Page 20 of Wounded Hearts

“Forgiveness is the key, Smithy. You’re a valued member of this team and I’m proud to have you here.” With that, Zack stood and nodded at Drew to give Smithy some time alone. With a final squeeze to his shoulder, Drew and Zack left.

They walked in silence towards the pool area where they could hear the kids playing.

“Do you think he’ll forgive himself?” Drew finally asked.

Zack didn’t reply straight away but when he did Drew knew he spoke the truth. “I hope so because if he doesn’t, he won’t recover.”

They stopped as Lizzie came towards them, her limp from the broken pelvis almost gone. “Hey, how’s Mara?”

“She’ll be okay. It’ll take some time, but she’ll be fine.”

“Good, I like her. She seems sweet and feisty all at once.”

“She is and she’s a damn good physio.”

“Yeah, I know, and she’s agreed to help me with a few PTSD techniques too.”

“She has? That’s great.”

“Speaking of which, Smithy could probably do with some company about now if you have a little time.”

Drew looked at his boss, surprised he’d suggested that. He knew there was a vibe around Smithy and Lizzie, but it was hard to miss the guilt that crossed the man’s features when he saw the woman he’d kidnapped.

Lizzie looked instantly worried. “He does? Where is he?”

“In the conference room.”

Lizzie touched Zack’s arm. “Thanks.”

They watched her walk away before he spoke. “Was that wise?”

Zack was still watching when she went inside the conference room. “Sometimes the people who hurt us most are the only ones who can drag us back from the brink of despair.” With that he turned and resumed his steps towards the pool. Drew followed, his pace slower as he decided that perhaps Zack was right.

He entered the pool area and saw Mara sat on the side of the pool with her feet dangling in. She wore a skirt and t-shirt and looked relaxed as she watched Lauren, Ava, and Roz in the pool with the kids. He smiled as he moved closer and sat in the chair beside the pool.

Dane and Kanan emerged from the changing rooms in swim shorts and dove into the deep end. Both men swam to their respective families and began to play with their kids, throwing them in the air and helping them swim. Zack joined a few minutes later and the room was filled with laughter. He saw Mara’s shoulders relax and knew this had been good for her.

“They’re terrifying.”

He turned to look at her and saw she was watching the men. “They’re deadly and yet they’d rather cut off a limb than hurt an innocent.” He knew Mara would have her own recovery to contend with now and he’d be there every step of the way.

“I can see that. They’re so gentle with the women they love and their kids. That was all I wanted. A man to love me and to have a family with him.”

Drew locked eyes with her, wanting her to believe what he said. “You will, Mara. I truly believe that one day you’ll have a man that looks at you like you’re the sun and the moon and he’ll love the children you have together the same way.” He just hoped he was that man because he had a feeling she was it for him.