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Hayley and Sage wait beside Taylor.

Even from this distance, I recognize them.

My family.

Kane grips my shoulder.

“We got him.”

“Yes.”

“What now?”

“We go home.”

The walk back feels longer.

My jaw hurts.

Blood runs from a cut on my arm that I don’t remember getting.

Every man is bruised, dirty, or bleeding.

All six of us are still standing.

Sage sees us first.

She leaves the cover of the pickup.

Taylor catches her arm.

She pulls free.

Then she runs.

I open my arms.

She reaches me hard enough to drive me backward one step.

Her arms lock around my waist.

“Dad.”

The word stops my heart.

I hold her against me.

She has never called me that.

Not once.

I close my eyes.

“I’m here.”

“You came back.”

“I told you I would.”