Truehearts & The Escape From Pirate Moon by Jake Macklem (ebook audio reader TXT) 📕

have run faster. T’toli was now far ahead of his limping progress. He doubled his efforts. I’ll get you Ace, and your sniper, Shaw, too!

  33: Cam

In the early morning traffic, it took over an hour for the taxi to weave through New Detroit Spaceport, out of the city, and into what was left of the Michigan forests. Cam appeared to watch the evergreen trees through the window but saw nothing. His attention was torn between the giddy anticipation of seeing his family and the bittersweet results of his original purpose on the moon.

Beyond the sheer masses of iron and neon, the planet was laden with silver, gold, and even worthwhile levels of platinum. Maybe enough for a tidy commission, even with all the losses. However, the mining consortium had frozen all projects in the area, citing potential pirate threat. Until the area was safe, no mining operations were going to be started. They were claiming losses on the project, including the transport ship, two dozen drop pods, and death benefits for the lost crewman. They had to wait until the investigation was completed before paying out commissions. On the plus side, it meant he was most likely going to get hazard pay. At least I negotiated a new finger… when they finally schedule an appointment.

As they got closer to home, his nervous butterflies grew until he could barely contain himself. Finally, the taxi turned onto his dirt driveway. The cozy house spilled a warm yellow-orange glow through the windows and looked inviting compared to the chill purple and blue shadows of the morning light. He paid the driver, grabbed his pack and his rifle case, and stepped out the door. The porch light turned on and Cam felt his cheeks lock into place, a toothy grin of joy expressing his happiness to anyone who saw it.

His front door opened and Calvin and Tomas exploded from the house in a fever of excitement. Calvin leaped from the top porch step, throwing his hand in the air in a triumphant fist pump. Tomas ran down the stairs and sprinted toward Cam, tears already running down his face.

The hot embers that flamed inside his heart threatened to burn him alive when Cam saw his boys. From a long-hidden place deep inside him, his love for them pushed to the surface and he burst into tears and laughter. Dropping his gear, he could only take a few steps before it was all too much and he fell to his knees, his arms extended, waiting for his children.

Tomas slammed into his father first, arms grabbing hold as if clutching a dream that might vanish forever. Calvin was just behind him, burying his tear-streaked face into his dad’s chest. Cam pulled the boys in tight, his shaking sobs breaking his normally calm demeanor.

“I missed you boys so much,” Cam choked out.

“I missed you too daddy.”

“I’m not ever letting go.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, dad.” The boys spoke through gasps and sob.

Cam laughed, unable to tell who was saying what. “I love you, boys.” He squeezed them tightly. Through the tears in his eyes, the light sparkled as his vision fell on Gwen.

His breath caught in his throat, his face went slack in awe, and his eyes softened as his pupils dilated. The boys continued talking, each taking a hand, walking him towards the woman he loved.

Her hair was down and she wore a simple yellow dress with white trim. The subtle makeup colors on her face only accentuated her beauty. As she batted her caramel eyes, Cam fell in love all over again.

“I made it home, Gwen. I’m here,” Cam said in hushed tones, half to himself.

“I heard you calling for help.” Her voice was warmer than the sun.

“I needed it. It got tense out there.” Cam smiled.

Tomas looked back and forth between his parents and a knowing smile spread across his face. Looking at Calvin he said, “Let’s get his stuff and go get breakfast started.”

“But…” Calvin started.

“Calvin!” Tomas said, motioning to his parents and made big eyes. “Let’s go inside.”

Understanding flashed on Calvin’s face. “Oh. Okay.” He smirked and hurried inside, followed by Tomas, who shut the door behind him.

“Smart boy, that Tomas.” Cam stepped closer and took his wife’s hands in his.

“Takes after his mother.” Gwen stared deeply into Cam’s eyes.

As their lips touched, it was as if he was being resurrected from death. How long they stood and embraced Cam could not tell. It was an eternal moment he would carry with him, reminding him what it was to be People. What he fought for, and what he lived for. This infinite moment of unbridled bliss that justified every struggle.

The world eventually returned around them and he leaned back to look lovingly at Gwen. He watched as she regained her composure, her face flushed.

He realized that for the past two years he had been lying to himself, burying his feelings, hiding them away during the unbearably long and lonely nights. The dangerous landings, deadly moons, ruthless pirates, and impossible monsters had been no threat at all compared to his own feelings. He felt his love for his family was the only force in the Verse that could crush him.

Would his boys remember him? Would Gwen still love him? Had she ever? If he had allowed those questions and feelings to surface he would never have survived.

And now the whole two years—the whole Verse—vanished. They were two souls connected beyond the physical world, beyond space and time. Two souls interwoven to become one, and he knew they always had been.

Gwen leaned back, flushed and blushing, and playfully smacked his shoulder. “The boys are spending the night at friends tonight.”

“Yee-haw,” Cam joked.

Gwen laughed then the twinkle left her eyes and she asked, “What happened out there, Cam?”