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Even so, she had to be the most beautiful thing God had ever made.
“Tell me what?” Orion removed the helmet he’d been wearing and rested his forehead against hers.
“I love you,” her voice croaked.
He drank her in, grateful beyond words to be holding her. “I’ve loved you from the moment you taught me to dance and every day since then.”
She laughed. “Really?”
“You are the bravest, most amazing woman I’ve ever met. And if I have to, I’ll marry you all over again to prove it.” He kissed her, pouring all the passion and love he had for this incredible woman into the connection.
As they hovered in the sky somewhere between heaven and earth, Orion knew. She was the adventure he’d been looking for, and he never wanted it to end.
* * *
Tori stared out the window as the Firehawk landed in the middle of the Refuge. The common area still thrived, green and grassy. The garden was full of plants finally starting to take off. But all the land surrounding the community was burnt and black, much of it still smoldering and smoking. The rescue workers helped Tori and Orion out of the helicopter.
Logan, Hammer, and Skye welcomed them with hugs all around.
“How did you guys get here?” Orion asked them.
Logan nodded off to the side of the chapel. “On the ATVs over there. It pays to have a girlfriend with connections.”
“Jamie did that?” Tori studied the four-wheelers. They looked sparkling and new.
Logan threw an arm around Orion’s shoulder. “You guys risked your lives to help her. She wanted to return the favor.”
Gabby broke through the crowd. She hugged Tori tightly. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Thanks, kiddo. You were a big help fighting that fire.”
She practically glowed at the compliment. But then her attention snagged on Logan. “Is he married?” she whispered.
They all laughed.
Skye pulled them aside to where her husband stood. “Rio has been in contact with the Firehawk pilot and the sheriff.”
Rio had to speak loudly to be heard above the chopper rotors. “Is the guy who kidnapped you out there?” He sounded much more like the FBI agent he was than the casual guy who hung out with Skye at base camp.
Tori nodded. “Damian Murphy. He lit the tree I climbed on fire and left in a canoe.”
“Two of the men from the Refuge here were pursuing him.” Orion’s arm around her waist steadied her.
“Is Damian part of the militia?” Rio asked.
She nodded. “He at least knows what’s going on. He mentioned dead fish and the drone attack. I don’t think he’s involved at a leadership level, but he has info.”
“Good. I’m going to catch a ride with these guys and bring him in. We’ll need to have an official statement from you later.” Rio shook their hands and then jogged over to the helicopter pilot. Soon the bird was up in the air again.
Children ran out of the chapel to watch the spectacle, awe and wonder in their faces. The rest of the team introduced themselves to the kids. Hammer walked over to Joann and Josiah and asked to hold the baby.
Hannah came and grabbed Tori in a fierce hug. “The Lord bless and keep you, Victoria.”
Tears smarted her eyes. “He already has.” She grabbed Orion’s hand. “In more ways than one.”
“I know this lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but I hope you both know, you’re always welcome here if you ever need a refuge or a home.” Hannah’s wrinkled face beamed with affection and warmth.
Tori took it all in. Her teammates laughing with the children, the green forest life protected from the fire, and a man—a good man, kind and loving—at her side. Above them all, the sunlight shone, catching the cross at the top of the chapel building and creating a shadow on the lawn where they stood.
She knew who she belonged to now. She didn’t need to fear the darkness. And she would never be alone again.
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
* * *