“He’s right. It’s gross.” Avery wrinkled her nose.

  “It’s not the right time.” Finn pointed his attention to his fishing.

  “But at the end of the picnic, Ryleigh’s gonna leave,” Avery said, her big eyes looking up at him. “And she’ll take everyone with her.”

  “Yes.” The thought closed Finn’s throat and the word stuck like damp sawdust.

  Avery frowned. “No fair. I want them to be our family.”

  Artie rested his free hand on Avery’s shoulder. “I’m pretty sure I’m right when I speak for the family to say we’d like the same thing.”

  Avery pouted. “So why can’t you do something about it?”

  Finn pulled his line out of the water and knelt next to Avery. “Our lives are here in Shadow Lake, and Ryleigh’s is in Portland with her family and work. We’ve talked about it, and we can’t figure things out just now. Maybe in the future.”

  “It’s easy. We can move there.” Avery challenged him with a sharp look.

  Finn had to fight to keep his mouth from falling open. He’d never expected this from her, and he didn’t know if it was just a passing thought, if she’d get over it, or if she really wanted to move. “But you love your house here.”

  “I know, but isn’t loving people more important?”

  “Wise child, this one.” Artie grinned.

  “I don’t know, Peanut,” he said, ignoring Artie. “You feel this way now, but what about when it’s time to go to school, and you have to go to a new one? Make new friends? Will you think moving is such a good idea then?”

  “I can do it for a family.” She turned and hugged Artie’s waist. “He wants to be my grandad, so can’t you let him? Please?”

  Finn didn’t know how to answer. He had to make the right decision for Avery, not for himself, and he didn’t know if he could separate those feelings to do the right thing.

  “I’ll think about it, Peanut,” he said.

  She frowned but held out her little finger. “Pinkie promise?”

  He bent down and crooked his finger in hers as she’d taught him to do. “Promise.”

  She threw her arms around his neck. “I love you, Finn. Bunches. Will you adopt me and marry Ryleigh?”

  His heart melted into a liquid puddle in his chest, but panic followed. They’d talked about adoption. He’d offered. He didn’t know if his heart really had been in it then. He’d offered more out of wanting to make her feel secure, but right after Felicia had died, he’d thought about having a child for the rest of his life and the thought had strangled him. Now?

  Now, he’d truly taken her into his life, and she was his forever. He had to finalize the adoption as she’d said, but that was just a formality. He was Avery’s father now, and proud and thankful he could fill the role. It beat the joy of being a SEAL a thousand times over, and he would never regret his decision to parent this little girl.

  He didn’t feel the least little twinge of fear for their future together. Anxiety over doing a good job as a parent, yeah, but that was what parenting was all about.

  And that meant making the right decision now. He couldn’t fail her.

  Please, God, please. This child has been through so much. Help me do the right thing for her. For my daughter.

  Ryleigh feigned reading her book, but she covertly watched the dock where Finn was fitting right in with her family and the Maddox family too. He’d been deep in conversation with the brothers and Colin several times today, but she had no idea what they’d been discussing. Seemed serious, though. Maybe he was just thanking them for their help as she’d done earlier.

  Maybe. But if that was true, she might’ve expected some backslapping or fist bumping. Neither of which had occurred.

  Teagan poked Ryleigh in the arm, then pointed at the dock. “Wonder what’s going on over there.”

  Ryleigh pretended to just then notice Finn, Avery, and Ryleigh’s grandad engaged in what looked like a very serious conversation as her father looked on from nearby. And Ryleigh didn’t miss seeing Avery toss her arms around Finn’s neck and hold him tight. How far they’d come in a few weeks.

  No, that wasn’t right. The change had really taken months, with much rejection from Avery. It was just the last few weeks that he seemed to finally break through to her somehow.

  Ryleigh’s heart soared for him, but fell in a flash. Ryleigh wanted to be around to see how they fared together. More than that, she wanted to be part of their story. In what form, she didn’t yet know because once her emotions all calmed down from the grenade incident and she could think, she knew becoming a mother was a big step that she needed to consider. To pray about. So she wouldn’t hurt this little girl more.

