I once heard someone say that family, like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions. Yet our roots remain the same.

The smile permanently plastered on my face breaks the record for all-time Lukas expressions. That’s right. For the first time in years, I’m whole. Thanks to Sage.

Not to mention, she admitted she is mine. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Mr. Rogers.

We’re on the way to Matilda’s house. The Blackwood family reunion of sorts. First time since Fallyn went on the run, every single one of them will be under the same roof.

Sage sits quietly in the passenger seat of the Viper as we drive down the road. I temporarily rubberneck and study Sage; she resonates complete concentration. Her brow is furrowed and she’s fidgeting with her hands.

“Hey, looks like you're thinking too hard again. What’s going on in that beautiful mind of yours, doc?” I ask and grasp her hand in mine.

Pulling her wrist up to my mouth, I kiss the delicate skin underneath.

She twists her head in my direction, and smiles as her head rests on the plush seat.

“Just thinking, is all. I have this crazy notion nothing is going to go right today,” she wavers. “I’m a little worried how my parents will react to Fallyn and Harper being home. I mean, I think in the end, Mom will be so happy to see Fallyn and meet her granddaughter. But…” She pauses.

“But your dad might feel differently? I understand, babe.”

I really do. I haven’t been privy to all the details because it’s a family affair. Although, Keagan has explained a few things from the Blackwood past. I can put two and two together.

Harold Blackwood, aka Wood, is a hard man to like. He expects loyalty and fealty. And he will have it regardless of whether it’s right or wrong. As long as it benefits him.

I’ve only met him once, and he sized me up, which doesn’t bother me. I’m a giant, remember? My towering frame caused discomfort for him. He didn't take issue with me. Could be because Matilda kept him in line during the meeting, as she does with the rest of the family.

The man’s aura darkens his perspective. Dark and dangerous. His hard, aristocratic features imply he doesn’t take kindly to outsiders, or anyone for that matter. Wood believes if you're not from the right side of the tracks, you're beneath him.

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I was thinking. I hope it all doesn’t blow up in our faces.” She sighs.

“Nah. It’ll all be okay. As long as your amazing grandmother is there, she’ll keep things straight.”

“That she will,” Sage half laughs. “You’re right about that, she is amazing.”

“Just like you, doc. Relax. It’ll all work out. And I’ll be right there by your side if you need me.”

Her eyes track mine as I come to a stop at the house. Leaning over the seat, I stroke my hand against her cheek as I pull her closer for a kiss. I sample and tease her lips, enticing Sage to open up for me. Once she submits, I ravage her mouth.

Want.

Need.

Home.

Love.

All wrapped up in the kiss we share. The strong bond between us, solid and fierce. Exactly as it should be.

A loud knock on the window pauses the intense moment.

“You gonna sit in there all day?” Keagan’s bold voice sounds off through the glass. “This isn’t make-out point, boyo.”

Glancing over to the front door, I see Jocelyn pacing back and forth, wringing her hands and shaking her head. Grayson marching right along with her and Adalyn hot on their heels. I’d laugh at the sight if Jocelyn’s body language didn’t appear anxious and troubled.

As I unfurl my legs from the small car and walk around to open the car door for Sage, I ask, “What’s going on, K? Jo looks like she’s about to lose her mind.”

“You know, overreactin’ women and hormones?” Keagan mumbles, shaking his head.

“Ha-ha. But what’s Grayson’s excuse? That boy’s full of testosterone, man.”

“True,” he clucks then sighs. “Ollie, Fallyn, and Harper are inside the house. Thought we’d give ‘em all a minute.” Keagan stops briefly as we walk up to the door. He halts Jocelyn’s momentum by taking her into his arms. “The parents are in there, too,” Keagan finishes, explaining, and kisses the top of her head.

Sage and I share a knowing look when the ornate wooden door creaks open.

Harold Blackwood comes into view in the doorway with his usual cold-fish, unreadable expression. All eyes are on him, waiting to figure out what went down inside.

He comments in a non-Wood tonality, “Y’all better get in here. Dinner’s getting cold. And I don’t like to eat cold food.”

