Patrick said, “He overheard the meeting. Knew we were talking about him. I think it was coincidence that Emily Anne happened to be with you when he made his move.” Patrick looked over at the sheriff’s patrol car, with Baxter securely cuffed in the backseat, still talking to himself. “I don’t imagine he’s saying much that’s useful right now but we think he recognized Beck and me, remembered seeing us kissing you, and figured he’d get himself some insurance before leaving town.”
Beck said, “Yeah, the funny thing—or not so funny actually—is that he could’ve bolted for his house, grabbed all his shit and been on the road out of town and we wouldn’t have known for hours. Chloe wouldn’t have pinged on him alone, and he would’ve been in the wind again.”
Lucy rubbed her ribs and the back of her head. “He didn’t sound stable most of the time. He kept talking about secrets staying buried and needing insurance so he could get out of town. He was packing for a trip, which is the only reason we were able to plan a diversion. If he’d been in his right mind and undistracted, this could’ve gone the other way.”
A tremor shook her and Patrick wrapped his arms around her from behind as Beck cradled her jaw and kissed her. He closed his eyes and breathed her in, his body vibrating with gratitude that she was safe and between them, right where she belonged.
He felt their presence even before he saw them. Those big firefighters didn’t just take up space. They took up the oxygen around them.
“Beck?” Chloe queried softly from behind him.
Beck turned and was eye to eye with the two men who belonged to Chloe. To a casual onlooker, it might’ve seemed the other way around, that Chloe belonged to them. But Beck had been able to see that the moment she’d started sweet-talking earlier they’d both been putty in her hands.
Chloe stood between them, holding their hands, and had a hopeful smile on her face. She looked up to the more serious of the two giants. “Grant Jessop,” she said with a smile before turning to the other, more laidback of the two giants. “Andrew Jessop, I’d like to introduce you to Beck O’Malley, Patrick Owen, and Lucy…” she turned to look at Lucy with a hint of humor in her eyes.
“Carter,” Lucy said as she held her hand out to Grant, who took her hand in his as if it was delicate crystal. “Pleased to meet you, Grant.” When he released it, she held her hand out to the man who was obviously his brother. “Andrew, a pleasure to meet you.”
The giant smiled, glanced at Chloe who was smiling at him, and then leaned toward Lucy and hugged her gingerly, as if aware that she had injuries.
Andrew said, “Thank you for your quick thinking in there, Lucy. Chloe told me what the three of you did. That was very brave.”
“Stupid,” Grant murmured under his breath. Chloe giggled as she reached behind him and he jumped a little. “Ow. Woman,” he said with a growl, but there was laughter in his eyes.
Grant and Andrew greeted Beck and Patrick and the two of them shared what information they had about what had happened with the firefighters.
The conversation might’ve been uncomfortable under other circumstances but Beck could see up close and personal that Chloe was happy beyond what he’d ever seen her before. She was fulfilled. Beck looked at his woman as she easily conversed with them and knew the same satisfaction. Patrick smiled at him and gave him a slight nod over Lucy’s head, as though agreeing.
Hank Stinson walked over. “Lucy, EMTs want to check you and Chloe over real quick. I just got off the phone with Ethan. A small group has gathered at the Pony, including your brother, and Ethan said a celebration is in order. He’s got food and refreshments set up for everyone, if you want to head over there.” He turned to Chloe and her men. “That invitation is extended to everyone, Miss Rhodes. You and your men are more than welcome to come to the Dancing Pony. Mel and Connor said they would bring Emily Anne over after they make a couple of stops in Divine.”
Chloe looked at her men and then nodded. “Sure. We can come over.”
Grant nodded. “Yeah, but I’m driving your car, baby girl. You’ve had enough excitement for one day without adding in more driving.”
Chloe rolled her eyes and Beck grinned as she harrumphed. He was pleased that her men looked after her that way.
Lucy giggled with Chloe until Patrick turned to her and said, “Soon as we find your keys, I’m driving, Luce.”
“It’s five miles into town—”
Patrick cut her off with a grin. “You were injured, you’ve had a bit of trauma, and we need a ride, since we came with Ace and the guys. The least you can do is let me drive.”