  “You know God wouldn’t have put him in your life again unless He wanted you to follow your feelings this time,” Teagan said.

  Ryleigh flashed her gaze to Teagan. “What?”

  “You didn’t think I knew about him, did you?” Teagan laughed. “Well, surprise, sis, we all know—have known for ages that he hurt you.”

  “Even Mom and Dad? Gran and Grandad?”

  “Yep, everyone. The cousins, Uncle Gene and Aunt Iris too.”

  Ryleigh couldn’t believe this. “But no one said anything.”

  “Because we respected your privacy and figured if you wanted to talk about it you would.”

  Ryleigh gaped at her sister. “Since when does privacy mean anything in our family?”

  “Since you were so very devastated and couldn’t even talk about it. We thought you would at some point, but then time passed and you were all right, so no one brought it up.”

  “That’s as shocking as running into Finn again.” She shook her head. “I’m surprised Grandad didn’t deck him.”

  “Me too.” Teagan laughed. “Dad probably would’ve if he’d been the first to see him, but Grandad has convinced everyone that Finn’s a great guy.”

  “He really is.” That was not in question. Not in the least.

  “I know he hurt you, but looks like you’ve forgiven him.” Teagan swung her legs over the edge of her chair and nodded at Reid’s small fishing boat puttering toward the dock. “Looks like Drew is back, so I’m going to go meet him.”

  She’d recently gotten engaged to Drew Collier, and she wanted everyone in the world to be as happy as they were. So maybe her advice was a bit prejudiced.

  She stood and squeezed Ryleigh’s shoulder. “Finn’s a keeper. Don’t toss him back in.”

  Ryleigh got up too and grabbed a cane pole plus a bucket of worms and went to the dock. Not knowing what she was going to do or say, she stopped short of Finn and Avery, hoping Finn would come to her so she didn’t seem like she was stalking him.

  She sat on the wooden dock, dangling her legs over the shimmering water, and dug into the bucket for a big fat juicy worm that she slid onto her hook just like her grandad taught her.

  “Ew,” Avery said, coming up to her. “You do your own worms?”

  Ryleigh wiped her slimy fingers on a towel and tossed her line into the water. Her red and white bobber popped up and floated on the surface. “Grandad wouldn’t take us fishing if we didn’t handle our own bait.”

  “He did mine for me.” Avery set down her small pink camo pole that Ryleigh’s grandad had gotten just for her and plopped down next to Ryleigh.

  “Yeah, he does that the first time to get you hooked on fishing.” Ryleigh winked at Avery. “Then the next time he makes you bait your own hook.”

  She looked uncertainly up at Ryleigh’s grandad. “I don’t know if I can do it.”

  Ryleigh leaned closer to Avery. “I’ll tell you a secret. I didn’t think I could either, but he joked with me the whole time I was hooking the worm, and we laughed so hard that I was distracted and had my hook baited before I knew it.”

  “Maybe I can do it.” She scrunched up her eyes like she might cry. “If I ever get to go fishing with him again.”

  Ryleigh tried to smile away the child’s sadness. “I’m sure if you ask, he’ll be glad to come down here to take you fishing.”

  “You think so? Even if he might not be my grandad?”

  Ryleigh had no idea what she meant by that and didn’t know how to answer.

  “I want a grandad just like him.” Avery looked longingly down the dock.

  “He’s a good one for sure,” Ryleigh said, wishing the same thing for this child.

  “Finn said maybe we can move to Portland so that can happen.”

  “He what?” Ryleigh’s voice shot up.

  Avery startled.

  “Sorry, sweetie. That just surprised me. Tell me exactly what he said.”

  “I asked him if we could move to where you live. He said he would think about it.”

  “When was this?” Ryleigh glanced at Finn, who caught her gaze and put down his pole to join them.

