Author's note: Thank you to everyone who has read my books. This is the final chapter, and it is memorable. I'll miss creating these characters and plot lines. I love you, Tethered Family. We are forever . . . united. ~ Lily, 12 July 2023

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ Tethered ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Chapter 50 - United

━━─── • ───━━━

• Luna •

Luna and Amir's Portland bedroom window overlooked the Willamette River during a storm in early July. Oregon was normally lovely this time of year. After the war and what happened between Sam and Chase five months earlier, they were at a loss as to what to do. Cassie's family relocated to Québec, while Mera's family made their home in Barcelona. Everyone stayed in touch even after many of them moved away.

Three days ago, Paradise Pizzeria reopened so their family could try the Mediterranean pizza. Many Trojans have been hospitalized, but only some will recover. Faisal and other specialists had made progress in recent months, exploring new ways to help society after BARDA's actions. His antidote united many pairs.

Luna never forgot her mother, but she sometimes wanted Tahir and Chase to come back to life so she could kill them. She had experienced PTSD at times, but after seeing Cyrus Shah, a friend of Amir's, as her new psychiatrist, she started to feel much better about everything. She'd be miserable without her husband and the people in their lives.

She swiftly glanced back.

Amir sat cross-legged on the king-size bed. His stomach had tight coils and he wore faded denim pants without a shirt. She couldn't understand how he developed the dips on either side of his hips when she didn't get out of bed until she had to.

To get cheese.

Or a camera.

Amir Khan made life more entertaining.

He winked with one brown eye, making it more desirable than most men. "Admire the view?"

Luna said nothing. Instead, she typed on her computer. Like with their loan and job applications, her heart raced when the University of Portland hired her as a photography instructor. And Amir was employed by Oregon Health & Science University Hospital as a clinical geneticist.

This was paramount.

It was epic.

They wanted Sarah to have a better life, so they moved to another state. Though Amir and Luna weren't sure if they'd stay in the Pacific Northwest, they were happy. She understood his desire to return to Pakistan. Like much of the world, they were on lockdown. Each world leader or temporary candidate vowed to keep their borders closed until their homelands were rebuilt. After everything that had happened, it was expected.

"Go ahead, Moon," Amir whispered closer than she thought. He pulled Luna's ponytail while giving her a strong kiss. "You've written it for six weeks now. Push the button."

Still tasting him, Luna bit her bottom lip.

"Do it." He touched her cheek with a sharpie from her desk. "Your book should be read by bookworms like you. They can only read it if you allow them to."

She pouted. "What if no one likes my plot?"

Amir shook his head quickly. "No way, baby. They'll love United."

"Is that a good . . . title?"

Amir beamed. "Absolutely. It chronicles the story of Tethered Souls and how they united to reclaim their lives. It's a fantastic title for an outstanding plot."

Her brows knitted. "I'm wondering if you think I don't want constructive criticism since you're my husband."

"Nope. I'm giving you my unbiased opinion."

She whispered, "Good."

Amir laughed after freeing her hair. Luna's Chromebook, which she protected with her life, fascinated him. She was like her other child and was named Nola after New Orleans, Louisiana.

Nola was gorgeous, slim, and purple, her owner's favorite color.

Luna swallowed and curled her fingers. Amir leaned over her and gripped the chair's arms. His enthusiasm for her achievement of writing a novel excited her.

After pressing "publish," the screen reloaded with a new page.

"The first chapter of your book is on your blog." He kissed her. "Congratulations, Moon. Watch your book thrive."

Luna smiled as her shoulders relaxed. "I like the black background and white letters."

"Me too."

They had a short time to pack before their move, and Liberty and Vikram helped. She treasured her books, pictures, and valuables and wanted to pursue her hobbies. Particularly gardening. Their new three-story home and spacious yard provided plenty of space for vegetation.

"Ooh, look." Amir tapped the screen with his finger. "You're getting views." A dark brow cocked up. "And your photography page has more followers. Sweet."

Luna's worry that others might criticize her writing was nerve-wracking. It was all too real. "My newsletter is also growing."

"Indeed, Mrs. Author."

She licked her lips. "Another nickname?"

Amir laughed and nipped her ear, making her squirm in her chair. Looking at the stack of magazines in the corner, she gasped when she saw wedding gown after wedding gown staring at her. They planned a vow renewal with a white gown, bridesmaids, groomsmen, reception, entertainment, and a homemade cake. It was their first anniversary today, and they wanted to rebuild their lives with new goals.

