Lauren looked around the group gathered in Meg’s backyard. She’d thought her heart had already been filled by Matt’s acceptance and declaration earlier. But now? She looked at the group of Matt’s colleagues, from both his truck and Ambulance 32, plus their partners and spouses. Once she finally had a moment to stop, she’d have to take a moment to sit down and simply appreciate the changes in her life over the previous week. Victor’s control had been insidious but slow. By the time she realized what was going on, it was already too late. He’d taken over her and Brayden’s life completely. She’d lived like that for as long as she could bear, and it had taken a snap decision one afternoon to finally do something—to get out of there, to run, and never look back.

The entire thing had been an accumulation of a thousand little things, until Lauren felt she simply couldn’t manage another second under Victor’s thumb. She’d needed to run. There had been no choice, but never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined what finally breaking free would bring. It wasn’t just her renewed relationship with Matt, though that certainly would be enough for a hundred lifetimes. She was surrounded by people who cared for him like a brother, or in the case of their chief, a son.

She’d hung back for most of it and let Matt do the talking. It was his story to tell, really. He’d been nervous at first. Oh, he hid it well, but she’d felt the subtle quiver in his hand when she’d taken it in support. He needn’t have worried. When he was done, there wasn’t a single iota of condemnation or anger in anyone’s eyes. Instead, they were warm, welcoming, and a few even shed a tear. Mason, Matt’s best friend in the squad, had taken only seconds to stand and wrap his arms around Matt, pulling him into a hug and then pounding his back, lest they weren’t manly enough. She’d chuckled at the sight. None of the guys were quite the size of her man, but they weren’t exactly small. Even the leaner men among the group were tall and toned; all part of the job, she supposed. Still, they made for an imposing sight all grouped together. A shiver of an entirely different nature went down her spine as she pictured Matt dressed in his turnout gear, ready to fight another day and save another life. He sent her pulse racing any day of the week, but a man in uniform? Then ten of them? Perhaps she needed to suggest to Sloane and Meg they start a Monroe Firefighters Appreciation Society. They could do a calendar and everything.

Her grin at the thought must have given her away, as Matt appeared by her side, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. She’d been prepared for a little hesitation when he’d first arrived after talking with Detective Bellamy. Sure, they’d spent some time with Sloane and Mason alone at the fair, but she hadn’t expected him to be affectionate with her in front of the whole squad. Instead, the moment he’d laid eyes on her when he’d arrived, Matt had wrapped his arms around her and nearly lifted her off the ground as his mouth descended onto hers, kissing her thoroughly. His eyes were stormy, and at first she’d been worried that something was up with the police, but Matt had told her not to worry and kissed her again. No one was coming after her. She and Brayden were safe, and surrounded by ten or more burly firefighters, she definitely felt it.

“Having fun?” she asked.

Matt smiled. “Yeah.” He gazed out at the group. A couple of the guys were throwing a football with Brayden. Others were helping Liam haul out the grill, while more were assembling picnic tables and grabbing gas heaters out of Meg’s storage shed. It looked like the meeting was turning into an impromptu cookout. The organized chaos moved around them, each guy smiling or nodding in greeting as they passed, but giving her and Matt some time to themselves. She appreciated it.

“So, umm, do you think you can take one more emotional moment?”

His head jerked around so he was looking at her, concern clouding his face. “What’s wrong?”

She smiled and raised her hands to rest against his chest. Despite the relief of his friends’ acceptance, his muscles were still tense beneath her fingers. Damn it. She’d worried him. “Absolutely nothing,” she said. “I was just thinking that after his discovery and outburst this morning, we should start planning on how to tell Brayden who you really are.”

Matt’s expression changed before her eyes, the concern in his eyes morphing into love. Tears shone in the corners, and her heart grew again. “I would absolutely love that,” he said.

Lauren stood up on tiptoe, touching her lips softly to his. “Then we’ll do it,” she said.

Matt nodded, then pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his arms around her and tucking his head into her neck. He held her tight for a few moments, and then his lips found the sensitive skin behind her ear, kissing there lightly. He nibbled on her ear lobe before trailing kisses down her neck. Lauren’s hands tightened on his shoulder, and she bit back a groan. They were standing in the middle of Meg’s yard, for heaven’s sake! Was it ever going to stop feeling like they were teenagers all over again?

Matt looked up and grinned. “I could do that all day just to hear those little moans.”

Her cheeks heated for what felt like the hundredth time. Had anyone else heard her?

“Hey, lovebirds!” Meg called out. Lauren’s face burned. Meg came waddling over to them. Nearly halfway through her pregnancy, she’d developed just enough belly to look really pregnant. Lauren smiled. She remembered those days. It was so special, especially feeling Brayden’s first kicks. Despite her young age, she’d known from that first moment she’d love him forever. It would be so much fun having another baby around to pamper. Even better, she could hand this one back and still get a good night’s sleep.

She startled, realizing she was planning months into the future in Monroe without even realizing it. How had Matt managed to make her feel so safe and accepted in only a week? He pulled her back to his side as Meg caught up with them, and Lauren snuggled in. The answer was obvious. It was meant to be. Eleven years in separate states—nor the evil of Victor Mancini—couldn’t keep them apart. She was going to make damn sure that nothing did again.