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My heart hammered painfully in my chest. We had found her, but that was only the beginning of the battle. We hadn’t prepared what to say, but it felt like we were at least doing okay. I could tell we weren’t completely blowing it. When I finally managed to pull my gaze away from Margot, I noticed her mom smiling. I clung to that—maybe it was a good sign. I needed Margot to forgive us.

Margot’s face flushed with anger, and she sucked in a deep breath, ready to unload. “So, you’re telling me I love you? It took you almost three weeks to show up, and this is what you say? That you love me? Are you out of your mind? That’s your big redemption speech? Well, I guess I’ll never know if you really love me, but at least we’re clear about how I feel about you!”

Beth snickered softly and shook her head. “She only rages like this once every few years, but here we go. Nice work, guys.”

I winced, trying not to react. “I dove into this headfirst,” Margot continued, her voice laced with frustration. “I gave you everything I had, as openly as I could. I did love you. I think I always did because you were always kind and gentle with me. You made me laugh and always showed up when I had to deal with your awful father and stepmother. But then you wait until you’ve slept with me to just take it all away?” She threw a look at her mom. “Sorry, but it’s the truth. You introduced me to this fairytale romance where you spoil me, give me incredible orgasms, and then just vanish?”

I flushed at the bluntness of her words, especially with her mom right there. “Maybe we should—”

“I can’t believe you thought I was sleeping with Braxton,” Margot cut in, her voice sharp. “You guys are idiots. First of all, been there, done that. No thanks. And second, when exactly do you think I was sleeping with him? While I was with you all, spending every free moment with you? While I was with Braxton in the dining hall, with Gregwatching us? When I was asleep, between you guys? It pisses me off that you trusted me so little that it made you act so stupid!”

“Pissed is better than crushed, baby,” Lucas said softly, his voice full of understanding. He stepped a little closer, despite the risk. “Yell as much as you need to. It won’t change how we feel about you.” He paused, his gaze steady. “We love you. I love you. I want to marry you and have a huge family with you. So go ahead—let it out. Scream at us if you need to. Do whatever you have to do, because we’re not going anywhere.”

Margot paused, the anger fading as uncertainty filled her eyes. She looked over at her mom, and when her gaze returned to us, her eyes shimmered with tears. They spilled over, tracing down her cheeks. “How do I know you won’t leave me again? How can I trust you? It hurt too much this time. I don’t think I can go through that again.”

I didn’t think twice before pulling Margot into my arms, holding her tightly against my chest. “We’re never leaving you, Bubba. I’m so fucking sorry. I love you. I love you so much it aches. I can’t live without you.”

Ryder knelt down in front of Ruth, gently taking her hands in his. “We love your daughter. I promise you, we’re never leaving her. We’re going to cherish her for the rest of our lives.”

Margot relaxed against me, her tears soaking through my shirt. After a moment, I felt her hands grip my shirt, and her soft whimpers made my heart ache. I picked her up, cradling her against me as she wrapped herself around me.

Beth chuckled and shook her head, then pointed at Lucas. “This one promised me a trip to Paris. I’ve been waiting for you idiots to show up and win her over.” She raised a brow. “If you make her cry again, I’ll make you regret ever being born. Got it?”

Lucas held up his hands, nodding quickly. “Got it. Thank you.”

Beth winked at me. “Take her home. I know how making up works, and you can’t do it here.” She gestured toward the exit. “Go.”

I hesitated, glancing over at Margot. “About your apartment…”

“What about my apartment?” Margot asked, lifting her head.

“We’re going to find you a safer place, somewhere bigger for all of us.”

Just then, Gregappeared, his face lighting up when he saw Margot. “Ms. Margot! Gregmiss you.”

Beth rolled closer, grinning at Gregor. “Well, hello there, handsome.”

Margot pulled away from me and gave Grega warm hug. “I missed you too, Gregor. This is my mom, Beth Lately. Watch out for her; she’s already beat one sexual assault charge today.”

Beth slapped Margot’s leg lightly. “She’s joking.”

Gregseemed charmed by Beth, so I pulled Margot away gently and cupped her face. “Come with us?”

She searched my face, then leaned forward, resting her forehead against my chest. “No.”

Lucas and Ryder, who had followed us, were equally shocked by her answer. “No?” Lucas asked, his voice full of disbelief.

Margot took a step back, wiping her eyes. “No. It’s not going to be that easy. You three have to prove you’re serious.”

Relief hit me like a wave, and I nearly stumbled. “That’s all? No problem, baby. Whatever you need, we’ll do it.”

“I already have someone working on closing a property here for us. Until then, you can stay at our hotel. Where you go, we go. We’re ready to marry you. If you want to go right now, we’ll go to city hall. We’re all in. We want forever, Margot.”

Margot blinked away tears and swallowed hard. “I want my mom to walk me down the aisle.”

Ryder glanced at Beth. “Doesn’t seem like that’ll be too long now.”

Beth gave a small smile, a little shy. “I’m still a little mad.”

Lucas grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her close, his voice full of sincerity. “Good. We deserve it. Be mad, be pissed. Just be ours, and I’ll take the rest.”

“Okay.”

That one word sealed it. She was ours. Lucas wrapped his arms around her, breathing in her scent, and I saw him shudder. “God, I’ve missed you.”

Beth rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t think you’re leaving without taking your shirts off, boys.” She squeezed Margot’s hand. “You did good, honey. It’s okay to forgive and forget faster than some might expect. Go home with your men. Live a little. And eat something.”

I couldn’t help but scan Margot’s body, frowning as I noticed how much weight she’d lost since we’d last seen her. “Bubba?”

Margot swayed on her feet, taking a step back. “I’m fine. Why does everyone keep staring at me like…”

Lucas caught her just before she fainted, his face filled with concern. He looked up at me, worry etched across his features. “What’s wrong with her?”

The older woman with Beth immediately moved into action, checking Margot’s pulse. She frowned, concern written all over her face. “She’s been sick a few times, losing weight, and not taking care of herself. It’s probably just exhaustion, but she needs to see a doctor.”

Margot groaned softly, her voice tired. “I’m fine. I’m just exhausted.”

A wave of guilt hit me, realizing how much she’d been through while we’d been too slow to find the courage to come to her. Cursing under my breath, I scooped her up from Lucas’s arms. “We’re going to see a doctor. Now.”

Lucas was already on his phone, typing quickly. Ryder was busy taking care of Beth, exchanging numbers and offering comfort. Gregleaned down and said something to her, then gave me a nod.

“We’ll call you as soon as we hear from the doctor. We’ll take better care of her from now on, Beth.” I exhaled sharply. “This won’t happen again.”