Safe.
Home.
She moved directly into his space and he curled his arm around her, bringing her even closer.
She settled her weight into him.
Bill spoke.
“Detective Chavez says they’re good.”
“They are,” Mitch confirmed.
No reply.
Mitch was tired and he had his woman and children to think about. Today was most definitely a f**king donut day. He needed to make a donut run. He didn’t need to waste time on an assclown.
“We done?” he prompted.
“Tell her to send me the papers.”
Mitch’s body tightened and he felt Mara’s tighten against his as her hand settled on his tee-covered chest.
“What?”
“Mara,” Bill stated. “Tell her to send me the papers to give her permanent custody of the kids. I’ll sign ‘em.”
“You’ll relinquish all claim?” Mitch asked then heard and felt Mara’s indrawn breath.
There was a pause then a quiet, “Yeah.”
“Now and forever, Winchell,” Mitch declared.
Another pause then quieter, “Yeah.”
“Say it,” Mitch ordered.
Another pause then a whispered, “Now and forever, Lawson.”
“Right,” Mitch clipped. “Now we’re done.”
“Lawson?” Bill called quickly.
“What?”
Another pause then, “Give ‘em a good life.”
“Already am,” Mitch replied.
“Mara too.”
Mitch made no reply and closed his eyes.
“Promise me that, for them, for Mara, give them a good life.”
Mitch opened his eyes and looked down at his woman, felt her soft body against his, her hand light on his chest, trust, love and hope shining in her eyes.
Jesus, she was beautiful. Never, not in his life, had he seen anything as beautiful as she was right then.