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Her eyes misted. “Me too. But I knew I wasn’t going to die. You were there. You were going to save me.”

Her faith in him was all he needed. Along with her love, of course.

Trying to lighten the mood, he smiled at her. “You didn’t act in the least bit scared. Even when he threatened vile things. Then you made the venereal disease comment and proved to him you were a kickass woman who wasn’t putting up with his bullshit.”

She grinned. “I’d forgotten about that. I was considering modifying my answer by asking if thelittle somethinghe was offering me was his penis.”

Ford laughed and hugged her tightly. “I love your brain. But that might have been too much for his little ego to handle.”

She laughed and then shuddered. “I’m so glad it’s over and they didn’t hurt any of us.”

He rocked her side to side. “Me too. We make a hell of a team, Jolie. The two of us alone, and the four of us with Annie and Thea.”

“Don’t forget Hemsworth and Fox.”

“Never. They were amazing yesterday. Waiting until they had an opportunity and then scaring the shit out of the assholes.”

Jolie leaned back but didn’t step out of his arms. She looked to where Hemsworth was sniffing around the edge of the pond and watching the ducks. “He’s part of our family now.”

“He sure is. He earned himself treats for the rest of his life with his actions yesterday.”

Marcus called out a greeting from the orchard, and Hemsworth loped over to greet him. The dog absolutely knew the difference between friends and enemies. Even if they hadn’t met the night before, Ford figured Hemsworth was a good people reader like most dogs.

Jolie wanted to see the cameras in place, so they walked with Marcus into the woods.

Ford led them a little further than where the cameras were placed, so they came up on them from behind.

Like most game cameras, they blended in with the woods, but they’d been set with the purpose of watching the pond, so they weren’t well hidden. Marcus took videos and photos, then put each camera in a separate evidence bag.

Then they stopped beside the pond, and Marcus studied it. “I haven’t been this deep into the property before. This is a beautiful piece of land you’ve got here.”

Jolie nodded. “It might take me a while to be comfortable back here on my own, but I love the entire farm. And this pond will always be a favorite for me.”

Marcus nodded. “I can understand why. Don’t let McConnell ruin it for you. His greedy ass is going to be sitting in jail for a long time. And there’s no reason to think he’d return here. The diamonds are gone. And he found out yesterday that you’re fully prepared to defend yourselves and your property. He won’t be back.”

Jolie smiled. “That’s good to hear. I’m glad it’s over.”

There might be a trial where they’d have to testify, but he wasn’t reminding her of that. He wanted her to bask in the farm's peace and focus on building their relationship.

Marcus laughed as Quackerjack stood on one foot on a nearby rock and then tumbled to land on her back. She squiggled and hopped back up in no time, looking around to see who’d watched her. “You’ve got a good life here.”

Ford agreed. “We do. And it’s only going to get better.”

Marcus grinned. “Epic will be very glad to hear that. He’s excited about the possibilities. He loves having his friends and family near, and he’s always looking for ways to grow the economy and tourism opportunities of the area.”

Jolie grinned. “We haven’t talked the rest of the family into committing yet.”

Marcus’s eyebrow shot up. “But you will.”

She grinned at Ford and they spoke at the same time. “We will.”

Jolie found her nerves settling as she and Ford talked about the plans for the farm and the pond with Marcus. The police chief was interested and curious.

Hemsworth followed along as they walked and went off to play with Fox after the Great Pyrenees had arrived for his morning rubdowns.

She watched the two dogs run in the woods, moving further away as they played what looked like tag. “Should we call Hemsworth back?” She didn’t want him getting lost.

Ford shrugged. “I’m not sure. I think he likes us enough to come back before going too far. If he’s going to be off-leash, we’re going to have to trust him.”