Page 79 of Security Breach

“Excellent. You sure you want to marry David? If you switch your loyalty, I promise to treat you like the queen of the universe.”

“Hey.” David punched Caleb on the shoulder. “No flirting with my woman.”

“Just reminding her that she had better options than you.”

Levi shook his head. “You just like her cooking.”

“Maybe.”

Elliot snorted.

“Give it up,” Owen said. “You don’t have a chance, bro.”

Caleb winked at Emma and walked to stand in front of the large white board the operatives had found somewhere in the cabin and set up in the dining area of the large kitchen. “What’s this?”

Emma half listened to the conversation as she continued meal preparations. By the time David’s brothers were up to speed on the Hunt Club, the salad and spaghetti were finished.

After setting up the breakfast bar with plates, bowls, and the food, she said, “Dinner’s ready. Drink options include coffee, water, soft drinks, or iced tea.”

Eli gave Emma a one-armed hug. “Thanks for preparing dinner, sugar. Have a seat. I’m volunteering David to prepare your plate. The rest of us will serve ourselves and handle the cleanup. You’ve done enough.”

David seated her at the table with her back to the white board of victims. She breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing names and faces of the victims upset her, especially the pictures of her parents and sister. Thankfully, the photos were from either social media pages or provided by families.

Throughout the meal, talk around the table focused on funny stories from military and Fortress deployments. Emma laughed more in that hour than she had in months. As the meal concluded, David made another mug of tea for her, this time a wonderful aromatic mint.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “You’re spoiling me.”

He dropped a light kiss on her mouth. “That’s my new mission in life.”

She smiled, grateful to be with the man she adored. David Montgomery was a definite keeper.

Eli stood. “Kitchen detail before we make plans.”

Without protest, the men stood and began to clear the table.

“Plastic containers for leftovers are in the left cabinet,” Emma said.

Rafe chuckled. “What leftovers?”

She stared. “I prepared enough food to feed an army.”

“Face it, Em.” Levi patted her shoulder as he carried several empty glasses to the dishwasher. “You fed an army of hungry guys. Look at it this way. We showed our appreciation for your fine culinary expertise by eating every bite.”

Good grief. “Do you have room for brownies?”

Elliot’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t see brownies anywhere. Did you leave David alone with them? You know he can’t resist your brownies. If he ate them all, we’ll have to hurt him. You know that, right?”

Emma laughed. “Relax. I haven’t made them yet. As soon as you finish in the kitchen, I’ll start on them.”

Two minutes later, the table was clear and the dishwasher loaded. After washing the pans she’d used, the men vacated the kitchen.

“How long will the brownies take?” Owen asked. “Caleb and I need to be in Maple Valley in two hours.”

“About forty minutes.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it?” David asked. “Don’t let Owen or the rest of us guilt you into doing more if you’re too tired.”

“I’d rather be busy than think too hard about the board behind me.” She laid a hand on his arm. “I’m fine. Let me do this.”

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