He, Joe, Nico, and Graham were the main owners, but a few more of their buddies had wanted in on the ground level. Flynn Walker. Even Marcus and Troy.
The echo of his father’s words had faded over time.
Waste of skin.
So many things had helped fade the echo.
The Riveras.
His new foster brothers.
Getting a degree or two.
The FBI.
Tansy. So much Tansy.
And now this.
He supposed the echo would always be there, but he didn’t believe the words. Not anymore.
He’d had one great career and was embarking on an exciting second one. With freelancing opportunities to work with the FBI out of Bedford. Shanice Williams was even sending clients his way.
Clients.
Sam Young, business owner, had clients.
If that wasn’t a major kick in the ass, he didn’t know what was.
Tansy had insisted they use the largest cabin as the base for Midnight Security.
It had some major advantages. It was close to the lodge, but in its own clearing.
It was also the largest cabin. The loft space was big enough for an office for four of them if they happened to be in the same place at the same time. Which probably wouldn’t happen often. Certainly not as often as Sam wanted.
The main room was big enough for group instruction, and there were two smaller rooms. A workout space and a conference room for anything requiring privacy.
Solar panels ensured everything was off the grid.
It was perfect.
Small hands wrapped around him from behind and Tansy kissed his back before moving around to his side and under his arm. One of his favorite places for her.
His other favorites required more privacy.
“Congratulations, Sam. You’ve done it.”
He kissed her head and squeezed her. “We’ve done it. All of us. If it weren’t for you, none of this would be possible.”
Emotions balled in his throat, and he pulled her into a full hug. “Thank you, Tansy, for everything.”
Her arms squeezed him. “Right back at you, Sam. I love you.”
And on that note, he swung her up into his arms and opened the door. Inside, he reversed their positions and leaned her back against the door.
Then he kissed her like he hadn’t made love to her in the shower only an hour before. This woman was his everything, and he wanted her to always know it.
Tansy wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer.