“There’s something else,” Linc says. I raise my brows at him to continue. “There are families who will get their land back because of this. And those that can’t will get enough money to rebuild.”
The corners of Luca’s lips tip up now, too. “We expect there to be filings within the week. Civil suits. Restitution claims. You name it.”
I blink. “Wait… you mean—”
Seb nods. “It’s ironic, really. The same money Keller used to push them out will help put them back.”
“It’s all because of you,” Jas says softly.
“M-me?” I ask, pointing at my chest. “I literally didn’t do anything.”
Lawson tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “All of this is because of you. Everything we’ve done since the minute they found you on that beach is because. Of.You.”
I vaguely hear Joeawein the background, but I’m too busy letting Lawson’s words etch themselves into my soul.
Some days, I’m still really not sure how I got here. How this—after everything—has become my life. But I’ve never been more grateful that I decided to chase the freedom I knew I deserved. I ran and ran, right into the arms of four men who have brought me nothing butpeace…even on our craziest of days.
My hand slides up to Lawson’s neck, and I pull his mouth down to mine. I pour everything into our kiss—every ounce of gratitude, of love, of disbelief that this is all real. Wordlessly telling him what I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to articulate well enough.
That I’m so damn lucky to be here.
To be his.
To betheirs.
Joe claps her hands once from the couch. “Alright, that’s our cue.”
I giggle, pulling my lips from Lawson’s, before turning to face them all. Lawson doesn’t let me go far, though. He keeps me firmly tucked against his side—his thumb brushing soft circles along my waist.
Joe stands, and her four men immediately follow. “We’ll give the five of you some privacy before this turns into something Idefinitelydon’t need to witness.”
“Speak for yourself,” Enzo mumbles.
Joe doesn’t hesitate to reach out and backhand him across the chest at the same time Dante does the back of his head.
“Ow!” Enzo groans dramatically. “Why is everybody always hitting me?!”
“That’s my brother,” Joe clarifies. “Don’t be gross.”
“Yeah, man.” Jas moves to my other side. “Don’t be gross.”
Luca closes his laptop and tucks it beneath his arm. “We’ll head back to the guest house. Breakfast tomorrow morning before we head back?”
I nod and smile softly at him. “Yes, please.”
Seb gives me a small nod. “Get some rest.”
I look at the five of them. “Thank you. Foreverything,”I say, meaning every word.
Joe winks. “That’s just what family does.”
The five of them file out one by one, tossing out casual goodbyes and see you in the mornings, before the door finally shuts behind them.
Silence falls over the house once again.
But this time… It’s not empty.
It’s peaceful.
