Page 47 of Lyon

“She sounds like a real gem. What’s her name?”

“Sheila. One of those wanderers—travels the world, meets random people, listens to people talk about manifesting, andmeditates. Drives Tag crazy because he never knows where she is.”

I shook my head, still chuckling. “Ihaveto meet this woman.”

“Then we were called away to help some guys in Afghanistan,” Lyon explained.

I sighed, leaning into his shoulder. “I hate being away from you for so long.”

He pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Me too.”

He kissed me again. “I know. It never bothered me until I met you. It comes with the job.”

“My job was the same way,” I reminded him. “Speaking of which, I got an offer to work for a high-security business.”

His body tensed. “What are you talking about?”

I saw the frown forming and knew he wouldn’t like what I was about to say.

“Ryker Reynolds asked if I wanted to join his team. They do about the same kind of work as your team—high-risk security and international assignments. Sometimes, I’d have to go overseas, but I can handle that if necessary.

I’m taking some time off for now, but IknowI’ll get bored while you’re away. I’ve worked my whole life—I can’t just sit around and do nothing.”

Lyon’s jaw tightened. “Ryker? I know who he is. Doesn’t he work with the DEA most of the time? I don’t want you walking into something even more dangerous than what you just left.”

“He doesn’talwayswork with the DEA,” I said, crossing my arms. “Look, I love you, but I work where I want to work. I don’t tell you where to go, and you don’t get to tell me either. Do you agree with that?”

He exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’twantto, but yeah, I’ll agree.” A reluctant smile tugged at his lips. “I’m sorry if I sound like River. I guess he’s rubbing off on me.”

I softened. “Apology accepted.”

He leaned down and kissed me, and just like that, the tension melted away.

“Ireallyam glad you’re here,” I said. “Marie’s wedding is tomorrow. You’re going to love their family.”

I spotted two familiar faces approaching and waved. “Oh! There’s Uncle Michael and Uncle Chris. Hey, you two! Wedding gift shopping?”

Michael grinned. “Hey! You got your casts off.”

Chris nodded in greeting. “Lyon, we didn’t know you were in town.”

“I just got here,” Lyon said, shaking their hands. “How have you been?”

I held up my arms and wiggled my fingers. “I have weenie arms now,” I joked with a laugh.

Michael chuckled. “We’ve been great. Chris picked up something special for Marie when he was in France last month, but we wanted to find something else, too—something meaningful.”

“She already knows how much you care about her,” I assured them. Then I grinned. “Did you hear? Joaquin is retiring from the SEALs.”

“Yes! About time,” Michael said. “Oh, and Katherine’s expecting twins—” His eyes widened, and he slapped a hand over his mouth. “Don’t tell anyone.That’s a secret.”

“She’s going to have six babies now,” I murmured.

Before I could stop it, a stupid tear slipped down my cheek.

Lyon’s brow furrowed. “Why are you crying? Aren’t you happy for her?”

“Of course I’m happy,” I said quickly, brushing at my face. “I just had something in my eye.”

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