Emmalyn looked at Barron and raised an eyebrow.
Barron gave a half-hearted shrug, which was apparently the answer she wanted.
Emmalyn turned back to Ronan. “Not everybody knows this, but I was paid a huge — huge, huge — settlement by the agency after everything happened. They didn’t keep our private information safe, which allowed my stalker to get it, even if he was an agent. No one, not even another agent should have access to the private information in our work files. I didn’t even have to hire a lawyer, hadn’t gotten to the point of thinking of it yet, when their attorneys contacted me with an offer to make it go away and sign away any future rights for legal action. I counter-offered with a ridiculous amount thinking we’d settle somewhere in the middle, but they accepted my counter-offer and settled. I don’t need the money. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with. I’ve helped any of our family that needed it, and I’ve donated to the shelter, and I’m a silent investor in a new domestic battery shelter for women and their children andpets in New Orleans. And I’ve still got money. I don’t need you to buy it from me. It’s yours. I’ll transfer the deed to your name.”
“I don’t know what to say, Emmalyn.”
“Say thank you. And make sure that Havoc knows that though he wanted to sell his brother a parcel of his land, I simply gave it to him.”
Ronan burst out laughing. When he recovered he was still grinning. He reached out and hugged her. “And there’s the Emmalyn I know and love.”
“Oh, yeah. She’s in there. Don’t think for a second she’s not. Especially when it comes to outdoing Havoc. It’s her favorite pastime that doesn’t involve the kids and me,” Barron said, slipping his arm around Emmalynn’s shoulders. She leaned into him and it was obvious to anyone watching that he was her rock. He kept her grounded and safe.
“I appreciate everything you’re offering me, but I want to be clear, I can pay you for it. It would be over time, but I can do it,” Ronan said.
“You owe me nothing. What good is money if you can’t help your family with it? It’s not costing me a penny — I already bought it years ago. I’ll have the paperwork drawn up and all you’ll have to do is sign. It’s yours.”
“Thank you, Emmalyn.”
“I can’t wait to meet your female! And Analise said she’s got littles?”
“Two boys. One just barely six and the other seven.”
“They’ll have plenty of friends to play with here.”
“Yes, they will. They’re something special. I love them already.”
“What are their names?” Barron asked.
“She’s Giada. The boys are Matteo and Leo.”
“I can’t wait to meet her. She’ll be safe here, and she’ll feel it once she’s comfortable enough to accept you. It might take a minute, though, so don’t get frustrated,” Emmalyn offered.
“That’s exactly what’s happening. She’s afraid, but I’m doing all I can to make her see that I’ll protect her. We just met a few days ago, though, so it’s all new.”
“It’ll work out,” Barron said.
“I won’t accept anything less,” Ronan said.
“Mommy, can we finish coloring?” Roslyn asked, as the credits to the movie she’d been watching played behind her.
“Of course, baby,” Emmalyn said. She hugged Ronan. “I’ll see you in a couple of days to sign the paperwork.”
“Sounds great. And thank you again.”
“You’re welcome. Very welcome. And don’t forget to tell Havoc!” she said as she hurried toward her daughter.
“I’ll tell him,” Ronan promised. He did the man hug thing with Barron again, before Barron walked him to the door. “I’ll see you guys in a few days. If anything changes let me know. I fully planned to pay you for it.”
“Nah, it’s not necessary. And it makes Em happy that she can do things for family.”
“Again, I’m so grateful.”
“She knows. That’s why she did it.” Barron watched as Ronan headed down his driveway and started across the street to get his truck from Havoc’s drive. He remembered suddenly what he’d wanted to comment on and hadn’t. He stepped out on the porch and raised his fist in the air. “Roll Wave!”
Ronan turned back and grinned, holding his own fist in the air. “Roll Wave!” he shouted back.
“Later, dude!” Barron said.
