Anna had watched it all from the huge kitchen window. The family had spent most summers here in Colorado, and the rest of the year they lived in Virginia. He’d brought them back to Colorado before the huge transition at work geared up. It had been a brief respite before he hit the hyperspeed button again.
He'd turned over the day-to-day business of Guardian Security to three brothers who’d eventually replaced Craig—Jacob, Jason, and Jared King. He'd kept an eye on the Kings after their father, Chance, was murdered. Through the years, he’d received regular reports on the eight children and made sure Chance’s widow, Amanda, had what she needed. She'd managed very well, with only occasional help from a Guardian angel.
God, had he lived, Chance would have been so proud of his family. So damn proud. They had the work ethic and temperament to continue the company in the way he’d envisioned when he created it.
He continued to work full time as the CEO of the Xavier family’s massive company but still maintained an impenetrable shroud of privacy around himself and his family to ensure their safety.
He felt her before he saw her. Anna slid under his arm next to him and the lingering ghosts fled. He pulled her close.
“What's wrong?” she asked without looking up.
“Frank Marshall is sick. He has cancer.”
Anna turned in his arms. “What's the prognosis?”
David shrugged. “They're doing tests now. He says the doctors think they caught it early.”
“I can't imagine what he and Amanda are going through.”
“Neither can I.” He would continue to make sure that family wanted for nothing. Even though Chance King had been close to a couple of his brothers who lived in Hope City, he was estranged from the rest of the extended family. “We are truly blessed.” Anna leaned back in his arms. “If tomorrow never comes, I'll know I've been truly loved. Amanda would, too.”
“We've led one hell of a life,” he agreed.
“We aren't finished yet. Four kids—which means four weddings yet to happen—and you have an entirely new organizational structure to set up at Guardian.” She bumped him with her hip. The soft curves of her body still fit against him perfectly.
“We're getting long in the tooth, Momma.”
“Bull puckey, Tiger. We're just hitting our stride. Stop being melancholy. Call the people you know at the Mayo Clinic, and get Frank seen by the best doctors in the world.”
“I already did.” He swayed with her in his arms, protecting her from the chilly air. “Have I told you recently how much I love you?”
“Just last night.” Anna lifted on her toes, and he accepted her invitation. Decades of familiarity with her kiss hadn’t dimmed the passion that lay like a banked fire in his soul.
“I don't know what I'd do without you.” Gabriel leaned his forehead against hers.
“You'd keep going. If not for me, for the kids, or Guardian.”
“There is so much to do yet.”
Guardian Security was growing again. The world was a dangerous place, and Guardian led the full-frontal assault against an evil that hadn't existed in years past. They'd changed and adapted. Change was one of the constants of life. His family, both his children and those he loved like his children, were the other constant. Guardian would go on, even without him. Younger blood would come in and his core Directors would ensure they were the type of people Guardian needed. Yes, there was so much left to do.
Anna smiled up at him. “Then we'll do it. Whatever it takes, my love.”
Gabriel beamed at the woman who was his world. “For as long as it takes, babe. And may God grant us the time to accomplish it all.”
Also by Kris Michaels
Kings of the Guardian Series
Jacob: Kings of the Guardian Book 1
Joseph: Kings of the Guardian Book 2
Adam: Kings of the Guardian Book 3
Jason: Kings of the Guardian Book 4
Jared: Kings of the Guardian Book 5
Jasmine: Kings of the Guardian Book 6
Chief: The Kings of Guardian Book 7
Jewell: Kings of the Guardian Book 8
Jade: Kings of the Guardian Book 9
Justin: Kings of the Guardian Book 10
Christmas with the Kings The Kings of Guardian
Drake: Kings of the Guardian Book 11
Dixon: Kings of the Guardian Book 12
A Backwater Blessing: A Kings of Guardian and Heart's Desire Crossover Novella
Montana Guardian: A Kings of Guardian Novella
Guardian Security Shadow World
Anubis (Guardian Shadow World Book 1)
Asp (Guardian Shadow World Book 2)
Lycos (Guardian Shadow World Book 3)
Everlight Series
An Evidence of Magic (Everlight Book 1)
An Incident of Magic (Everlight Book 2)
STAND ALONE NOVELS
SEAL Forever - Silver SEALs
A Heart's Desire - Stand Alone
Hot SEAL, Single Malt (SEALs in Paradise)
Hot SEAL, Savannah Nights (SEALs in Paradise)
About the Author
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Kris Michaels is the alter ego of a happily married wife and mother. She writes romance, usually with characters from military and law enforcement backgrounds.
Untitled
Gabriel (Guardian Defenders Book 1) Page 41