  “Just now.” Avery looked up at Finn. “I know I’ll miss my friends, but I want a real family. One who can’t go away at any time, and you have the best family ever. They stick together. I want to be part of it.”

  “We know you do, Peanut,” Finn said. “But there are a lot of things to consider.”

  “Papa and Nana.” Avery cast a wary glance at Ryleigh. “Your mom and dad said I could call them that.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “They said they were so happy to have me in the family. That I would be the perfect grandchild.” Avery frowned. “I don’t think I can be perfect, but I’ll try.”

  “Oh, sweetie.” Ryleigh took the child’s hand. “They don’t expect you to be perfect. They just meant they’ve wanted a grandchild for a long time and it would be perfectly wonderful to have one.”

  “Oh, okay.” A long breath slipped out. “I’ll still do my best to be good and not make them wish I wasn’t there.”

  “You just need to be you,” Ryleigh said emphatically. “Nothing else. And they will always love you no matter what.”

  “How do you know that?”

  Ryleigh searched for the right way to explain. “You know how your mom loved you even when you got into trouble?”

  Avery’s head bobbed in a forceful nod. “Yeah, she was the best.”

  “Well, grandparents are like that too.”

  “And so are Ryleigh and me,” Finn added. “We will always love you no matter what.”

  Avery launched herself at Finn. “I love you too, even when I don’t like you.”

  Finn grinned at Ryleigh over Avery’s head.

  Avery looked up at him. “So we can move to Portland?”

  “Yes.”

  “Yay!” Avery released Finn and danced around.

  “Shh,” Ryleigh’s grandad warned. “You’re going to scare the fish away.”

  “Oops.” A sweet grin lit Avery’s face. “Guess I was already naughty.”

  Finn ruffled her hair. “I think Grandad will be okay with it when he hears why you were so excited.”

  She frowned.

  “What’s wrong, Peanut?” Finn asked.

  “Nana said if you wanted, I could come live with them for a little while so you and Ryleigh can be alone. You know to get all mushy and stuff.”

  Finn looked like he was trying hard to stifle a laugh. “But you don’t like that idea?”

  She shook her head so hard her braids done expertly by Finn slapped her face. “But I’ll do it if you want me to. If that means we’ll be a family, I’d stay two months.”

  “No need.” Finn hugged the child. “I might let you do some sleepovers with them, but otherwise you’re stuck with me, kiddo. Forever.”

  She blinked her big blue eyes up at him. “Promise?”

  Ryleigh had no idea how he could possibly refuse that adorable face. “Promise.”

  “I’m going to tell Grandad that he’s my grandad now too.” Avery pushed away and bolted down the dock, her sandals clapping on the wood.

  “I’m glad Avery wants to move,” Ryleigh said. “But what about your job?”

  “I’ve been talking to the Maddox brothers about setting up my own business to teach survival skills.” His eyes narrowed. “We figure if I could buy some land on the outskirts of the metro area that I could have a thriving business. Would you be okay with not living in the city?”

  “Okay?” She smiled, glad he knew how much she wanted a future with him, and he was thinking of her. “Remember I’m a farm girl, and I’d love it. Maybe Grandad would even sell you some of their land since they’re getting older.”

  “That could work.”

  “Of course, you’d have to be good with living near my parents and grandparents.” She looked at her grandad as he helped Avery bait her hook. “But honestly, no matter where we would live, my grandparents would be around all the time anyway.”

  “And speaking of them. It’s time for some privacy.” Finn took the pole out of Ryleigh’s hand, put it in a holder, and looked at her grandad. “We’re going to take a walk. Mind watching our poles?”

  Grandad put an arm around Avery. “We’ve got it, don’t we, sweetheart?”

  She gave a serious nod. “And I’ll even put on a yucky worm if I have to.”

  Ryleigh chuckled and trailed Finn down the dock and to the woods ringed by tall trees and holding an old stone firepit in the middle.

