Please, God. I won’t ask for anything else for the rest of my life if you let us stay with Dani and Coach forever.

Cincinnati, Ohio
Monday, March 18, 1:30 p.m.

“I’ll put the permanent conservatorship paperwork through ASAP,” Maddie promised. Maddie was one of the better social workers Dani had worked with. If she said she’d take care of the paperwork, she would.

“Thank you. These kids have been through hell. Especially Michael.”

“I know,” Maddie said quietly. “I could see it when I met them. More so, now.”

Which was only two days ago. My life has turned upside down in two days. And it was mostly good. Crazed killers and getting her house nearly set afire, not so good. But the rest of it? Diesel and the boys? All good.

“Do you think you’ll pursue adoption?” Maddie asked.

“I think I will. But for now, I just know I don’t want these kids going to anyone else. I don’t want them separated, and Michael needs a signing foster parent.”

Maddie laughed softly. “I’m already on your side, Dani. You don’t have to convince me. I saw your house on the news. You guys are safe, right?”

Dani looked around at the opulent condo with its impact-resistant windows, its single point of entry, Special Agent Troy standing guard inside, and at least three more guards between the dedicated elevator and the parking garage.

Not to mention Diesel, who was sitting on the sofa, staring at his computer screen like he was trying to hypnotize it to do his will. That man would protect them. Dani had no doubt. He still held Joshua, who’d cried himself to sleep in the big man’s arms. Diesel showed no sign of letting the little boy go.

He’d make a great dad. She’d always thought that, even when she’d been desperately trying to convince herself that she didn’t want to want him. Once they were more settled, they could talk about joint parenting. For now, the children would be Dani’s legal responsibility. Still, Diesel’s words to Adam last night replayed in her mind and warmed her heart.

Those boys are morally my responsibility. Dani is just mine.

“Yes,” she answered Maddie. “We’re in a safe house.” And Agent Troy had assured her that this phone line was secure or she wouldn’t be using it. “Deacon and Adam know where we are, but we can’t tell Children’s Services.”

“I get it, Dani. That’s the definition of ‘safe house,’” Maddie teased. “I’ll send you the paperwork by e-mail. Do you have access to a printer?”

“Yes. I’ll fill it out and have one of the guards deliver it to you. Thank you.”

“This really is my pleasure. ’Bye, Dani.”