General Hayes had implemented the BARDA Identification Program, also known as BIP, and no one had recognized her or Amir from the online footage in Texas.

The world government's response to dormant Engineered Souls, Defectives, Hybrids, and other undetectable inventions was BIP, which meant Luna and her family would not have to take cognitive tests. However, some superhumans were not welcomed in communities, and some were traumatized or killed for their abilities. The future was unclear and living was not always pleasant, but she had to go on for their family.

While Amir stared at her, Luna nibbled her bottom lip and looked at the clock on the wall.

"We have time," he murmured, his voice raspy like sandpaper.

She scrunched her brow, although her heart was skipping a beat. "Time to do what?"

"No, no. Don't be shy around me." Amir paraded around her chair, making her stomach drop. "Moonlight, I read your mind."

"We can't." When Luna inched back, her toes sank into the carpet. "Sarah is still sleeping, and we have company coming over."

"Maybe not." One side of his mouth curled.

"That's just your overblown ego and wishful thinking showing out."

Dark brows shot up. "Are you trying to . . . resist . . . me?"

When she looked at the time again, Luna chuckled and fought back a smile. They had plenty of time. She shifted her weight.

As the challenge escalated, Amir's eyes deepened to a darker brown, and she felt an explosion of excitement inside of her like a firecracker. "I'll prove we have time," he said.

"You would."

Amir towered in front of her in a heartbeat. She curled her fingers when he kissed her temple and moved them to the floor.

"I only need thirty minutes, Moon."

"And here I thought you needed five minutes."

He grinned and tugged her shirt over her shoulders, clutching the hem. "Clearly, my goal will take longer."

Amir had an amazing ability to quickly undress her. Before she knew what happened, Luna was there, feeling exposed.

He looked at his work when he stepped back. "If I haven't said it already, I'll say it now." Amir raised his head and peered into her eyes until it felt physical. "I want you. I need you now and forever."

"Is that a promise?"

He took another step forward, wrapped her arms in his embrace, and kissed her cheek. "Yes, Mrs. Khan."

Amir kissed her and massaged her shoulders, making her quiver with elation. He made a deep groan in his throat, and she shivered, knowing he wouldn't need more than ten seconds.

Luna grabbed his neck as he hoisted her. By the time they reached the mattress, she was fatigued and ravenous, but her husband didn't break their kiss.

"How many more minutes?" he asked, dropping his pants.

Luna smiled when his hair touched her forehead while he leaned down. "I'm not sure."

"Hmm. I affect you." He captured her mouth with another kiss and lifted her with an arm around her waist as their bodies pressed against each other. "I can make you forget things."

She smirked. "You make me forget everything."

"Have you fed Lizzy?" His eyes were drawn to their cockatiel that was in memory of Elizabeth.

Luna nodded. "I fed her before I went to bed."

"Hmm. Now, it is our turn to be . . . fed."

Amir bit his lip and kissed Luna after she laughed, ending the teasing. He sank further while tracing a line of searing, delicate kisses across her neckline, ignoring time and their obligations.

"I love you, Moon."

She never got tired of hearing those words or realizing how much her husband loved her. She held him and kissed him, then followed him.

His gorgeous light flashed over the ceiling when she opened her eyes, and his lips were pressed over her cheek. She had no idea how long he moved while she was enveloped by a rush of sensations. Seconds turned into minutes as they made love.

She fell in love again when he lifted his head and kissed her moist cheekbones with a satisfied smile. When he rolled over, Luna lay her head on his chest and listened.

"Moon . . . that was . . ." Amir panted, his chest rising and falling. "You make me happy."

"We're in sync."

"Mm. I can't wait until later."

"Naughty boy."

"Only with my wife." 

She smiled, looking into Amir's eyes. "Happy Anniversary, Husband."

"Happy Anniversary, Wife." He groaned and looked at the wall. "They'll be here in five minutes."

"Holy crap!" Luna screamed and hit his shoulder. "It's almost ten."

Amir laughed when she jumped out of bed. "Where are you going?"

"I need to wake Sarah, then shower," Luna replied, pulling her ponytail into a high bun. Running around the bed, she glanced at him.

Amir's gaze was low. "Don't shower."

"I have to." She threw open the bathroom door and turned on the water. "I smell like you."

She followed Amir's loud chuckle into Sarah's bedroom to wake her up.

Sarah groaned.

"It's time to wake up," Luna urged.

"But I'm sleepy," Sarah mumbled.

"What did I say?"

