Page 42 of Montana Freedom

She placed a hand on my shoulder. “It’s not every day you end up in a cage next to someone. We were all rescued, so when you disappeared? Everyone wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Tears pricked at my eyes, and I blinked them back. They were all strangers. Why would any of them care about me?

Kate saw and turned me toward the bar, where she poured my wine. “And I know it’s weird to have a bunch of strangers know something so intimate about you. It wasn’t shared as gossip, and none of the people in this room will ever judge you for what happened or think less of you. They’ll also never ask you to share anything beyond what you’re comfortable with.”

Quickly swiping at my eyes, I smiled. “That sounds nice.”

I glanced around the room and felt my heart settle. I understood why it was called family dinner now. All these people…none of them were related, but theywerea family. It felt like a family. The comfort and safety of it, and it was everything I’d ever wanted.

A fierce longing sprung up in my chest.Here. I wanted to belong here, more than I’d ever wanted to belong anywhere. Everywhere else, I’d never felt anything close to the comfort I felt in this room, and I wasn’t even a part of this group.

I wanted to belong with Daniel, and I wanted a place in this world where people loved and protected one another. And just like that, yearning turned to determination. I could belong here, and I would. I was going to fight for my place here—and fight for Daniel.

Kate dragged me back to the table. “Okay, real introductions. Everyone, this is Emma. Emma, you already met everyone, but now you’re a part of the gang.”

“It’s nice to meet you guys.”

“I haven’t seen you come by Deja Brew.” Evelyn looked at me. “Make sure you do, and Lena and I will take care of you, for sure.”

“Sounds good,” I laughed. It was only because of my memories driving through town that I remembered Deja Brew was one of the coffee shops. “I’m not sure how far I’m allowed to go, given everything. But I’ll try.”

She shrugged. “Ask Daniel if you’re nervous. He’ll come with you.”

He probably would. “I bother him enough without dragging him into town for coffee.”

Grace glanced behind me subtly, and one by one, they all followed suit. Where I was sitting, Daniel and the rest of the men were behind me. Cori finally laughed and looked at me with a smirk. “I don’t think anything you do would bother him.”

I was turning bright red, but I ignored it. “Why do you say that?”

“Because.” Lena sat down next to me, eyes sparkling. I hadn’t heard them come back inside. “They’re very used to watching a man want someone from a distance, and Daniel has that look all over his face.”

Deflating, I took a long sip of my wine. When I set the glass down, they were all looking at me. “What?”

“Okay.” Kate glanced at the men before refocusing on me. “You don’t have to say anything, but we know that look. And everything you want to tell us about what’s already happened between you? We want to know.”

Nothing had changed. I still felt safe and secure here. But would they disapprove? They didn’t seem to. More, would Daniel be upset if I said anything?

“You guys would be fine with it?”

Grace frowned. “Fine with what?”

“With—” I swallowed. “With me and Daniel.”

Lena leaned in. “This might sound rude, but it’s not meant to be. Why the hell wouldn’t we be fine with it?”

I kept my voice low. “The age difference. At least, that’s what he said.”

“Oh boy.” Grace chuckled. “Remind me to tell you my whole story when the boys aren’t here and we can get hammered, cry, and be completely irresponsible.”

Evelyn laughed. “Agreed. It’s been too long. But no.” She focused her gaze on me. “No one here gives a rat’s ass about it. You’re an adult, and Daniel is one of the most honorable men out there. He probably doesn’t want to take advantage of you. But if you want him and he wants you? Who cares?”

The rest of what he’d said—about him being broken—wasn’t mine to share. But this helped. If no one in this group took issue with us before we even started, then it made everything easier. And gave me ammunition in the fight Daniel didn’t even know we were having yet.

“Thank you.”

“No problem,” Grace sipped from her own glass. “And Emma, I’ve known Daniel for a while, and I’ve never seen him with anyone. Hell, I’ve never even heard him say he was interested in dating or love. If you’ve managed to crack that shell? It’s both a good sign and a damn miracle. As far as I’m concerned, take a hammer to him until he cracks the rest of the way.”

We all laughed, and suddenly I felt him behind me like a magnet, pulling me to face him. “How’s everyone doing?”

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