Roxy closed her eyes for just one second.
She focused on the steady, safe feeling of Zarek's hand on her back and Ren's strong arms holding her waist. She took a deep, shaky breath, filling her lungs with air. When she opened her eyes again, the panic was gone. Only pure, overwhelming love was left.
The big television screen was a window right into her heart.
Because they were all so excited, the kids started talking over each other. It was a loud, messy, and wonderful noise. The speakers on the big TV buzzed as nine different voices tried to reach across the universe all at the exact same time.
Iris pushed her way to the very front of the couch. She didn't care about looking like a grown-up right now. Big, wet tears were spilling down her cheeks, and she didn't even try to wipe them away.
"Mama, we miss you!" Iris cried out, her voice loud and clear over the noise. She reached her hand toward the camera. "We miss you so much!"