Amir shouted from the bedroom, "Listen to your mother," and Sarah exhaled loudly.

"Three minutes!" Luna yelled, heading to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Before the doorbell rang, she finished, grabbed the tote bag from her impromptu collection of books in the office, and rushed down the stairs.

Amir entered the living room wearing a black button-down shirt and black slacks, and Luna placed her pink bag on the rocking chair. He scanned her. "You still smell like me."

Her mouth widened in disbelief.

'Told you not to shower,' he added internally, giving her a wink.

She was surprised to see their visitors at the front door with identical What The Hell? expressions, making her seem strange.

Or maybe Greer was peeking inside her thoughts.

His white eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Wouldn't you like to know?" His comment narrowed her eyes.

"Greer has a tendency of getting into everyone's head," Liberty stated as she stood between him and Vikram, her thick, wavy hair cascading behind her like a gorgeous high-definition veil. She hugged Luna fast and gently. "Do you know what he did yesterday?"

"Please spill," Luna said curiously.

"Please don't," Amir begged, and Vikram laughed while everyone took off their shoes in the foyer.

"Greer was barbaric," said Vikram.

"He claimed he hadn't eaten at Outback in years since he'd been living under concrete," Liberty said, sitting in the recliner. "We went for the appetizers. Thanks, sis, for planting the restaurant in Greer's head. He smelled like Bloomin' Onion and Fried Shrimp in the car after eating so much. I'll never be able to get rid of that smell."

Greer shrugged and sat on the couch. "It wasn't that terrible."

Amir's brow furrowed.

"What about the other thing?" Vikram spoke, holding Liberty's waist.

"What other thing?" Luna surveyed the small group.

"The waitress was checking Greer out," Liberty quipped. "As in, nonstop. Every time she moved to serve more customers, she looked at our table. Like we couldn't see that."

"So what if Greer has an admirer?" Amir asked.

"Nothing," Vikram uttered. "He said he's still waiting for Sefora."

Luna grinned at her friend's name. Sefora was with her mother in Uganda while Alisha was incarcerated for her crimes against humanity. Sefora didn't want her to be alone.

"I'll see her next week," Greer remarked, catching Luna's attention. "Maybe she and I can talk about where we are with each other."

"I'm sure she'll like to see a friendly face," Luna said, smiling.

"The waitress wasn't just looking at him. She was eyeballing Vikram like he was a steak," Liberty claimed. "I think she was in the mood for a two-for-one special."

Luna giggled at her sister's comment.

"So, I did a normal thing," she joked.

"Normal?" Greer chuckled. "Your sister imagined stabbing the server with knives. In gory detail, I might add."

Liberty shrugged one thin shoulder. "As I said before, don't delve into people's minds and then talk about what you see."

"I added to the conversation," Greer argued.

Vikram bowed and kissed Liberty's ear. "Greer adds a lot to the conversation, especially when he tells me how hot I make you—"

"Okay," Luna said. "We've had enough entertainment for the day."

Liberty looked at her. "What? Is that too much for you to hear?"

"Not only for my wife," Amir emphasized, "but for the whole house."

Greer smirked. "If you knew their thoughts about—"

"You can stop there," Amir interrupted. "Anyway, while you guys talk about whatever, I'll go check on Sarah."

Luna wondered if Liberty would have died or hidden like the rest of BARDA if she'd never escaped their clutches. She couldn't lose her after their mother's death. And their father? She didn't want to think about how it might have made him feel. Lawrence would have been devastated, like when they informed him about Elizabeth's passing.

Liberty brushed her hair and stared at the small tote bag. "What's inside?"

"Oh!" Luna grabbed the bag. "I got Conner and Zoe something."

Amir entered the living room with Sarah walking beside him. "I don't know what it is," he said.

"I know," Sarah replied. "I love it."

Luna chuckled. She pulled out a thin photo album to show the group and ask their opinion. "What do you think?"

Amir squinted as he read the front's white block letters. "Photography Beats Boyfriends?"

Luna giggled after placing it on the coffee table. "I'm sure Zoe and Connor will like it."

Vikram looked confused. "What does that mean?"

"Are you serious, Vik?" Liberty sighed and turned away from him. "I think it's cute, Luna. It sends a strong message."

"I agree," said Greer.

"Of course you do," Vikram replied, glancing at him. "I'm so thrilled we get along."

Sarah's toy camera caught Luna's eye. It made her smile a little. "I'll introduce their daughter to photography. Encourage her to make it a career."

