Protecting Tessa (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Brotherhood Alliance #6)

Chapter 24

24

I t’d been a week since she and Ford made love, and the memory lingered like a warm touch. He stayed at her place for a couple of nights sharing flaky pastries from the bakery and fresh-brewed coffee before heading to work.

When she visited the Brotherhood campus to stay with him, the atmosphere was calmer, quieter, a reminder that she was safe. Their new relationship was off to a good start, and while Tessa was feeling cautiously optimistic about the future, a flicker of uncertainty nagged at her. Was it too good to be true? What if you couldn’t fully escape your past? Was Damien gone from her life completely, or was he just biding his time?

Bah. She had a job to do and wasn’t going to let the past dictate how she felt about the present.

Today marked the grand opening of GearUp, and Tessa’s stomach was churning with nervous energy and excitement.

Ford had given her carte blanche on the event, from the food down to the open house activities.

She hoped he liked what she organized. Emelia was baking an array of nature-themed treats, including cookies shaped like fish and trees, as well as assorted cupcakes, some with orange and yellow frosting swirling like flames with pretzels forming a “campfire” and mini marshmallows; others designed as a moss-covered chocolate cupcake or topped with a tree; and, for the kid in everyone, chocolate s’more cupcakes with marshmallow frosting topped with a mini graham cracker and a square of chocolate.

The menu featured homemade jerky from one of Ford’s suppliers, trail mix platters, fruit skewers, and veggie cups with dressing, along with apple cider and lemonade.

There were several activities scheduled. Ford would be giving a lure demonstration, one of his employees would demonstrate outdoor skills, and his knife maker would be there crafting a knife, plus there would be a raffle for prizes like a handmade knife, gift cards, and fishing gear.

Tessa hadn’t forgotten about the kids.

There was a fun photo spot set up with props featuring a fisherman, a moose, a bear, and a campsite, along with coloring books of outdoor scenes. She also hired a local bluegrass group for background music.

She stood in the shop and glanced around.

Everything was in place.

The musicians were setting up. Emelia’s new assistant was arranging the dessert table. The caterers had already delivered the snacks, and Ford’s friends were arriving to help wherever they were needed.

Ford was in a corner talking to Tom, the knife smith, who was setting up in another corner. He’d already laid down the materials and tools he needed: steel blanks, various pre-cut handle materials, and tools for grinding and shaping. He wanted to bring a portable propane forge to heat the steel, but she nixed the idea. So many things could go wrong with a crowd and children milling around. So, he suggested a final sharpening on a whetstone.

A clock at the back dinged 10 a.m. Tessa glanced out the window and saw a crowd already gathering.

“Relax.” Ford’s voice was firm and strong at her back. He put his hands around her waist and held her for a moment. “Tessa, everything will be fine. You did an outstanding job of putting everything together.”

“Fingers crossed it’s successful,” she said, relaxing into his arms.

He kissed her neck and released her. “Showtime.”

Tessa watched as Ford greeted the guests as they walked in, both oohing and aahing. He was in his element and watching him interact so easily made her happy. Made her think of a future filled with love—one they created together.

Several hours later, Ford stifled a yawn. He scanned the shop looking for Tessa, who was helping a little girl color.

The air buzzed with conversation and the faint twang of bluegrass music. He had no idea how Tessa came up with ideas like this or how she’d pulled off another successful event.

The cash register was ringing. Tom was giving another demonstration.

People were enjoying the refreshments and signing up for the raffle.

Kids were having a ball posing for pictures, and it reminded Ford of good times with his parents and Pete.

Damn.

“Why so glum, chum?” asked Finn, who had sidled up to him and forced him out of his negative thoughts.

“Just thinking.” He sighed. “My parents used to take me camping with my best friend. We’d have s’mores and tell tall tales around the fire, then go fishing the next day.”

“Good times, eh?” Finn replied.

Ford nodded. “Yeah. Until they weren’t.”

Finn gave him a light punch on the shoulder. “Memories may fade, but they shape us into who we are today. Look around you. This open house is unbelievable. Your friends are here. Your woman has created an event so remarkable that anyone stepping through that door will want to hire her.”

Your woman. Was she his woman? Their relationship was still new, but Ford hoped so. “Tessa’s done a fantastic job,” Ford agreed. “The kids are having a ball with the photo booth. Who would have imagined adding woodland animals, making it even more fun? And Emelia has outdone herself—the cupcakes are so creative.”

They stood in silence for a moment. “Well, I better go talk up the shop.” A burst of laughter pulled his attention to Tessa, who was chatting with a family. The sun catchers in the window infused her blond hair with coppery highlights, giving her an almost ethereal glow. Ford felt his chest tighten with something deeper that he didn’t have words for.

He made his way over, dodging kids racing toward the cupcake table. He reached Tessa just as she was finishing her conversation.

“Tessa,” he said, his voice low.

She turned to him, her eyes bright and a small smile lingering on her face that morphed into worry. “Everything all right?”

“Sweetheart, it’s better than all right.” He gazed around. “This is everything I hoped it would be, only better.”

Tessa gave him a big grin. “I’m glad. This is your dream, Ford. I’m just helping to bring it to life.”

He wanted to say more, but someone was calling his name from across the room.

“Duty calls.”

“Go.” She nodded. “This is your show, after all.”

Ford gave her a lingering look before turning away. This wasn’t just a grand opening for his shop. It was the beginning of something new, something bigger—something he wasn’t about to let go.