Royce & Katherine

I grinned when I heard his voice and got off the porch, going to him and kissing him hard and deep. "I knew you'd make it out of there baby." 

"I'm not sure how long it'll take them to track us all down but I had to see you and the kids again."

I smiled. "I'm so glad you came. Do you want to come in? The kids are asleep, but I'm sure he won't be back for awhile."

"Don't wake them up, just let them sleep. I'm sure they're tired and seeing me might upset them. Look...I have someone I want you to meet."

"I just meant... if you wanted to look in on them or something. Who do you want me to meet?" 

"I'd like you to meet my Dad." I smiled and motioned for him to come forward.


"It's nice to meet you, Katy." I said as I came up to stand beside of Preston.

I smiled and shook his hand. "It's nice to finally meet you too." 

"I've heard a lot about you. Is it alright if I see my grandkids? I won't disturb them."

"Of course. Come inside, both of you," I said and took Preston's hand, leading them inside and upstairs. "This is Aiden's room. Arya's nursery is next door." 

"Thank you, Katy." I told her and went inside Aiden's room first.


"We need to talk. I came here with the intentions of taking you and the kids away from this place but I'm not so sure we'll make it. I don't want to put any of you in danger again so I'm leaving the choice to you."

I took a deep breath and leaned against the wall, crossing my arms over my chest. "Wow. I... I don't know what to say. I... I want to go with you Preston. More than anything, I hope you know that. But... I can't put the kids through that. I don't want them raised running and fearing for their life every day. And what if we didn't make it? We... we were as lucky as we could be this time. If they caught us... I doubt either one of us would ever see them again." I looked up at him. "I... I'm sorry. I love you... so much, but... I can't... I'm sorry, I can't go with you." 

"Don't be sorry, baby. The kids are way more important than me and you're right...they need stability. I can't give them that now." I took her hand and pulled her into my arms again. "This is a nice place. What's he like?"

I laid my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "He's okay. About your age actually. He's arrogant. A little obnoxious. He keeps beer in the house though so I think we'll be okay. I think he was a little surprised I could hold my liqour, but I told him about Mason's moonshine."

Katy

"See, you're already having conversations with him so he can't be too bad." I said "Just so you know I did throw a tantrum when I was told about him. But in the long run, I don't want you to be alone Katy. Of course the family members I have left will keep a close eye on you guys but...you know what I mean. As much is it fucking kills me to say it."

I blinked back tears, refusing to shed them. "I don't want anyone but you Preston. That's never gonna change."

Katy

"I know. I just don't want you to go through life lonely, sweetheart." I said and kissed her softly. "Don't cry."

"I'm trying not to," I whispered and kissed him back. "I won't be lonely. I'll have the kids. And I'll always have you in my heart," I said and kissed him again.

Katy

She knew what I meant but I understood why she was avoiding it. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too baby. Always and forever."

Katy

"I know it's been tough but I wouldn't change any of it."

"Neither would I baby. We've been through some rough times, but I've always known we cpuld get through anything, as long as we were together." I pulled away just a little and looked up at him. "Don't get caught. Okay?"

Katy

"I'll do my best not to. I still need to go see Collin and check on him." I told her "Listen. I saw Brendan at the prison...he let us go."

"He... he did? why did he do that? He could've gotten in so much trouble." 

"Will you do something for me?"

"Of course. What do you want me to do?"