"Her." Sighing, Greer shook his head. "It's amazing that they had a little girl during all of this."

"It is. Zoe said that her delivery was stressful, but she got through it with Connor by her side," Liberty said.

Then Sarah spoke out loud, "She will be the most powerful person ever! I'm excited to play with her!"

Luna breathed deeply, knowing Connor and Zoe had a beautiful girl. She couldn't wait to tell everyone their news.

Amir licked his lips after touching her shoulder. "Tell them, Moon."

Luna shook her head when Liberty put her arm around her sister's shoulder. "Tell us what?"

Amir smiled and turned to Sarah. "Hey, sweetheart. Why don't you go get your new shirt?"

Sarah replied, "Really?" Her parents nodded while the others gazed at each other.

"What's going on?" Liberty asked. "Talk. Please."

Sarah hurried to her room and reappeared in the living room minutes later wearing a black shirt with "Only Child" crossed out and "Big Sister" written underneath.

Luna thought sharing the happy news with the family would be fun. "Well?" she said when nobody spoke. Even Greer was suddenly quiet.

She turned toward Liberty once she finished reading the words, and Vikram opened his mouth slightly.

"You're pregnant?" Liberty exclaimed.

Luna nodded. "Yeah. And there's more."

"Umm . . ." Vikram mumbled. "You have more news?"

"Wow," muttered Greer, staring at Luna. "That is . . . wow!"

Luna realized then he was reading her mind.

Amir turned and took hers and Sarah's hands. "We are having not just one baby, but two. Twins."

"What? No way!" Liberty shrieked and gripped Luna's waist. "Oh, my God! I can't believe it. Wait. I can."

Luna smirked. "What does that mean?"

Liberty gave her "You know exactly what I'm talking about" face, but she said quietly, "It was bound to happen. Why not, given how much you and Amir worship each other?"

Vikram chuckled when Amir hugged him. Then he lowered his waste to give Sarah a small hug. "I didn't know anything. I figured something was up when I saw Luna eating all that food at The Waterfront Café."

"What? No, that wasn't why I ate so much," Luna said. "That happened four months ago, and I wasn't pregnant. I was happy. Dr. Kim finally got what was coming to him."

"So, it was a celebration, Mommy?" Sarah asked, glancing at her mother.

Amir grinned, inched closer, and kissed her cheek. "Things are getting better, sweat pea. We're safe."

"Yay!" Sarah yelled while holding Vikram's shoulders.

Liberty asked, "What about the poison that was injected into you, Luna? I thought that it was slowly killing your body."

Luna hugged her. "It's okay. Whatever was in that serum Chase gave me pretty much got rid of everything that was in my body. He . . . fixed me."

Luna scanned everyone's raised eyebrows.

Amir added, "I keep an eye on Luna's medical tests. She is in great shape."

Liberty smiled while staring at Luna.

"Ready?" Greer asked. He was holding the door. "Guess who called me this morning?" When Amir passed him, Greer paused. "No, it wasn't Harry Styles, and no, I don't want to sleep with him. But his music is good."

Amir laughed.

Luna asked, "Who?"

He smiled after closing the door. Vikram had called shotgun in Greer's Silverado. "Zander touched base. He wondered about everyone since telepathy is prohibited."

The worldwide government restricted superhuman abilities, including telepathy. No one would be scared, and no war would arise. The new law didn't prevent Luna from talking to friends and family utilizing telepathy, but that didn't stop her from doing what she wanted.

Amir gazed at her. They last heard from Zander and Selena a month ago. They were traveling south. "Have they moved?" Luna asked.

"He's in Washington. Zander's sister lives in Vancouver, so they're visiting her." While everyone was in the backseat, Greer pulled out his keys and started talking again. "They'll call you guys later."

"Wonderful," Amir mumbled.

Luna replied, "I thought we liked Zander and company."

"I like him thirty percent of the time," he grunted. When she pouted, Amir sighed and said, "Fine. I like Zander halfway. Happy?"

Luna giggled after Greer entered the Interstate.

Even though their child was a few months old, Connor and Zoe's Cedar Hills house was safe to visit. The baby floated, glided, and glowed. Large trees gave their four-acre property solitude. Luna stared when Connor opened the door. He looked different.

Liberty patted his head. "Do you have a dad hairdo?"

Ah. That was the change. He looked less like Chase with his shorter hair, cut close to the sides and longer on top. His style looked nice.

