Page 56 of Legacy's Destiny

Ronan turned his gaze to his mother, his expression incredulous. “But you were the one who wanted him to retire.”

“And he did—five or six times.” Anna leaned back with a smile that was both knowing and indulgent.

“I thought he was completely out now," Ronan sputtered.

“Well, he doesn’t actually go into the office,” Anna explained. “We can travel, and he can still know what’s going on. If hedidn’t, he’d be grouchy and a terrible travel partner. It’s just like Frank at the ranch. If he doesn’t stay involved in the running of the place, he’s just going to wither away. You don’t want your father to wither away, do you?” Her gaze sharpened as it flicked between her sons.

Deacon sighed, closing his eyes briefly. “Mother, I don’t need a guilt trip. Dad can do whatever he chooses. We were just surprised to learn he’s still involved. From all accounts, he wasn't the last time we talked.”

Anna turned to Echo with a conspiratorial smile. “They aren’t very observant, are they? You’ll have to forgive them. They’re always so focused on themselves. It’s a fault I somehow allowed when they were growing up.”

Echo laughed and glanced at Deacon, her smile softening. “I don’t think it’s a fault—at least not with this one,” she said, her tone affectionate. “I’ve never had anyone take care of me as well as Deacon has over the last three weeks. From what I’ve seen, he looks after his team, and they look after him. So, the fault isn’t being self-centered. Perhaps the fault lies in not listening to their parents as well as they should?”

Anna smiled triumphantly and aimed a pointed look at both men.

Deacon groaned and leaned back. “For a minute there, I thought you were on my side,” he joked. He turned to his mother. “Mom, I’m sorry if we didn’t listen closely enough. I was under the impression Dad had fully retired.”

Gabriel’s gaze was steady as he replied, “Son, I raised that organization from its infancy. I’ll always be connected. I won’t be responding, and I probably won’t be leading any efforts. But I’ll know what’s going on, and I’ll know what my children are doing. Call it a personality flaw.” He winked at Anna, who chuckled softly.

A ring from the private elevator interrupted the moment, and Gabriel stood as Anna laughed. “That would be dinner. We figured you wouldn’t want to go out. A nice, quiet dinner in the hotel room seemed better.”

Echo exhaled, sinking into Deacon’s side. “Thank you so much. It’s been a long day.” She sipped her Chardonnay, her eyes widening as the smooth flavor hit her palate. “Oh my goodness, this is delicious. I don’t think I’ve ever had a wine this smooth.” She looked up at Deacon. “Could you get me the name of this wine so I can get some when I return to Virginia?”

“Absolutely,” Deacon said as he rose to help his father direct the waitstaff.

It took several minutes for the staff to arrange everything on the dining table. The smell of rich sauces, roasted meats, and fresh herbs filled the suite. Anna leaned toward Echo as the finishing touches were placed. “So,” she whispered, “this thing between you and Deacon—is it serious? I’m whispering because I’d be flayed alive if he knew I was asking.”

Echo chuckled as Anna took another sip of her red wine. Lowering her voice, Echo added, “It’s serious to me.”

Anna’s eyes twinkled, her smile widening. “Good. He’s a sweetheart under all that gruffness.” Anna looked down into her glass. Echo noted the ice cubes swirling in the wine—a detail that struck her as utterly bizarre yet oddly charming. Knowing her parents, who were the epitome of weird, she took the ice cube incident in stride.

“We want to see where it’s going,” Echo whispered to Anna, her voice soft with a vulnerability she rarely displayed. “There’s a connection, and it’s strong. But the way we met and everything that happened during the mission is causing … I think both of us have some concerns. What we feel is intense, and right now, it’s powerful. But when we return to the real world, that will be tested.” She shook her head, glancing down at her wine.The dim lighting in the suite made the golden liquid shimmer. “I really hope that what we feel grows stronger.” Looking up, she met Anna’s kind, knowing eyes and smiled sadly. “He’s an amazing man. I’ve seen both sides of him: the fierce team leader protecting his people, leading his team, and making sure I was safe. And I’ve seen the gentleman you raised—caring, gentle, and loving. He’s two sides of the same coin, and …” She hesitated, swallowing hard. “… I could easily fall in love with him.”

She already was helplessly in love with him. But she wasn’t about to admit that to his mother before she told Deacon himself.

Anna inhaled deeply, her hand finding Echo’s arm with a comforting squeeze. “Oh, sweetheart, I know my boys. When they find the one, they’ll hold on tight. You have nothing to worry about.” Anna blinked quickly, her misting eyes betraying her emotions. “I’m so happy for him. He’s the last of my babies to find someone he could spend the rest of his life with.”

Echo’s lips curved into a grateful smile. “Thank you. I hope it works out.”

Anna patted her arm gently, her voice warm and full of conviction. “It will, my dear. I promise you it will. Now, let’s go have some dinner.”

Two hours later,Echo stifled yet another yawn, but the combination of excellent food, wonderful wine, and the lingering exhaustion from her time in the jungle was impossible to fight. Deacon noticed instantly, his arm finding its familiar place around her shoulders. He leaned down, his voice soft and intimate. “Are you ready?”

She nodded, unable to hide her relief. Turning to Anna and Gabriel, Deacon said, “We’re out of here. It’s been a long day, and we need some sleep.”

Ronan rolled his eyes with a sly grin. “Sleep, right? Yeah, that’s what you’re gonna do.”

Anna scoffed in mock outrage. “Ronan Alexander, do not make me go find a switch!”

Ronan held up his hands, laughing. “Promise, Mom, I promise.”

Gabriel and Anna walked them to the door. Anna hugged Echo tightly, her warmth and sincerity unmistakable. “It was so nice to meet you. Hopefully, when we’re back in the States, we can get together often.”

“That sounds nice. But right now, I live in Virginia, so the distance could be a factor.” Echo laughed softly, although the thought of staying in touch with Anna truly appealed to her.

Anna snorted playfully. “Sweetheart, we have a place in Virginia. Just let me know when you’re free from that CIA job, and we’ll go out for lunch. We’ll take a car, so we can have wine while we chat.” She looked at her husband, her brow raised expectantly. “That would be okay with you, right?”

Gabriel looked at her over his glass of bourbon, his smile indulgent. “Anything you want, my dear. Absolutely anything you want.” He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her temple.

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