Page 128 of Code Name: Typhon

Her eyes widened, and we both burst out laughing.

“I guess that won’t quite work, given Levi is your big brother.”

“We’ll just make him my brother-in-law instead,” she suggested.

“Oh!” I squealed. “That will work.”

“What will work?” he asked, walking over to us.

When I explained my error, resulting in potential inbreeding, he roared with laughter.

Kima laughed too. It was twice I’d seen her smile in the last few minutes, and it filled my heart with joy.

“We thought we’d never find the two of you on your own,” said Penelope when she and Brand joined us at the kitchen island, where Levi and I sat, staring at our mating manta rays, as he’d called them a few minutes ago.

“You’re not leaving?” I asked.

“No, not until tomorrow, and given this house is bigger than most hotels I’ve stayed in, why go anywhere else?” Pen teased. “Actually, we have something we want to ask you.”

“Okay. Go on,” I said.

Brand turned to Levi. “So, old man, do you think you’ll be healed up enough by September to make a trip to the States?”

My husband leveled a glare at him, and Brand laughed.

“All kidding aside, Pen and I have set our wedding date. It’s the fifteenth of September at our cottage on Fire Island.”

“Butterfly cottage,” I murmured.

Pen leaned into me, and we both smiled.

“I’m sure we’d be delighted to be there,” Levi said, turning to me.

“Of course we would.”

“About that,” said Pen, looking up at Brand.

“Right. Well, you’re not exactly guests. Typhon, would you consider being my best man?”

My eyes filled with happy tears, and I brought my hands to my face as I watched my husband too choked up to respond.

“I’d be honored,” he finally said, holding out his hand for Brand to shake.

“That’s not all,” said Pen. “I’ve spoken with Tara, Ava, Aine, and Quinn. We’ve decided that, since you are a member of what is now the tribe of six, you absolutely must be a bridesmaid.”

I was stunned. “Truly?”

“Truly. Look.” She held up her mobile, and on the screen were her four best friends, all teary-eyed after witnessing the last few minutes via a video call.

I laughed. “You were all remarkably quiet,” I said.

Pen shook her head. “Not at all. I had to put my phone on silent.”

“I’ve never been happier,” said Levi as we lay in bed. “Or in more pain.”

I chuckled. “You will heal, and the happiness will grow more abundant.”

“I love your optimism. In fact, I love everything else about you too. Thank you for loving me back.”

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