“That’s perfect,” Providence replied. “I told my mom and dad they’ve got company.” Her sweet smile assuaged some of his fury. “Sammy’s gonna love this little getaway, especially when we tell her it’s a family retreat.”
His love for Providence grew tenfold. She, too, was putting put Sammy first.How could I live without her? I can’t.
“Try to get some sleep,” he told Miranda before he and Providence left the room, closing the door behind them.
Dakota texted Sin and Maverick. “I need your help.” When no dots appeared, he checked the time. It was after four in the damn morning.
His phone rang. It was Maverick. Dakota answered. “Hey, sorry for the—”
“What’s going on?” Maverick asked.
Dakota wasn’t surprised that Maverick jumped in without hesitation. That was the kind of friend he was.
When Dakota gave him the short version, Maverick said, “We’ll be out the door in fifteen.”
“Watch your six.”
“Always do, brother. I’ve got the dog.”
“Even better. Isn’t he trained to protect?”
“That, plus a bunch of other things. He’ll keep Sammy entertained for hours. I’ll text you when we get there. Gotta fly.”
Dakota found Providence pacing in the hallway outside Sammy’s room. He pulled her into his arms. “I thought you’d be catching some z’s.”
“I can’t sleep. I can’t believe my brother is this evil.”
“He’s about to be stopped.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Maverick and his wife, Carly, are coming out here. Maverick runs ThunderStrike. It’s a private, para-military security firm based out of D.C. and Carly is a private investigator. They’ll keep everyone safe.”
An hour later, Maverick, Carly, and their German Shepherd, Whiskey, arrived.
“Whiskey, heel,” Maverick said, and the unleashed dog stood by his side.
Once in the kitchen, Maverick got the dog a bowl of water, then had him lie down. Providence made a pot of coffee and the four sat around the kitchen table.
After Dakota brought them both up to speed, Maverick said, “We’ve got this, bro. No worries. Do what you’ve gotta do. Sammy will think this is the best vacation of her life. Your mom and dad will get plenty of rest.”
“And Miranda will get some quiet time of her own,” Carly added.
“I haven’t heard back from Sin, yet,” Dakota said. “You want me to tell him not to come out?”
“Hell, no,” Maverick said. “I’m always up for seeing one of my boys, and Carly loves Evangeline.”
“Show us where we’re sleeping,” Carly said.
Dakota started to get up, but Providence said, “I’ve got this.”
After the two women had left the kitchen, Maverick stepped closer. “You two look pretty damn tight. Providence seems perfect for you. Someone sane to balance out your insanity.”
Dakota chuffed out a laugh. “She’s awesome.”
“My license as an ordained minister is still valid. In addition to marrying Jagger and Taylor next month, I can marry you two.”
“I gotta pop the question first.”
“What does the little boss think of her?”
“Sammy adores her and vice versa.”
