Page 59 of Bewitched

Turning, they looked at the women, and Ryan let out a laugh. “It’s never boring with Ivy around.”

Ivy held Paige at arm’s length and grinned. “My God, pregnancy agrees with you. I’ve never seen a sexier woman.” Leaning forward, she tugged her friend’s dress up. “These are magnificent. I hope when I get pregnant, I get those. How does Blake keep his hands off you?”

Paige laughed and hugged her friend. Blake looked over at Ryan to see if he was the only one who was surprised by what Ivy had said. Nope, he looked as serene as he did when he had his rifle in his hands and marked a target four hundred yards away. Calm and cool. “Okay…” Blake began.

Paige turned around and winked. “My girl Ivy tells it like it is. Wait till she starts on her stories.”

Ryan tipped his beer bottle against Blake’s and winked. “It’s true. The first time I had a meal with her, she shared a story about her Aunt Lele and macaroni salad. All I’ll say is that after that, nothing is surprising.” Rocking back on his heels, he grinned. “That’s when I knew she was the one for me.”

Ivy slipped her arm through Ryan’s and looked at him like he was the one responsible for hanging the moon and stars. “That wasn’t even my best story.”

Blake wrapped his arm around Paige and pulled her close. For the first time in his life, he had someone who made the world a brighter, better place. What Ryan and Ivy had didn’t leave him with a wave of jealousy or longing. He was happy for his friend because he had something of his very own. Someone of his very own, who had told him earlier that he was her king and she was going to keep him at the center of her world. As far as he could see, he was the luckiest man in the whole place. It was up to him to make sure he deserved it.

Ivy took Paige’s arm. “Let’s go see Mama and Grams. They’re dying to see you. I want to give Ryan a chance to talk Blake into coming and joining us at SAI. After we’re done talking to my family, I’m going to do the same thing with you. We want you all to come down and join us.”

Paige tugged Blake down and gave him a kiss. “I’ll come find you in a bit.”

“Okay, honey. I lo—” He almost said it without thinking. It wasn’t the place to admit his feelings for the first time. Smiling, he kissed her and let her go. Tonight, he would say it. It wasn’t going to stay in much longer.

***

Paige walked arm in arm with Ivy and laughed. “For two girls who couldn’t get dates in college, we sure did okay.”

Ivy squeezed her arm. “Who would’ve guessed we’d end up with two big, sexy men who are actual real-life heroes?”

“All I can say is, those who wait are blessed.” Pulling her dress up, she laughed. “Though I could’ve lived without the whole terrorist kidnapping thing.”

“True. It’s a hell of a way to meet the love of your life. But sometimes that’s how it works.”

Paige looked out over the party. “Remember how we used to scrounge up dates for the dances?”

“God yes, we took some sad men to those things. Remember the boy who wore the red tux?”

“What was his name? Stuart something.”

Stopping in the middle of the lawn, Ivy pressed her hand to her chest. “That wasn’t Stuart, but let me tell you a story about him. You’re not going to believe this, but he and his daddy have been up to no good. There was bad blood over some deal that happened years ago, and we think Stuart was responsible for hiring someone to blow up a bunch of Daddy’s wells. Haven’t been able to prove it yet. But we will. That slimy kid turned into a slimy, dangerous man.”

Paige nodded. “I knew he was bad news back in school. Remember how he’d take any imagined slight and turn it into an all-out vendetta? I can’t imagine how bad he’s become as an adult.”

“Now he’s got the resources to make those vendettas deadly. We haven’t been able to nail him yet, but we will. I wish I could ask Ryan to shoot him.” Smoothing down her hair, she shrugged. “The only good news is that he won’t get away with it again.”

“You never did like to leave things unfinished. Everything has to be tied up in a nice pretty bow.”

“I do like to tie things up…” Ivy covered her mouth and laughed. “Or let him.”

“What?” Paige shrieked.

“Just kidding. I wanted to make sure you were paying attention. Ryan is a commanding man, and all he has to do is say it once and I’m ready to follow orders.” Slapping her leg, she snorted. “Who knew I’d enjoy being with someone so…forceful?”

“You think they were that way before they became SEALs, or is it something they learn?”

Ivy shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe it’s handed out when they get their tridents. Along with the paranoid, overprotective thing.” Shrugging, she smiled at her fiancé. “I love him and I’m going to keep him. Even if he is a bit overbearing.”

“I like the look of love on you, friend. It suits you. I’m happy there’s a man who sees how wonderful you are and accepts you.”

“I honestly never thought it would happen.” Looking across the grass, she waved to Ryan. “And then…it was him.” Snapping her fingers, she grinned. “Prince Charming appeared before me and he was disguised as a handsome, sexy warrior.”

Paige let her gaze fall across the grass, and she studied Blake and understood. “I get it.”

“So, what are you going to do with that baby daddy of yours?”

“Not sure.”

“Oh, that’s a big fib. You have always known your next move. I take that back—you’ve always known your next five moves.”

Paige shrugged and felt herself spill out of her dress. “Good Lord.” Pushing herself back to decency, she pulled up her dress. “For the first time in my life, I have no idea. And I’m going to leave it that way. It’s all going to work out one way or another.”

“Good for you. That’s very healthy. Control is just an illusion anyway.”

“I learned that in Jordan, and every minute since then has driven the point home. I’m taking each moment as it comes, and if that doesn’t work, then I’ll follow my mama’s footsteps and strangle whatever gets in my way with good intentions.” Watching Blake deep in conversation with Ryan, she wondered what his plans entailed. It certainly seemed like he had some, and it would be interesting to find out what they were.

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