and build a snowman, complete with a big smile.

Just one year ago, her career on the skids, Mel had been looking for a fresh start. A better way to make a difference. She’d forever be grateful for diving into this venture with Beck, Victoria, Cygny, and Fay. Always thankful that Roman, Logan, Leo, Walker and Dean had also made the commitment to a dynamic new facet of Hank’s Brotherhood Protectors.

Tonight, she was celebrating a year of accomplishments and incredible changes with women and men who were close friends, valued peers, and as treasured as family. When the food was served, buffet style, she watched the couples pair off.

“Why are you smiling?” Dean asked.

“Look at all of us,” she said, turning into him a little. “Beck and Roman were just telling me about the house they’re thinking of building. It will be epic.”

“Have they found land?” Dean wondered.

“Do not suggest Lattice Creek,” she warned him with a mock glare. “And the Patterson kids are adorable.” She watched Sadie and Hank, admiring their smooth, team-effort parenting.

“Are you turning nostalgic on me?”

She ignored his teasing as she plucked two of Gunny’s famous dinner rolls from the warming basket, setting one on Dean’s plate.

“It is nice to be settled,” he said as they took their seats at the long table. “And have friends and partners in the same boat.”

“Or on the same mountain.” Under the table she rubbed his thigh, knowing what it meant to him.

All around her the conversation swirled as Cygny and Leo shared some humorous moments from their latest assignment. Victoria and Logan talked about their upcoming vacation and Fay and Walker relayed tales of moving in and combining their styles to make his rental house feel like a home.

As dinner wound down, Hank stood up. “Thank you, Gunny, RJ. We wouldn’t be here, able to help so many other people, without you. You carved out space for us, you’ve empowered Jake and Beck so the Brotherhood Protectors and the Athena Project could flourish.”

Gunny cleared his throat, the tips of his ears going pink. “You saved us, Hank,” he said with a loving look at his daughter. “More than once, I’ll add.” His gaze traveled around the room. “Far as I’m concerned, you and your teams are always welcome here.”

Hank dipped his chin, gave Sadie’s hand a quick squeeze. “A toast to our success, then.” He motioned for Roman, Logan, Leo, Walker, and Dean to come up and take a bottle of champagne from the buckets of ice that had been set up on a nearby table.

Moments later, everyone in the room cheered when the five corks popped, almost in unison. Mel, along with Beck, Victoria, Cygny and Fay passed the flutes of champagne to the guests. As they took glasses for themselves, Mel noticed Fay choosing sparkling cider instead.

“Care to share with the class?” she murmured for Fay’s ears only.

Her friend practically glowed with her secret. “Not tonight, but soon.”

Mel’s heart soared for Fay and Walker. Excitement for the new generation was one more layer of hope and happiness to add to the remarkable year, this very special day, and the future for all of them.