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Rissa knew Esme had once dealt with paparazzi and would never post anything online without the person’s permission. She was brilliant with her social media strategies and would help Rissa promote her online lessons.
Rissa didn’t want to do as much traveling anymore. There was nothing to run from, and she was surrounded by reasons to stay.
The biggest one had his arm wrapped around her shoulders. She knew there was a lot to deal with regarding what had happened earlier, but it could wait for another day. Today was all about celebrating. No one had been hurt. Victor Anderson was in jail and ready to talk about Curt’s involvement. Burke was no longer in danger from that end. And there was a brand-new, healthy baby who would bring even more love to their farm.
“What are you thinking?” Burke’s voice whispered in her ear.
She turned to brush her lips over his. “How lucky I am.”
He rolled his eyes at her. “Maybe you have a concussion after all.”
She laughed. “Despite everything that happened, I stand by my statement. I’m here with you and your amazing family. Frizzle has lots of doggy friends. I couldn’t be happier, Burke.”
His smile softened. “Me too, Rissa. Me too.”
Chapter 23
No Question About It
The next morning, Burke stood with Rissa and his brothers looking at the Q Lab. The previous night, they’d emptied the gas tank with a siphon, removed the propane tanks, and drained the water tank to prevent leaks. They’d covered the broken window with a tarp to keep out any new snow. Eventually, Lawson had deemed it safe to leave overnight.
Now, their buddies, Sean Falcone and Graham Buchanan, had brought a tow truck to help hoist it right side up. That would make it easier to inspect the damage and check on Rissa’s clothing and supplies. When he’d been inside the previous day, he’d only focused on getting Rissa and Frizzle to safety; he hadn’t spared a glance at the rest of the RV.
They’d moved the remaining vehicles to give the larger machinery room to maneuver. Thankfully, Rissa had parked the RV in a row by itself, and the explosion hadn’t damaged any other vehicles.
Rage roared through Burke again. Rissa had been in an explosion because of Curt Anderson. Burke wanted to rip the man’s heart out through his ass in the most painful method he could imagine. He wouldn’t because then he’d lose time with the woman he loved, and that was unacceptable, but he wanted to.
They needed to head into town to make official statements and find out what else Marcus had learned, but getting the Q Lab upright was the morning’s priority.
The arrival of two ATVs from the back of the property had him tucking Rissa into his side and turning in that direction. As far as they knew, the danger was over, but it would take a long time before his heart and body believed it.
Rissa leaned into him with a smile when they saw it was Nash’s family. Charlie sat behind Olivia and held Oggie, while Ella was tucked in front of Nash, waving her hands with excitement at seeing them all.
Charlie put his dog on the ground and took off his helmet as he bounded over to them. “I’m glad I didn’t miss it. I can’t wait to see how you flip it over. Can I help?”
Burke grinned. “I don’t know. Graham’s in charge. He’ll tell us how we can help.”
Frizzle barked happily when Ella Mae and Oggie joined her. Even with the mess Curt had created, Burke knew he was in exactly the right place with exactly the right people. Especially Rissa, but not only her. With his family and their spouses, along with several friends from the military, with more in Phail and at Midnight Lake.
Graham teamed up with Sean and Lawson to organize the crew. Using the tow truck and more chains than he’d ever seen in one place, they slowly righted the RV. It bounced a little before settling into place.
Rissa and Charlie cheered, triggering more celebrations from the rest of them.
When Rissa moved to the door, Graham and Lawson stopped her. “Let us make sure it’s structurally sound before you go in. You’re already recovering from one head injury.”
“I’m fine.”
When the entire group chorused the words along with Rissa, her happy laughter filled the clearing. “I really am, but go ahead and check it out.”
It didn’t take long for their friends to clear the space. Graham grinned at them as he exited. “It’s a mess, but it’s not in danger of collapsing on you. I don’t think much got ruined, but it’ll take a while to reorganize.”
Rissa nodded. “I can handle that.”
Burke nodded. “You can handle anything. We’ll get it all fixed up.”
Lawson nodded. “We’ll all help.”
Rissa lifted Frizzle into her arms, then tugged on Burke’s hand as she walked into the RV.
