Page 63 of Tango

“You’re soo funny.” I tossed my napkin on the table. “Please excuse me. I’d like to wash my hands before we eat.” Really, I just wanted Ty to have a moment alone with them. Ty instantly turned into Shadows mode, so I rested a hand on his shoulder. “We’re at Zack’s. I’ve already waved at Jake so he knows I’m here. I’ll only be a moment.”

“It’s the bathroom, dude,” Shelly teased him. As I started to walk, I heard her add, “Unless she’s in some kind of trouble. Oh, my God, are you her bodyguard? Are you like Kevin Costner and she’s Whitney?” I had to stop and look back.

I laughed. “You never know.”

“Why are you so weird?” Ty sighed, but he stayed at the table.

I took a few extra moments in the restroom. I was so happy about how things were going. I couldn’t stop the grin on my face as I glanced in the mirror and thought of what Ty had openly shared with his family. I put on a little more lipstick then headed back.

When Ty spotted me, his shoulders relaxed, and he stood as I approached to pull back my chair. I hoped they had a good talk while I was gone.

“Ty was just about to tell us what he’s doing now.” His father directed the comment at me as I settled in. I looked expectantly at Ty, and he jumped right in. He kept things on the surface and explained that his time in Afghanistan was over. He spoke a little about his last tour. He even mentioned how he was able to return Brown to his parents. Once Connie shot me a worried glance, but I gave a little shake of my head to assure her that all was okay. He bantered with Shelly and even let out a belly laugh when she poked at his friendship with Moore.

It seemed the brittle eggshell Ty had built around his relationship with his family had cracked open, and it all just seemed to flow smoothly out. He looked happy, and the lines around his father’s eyes as he smiled at his son showed just how much they’d needed this.

“So, Ivy,” Shelly leaned over when Ty was in full swing conversation about their mom’s hope to add a library to the new house they bought, “sorry for the joke earlier about the restroom. Ty explained everything.”

“He did?”

“Yeah, it makes more sense now, the way Moore kept watch on the exits when we were at lunch.” When I looked at her, she shrugged. “It runs in the family. We notice stuff like that.”

“What’d he say?”

“That given what they’re doing on their special ops missions, it leaves you and a few others exposed to some of the dangers here.” That was more than I ever expected Ty to share with them. “I haven’t said it yet, but thanks for making this happen. It’d be really cool to have you in the family.”

“I’ve always wanted a sister.” I leaned in and gave her a hug.

Ty’s face was full of life, and it almost brought tears to my eyes at how carefree everyone looked in that moment. To others, it looked like we were a big, happy family enjoying a dinner. But I knew they were a family in need of repair, and tonight, the first step had been a big one.

When the others arrived, the volume in the place had risen to one of a family dinner in Italy, and it was the most spectacular thing I’d ever witnessed. Moore was pulled in for hugs and kisses by the whole Beckett family, and I noticed Mark somehow weaseled his way in for some himself. He reminded me of a golden retriever. He wanted to soak up as much love as possible. It was rather endearing, especially as I knew some of what he’d gone through as a young boy.

“Pull up some more chairs,” Cole called. “We’ve got more family here tonight!” No one wasted any time, and the scrape of chairs as they made room for Ty’s family made me smile.

“Ivy.” Savannah rushed over to me and grabbed my hand. “Okay, you ready? Because now’s the perfect time to tell you about June.” Oh, the secret!

“Yes!”

“So don’t turn around yet, but she’s over near the table by the door.” She pointed carefully, and I nodded that I could see her. I also noticed that Mark watched us. He seemed to know something was up by his slitty-eyed look at Savannah. “Do you see it?” she asked as I studied June’s mannerisms as she chatted. I took in the way she dipped her head and smiled coyly. There was no denying the sexual sparks.

“Oh, my god,” I mouthed with excitement under my hand.

“Been going on for months now.”

“Does Mark know?”

“Nope, I’m sure he doesn’t,” she whispered, and we both glanced at Mark as he studied us from his seat at the table.

“Oh, Savannah,” I placed one hand on my chest as I squeezed her hand, “if I could have this one, I’ll forever be in your debt. That little frigger tossed me under the bus today, and I’d love nothing more than to take him down.”

“He’s all yours.” She smirked darkly, and we both turned to stare at Mark. His face suddenly went from quizzical to terrified.

“Holy all that’s female. Something’s happening, Cole!” Mark called out to his brother, who shook him off like a tick.

“Let the fun begin.” I shrugged happily and began to silently make up scenarios I could use on Mark.

“Hey.” Ty pulled me into his chest as we made our way toward the restrooms a bit later. He cupped my face and stared into my eyes with such intensity I felt the heat grow deep down in my belly. “I’m not afraid to admit when I’m scared, and the thought of tonight scared me to no end.” He paused, and I wondered where he’d go with this. “Jesus, Ivy, the weight you lifted off my chest.” He took a breath. “I know it was my own guilt that caused it. I never thought I could get past it, didn’t know how.”

“Ty, I just…”

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