“Jesus, Farrah. You’re so fucking strong.” I never knew I could be proud of someone other than Finn, but it’s radiating out of me right now. My girl is the bravest person I’ve ever met.
“It only took the jury a few hours to find him guilty, and he was sentenced a week later. As he was being taken away in chains, I finally looked at him. I wanted to see him finally put away for what he’d done to me for years. I’d never felt more vindicated yet terrified in my life. He was looking at me already. The malice in his eyes haunted my dreams for months afterward, but I got to wake up every day without him in my life. It was a dream come true.”
“I understand that feeling. I’d never felt relief like I did after my dad died. Knowing he’d never be able to touch me again was almost euphoric.”
“Exactly. But the detective who was assigned to my casejust called me. Alex got paroled because of overcrowding. He’s out now.”
“Fuck. I’m sorry, sweetheart. Do you have a protective order?”
“Yes. And he’s not allowed to leave Wyoming without telling his parole officer, although I’m sure that won’t stop him from coming for me anyway.”
“You’re positive he’ll come after you?”
“I got everything in the divorce. I have no doubt he’ll try to get the money he thinks he’s owed. Not to mention getting revenge for me having the audacity to testify against him in the first place.”
“I hate this fucker.”
My words make Farrah snort. “So do I, but there’s nothing we can do until he makes the first move.”
“Bullshit. I’ve already got a list of things we need to do to prepare.”
She pulls back, her brown eyes shiny with tears. I quickly swipe at them with my thumbs as she says, “You do?”
“I’m going to get your house outfitted with the best security system, first and foremost. Then we’re going to talk to our friends, the police, and most importantly, the town to let them know they need to be on the lookout for this douchebag. If anyone will find him before he finds you, it’ll be those nosy hens who sit at the Grind and gossip.”
A slow smile spreads on Farrah’s face. “That sounds like a good start.”
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because for the first time in my entire life, I’m not afraid of that bastard. I’ve never felt more cared for than I do right here in your arms, Knox.”
“I swear on my life, Farrah Nelson, I’m going to protect you with everything I have.”
“I know.” She presses a soft kiss to my mouth.
I pull back. “Now, how good is your firearm knowledge?”
Farrah laughs as if I’m kidding, but I’m about to turn her into a threat her bastard of an ex will never see coming.
CHAPTER 36
Farrah
“Welcome, everyone, to our very first book club meeting!” Gia grins, signing as she goes. We’ve both been working hard to get better at ASL. She’s improving faster than I am, but since my renovations have slowed down, I’ve had more time to devote to learning.
The twinkle lights at the Grind create a cozy glow around Gia. She’s in her element, and I love having a friend who isn’t afraid to take the lead.
There are six of us in attendance tonight. Gia, Gwen, and I finally got around to organizing a meeting. July came and went in a flash, and we realized August was about to pass us by before we’d managed to meet even once.
Grayson was the most enthusiastic about attending. He dove headfirst into romance books after our group date night at the Howling Wolf and hasn’t taken a breath since. He’s obsessed, much to my, Gia’s, and Gwen’s delight. I was surprised when Willa Oliver—the owner of Garden Botanicals, our local flower shop—walked in for the meeting.
And of course, Charlie is here too. They were so excited for our first meeting, they made a whole batch of their famouschocolate muffins. Those things rival Gage’s baked goods, and that’s saying something when people come from all over to eat at his bakery.
Gia kicks our meeting off with a poll. “Show of hands, does anyone not read romance?”
When no one raises their hand, Gia cheers. “Fantastic. I’m not saying we can’t read other genres. If there’s a book we’re all interested in, we can definitely read it, but I will be advocating for romance books more often than not.”
“I’m new to the genre, so go easy on me with our picks,” Grayson teases.
