"Forgery," he said, flinging the photo back at Luke.
"There's video footage too," said Luke, drawing his ace card. "Just in case you wondered, yes, you looked pretty damn pleased with yourself when you lit the rag and threw it into the barn."
Stanton looked over his shoulder at his bully boys. His nostrils flared but he kept his mouth shut. Probably trying to work out how he can wriggle out of this one, thought Clara.
"If you want to take these photos, be my guest." Luke returned them to the folder and held it out to the man. Stanton made no move to take it. "Just as you arrived, I emailed copies to the sheriff and the local paper, along with the video footage, so we have plenty to go around."
"So as you can see," said Clara. "We are done here. And if you ever come onto my, our, land again I will have you prosecuted for trespass."
"You heard the lady. Get lost." Cade and Luke both stepped forward, protectively shielding her.
Luke added, "I'd tell you not to come back, but I have a feeling you're going to be pretty busy with your lawyers for some time."
"You bitch," spat Stanton.
Cade and Luke stepped forward again. Stanton took stock of their looming presence, choosing flight down her porch steps instead of fight. Without a backwards glance, he climbed into his truck, slamming the door shut, glaring as he waited for his bully boys to amble after him. With a squeal of tires, they drove off, spinning dust from their wheels as they hurtled away at breakneck speed.
Clara threw her head back and laughed. Reaching for a hand from each of her men, she asked, "Have I mentioned you're both awesome?"
"Twice last night, and once early this morning." Cade laughed and she punched his arm playfully.
"Now that business is taken care of, there's something I want to tell you both." She linked arms with them and they walked around the side of the house towards the garden she was finally growing at the rear.
"If it's about the food for the party this afternoon, I'll tell you again. All covered," said Luke.
"No, it's not about the food, though I'm not sure we ordered enough for the barbecue. Actually it's something else." Clara sat on the edge of the deck, drawing them down beside her. Behind them, the table and chairs they'd picked out together were laden with food, and the coals of the grill were starting to smoke, ready for the barbecue she'd invited her family and friends too.
Jessica, her new friend was coming, and there were a few others, people who were loyal to them, happy that they found happiness. Later on the place would be teaming with shifters, waiting for the moon to rise before they ran free. They’d even agreed on a new name for the place: Colton’s Farm and Sanctuary.
She had important news for them, primarily the redrawn plans for the farm that included the new learning and social center which she finalized an hour ago. Of course, there was something she had to share with her mates first and she'd rather share it with them alone. "You know how I love my flower garden, and my vegetables? Well, I thought of something else we need more. A proper garden..." she started, stopping to chew her bottom lip and stare at the areas they'd dug over, weeded and planted together. Now she had plans for the area immediately off the deck, currently left to grass.
"More digging?" groaned Luke, tipping backwards to lie on his back.
"Mmm, some, but I think you'll like this..."
"Tell us and it's yours, sweetheart." Cade pressed the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it.
Taking first Cade's hand, then Luke's, she pressed them against her belly. There was nothing for them to feel yet, not even the faintest curve but there would be soon and she was sure they noticed how sensitive her breasts were lately.
"What is it?" asked Luke, concern erupting across his face. "Is something wrong?"
"I'm pregnant," she said, suddenly unable to contain her excitement anymore. "I'm going to have a baby!"
"Then the garden..." Realization dawned in Cade's eyes.
"Will be a playground." Clara smiled. "Somewhere for the baby to play. You don't have to build it now, but sometime in the next year or two I want our baby to have somewhere lovely to safely play and explore."
Instantly, they squashed her between them, peppering kisses across her lips and cheeks, their excitement giving way to grand plans about swing sets and tree houses and miniature log cabins perfect for a child, things she was sure their child would love in the years to come. She felt ready to burst with her own happiness reflected in their enthusiasm.
It was true they hadn't talked about having children yet but Colton knew she wanted a baby, a family; they had only just started trying when he was taken from her, another crushing blow to the life she had envisioned. She may not have him, and he was irreplaceable, but she had love and hope in her life again.
The breeze lifted her hair, and drifted across her lips in a final caress. She turned her face up to the skies, smiling as the breeze left her, leaving her bathing in the warmth of the late summer sun and the heady joy of the men who had taught her to love again.
About Sabrina
Sabrina loves romance and isn’t afraid to admit it. From contemporary tales to the paranormal, she loves to entertain her readers with alpha heroes and feisty heroines.
Keep up with Sabrina’s latest books and news via her website at www.sabrinavance.com or find her on Facebook.
Second Chance Mates Page 17
