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She turned in this amazing man’s arms and hugged him. “I think we already are. The farm catalogue by his recliner downstairs was open to a full page of compost facilities. He had Thea’s Worminator circled.”

“And now, the pond is on the way to being cleaned. Soon, it’ll provide irrigation for more of the farm. I bet that was another of his dreams.”

She nodded. “I know I never met Jay, but I miss him anyway. I hate that we never got to see them together.”

Ford swayed her in his arms and let her talk.

“It’s so easy to imagine Fox joining us here. Seeing him and Jay rocking on the back porch, arguing about the best way to do things.”

“By his actions, we know Jay missed Fox, and I’ll bet the reverse is true. Fox would be happy you’re here, working on his brother’s dreams right along with your own.”

She lifted her head off his chest to look at him. “You’re right. Fox would be happy with what we’re doing here. We’re going to make him proud. Actually, we’re going to make them both proud.”

“Damn right.”

He kissed her softly and sweetly, pushing away the sadness and reminding her of the present. And the future. A future that was full of potential, of possibilities.

When he pulled back from the kiss, he smiled. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

She waggled her eyebrows. “What kind of adventure?”

He laughed. “Not that kind. Well, not right away, but I’m sure we can work that in.”

“So, what kind of adventure is it?”

He shook his head. “Not telling. You in?”

“Of course.” With Ford, she’d always be all in.

Chapter23

Snailing The Night Away

Ford loved how Jolie was always ready for adventures. His woman wasn’t afraid of anything. Not that he’d ever lead her into anything dangerous. Well, not if they could avoid it.

He still wanted to beat himself up over the fact that McConnell had managed to get a gun not only aimed at Jolie, but planted right on her forehead.

A shudder running through him. He’d almost lost her. He’d almost lost everything.

But they’d made it through, and she was safe. The entire farm was safe now. Jolie could spend time down at her pond and not worry about McConnell watching or coming after her.

Not that Ford wouldn’t worry every time she was out of his sight. It was going to take a long while to get over seeing that muzzle on her forehead.

Jolie squeezed his hand. “You okay?”

She was too damn insightful. He nodded. “Just thinking of ways to dismember that fucker if I ever see him again.”

She grinned. “After getting his ass kicked, the last thing he’s going to do is show up at the farm. There’s nothing for him here anymore.”

“You’re right, but it’s going to take me a while to believe it.”

“Me too.”

Ford took her hand as they walked through the orchard. The night was going to be clear, if a bit chilly. He’d prepared for that. Hemsworth loped along beside them, happy that he’d be rounding up the ducks soon.

No matter what adventures they planned in the future, the farm and its inhabitants would come first. Which was more than fine with him.

They fit here. Not something he’d have ever thought as a kid. He would video call his dad from down at the pond one night. Let him watch Hemsworth in action and see the pond that had caused all the fuss.