His wife stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Mandy. Hot tears soaked Mandy’s blouse. Hunter’s mother didn’t say anything. She didn’t have to. She hugged Danny and stepped aside. Samantha, Victoria, and their parents lined up for tear-filled embraces. When she’d worked her way through the crowd, Mandy was exhausted but oddly grateful.

Jed’s courage had allowed her to stop Nathan, and Danny to rescue everyone from the flames. All these people were alive because of Jed. His death had meant something.

Hunter tugged on her sleeve. “Dad says it’ll take time to not be scared anymore. Are you going to be OK?”

Mandy put her hand on his shoulder. “Hunter, my best friend gave his life for me. The least I can do is live it.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

August, three months later

Danny leaned back on the blanket. Bear snoozed in the grass next to him.

“We should get going.” Mandy buttoned her blouse. “Your family will be here soon.”

“We have time.” Danny tugged her down onto his bare chest. “And it’s my birthday. They can wait.”

Mandy laughed. “But I want to give you your present.”

“I thought you just did.” Danny kissed her. Yup. He’d been right all along. Some green grass and a pretty girl was all he needed in life. “Anyway, I have something for you.” He reached for his jeans and dug into the pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box. “Will you marry me, Mandy Brown?”

“Oh, Danny.” She sat up and opened the box. A small diamond ring glittered in the sunlight, like tears glittered in Mandy’s eyes when she put it on her finger. “Yes. Definitely, yes.”

“Geez, don’t cry.” Danny sat up. “I wanted to make you happy.”

“I can’t help it.” She sniffed. “I am happy.”

“Could’ve fooled me, but I’ll take your word for it.” Danny kissed her again. One hand strayed to the top button on her blouse. “Wanna give me another present?”

Mandy batted his hand away playfully. “Put your clothes on. We have to go home.”

“Oh, all right.” Danny tugged on his jeans, T-shirt, and running shoes. “I was thinking. What if I convert the garage into a little house? I love your mom and Bill, and I know you need to stay close to them, but a little privacy would be nice.”

Mandy wiped a fresh tear from her face. “I think that would be perfect.”

“Great. Winter will be here soon. While I’m digging the whole outdoor sex thing, it’s going to be less appealing as the temperature drops.”

They packed up the picnic hamper and blanket and loaded the dog into the used SUV Danny had sold his convertible to buy. Well, that and the ring. Worth every penny. Now that he had Mandy, he had no trouble letting go of his old life and embracing the future.