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Ford kissed her head again. “None of us have eaten since breakfast. I’ll talk to Marcus and see if we can head to the Saloon.”

At that moment, Marcus and Shanice approached them. “We’re ready to send these jerks along with Shanice.”

The woman grinned. “The New York office and the NYPD are thrilled to have McConnell and his buddies returning to them. They’re even happier to close this case. Apparently, McConnell is part of a larger organization. In an attempt to gain a lesser sentence, he’s naming as many names as he can.”

Marcus laughed. “Except he didn’t ask for a deal before he started talking. Dumbass.”

Jolie nodded. “Good. I’m glad he’s not getting a deal.” The man should rot in prison forever.

Shanice smiled. “Me too. Thanks for your assistance with all this. I think we have everything we need. I have all of your contact information, so I’ll let you know if anything else comes up. If you have questions, ask.”

Soon, the four of them were sitting at a table in the Saloon. Most of the locals who’d helped during the day joined them.

The group was friendly, the food was delicious, and the time flew. She tried to cover another yawn when Ford squeezed her hand. He smiled at her. “I’m done in, too. You ready to head home?”

Home with Ford. “Sounds perfect to me.”

The four of them said their goodbyes and headed back to Knox’s truck. The drive back was mostly quiet, and she knew the long day had taken its toll on all of them.

When they pulled into the farm, they found two unexpected vehicles. She tensed, but Knox’s voice held a smile. “That’s Lorraine’s SUV and the other one belongs to Mort and Callum, who live just north of Lorraine.”

Jolie blew out a breath of relief, and they piled out of the truck.

On the back deck, they found their three neighbors and several dogs. Hemsworth bounded up to her and Ford while Fox bounced happily to Knox and Thea. Three of Lorraine’s dogs joined them as well.

Lorraine smiled. “You all must be exhausted. Thanks for letting us know they captured those horrid men. Jolie and Ford, I don’t think you’ve met Mort and Callum yet.”

After the introductions, Mort smiled. “We figured you’d feel better with that door closed up.”

Jolie looked up to see that the back door now hung properly. They’d replaced the shattered glass with a sheet of plywood. “Thank you.” Her voice wobbled, and she had to swallow hard.

The trio had also cleaned up the glass and the mess in the kitchen. Lorraine’s dogs had helped Hemsworth rounded up the ducks into their coop for the night.

Ford shook their hands again. “Thank you for everything. Let us know when we can return the favor.”

Mort smiled. “It’s what neighbors do. We can get together another night and get to know each other better. For now, you can rest easy knowing your place is secure.”

Soon, the neighbors were gone, and Fox bounded into the orchard. The dog was becoming more comfortable leaving the trees when it was important, but he still preferred his freedom at night.

Jolie was glad when Hemsworth followed them inside instead of joining his friend. She liked having the dog close. And she didn’t want to be alone tonight. Or any night.

She wanted Ford.

Ford held Jolie’s hand as they walked toward their rooms. He didn’t want to let her go. Not ever.

When they neared his, he slowed but didn’t let go of her. She turned to look up at him, eyes soft and warm.

He brushed her cheek. “You’re coming in.” He tried to make it a question, but didn’t quite manage it. Instead, it sounded like a growly command.

Jolie’s face lit up instantly. “Yes.”

He opened the door and drew her inside. Hemsworth followed them and headed directly to his doggie bed. Apparently, his dog buddies had worn him out because he instantly curled up and fell asleep.

Ford wrapped his arms around Jolie and for a long moment simply held on. Breathed her in. She was safe. The assholes were in jail. He didn’t need to worry about them anymore.

He leaned back and tilted up her chin. Those luminous eyes held everything he wanted. His future. “I love you so damn much, Jolie.”

Her eyes misted with tears, but her smile was glorious. “I love you, too, Ford. So much.”