  She looked at Finn. “My sisters, cousins, and I used to hang out here with the Maddox brothers and plan our future takeover of the world.”

  “Guess that means I have to watch for your plots of world dominion.” He laughed.

  “No worries. I have everything I want, and the world will just have to do without me taking it over.” She snuggled her arms around his solid body and rested her head on his chest to listen to the solid thumps of his heartbeat.

  “If that changes let me know, and I’ll be your able assistant.”

  “Good to know.” She leaned back and looked up at him.

  “As I told Avery, you’re stuck with me. Forever.”

  She blinked up at him as Avery had done and held out her little finger. “Pinkie promise?”

  He cupped the side of her face. “Promise. Forever and ever.”

  He kissed her and her heart soared.

  “This wasn’t how I planned to propose, so I want a do-over on that once I have a ring. And I have to ask your dad’s permission too.”

  “Just a formality.”

  He nodded. “Still, your dad can be intimidating. Your grandad too.”

  “Take a look in the mirror if you want to see intimidating.” She caressed his cheek. “But not at the moment. Right now, you seem very approachable.”

  “That’s good because since we’re alone and can’t gross Avery out, I intend to get all mushy and stuff.”

  He lowered his head and before his lips even touched hers, she knew that forever with this man might involve having to find private time for the mushy stuff, but the challenge was worth the reward and then some.

  Thank you so much for reading Edge of Steele. If you’ve enjoyed the book, I would be grateful if you would post a review on the bookseller’s site. Just a few words is all it takes or even leave a rating. Click or tap HERE, and you will jump to the right place to post your review.

  * * *

  Though this is the end of this series, you’ll be happy to hear that there is a new series coming soon!

  SHADOW LAKE SURVVAL SERIES

  Coming SOON - When survival takes a dangerous turn and lives are on the line.

  The men of Shadow Lake Survival impart survival skills and keep those in danger safe from harm. Even if it means risking their lives.

  Book 1 – Shadow of Deceit - August 2, 2023

  Book 2 – Shadow of Night - October 2, 2023

  Book 3 – Shadow of Truth - December 2, 2023

  Book 4 – Shadow of Hope March 2, 2024

  Book 5 – Shadow of Doubt – June 2, 2024

  Book 6 – Shadow of Fear – October 2, 2024

  * * *

  For More Details Visit -

  For More Details Visit -

  https://www.susansleeman.com/shadow-lake-survival-series/

  Shadow of Deceit - BOOK 1

  When returning to her past threatens her life and a murder occurs…

  When Mia Blackburn returns to Shadow Lake to inherit her uncle’s property, she doesn’t expect a threatening warning before she even reaches the rustic resort. And when a fire traps her in the burning barn that very day, she fears she won’t get out alive. Just in time, Ryan Maddox, her ex-boyfriend and Shadow Lake Survival owner, rescues her from the deadly blaze. She’s thankful for his rescue, but after their tumultuous breakup, he’s the last person she wants to see.

  Will she be the next victim?

  Despite the threatening warning and her residual feelings for Ryan, Mia won’t let anyone scare her from the rustic resort before she fulfills the terms of her uncle’s will and inherits the property. Ryan insists on keeping a close eye on her, and soon Mia feels safer and closer to Ryan than ever before. Yet the threats haven’t stopped, and soon Mia’s inheritance includes a murder, and she could be the next victim.

  PREORDER SHADOW OF DECEIT NOW!

  NIGHTHAWK SECURITY SERIES

  Protecting others from unspeakable danger

  A stalker. A mother and child being hunted. And more. All in danger. Needing protection from the men of Nighthawk Security.

  Book 1 – Night Fall

  Book 2 – Night Vision

  Book 3 – Night Hawk

  Book 4 – Night Moves

  Book 5 – Night Watch

  Book 6 – Night Prey

  Buy Nighthawk Security Boxed Set Bks 1 -3

  Buy Nighthawk Security Boxed Set Bks 4-6

  Buy Nighthawk Security Boxed Set All 6 Books

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