He turns around and walks back into the house from where he came.

“What just happened?” Grayson’s eyes are open wide as he appeals in confusion.

He’s the first person to ask the question on everyone’s mind. Sage and Jocelyn timidly smile at each other. A private signal between the two sisters.

“I believe that was the dinner bell, my man,” I respond to Grayson’s query, patting him on the top of his head, and ignore the touchy-feely interaction of the sisters.

Grayson stares up at me cautiously, the worry still evident. “Okay, but what the fro? That wasn’t normal Wood behavior. I mean, you guys saw it, too, right? Sage? Jojo?”

We all move into the entryway being good little chicks, following the leader.

“No worries, little bro. For right now, let it go and let’s eat! I’m starving, and if I don’t eat soon, I might turn into the Hulk,” Jocelyn replies in a jovial tone and flexes her arms, showing off her tiny muscles.

“I’m as hungry as a hulk,” Sage counters, flashing those fuck-me eyes pointed in my direction.

It takes every ounce of my control to tamper down the desire she invokes. Zero to sixty.

“Behave, princess,” I demand, whispering in her ear.

“Always,” she shoots back, and I lightly swat her ass.

“Oh. Raging Hulk, you,” Sage utters in the silky voice, which drives me mental.

I’ve navigated into her space, rubbing up against her ass while my arms snake around her waist. Her cheeks blush and redden as she grasps her lip between her teeth.

“Sage, would you come on already? The big guy can wait. Grandma’s fried chicken is calling my name,” a famished Jocelyn calls back to her.

Jo grabs her hand and tugs Sage off to the dining room. My instinct to pull her into one of the many rooms in Matilda’s home now out of reach.

And, just like that, the mood swings from dismal to cheerful in the blink of an eye. Another day in the life of the Blackwood family, I suppose.

Talking and laughter transpire throughout the meal. Matilda cooked all the family favorites. Southern fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, sautéed squash and onions, purple hulled peas and collard greens. She served biscuits and cornbread alongside the meal. For dessert, we eat homemade blueberry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Indeed, a delicious southern style spread. Needless to say, I don’t walk away hungry. None of us do.

Dinnertime revealed an insight into the family I find very interesting. Functioning as if nothing ever happened. They picked up where they left off sixteen years ago.

The only thing odd, Wood sat quietly at the table. Which didn’t strike me to be his normal routine. He didn’t comment or join the conversations, only watched the family bantering around him. I detected a temporary flicker of guilt in his reflection, and then in a fleeting instant it was gone.

Considering his circumstance, I almost feel sorry for the man. Almost being important here. Harold’s been given another chance with a bonus. He’s missing out on the best things life has to offer by continuing the facade of an uncaring bastard. It is what it is, I guess.

Some people just can’t ever change. At least for now, Wood’s being civil, and in the end, that’s all the ladies and Grayson need.

At the end of the meal, Keagan and Jocelyn disclose a little good news for the Blackwood family.

“We’re having a baby,” a tear-streaked Jocelyn blubbers, and she falls into the embrace of a grinning Keagan.

Yes, grinning, strained from ear to ear. Not the usual Fontneau half-smirk, half-smile he’s patented. I do not utilize the word carelessly when it comes to Keagan. He’s usually a stony rock, but today we’re honored with a rare glimpse into the heart of the big lug. He’s a happy man with the woman he loves, and now expecting a baby on the way. His life is pretty perfect and he deserves it.

The joyful tears and grins gathered around the table originate a twinge in my chest. Instinctively, I reach over and grip the hand in Sage’s lap. Squeezing for my own comfort. She pivots her head, and our eyes link. My chest thumps loudly as her expression presents the longing and desire she secretly harbors. A secret craving we both wish for.

“One day, princess,” I speak softly for her ears only.

She squeezes my hand but doesn’t reply.

“Congratulations, sunshine,” Matilda announces, tears welling up in her eyes. “Let’s make a toast.” She stands and holds up the fluted crystal glass filled with champagne. The rest of us follow by holding up our own. Even Adalyn, Grayson, and Harper. The bubbles in their glasses from apple cider. “It’s official. This is truly one of my most favorite moments of all time. Every one of us here, together. Celebrating a new life and the return of missing family. Once again, the Blackwood family is whole.”

