The rest of the group began cheering and congratulating the big man. Even Derek joined in, offering supportive words through the coms in their ears.
“Hey D?” Trace beat Trevor to the punch. “You and Emma can start heading this way.”
As they walked back to the long, gravel road leading to the property, Coop said, “Guess we should put a call into Ryker. Let him know our part in this is done.”
Their part, meaning Ryker and the powers that be would deal with the clean-up.
“Hopefully, he’s found the dirty Homeland agent by now,” Trevor commented.
Trace hoped they threw the book at his traitorous ass.
Not my problem.
No, the only thing he had to focus on, now, was getting Emma back home, where she belonged.
Several minutes later, Derek and Emma pulled up to where they stood waiting. Not bothering to let the SUV come to a complete stop, Emma shot out of the car and ran straight toward him.
“Trace!” She jumped into his arms.
“You okay?” he muttered against her neck as he held her close.
“I’m good. You?”
He slid her down the front of his body but kept a snug grip on her hips. “I am, now.”
“Hey, Sis.” Coop stepped up to them. “I’m fine, too. In case you still cared.”
With a chuckle, Emma hugged her brother tightly. “Of course, I care.”
“You’d better.” The other man gave her a quick peck on the top of her head. “Now, if you two are done playing kissy-face, I’d like to get the hell out of this shithole and back home to my fiancée.”
Letting her go back to Trace, Coop followed Trevor and Grant to the awaiting vehicle. Emma smiled up at him and started to fall in line, but Trace kept her from it by gently grabbing her wrist.
Swinging her confused gaze around to him, she frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Trace pulled her back to him. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Now?”
He nodded. “Now.”
“Okay...”
Tucking some hair behind her ear, Trace let his palm rest against her battered cheek and let himself go.
“I’m in love with you.” A weight was lifted from his shoulders as he uttered the words out loud. “I love you more than anyone I’ve ever known. Which is crazy because—”
“It’s not crazy.” She shook her head.
“No?”
“No.” Emma moved in closer. “Wanna know why?”
Trace nodded.
“Because I love you, too.”
Wrapping her in his arms, he blinked against the burning tears threatening to make their presence known.