“We’ll think of something,” Max told her.
Logan nodded. But she could tell they were just as unsure of the future as she was. But at least she had both of them back. For however much longer this was their home.
“I don’t care where I live,” she told them. “As long as I have the two of you then I’m home.”
***
Three days later, Max found himself sorting through the rubble of the barn. Christ, this mess alone would take weeks to tidy up. Especially since Logan couldn’t do much with his hands. And then there were all the other jobs to take care of.
At least that bitch, Alicia had now admitted everything and been held without bail. Max knew they were all sleeping a bit easier because of that. Although neither he nor Logan could leave Savannah on her own. They probably wouldn’t be able to for a long, long time.
He looked up as heard the rumble of a truck. What was a truck doing coming here? A truck filled with lumber. Half a dozen vehicles followed along behind. Most of them had trailers on the back.
What the hell?
He walked over as Gavin jumped out of the passenger side of the large truck loaded down with timber.
“Hey!” Gavin waved.
“What’s going on?” Max asked as a number of his neighbors and friends climbed out of the other vehicles, calling out to him. The men started pulling on gloves and hard hats, while the women, dishes in hand, walked towards the house.
“What’s this?” he asked again.
“We came to help you clean up. Start loading all the rubble into the trailers,” Gavin called out.
Max grabbed hold of his arm as he went to step past him. “And the building materials?”
“For the barn raising we plan to have once you get permits and decide what you want.”
“I’m not accepting charity,” Max growled. Things hadn’t gotten that bad. Yet.
“Not charity. Everyone else here volunteered to come help.” Gavin stared at him. “You going to tell them they’re wasting their time?”
“No . . . but . . . it’s kind of you to offer—”
“I’m not kind. And I’m not offering. I’m telling you. You’ll take this. How many times have you helped us out without expecting anything in return?”
“Still . . .”
“Jesus, Max, if it makes you feel any better you can pay us back. All right? We’ll work out some terms. Now, come on, we’ve got work to do.”
Max spent the next few hours working alongside his neighbors and friends, removing the rubble. A few of the men had building experience, they’d already helped him plan a new barn and stables. Logan had come out to help, but couldn’t do much more than stand around and scowl. But that was pretty standard for him.
“Max!”
Max looked up at Logan’s shout. His brother nodded towards the drive where he saw Jake walking towards them. Jake stopped beside him. “People around here move fast.”
“They do,” Max agreed.
“You here to help?” Logan asked, walking over to them.
“Maybe. First, I’d like to talk to you both. Can we go inside?”
Logan winced. “There are about twenty women inside. They’re what drove me out here, even though I’m useless with these hands.”
Max swore he saw Jake’s lips twitch as he stared down at Logan’s hands. “Paulie sure did a good job with those bandages, didn’t he?”
Logan just grumbled under his breath.