“Fuckin’ A. I couldn’t agree more,” Shane bit out. “There’s something here. And it just might lead to redemption.”

Beckett stepped forward, shoulders tense, expression dark. “We did nothing wrong. It’s time we take back what was stolen from us. Count me in.”

“Shit, yeah. I’m prepared to fight,” Marz said.

“What are they—”

“Whatever your father was into,” Nick interrupted Charlie, “someone or some group was powerful enough to cover it up and blame the ambush on us. We were all discharged and discredited. Every member of the team who survived the attack had served ten or more years in the Special Forces, and someone just took that the fuck away.” Becca rubbed Nick’s back, hating the anguish layered beneath the rage in his voice.

“You can count on me,” Charlie said. “There was never any love lost between me and the Colonel, and I have my own vendetta against the Churchmen now.” He held up his bandaged hand.

Becca’s heart ached for everything everyone in the room had lost. It was already so much. And it might not be over. “You can count on me, too. After everything you’ve done for me, I’d do anything for each of you.”

“And me,” Miguel said. “I know I’m not part of the team, but I’m invested now.”

Jeremy stood up. “You’re my brother,” he said, pointing at Nick from across the group. “I’d stand with you no matter what you’re up against.”

Every man in there agreed. Whatever had happened between them in the past, their bond was forged anew in that moment. Becca swallowed around the lump in her throat.

Nick nodded and got to his feet. “All right, then. The Hard Ink Special Forces Team is hereby stood up.” Chuckles went around the room, releasing a bit of the tension. “And I’m proud to serve with each and every one of you, including Miguel, Jeremy, Becca, and Charlie. We’ll take our friends where we find them, and each of you has proven yourself.” Approving murmurs followed.

The puppy jumped on the mattress.

“Cool dog,” Charlie said. “Heh. We match,” he said, waving his hand. “Three legs, three fingers. What’s her name?”

The guys tried and failed to restrain their laughter. Everyone looked at her, and Becca just shook her head. How could she possibly choose anything else after “Eileen” had successfully run the operation to rescue her brother. The guys were attached to the silly name. Truth be told, so was she. “Her name’s Eileen.”

“What?” Shane asked, a grin on his face. “Seriously? I named her?”

“No, man. I’m the one who sang the song,” Nick said.

“But I’m the one who said Eileen . . .”

The squabbling devolved from there until they were singing again. “Sorry,” she said, leaning in to kiss Charlie’s cheek. “I’ll get them out of here so you can sleep. It’s the middle of the night.” She brushed his hair back again. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

Charlie nodded. “See you in the morning.”

Simple words she’d feared she’d never hear again. She blinked back tears—nice that they were tears of joy for once. “All right, ya hooligans. Either be quiet or get out so Charlie can sleep. Nurse’s orders.” Slowly but surely, the party broke up. Everyone protested sleep, but really they were all two or three days overdue.

Nick slipped his hand into hers as they crossed the gym. She looked back over her shoulder, and Charlie’s eyelids were already sagging. Eileen curled up in a ball by his side.

Quietly, Becca and Nick got ready for bed and crawled in together. His arms wrapped around her and held her tight to his chest. “I want you to stay here,” Nick said.

Becca tilted her head back. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I want you to live here with me. Not just because your house isn’t safe and all this is going on. Because I want you by my side. I’m a better man with you. And I want to be there for you, too, every day and every night. Charlie’s welcome, too. No matter what, you’re family now to me. I love you, Becca.”

Hearing him say it would never get old. Emotion lodged in her throat. How, in the midst of the worst crisis of her life, had she gone from being utterly alone to finding a whole new family and the love of her life?

“I love you, too, Nick. And I don’t want to be anywhere but here.”

“God, sunshine, that’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”

Becca smiled and reveled in his soothing touch. She hoped with everything she was that she could keep being the light and warmth in his life, because the anchoring weight in her gut told her things could very well get worse before they got better.

“Where’d you go?” he asked, kissing her neck.

“Nowhere, Nick. I’m right here with you. No matter what.”

Acknowledgments

As they often are, this book was very much a group endeavor. Nick Rixey’s world came to life around a birthday dinner table, as great friends and wonderful authors Stephanie Dray and Christi Barth helped me brainstorm the series plot. With the help of Jennifer Schober, those rough ideas took shape into something much more ambitious than I expected—but also hugely exciting. And then my wonderful editor, Amanda Bergeron, entered the picture, helping make this writer’s dream come true. Without these four women, I never would’ve had the chance to meet Nick, Becca, and all the other wonderful characters at Hard Ink Tattoo.

Bringing the story to life on the page was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done—and one of the most rewarding. I absolutely could not have accomplished it without the constant cheers and encouragements of writer friends Lea Nolan, Joya Fields, Christi Barth, and Stephanie Dray. Christi went way, way, way above and beyond by critiquing the entire manuscript with lightning-fast speed and incredible insight. And Stephanie, too, offered a critique that pushed me to make the story better. Amanda Bergeron offered wonderfully thoughtful and engaged editorial guidance and challenged me to go deeper into the characters and the story. I can’t thank each of them enough.

I also need to offer a special thanks to my husband, Brian, and daughters Cara and Julia for putting up with an MIA wife and mom while I escaped to the world of Hard Ink. This book would never have been finished without their devotion and support, and it means the world to me.

Finally, I offer thanks to Laura’s Heroes for everything they do, and to the readers, who welcome characters into their hearts and minds and let them tell their stories over and over again! –LK

Special acknowledgment to the following readers who suggested dog names I used in the book:

Sadie: Cathe Green, Michelle Wilson, Dawn Howell Tinari, Kelly Ridgely DeLeon, Alison Gail Rush

Georgia: Sheri Vidal, Sara Long Butler

Phoebe: Julie Cooper Barber, Polly Greathouse Coffy, Amanda Brown

Shiloh: Nancy Lux-Nicholson

Trinity: LaVerne Clark, Carrie Marcinkevage

Hopalong: Amy Villalba

Tripod: Linda Eisenberg

Cujo: Carlyn McGill

Ilene: Laura Stein Bubley

Eilene: Panera friend Elicia Brand Leudemann

Clover: Joanne O’Meara, and Hope: Amy Villalba, Hayley Reynolds, Crystal Sworden, Grace Zamora, Christina Mesmiller, were other names I wanted Becca to consider, but there was just too much going on! Thanks to the nearly two hundred people who suggested names for Becca’s puppy! You guys rock!