Tate shook his head. “And not even one bird is named after your brothers? Some sister you are.”
She laughed. “When we grow the flock, we’ll name the scaredy-chicken after you.”
Laughter exploded from everyone.
Over the next thirty minutes, she answered their questions, and they met the rest of the group.
Nash, Olivia, and the kids walked in the back door. Charlie grinned. “Smells fantastic.”
Gray thanked him. “You want to help with the garlic sticks I’m making?”
“Sure. Wait. Who are all those people on the screen, Mara?”
Mara waved him over. “Hi Charlie, I’d like you to meet my dad and my brothers.”
Charlie’s eyes roved over the screen, and he looked at her, eyebrows high. “You have that many brothers? Plus Ford?”
She laughed, and the gang introduced themselves, obviously charmed by Charlie and his million questions.
Again, the desire for a child with Seth filled her up. A glance at him showed his eyes glowing, and she hoped he was thinking along the same lines.
When Charlie bounced away to help Gray, she turned back to her family. Her dad watched her and Seth speculatively. Then he grinned. “Thanks for telling us the entire story this time.”
She flushed and rolled her eyes. “There was actually something to tell this time.”
Clark leaned in. “There was something last time, too. Glad to see the asshole’s reviews have tanked. His new baker isn’t working out either, so maybe we don’t have to visit New York.”
Horror ran through her. “You can’t do that. And you wonder why I didn’t tell you.”
The eye rolls on the screen were almost in sync. Nate grinned. “Anyone who hurts you deserves what he gets, but you handled yourself, kid.”
That brought nods, and Dan added. “Now you have backup. Between Seth, Ford, and the rest of your group up there, we know you’re safe. That’s all we want.”
Another round of nods.
Ford pulled her in for a hug. “We’ve got her.”
Seth nodded. “We do. Always.”
The gazes all turned to Seth, evaluating the words and the intent behind them.
Mara waved her hands at them. “Stop. All of you. I can take care of myself.”
Her dad smiled. “We know, but we’re all glad you’ve got such excellent backup. What will happen with Blake?”
Mara nodded at Seth for him to answer. “He’s facing a lot of charges, but we’re hoping to help downgrade them. Mara and I are going to write a letter explaining that we want him to get help to deal with it all, and that we hope they’ll let him do more community service and less jail time.”
Her dad’s smile grew. “That proves you’re both compassionate people. The man is lucky to have your support after what he did.”
Mara shrugged. “When we know the reason why he did it, it’s easier to feel sad for him. He’s a good man who took a very wrong turn.”
They talked for a few more minutes, and then her dad smiled. “Love you, Mara. Keep in touch. Same with you, Seth.”
A flurry of goodbyes later, she sank back into her chair.
Ford hugged her again, and then he and Jolie stood to help with the food. She leaned into Seth. “Thanks.”
He laughed. “You’ve got a great family.”