Zoe emerged from the entryway to the living room. She was holding a happy, strawberry-blonde-haired baby. "Hi. I ordered Thai," she said. "I wanted to make you something, but . . ."

"Oh! Thai is good." Liberty peeked at Luna as she sprinted down the hall, touching the baby's cheeks.

"How's your family, Amir?" Connor asked in the hallway.

Amir inhaled and smiled. "They're okay. General Hayes has my parents and Adnan in Atlanta until they can return home."

"That's good."

When the doorbell rang, Greer opened it like he owned the place. He could read minds, so he probably knew who it was right away. "Hey, guys."

Lawrence, Faisal, Cami, Dominique, and Owen walked in and took off their shoes. While most of them have superhuman abilities, they all learned to respect everyone's homes and cultures.

Luna looked up at her father. "Hi, Dad."

"Good morning, baby." Lawrence quickly hugged her and looked at Amir. Then he hugged everyone at the same time. Sarah's shirt made him gasp. "Big . . . sister?"

Everyone in the foyer turned to Luna and Amir after hearing that. She blushed "Surprise?"

Cami was the first to wrap Luna in a cocoon. "Oh, my word! You didn't tell me about this?"

Luna gaped, grinned, and nodded. "Sorry?"

Cami laughed as Faisal hugged Luna, then Amir. "Congratulations," he said, smiling.

"Yeah," Dominique whispered as she joined the others. "Congratulations, you guys."

"This is awesome," Owen said. "If anyone needs a sitter, I volunteer."

"As tribute?" Cami murmured, drawing laughter.

Amir replied, "Shukria."

"How far along are you?" Faisal asked Luna.

"A little over three months," she answered, clutching Sarah's hand. "I'm due in January."

Vikram faced them. "Tell everyone about the other news."

"It's twins!" When Sarah yelled, the baby cried.

Cami remarked, "Aww . . ." as she approached Zoe. "She's so adorable. Once Faisal and I get married, I can't wait to have his babies."

The whole group laughed as they stood near the threshold.

"Be careful around Katy," Connor cautioned next to his daughter. "She scares easily."

Katy was named after her grandmother, Katherine Marquette, who refused to be a test subject for Connor's dad, Julien. Julien killed her. He wanted to find his new granddaughter and learn more about her abilities.

Luna turned to Dominique and asked, "How are Ethan, Jamal, and the kids settling into Kingston? Jamaica must be rough."

Dominique sighed and breathed deeply. "Everything seems fine. The kids. . . Well, they like it there more than the States. Kai is there now, and he and Jamal are still traumatized by everything. We just live each day, you know?"

Luna smiled and hugged her. "Same here. Sarah and I wake up with nightmares."

"We all have suffered a lot," Dominique said.

"I completely understand."

During a casual conversation in the family room, a young figure walked around the corner.

Matthew.

He was a lovely surprise. After everything, Connor and Zoe took him in. Since Chase had died, his family wanted Matthew for his genetics, but a few relatives still cared about him as a person. The young boy immediately went to Sarah and began playing with her in Katy's play area.

"Do you see that?" Connor looked proudly at Luna. "Katy did it."

Luna gasped. "She wrote her initials?"

"Yep." Zoe looked at her husband. "She etched her name while lying on the mat. Most likely with her mind."

Cami slunk close to Faisal on the loveseat. "I didn't learn how to spell my name until the third grade, which is bad because it's a very short name. At least in its abbreviated form."

Luna chuckled.

"It's not that difficult for Katy," Matthew chimed in. "This happened a lot in the hospitals. The smartest people were babies."

Luna glanced around the room and knew what everyone was thinking. This small child went through a lot.

"You . . . want to hold her?" Zoe asked, keeping her eyes on Luna.

She answered yes and softly lifted her arms. Luna hadn't held a baby in years, and she and Amir's twins were due in six months. If they arrive on time, New Year's Day will be amazing. A fresh start.

After being lifted closer to Luna's chest, Katy grasped two fingers and gripped them tightly. Luna laughed. "Wow. She's got me."

"She's strong." Connor smiled when Zoe joined him on the settee. "She threw her teddy into the den from the front door. That's over . . . twenty feet."

"Damn," Greer muttered. "Sorry." Looking at Matthew and Sarah, he said, "I forgot there are children present."

"Perhaps she could be a softball player," Owen stated. "When the schools open in Astoria, I'll coach the boys' baseball teams."

Zoe's laugh was carefree. "I'm worried our daughter will throw something through a window if she gets stronger. I'm not comfortable with her playing many games right now."

