Page 102 of Everlasting Promises

I tip my head to the side, unsure what he means, and he reads my unspoken question.

“Being a cop is dangerous, especially in the city. She could lose you, too.” He raises his brows like I’m an idiot for not thinking about it myself.

Maybe Iaman idiot.

I shift uncomfortably in my seat and glance at the people around us while I gather my thoughts. “She hasn’t said anything, and I never gave it any consideration. She knew I was a cop from the start. That’s how we met. Do you think it could be an issue?”

He nods solemnly. “For someone like Hope. Yeah, I do. She already lost the love of her life. Her son lost his father because of his job, and while you’re not likely to get blown up by an IED, your job has inherent risks. As you spend more time together,she’s bound to start thinking about all the things that could go wrong.”

I let his words settle for a moment, teasing them apart. “Do you think that’s why Nix offered me a job with him? He said it was because he needs to step away and spend more time with his family, but maybe it was his way of watching over Hope?”

Sebastian licks his lips. “Yeah, maybe.” He grins and points his empty bottle at me. “That’s some dedication to his promise to watch over his friend’s family.”

“Nix doesn’t strike me as a man who half-asses shit.”

“Nope, he doesn’t.” My long-time friend studies me. “Do you think you’d give up your dream for her? For them?”

My stomach sinks at the thought. “You know how much I wanted this job, and it’s not so easy to walk away with Rex as my partner. He represents a significant investment, so I’d have to work to transition him to a new handler. I’d have to give him up.” My stomach plummets at the thought. Rex and I have a tight working relationship, but above that, we have a close personal bond.

“I do. I know exactly how hard you worked to get here and how important Rex is to you.” He shifts, throwing his arm around the back of his chair, giving me the space I need to consider the possibility.

I drop my eyes to the tabletop, tracing the patterns in the wood grain. It takes me less than a minute to make a decision, and I straighten up to deliver it to my friend, who knows me better than anyone. “If Hope needs me to walk away for her peace of mind, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.” His eyebrows shoot up. “Her and Evan are more important to me than any job. I’d miss Rex more than the job, to be honest.” My stomach clenches, and my ribs feel like they’re strangling my lungs. Giving up Rex would be the worst. He’s my loyal friend and the best partner acop could ever have. I know I’ve been fortunate to have him in my life.

A smile stretches his cheeks. “I knew you’d say something like that. That’s pretty serious, man. I know how much Rex means to you.” He playfully shakes his head. “I guess I’ve lost my wingman.”

I chuckle, but it’s hollow. “A married man makes a perfect wingman.”

His eyebrows shoot high above his wide eyes. “Married?”

“Yeah. I’m all in, in case you haven’t noticed. But I need to wait until she’s ready. I don’t want to spook her. I need to go slow.” I take a drink and smirk at my best friend. “If I’m off the market, I’m no competition.” Not that we were ever competitive when it comes to women. Our tastes are distinctly different. He likes easy. I like connection.

He slaps the table. “Perfect! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Bundled in warm coats,Hope and I follow Evan and Rex along the sidewalk to my house. Rex stops again to sniff around a streetlight, something he’s done several times since we left home for our walk.

Evan tugs on his lead. “C’mon, boy. You don’t need to sniffeverypost.”

I chuckle. “You’re fighting a losing battle, Ev. He can’t help himself.”

He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, well, it’s kinda gross.”

Hope chuckles at her son, and I glance up my street. A familiar metallic-gray BMW SUV is parked in my driveway, and dread coils like a snake in the pit of my stomach.

I wish they’d have the courtesy to call before they turn up unannounced, but that would be too much to ask. It would mean they’d have to show consideration for someone else. They’ve always been too self-centered to think of others.

I’m not ready for them to burst my perfect bubble with Hope and Evan. I don’t want my mother’s fake pleasantries and private snide comments tainting what I’m building here, nor my father’s tendency to ignore anyone he deems beneath him.

“Looks like you have visitors,” Hope mentions when she spots the car in my driveway.

I slow down, blow out a breath, and try to release the tension that has drawn every muscle in my body tight at the sight of their car. “Yeah. My parents.”

Hope grins and my stomach sinks. Excitement lights her eyes. She would never consider parents could be less than anything but loving and supportive—look at the examples she has in her life. Unfortunately, mine are the polar opposite to what she’s used to.

“Really? I can’t wait to meet the people who raised such a wonderful man.”

I grab her hand and pull her to a stop. “Wonderful, huh?” I say playfully, trying to take my mind off the imminent disaster.

She glances to see Evan and Rex stopped behind my parents’ car. “Definitely wonderful. They must be pretty incredible to raise you.” Her eyes sparkle with excitement.

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