Page 77 of Between Love and Honor

“Nope,” she murmured against his mouth.

“What the hell was that you were carrying anyway?”

“Oh, my gosh!” She scooted out of his embrace.

“They’re El Nino flowers. For Josslyn’s wedding. Come on.” She grabbed his hand. “Let’s take a break from this. I’m dying to see how they look in the rose garden.”

A shiver danced up his spine at her choice of words, but she was right, they could use a distraction right now. Even if it involved plants. And weddings. Glancing over his shoulder at Ronoff’s face splashed on the giant screen, he made a silent vow that, after tonight, Quinn would be safe from danger for good.

CHAPTER 16

THE EL NINO FLOWERS looked lovely in the rose garden just as Quinn knew they would. Even Marin was gushing over them by the time the three couples sat down to an early dinner in the family dining room later that day.

“And,” Josslyn announced to the group, “Quinn is going to stay and photograph the entire wedding!”

Quinn waited for the familiar dread that making plans for the future used to bring, but none came. Instead, she felt a burst of pure joy bubbling inside her. She actually had a future to look forward to. A future with Ben. One that wouldn’t force her into hiding every few months. One where she could be who she wanted to be right out in the open. One where her parents could abandon their false identities and live their lives freely. It was so perfect. She almost didn’t dare believe it. As if sensing her tumultuous emotions, Ben covered her hand with his and gave it a gentle squeeze in a silent show of reassurance.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around Ben being a spy, too,” Marin said.

“Why don’t you say it a little louder,” Adam teased. “I don’t think they heard you in Georgetown.”

Marin’s face fell. “It isn’t a secret any more, is it?”

“No,” Ben reassured her. “But I’d rather not broadcast it too widely. I’m sure I made a few enemies during my days as the Mariner.”

“Freaking brilliant if you ask me.” Adam raised his glass. “Congratulations, Bennett, on your excellent service to your country. And on finding your dream girl again. I never doubted for a minute she was real.”

Griffin coughed into his napkin.

Adam ignored him and continued. “Here’s to a long, happy future for you two.”

Everyone raised their glasses. Quinn’s heart squeezed when Ben smiled over the rim of his glass at her.

“To the future,” she added. “I’m so honored to be a part of your family of friends.”

“Ahh,” Josslyn said. “I like that. We are a family of friends. And you’ll always have a home with us.”

Griffin’s phone vibrated on the table. “The coast guard is calling. Excuse me. I have to take this. I’ll meet you in the Woodshed at seven.”

“I should probably get changed,” Quinn said.

“I had Terrie put your stuff in the room you used the other night,” Josslyn announced. “Do you remember how to get there?”

“You mean I don’t have to have an escort?”

Agent Groesch snorted behind them. “As if that would keep you where you’re supposed to be.”

Ben grinned as he helped Quinn from her chair. “I’ll show you the way.”

“Just don’t get lost up there, you two,” Adam called after them. “I want to run the tactical by you both before I leave for the harbor.”

Ben led the way through the West sitting area to the Center Hall and up the stairs.

“Marilyn didn’t get in too much trouble because of me, did she?”

“Nah. But I doubt she’ll leave her car keys lying around any longer.”

She made a mental note to apologize to the florist the next time she visited.

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