"I get that," Cami remarked, staring at the baby.

Luna told Katy, "You're so precious," who laughed. As the baby glanced over her shoulder, she noticed Amir coming. She stared at him with horror. "I'm not sure she likes you."

He cracked up. "Everyone likes me."

Greer coughed. "Your wife is onto something."

"How could Katy not like Amir?" Liberty asked Greer.

"Who's the baby's uncle?" Greer replied. Everyone nodded and blinked. The baby sensed what happened between Amir and Chase, and that probably upset her.

Sarah smiled and walked to her parents. "She is beautiful, Mommy. Katy feels comfortable with you."

The baby's gaze fell on Sarah, and when she smiled at her, her dark pupils lightened to a brilliant white.

"She's unique," said Amir.

That she was, Luna thought internally.

"Our little ones will be just as unique," he whispered into Luna's ear, and she smiled when she leaned into his embrace.

A light tap on the door startled everyone, and Luna glanced across the room at Greer, who was grinning like the Joker. He knew who was at the door.

"Are you guys expecting anyone?" Amir asked.

Connor rose to his feet. "Not now. Our take-out doesn't arrive for thirty more minutes. I'll go check."

Luna's stomach churned when she continued to stare at Greer. Could it be?

'Hi, Rogue.'

Greer's grin broadened, and her chest tightened.

Titus.

'I've missed my BTA,' Titus continued somewhere outside. 'I can't believe you're pregnant . . . with twins. Uncle T is here.'

After Connor opened the door, Titus entered with a graceful, long-legged stride. Good grief, he was taller. "I suppose my party invitation was misplaced in the mail."

Luna yearned to hug him but remembered he hated hugs. Before he could stop them, Cami and Liberty jumped up and gripped him in an epic hold.

"How are you doing?" Luna asked him.

Titus sighed heavily. "You know, pushing forward while burning the world down."

Her eyes widened.

Amir sounded as if he was strangled. "Were you . . . implying what I think you were?"

Titus met his stare and nodded. "Uh-huh. We're destroying one BARDA facility at a time. All across the globe. Russia, Africa, and Brazil each had over a thousand buildings."

Luna gaped as she watched him tilting his head to the side. "Are you still babysitting the Hybrids?" she asked him.

Titus swallowed, staring at Katy. "For now. I think it's useful for them because, as you know, I'm pretty awesome. They're learning from the greatest."

The Hybrid children were better off without Chase, Nurse Smith, and the organization, but what was Titus teaching them? Finding out who was watching them while he was in Oregon concerned her.

'Utah is with the kiddos,' Titus answered Luna's unspoken question.

"May I?" he asked when he reached out to hold the baby.

When Zoe caught Luna's eye, she nodded. "Sure."

Titus took Katy from Luna's arms like a parent. The baby seemed to be comfortable with him while she looked back at Luna.

"Hi there," he said staring at her. "Children are a blessing."

Luna laughed remembering Amir saying that to her back in the day.

'Where do you think I found the inspiration?' Titus' voice echoed in her mind. 'Seriously, Rogue, the organization prevented me and others from having children. I'm heading back to England soon to work on a treatment.'

She gasped. 'Oh.'

'By the way,' he said, his eyes locked on Luna. 'Gray hair suits you. Your nickname fits now.'

Luna was horrified but kept quiet.

Katy smiled at him after putting a tiny hand on his cheek and pulling his silver strands with the other.

"My daughter adores you," Connor said.

"I know," Titus agreed, smiling at the baby.

Luna ignored their conversation after he faced Connor and Zoe with the baby. It had something to do with Cheetos, Ranch Dressing, and exotic settings, and that was all she cared to hear.

Amir whispered, "Moon?" in her ear.

She was amazed by her husband again, as she was eight years ago when she saw him in the hotel lobby. Luna didn't know who he truly was, but she sensed his compassion right away and knew Amir was a keeper.

"Yes?"

He recited words that widened her eyes and seared her cheeks, and his lips touched her cheek.

His wedding speech one year prior featured those lines, which Luna would never forget.

"Do you recall what I told you, Moon?" he whispered. "I found happiness and my soulmate when I met you. You, Sarah, and our unborn children are my life."

When she answered with the most honest words ever, Luna's heart thumped in her chest. "And you are ours, Amir Khan. We will always be . . . tethered."

~ The End ~

━━─── • ───━━━

The Tethered Trilogy

Tethered Souls — Book One

The Tethered Ones — Book Two

Tethered — Book Three