The little girl giggled and pulled away. “Is the bad man gonna take you away from me again?”
She shook her head. “No, baby. That man is behind bars. He can’t come back.”
Her daughter cupped Aria’s face. “Please don’t leave me again, Mommy. Reece is nice, but I missed you.”
Taking her daughter’s hands in hers, she kissed both. “I won’t, I promise.” Aria glanced up at Reece thankful for whatever explanation he’d provided to her daughter. She mouthed a silent thank you, and he blew her a kiss.
The door opened then. Samantha peeked in and entered, followed closely by Cody, Kelly, and Laney. Thrilled, Aria waved a greeting as they neared the bed.
“God, it’s so good to see you.” Kelly was the first to hug her as Prisha jumped off the bed to talk with Laney.
“And you too.” Aria hugged her friend. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“We’ll catch up just now.” Kelly stepped away.
“Hey, coz. I’m so glad you’re all right. You gave us quite a scare.” Samantha dropped a quick kiss to her cheek.
“Thanks for the help, Sam and you too, Cody. I’m eternally grateful to you guys.”
“No sweat, Aria. You’re family.” Cody winked. “And we Bentley’s take care of our family. Ain’t that right, Reece.”
Reece grinned. “Damn right.”
Aria’s heart danced a merry tune. She was among the people who loved her wholeheartedly. “God, I’m so happy.”
“Well, it’s about time.” Her friend laughed. Then, as Reece excused himself and Cody chatted to the girls with Samantha, Kelly inched forward. “I’ve got some news to share too.”
Aria witnessed the twinkle in her friend’s gaze. “What’s his name?”
Kelly shifted from one foot to the other. Aria grinned. She’d never seen Kelly blush this much before.
“Darryl.”
“As in Darryl, the engineer at the mill?”
Her friend nodded. “One and only.”
“Oh, my God, I never saw that coming.” Aria laughed. “When did this happen?”
“The day before you went missing. He finally worked up the nerve to ask me out, and I said yes. He’s the one, Aria. I felt it in our first kiss.”
“Just one kiss?” Aria arched a brow.
“Well, my friend came first.” Kelly winked. “Plenty of time for Darryl and I to get acquainted. God, sweetheart, I’m so glad you’re all right, and everything worked out between you and Reece.” Her friend caught Aria’s hand in a gentle squeeze. “Aren’t you happy you gave the man a chance?”
“Yes, I am.” Aria heaved a sigh. She glanced toward the door as it opened. Reece entered, followed by someone wrapped in bandages. Recognition dawned instantly. “Leila?”
Leila neared the bed as Cody and Samantha turned. Leila glanced around at everyone and waved a greeting. “Hi.”
Aria took hold of Leila’s hand. “Everyone, meet the brave woman who not only retaliated against Jay but saved me. Leila, my friend Kelly, Reece’s brother, Cody, and his wife, Samantha.” Aria pointed to each of them as they nodded in greeting. “And up to mischief in the corner, is my daughter, Prisha and her friend, Laney.”
“Thank you, Leila.” Cody stepped closer. “For saving Aria.”
The bandages covered her smile, but Aria recognized the sentiment when Leila spoke. “I should be thanking her. She saved me.”
“We’re just glad you both were there for each other,” Reece said. The others nodded their agreement.
“Aria, Reece?” Her cousin moved to the bottom of the bed. “Cody and I’ve been chatting. If Leila agrees...” Samantha glanced at Leila. “We’d like to pay for her plastic surgery?”
