When they approached the clearing holding the lodge, Tansy let out a deep breath.
“Sorry, that was a rough ride.”
She smiled at him. “It was fine. A whole lot easier than a couple of miles on crutches.”
Sam waited in the trees while the others did a quick check of the area. The cameras only covered so far and there were lots of hiding places for a sniper.
Hell, an entire platoon would have no difficulty finding hiding places in these woods. Which was why Marcus and Troy had tagged along.
He wouldn’t relax until Tansy was inside.
“We should get a dog.”
Sam whipped his head toward her. She was looking at the property with a smile, probably imagining a puppy romping around. His imagination went to a guard dog. A German shepherd.
“Good idea. It’s a great place for a dog.”
At a signal from Joe, Sam drove to the bottom of the lodge’s stairs. “Let me carry you in. Faster and easier.”
He didn’t wait for her protest, but simply lifted her up and headed in. Nico had the door unlocked, and they moved inside.
Tansy laid her head on his chest. “You can relax now. We’re home.”
Home. With Tansy. Sam’s heart swelled at the thought. It was exactly what he wanted.
In the main room, he settled Tansy on the couch with her leg up and a blanket around her. “We’ll get some food ready and then you can rest for a bit.” She was pale and her eyes showed her pain even if she didn’t voice it.
Graham put a meal together and Joe made up a hot cinnamon drink Tansy loved.
As they ate, Marcus and Troy told them more about the town of Phail and the people. Tansy had landed in a good place. He was looking forward to getting to know more of the people and getting them to have Tansy’s back as well.
Eventually, Marcus and Troy left, with promises to keep in touch with any news. Graham headed upstairs.
And then it was the four of them. Him, Tansy, Joe, and Nico. Their family.
Nico, still in one of his suits, dropped a kiss on Tansy’s head as he walked by and took his chair again. “If you wanted us all together again, there was probably an easier way to manage it than getting yourself tangled up with an arms dealer.”
Tansy threw a pillow at him, but she smiled. “When was the last time the four of us were in the same room?”
“According to Mom and Dad, not recently enough. They send their love if I didn’t tell you before.”
Tansy leaned back into the couch. “I spoke to them last night from the hospital. I invited them for a visit any time they want.”
The Riveras continued to foster, but Sam knew they’d arrange a time to see where their kids had settled. Because all the fosters were their kids and they kept tabs on everyone, especially this group in the room.
When Tansy yawned, the men shared a glance and Sam simply picked her up again.
Her protest was accompanied by another yawn and a smile.
Up in their bedroom, Sam placed her in the middle of the bed and set a pillow under her leg. He lay beside her and she snuggled in and rested her head on his chest.
He brushed her hair off her face. “How are you really doing? Should you be taking some of the pain meds?”
She shook her head. “I’d rather not take anything. Not yet anyway. I’m just tired.”
“It’s been a rough couple of days.”
“For us both.” She patted his chest. “I know I’ve said it, but thanks for finding me.”