“Here, here…To family…Cheers.”

The many salutations voiced by everyone gathered around the table reverberate off the high ceilings of the extensive dining room. Each family member drinks from the goblets, sealing the toast. A celebratory memory burned into the minds of us all.

Later, down by the lake in Matilda’s backyard, Keagan, Ollie, and I congregate. A beer in our hands, creating our own brotherly toast.

“Never thought I’d see the day. Keagan Fontneau, henpecked with a side of baby on the way,” Oliver jokes.

“If that was your version of congrats, you fuckin’ suck at it, bro,” Keagan teases back.

“Nah. Can’t help if it’s the truth, K,” Oliver recovers quickly.

Deep bellowing laughter circles around us.

I raise my beer into the air. “Here, let me give it a whirl… To Keagan and his angel. May the roller coaster ride you’re about to take keep you fit and hopefully not break. But most of all, when all else fails, remember poopy diapers go in the closed pail.”

The chuckling echoes around the water, drawing the attention of the ladies sitting up on the porch. Settling down, we take a swig.

“Poet as always. Good one, Jolly Green,” Oliver notes.

“Yeah, good advice, fuck-face,” Keagan laughs and punches my arm. “But thanks for tryin’, Luc.”

“Big Fish On. Keagan! Need a little help here,” Grayson hollers out from about five yards away.

“Hurry, Uncle K. He’s gonna lose it,” Harper adds her two cents.

“On it,” Keagan replies.

His long strides pound up the earth, and he reaches the occupied bank in a few seconds. Keagan grabs the net, readying for the fish Grayson’s about to score.

We follow him in hopes of seeing the lunker currently bending the fishing pole almost in half. Harper is bouncing up and down on her toes, clapping her hands and squealing like a little girl, while Grayson slowly, methodically spins the handle on the reel.

“Grayson, you need to keep a better eye on my little honeypot,” Matilda’s voice filters down to the water from the house.

“Yes, ma’am. But a little busy here, Grandma. I’ve caught a big one.” Exacerbation laces his voice.

“I’m okay, Gigi. I’m surrounded by huge men. Nothing’s gonna happen to me,” giggling Harper yells and continues to dance around Grayson in a semicircle.

“Don’t let it go, Keagan. This one’s trophy worthy,” he expresses as he continues to tug on the pole while the grin on his face grows wider.

“This is…so…cool…Grayson!” Harper’s bouncing plays in her voice.

My phone buzzes and I reach in my pocket aimlessly to retrieve it. I can’t take my eyes off the bubbling and swirling water, where the large fish lies just below the surface.

Light flashes on my screen and it catches my attention. A message from Mac.

Mac: Photo complete.

Me: Send a copy, stat.

Mac: Coming thru now. 4YEO.

What the hell does that mean? A lightbulb clicks, for your eyes only. I scratch my head, then move my head from side to side, loosening up the muscles. I’m savvy with all the hip hop text slang out in the cyberspace world, but sometimes the Mack man throws me a curve ball. Well, shit. ROTFL.

As promised, the photo appears on my phone, and I’m interrupted again by cheering.

“Woohoo! Would you look at that monster?” Oliver whistles low.

“O-M-G, Grayson. It’s huge!” Harper spouts in innocence.

Keagan and I glance in Oliver’s direction. I mean, ‘it’s huge’ should never be something a man hears his daughter say to any guy. Even if it is an uncle.

Oliver’s face renders a flush to pail coloring, and he huffs short, quick breaths.

“It’s a huge fish, Harper,” Oliver chokes on the ‘huge’ instead of ‘fish.’

“That’s what I said, Papa Bear. Hey, are you alright? You don’t look so good,” a concerned Harper replies.

She walks over and puts her hand on his forehead, like she’s a nurse looking after a patient.

“I’m fine, Baby Bear,” Oliver gently dismisses Harper’s hand. “It’s a monster fish. Yeah?” he steers away from the innocent comment.

“Yes. It is!” she says and turns back toward the fish on the bank.

Not before I notice a gleam in her eyes. The same one I know intimately. The gotcha glint. Harper is a crafty little cookie and understands the game she’s playing. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. She might have more figured out than anyone gives her credit for. The little chicken noodle’s a smart one. A smirk builds across my face, and I reach up to rub the scruff on my jaw.

My attention gravitates back to the picture waiting on my phone. When I tap, the screen comes to life, and I scroll until I find the crystal-clear image. Busted.

The vandal wears dark, wavy hair falling just above his shoulders. A few other key features exist: olive complexion, short, groomed beard, prominent slanted nose, and stalky build. An exact match of a man from the Middle East A perfect assessment by the resolute photo.

He’s no one I personally recognize. No outstanding warrants, international watch lists, nothing of that nature registers. So, who is this guy?

Me: SFLR. Who is this guy? Any trace?

I wait only seconds before MacGyver answers.

Mac: NN4S. I’ve got nothing. Already put the photo out there, NTUY.

Me: Keep me posted.

Mac: wOOt.

I laugh out loud from the references. Crazy kid.

When I finally look up, Keagan and Grayson are posing for a photo shoot with Jocelyn, Sage and Fallyn by her side as she snaps the last picture.

“Doc. I need to borrow you for a minute,” I state for the others and pull Sage away from the family.

Walking inside the house, up the stairs, I locate the closest room we can duck inside.

“I hope you didn’t drag me away just to have your way with me, Lukas,” a breathless Sage finally responds. “Because I’m totally game. Especially in this, uh, where are we?”

Sage surveys the room and begins to laugh.

“What’s so funny, bunny?” I ask, drawing her closer to me.

Thinking straight jumps out the window anytime I’m in close proximity of Sage.

“Of all the places to go, you stumbled into Grandma’s room,” she giggles again.

As I peer around the room, the first thing that jumps out, overshadowing everything else, is the oversized stately bed. Centered in the middle of the room made up of wooden pillars with a canopy on top. Deep crimson, purples, and cream colors decorate the area. A display of opulence and wealth with a twist of comfort. Yep, we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Shit shackled muffin farts.

“You should see your face right now, Lukas,” she belts out in between laughs. “It’s okay, Grandma wouldn’t mind. Just…just give me a sec.”

Sage holds her sides while the last of her laughing tremors subside.

“If I didn’t need information from you right now, princess, you’d be over my knee and screaming my name.”

“Oh, Lukas. You say the most beautiful things.” She smiles sweetly, and I’m in need of a taste.

I grab her long hair into my hand and yank her head gently to the side. Diving in first to my favorite spot, I begin my strike. Slowly, I slide my tongue down her neck, then kiss my way back up, nipping and sucking, and finish with her lips. Sage moans and my cock twitches.

“Mmmm.”

Shaking the Sage fog from my head, I order, “Enough, woman.” My brain releases endorphins, sending the signal directly to my aching crotch. “I can’t think. I don’t think right when we’re this close. You stand right here and don’t move,” I command, pointing at the spot she occupies, and take a step back, adjusting my swollen cock.

“Huh. What’s so important that you rudely interrupted our play time, Hulk?” The sassy bleeds through as she questions my motives.

Her sultry eyes travel all over my body.

“It’s this,” I say and hand her the phone with the polished photo on the screen. “Do you recognize the man, Sage?”

“Oh, my God, Lukas.”

A frightened expression spills across her face as she glances back and forth from the picture, then to me. “It’s Malik.”

Rage builds inside me at the idea of Sage feeling vulnerable. A strong overwhelming impulse to cleanse the entire earth in order to establish a safety net for Sage pressures my soul.

Protect. Keep Safe. The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head, and it’s not jealousy personified.

Sometimes, I don’t play well with others.

I don’t really care to share.

And, like any other kid on the playground, what’s mine is mine.

End of story.

I will safeguard what belongs to me.

Watch out, motherfucker.

Jolly Green Giant is coming to rain on your parade.