Seth shook his hand with a grin. “I’m one hundred percent on board with that.”
That had tears pouring down her cheeks, making the men share a grin before Seth wiped her cheeks with his thumbs. “It’s over, Mara. You’re safe.”
She nodded, trying to hold back the tears, but the emotions of the last few minutes were just too strong, and Seth’s arms holding her close were everything she wanted.
She snuggled in and breathed in the future she’d always wanted. An incredible man who loved her, a job she loved, in a place she adored. “I’m so happy you love me back.”
He chuckled into her hair. “Me too. You ready to get out of the coop?”
She nodded into his chest, needing one more squeeze before she stood. Instead, Seth stood with her cradled in her arms.
“I can walk.”
“Your arms and legs must be hurting with all that blood flow returning. Let me help.”
Her knee also ached from when Blake kicked her, but she didn’t mention it. Instead, she kissed Seth lightly and leaned into him. Now that the panic was over, she could feel the aches and bruises forming. “Just for a minute.”
Although she figured she could happily stay right where she was forever.
Seth didn’t want to let her go. Not ever, but definitely not for the next while. He’d been so close to losing her.
A shudder ran through him, and he held her more tightly, reminding himself she was safe. Whole.
Unlike Maki.
Had Blake made a homemade IED, intending to blow her up?
The empathy he’d been feeling for the man took a back seat to the rage.
Mara patted his chest. “It’s okay. We’re both safe.”
He blew out a breath. “He wanted to kill you, blow you up.”
She nodded. “I know. I was so scared, but I knew you’d come and save us both.”
He dropped a kiss on her head. “I was lucky.”
She lifted her head to study him as he paused just outside the coop door. “I’m feeling pretty lucky myself. There’s this honorable, sexy man I’ve fallen in love with who loves me back. We’re both safe. Blake didn’t do anything he can’t come back from. You gave him a chance, Seth. A chance to heal from the pain he’s been in. I’m guessing he wasn’t lucky enough to have anyone to talk to about his brother’s death. It’s been festering inside him for a while. Maybe this will help him heal.”
She was such a good person. “I hope so.” And he realized he did. He didn’t want Maki’s brother to suffer anymore. They’d all suffered enough. Maki would want them all to heal and move forward.
Flashlights brightened the area enough so he could see that everyone who lived at the farm was there, along with Blake and the bodyguards.
Nash and Gray sat with MacNeil on the ground, with the bodyguards providing insurance in case things went sour. He appreciated their vigilance even as he hoped the danger was over.
Once he moved into the light, the group surrounded them. Mara patted his chest again, then squirmed down to her feet.
He wanted to haul her back up into his arms, but he knew the others needed to reassure themselves that she was fine.
Jolie flung herself at Mara with tears streaming down her face. “You’re okay? Tell me you’re okay.”
The other women crowded in, separating Seth from the group. Ford appeared at his side, and they both watched as these women who hadn’t known Mara for long surrounded her with love, hugs, tears, and laughter.
Ford slapped Seth on the back. “You did good. Not only in keeping Mara safe, but in making MacNeil talk about his brother.”
“Mara did most of that.”
Ford snorted. “Let’s just say that the two of you make a hell of a team.”
