Joshua clears his throat, deep voice gruff.“You gave us quite a scare, Penny.” His big, calloused hand envelops mine.“Don’t do that again, eh?”
Ethan swoops in next, wrapping me in the gentlest bear hug a giant has ever given.“We almost lost you, kid. Don’t go pulling stunts like that again.” His tone tries for playful, but his voice cracks.
Dex leans against the bedrail, dark eyes softening just for a beat.“The whole town’s been dropping casseroles at the B&B. You scared the hell outta everyone.” His hand lingers on my shoulder, warm and protective, before he steps back with a smirk to mask it.
Jude hangs back until the silence tugs him forward. Arms crossed, jaw set, he mutters,“Bastard’s never touching you again.” Just six words, but they hit like steel, a vow.
Grace doesn’t wait her turn. She throws her arms around me in a fierce hug, curls brushing my face.“You’re my sister now, whether you like it or not. And if you ever scare me like that again, I’ll chain you to the porch swing myself.”
A broken laugh escapes me, shaky but real.
Then Cas’s phone buzzes. He growls, mutters, and swipes. Jace’s grinning face fills the screen, hat tipped back, crowd roaring behind him.
“There she is! My favorite girl!” he hollers over the noise.“Damn, Penny, even beat up you’re still prettier than my horse.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks.“Jace…”
Cas bristles beside me, muttering,“I’m gonna wring his neck,” which only makes Jace laugh louder. The room follows, laughter easing the weight that’s been pressing down on all of us.
I look around at their faces, worried, tear-streaked, shining with relief. All of them here for me. My chest swells with something I’ve never felt so solid, so sure.
Home.
For the first time in my life, I know I’ll never be alone again.
CHAPTER 23
Penelope
Two weeks have passed since Mark kidnapped me, and the streets of Lander feel alive this morning, but not in the noisy, chaotic way I once knew. Sunlight spills across the brick sidewalks, warm and golden, while a crisp breeze carries the scent of woodsmoke and baked bread. I wave at the man tending his flower stall, and he tips his hat with a grin. A few steps later, Mrs. Delaney calls my name and pulls me into a quick hug.
It hits me how far I’ve come. I’ve survived. I’ve grown. I have a studio that feels like home, a family who’s chosen me, friends who lift me up, and a life here that finally feels…right. I even called my dad last week. His voice is hoarse but steady, full of relief. He promises he’ll come visit soon. My chest warms at the thought. And Summer… Summer has become my sister in every way that counts, my partner in mischief and confidante in my doubts.
I pause at the door of my studio, inhaling deeply. The smell of coffee, paper, cameras, and leather greets me like an old friend. My eyes skim over the new display, prints of Lander’s autumn, families laughing, couples holding hands, sunsets that stretch forever. I smile, pressing my hand to the glass of the window. This is my life. My safe place.
I’m crouched behind the camera, adjusting the lens as the pregnant woman in front of me laughs at a silly pose I suggested. I snap a few more shots, feeling that familiar pulse of joy that comes with capturing someone’s life, their love, their anticipation.
When she leavesI walk over to the computer to start sorting the images, the morning light spilling across my studio. My fingers fly over the keyboard, selecting, editing, tweaking. I’m in my element. My heart feels full.
A soft knock at the door pulls me from my reverie.“Come in,” I call, and Cas steps inside, wearing his sheriff uniform, the badge catching the morning sun. In one hand, a small bouquet of roses; in the other, a paper bag with lunch.
“For you,” he offers both with a grin that makes my heart skip.“Thought we could have a little picnic before work calls me away.”
I laugh softly, feeling warmth pool in my chest.“You always know how to spoil me.”
He shrugs modestly.“It’s a talent.” His eyes flick to mine, soft and steady, full of something I never expected to feel, belonging and love.
“Come here” he growls, and before I can react, he pulls me up from my chair and kisses me. Soft, slow, impossibly tender. I melt into him, feeling the warmth of him settle around me, his scent wrapping me up like home. He buries his head in my neck.
“God, I missed you,” he whispers.
I laugh softly.“But I saw you this morning.”
He pulls back just enough to flash me a wicked smirk.“I know, but I can’t seem to get enough of you.”
“I know the feeling,” I tease, brushing a stray curl from his forehead.
I nod toward the roses.“Thank you for these. You spoil me, cowboy.”
