Page 61 of Legacy's Destiny

Echo nodded slowly. “Yeah, I get that. But … why do you need a bodyguard?”

Anna rolled her eyes with exaggerated flair. “I don’t, not really. But Gabriel insists. He believes that people like us—those connected to Guardian—can sometimes be targeted. So, if having a bodyguard makes him happy, I’m happy to let him think he’s protecting me.” She grinned conspiratorially. “You should pity the man, though. He’s spent more time in boutique shops and grocery stores than any other operative in Guardian’s history. Lucky for him, he gets paid very well.”

“He works for Guardian?” Echo’s curiosity piqued.

Anna nodded. “Yes, he does. Everyone on our security detail does. It’s part of the job description for being married to Gabriel Alexander.”

Anna’s tone shifted as she asked, “When was the last time you heard from Deacon?”

Echo’s shoulders dropped slightly at the question. “A week ago. Click called to say Deacon was alive and doing well. They’re closing in on wrapping up the mission, but there’s no definitive extraction timeline yet. I’ve been watching the news,” she admitted, flicking her gaze toward Anna. “I think I have a pretty good idea where they are.”

Anna shook her head with a quick wave of her hand. “I stopped watching the news a long time ago, specifically because of where my boys work. I don’t want to know what kind of messes they’re stepping into, so please, don’t tell me.” Her smile softened. “I’m spoiled because I have Gabriel. He’s connected to everyone at Guardian, so if there’s an issue, we’ll know immediately. And trust me, if there were any problems with Deacon, I’d come straight to you.”

Echo’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Anna. Inviting me to dinner was incredibly kind. You didn’t have to do that.”

Anna waved off the sentiment with a laugh. “Oh, nonsense. I’m making a huge Prime Rib with fresh bread, mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables. I love to cook, especially for a big gathering.”

“Big?” Echo blinked at her hostess.

“Not too big. Gabrielle and her husband, Connor, are here. Charley and her husband, Dan, are here, too. I’m not sure about Fleur. I haven’t seen her yet. Anyway, I figured this was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: Celebrate you leaving the CIA and let you meet the rest of the family.” She tilted her head. “Gabriel said it was a celebration. He told me leaving that job means you’ll start doing something you truly want to do. So, tell me, whatdoyou want to do?”

Echo laughed nervously. “You know, I’m not entirely sure. I just knew I didn’t want to keep doingthatjob. So, yes, it is acelebration, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the next six months.”

“Six months?” Anna raised an eyebrow.

“That’s how long my savings will last,” Echo admitted. “I figure that’s enough time to decide what I want to do and start hunting down potential employers.”

Anna nodded with understanding. “I can see why that would make you anxious. There was a time when I was living on a shoestring budget, too. I made leather goods—belts, saddles, bridles, that sort of thing. It was hard work, but it paid what little bills I had. Back then, I was living away from Gabriel.”

Echo tilted her head, intrigued. “How did you meet Gabriel?”

Anna’s eyes twinkled as she leaned back into the plush leather seat. “Oh, that’s a long story. It involves old friends of ours, Deacon and Jacqueline. Deacon—yes, the one your Deacon is named after—and Jacqueline were attacked, and Jacqueline was left for dead. I was her nurse at the time. That’s my occupation—I’m a registered nurse. I’ve kept my certifications up all these years. It just seemed like the right thing to do.”

Anna’s smile turned wistful. “I met Gabriel while taking care of Jacqueline in Colorado. Later, Jacqueline moved to New Orleans, and the serial killer who thought he’d finished her off tried again. In the process, Gabriel was injured.

"Long story short, Gabriel had to go away, and I was threatened. I was also pregnant with our first. I felt it was necessary to disappear. I didn’t want to bring any danger to Gabriel, and I believed the threats I received." Anna sighed, her gaze softening as she recalled the past. "So, I hid out in Wyoming in the middle of nowhere. Gabriel searched for me and found me just after I’d had Gabby."

She smiled wistfully, then added, "Someday, when we’re sitting down with a glass of wine, I’ll tell you the whole story. Itcould fill a novel." Anna chuckled, and Echo shook her head in amazement.

"Wow. And I thought the way I met Deacon was unusual."

Anna laughed. "You know, loving a Guardian isn’t easy. But it’s worth it."

Echo didn’t respond aloud, but she smiled warmly. She wasn’t ready to tell anyone—let alone Anna—that she loved Deacon before she told him. But she did. The last thirty-two days without him had proven how deeply she needed him in her life. She’d been turning it over in her mind: If Deacon continued to work on the teams but came home to her whenever he could, she could live with that. It wouldn’t be the ideal of having him home every night, but she knew how much he loved his work. He could have both—her and his career.

Maybe she’d look into Guardian to see if there was a position for her in her field. She didn’t want Deacon to pull any strings. She'd jump at the chance if she could earn the job on her own merit.

The limo pulled up about twenty-five minutes later in front of a stunning colonial mansion. The house was a picture of elegance, with pristine white columns, black shutters, and a sweeping front porch. The grounds were immaculately landscaped, with neatly trimmed hedges and flower beds that looked like they belonged in a magazine. Echo let out a low whistle as they rolled into the long horseshoe driveway.

As the wrought iron gates closed behind them, she noticed another man patrolling the property.So, not only does Anna have a bodyguard, but her estate is patrolled, Echo thought, her eyebrows raising. She was definitely going to have a serious talk with Deacon—his parents were far wealthier than she’d realized.

The bodyguard opened the car door for Anna, who hopped out with ease. Echo hesitated, glancing at her small box of belongings. "I’d leave that there," Anna said breezily. "We’ll getit to your house later unless there’s something you need right now?"

Echo looked at the box, filled with staplers, tape dispensers, and half-used calendars. None of it seemed necessary for dinner, so she shook her head and left it behind.

As they walked into the mansion's grand foyer, Echo was immediately struck by its timeless beauty. Marble floors gleamed under the crystal chandelier hanging above, and the walls were adorned with tastefully framed artwork. It felt both opulent and welcoming, a home built with love and care.

A woman who bore a striking resemblance to Anna strode across the floor. She extended her hand with a friendly smile. "Hi, I’m Charley. I’m Deacon’s little sister."

---