Page 95 of Fierce Hope
Jack nodded, his gaze shifting to Jade. “I’ve heard impressive things.”
Jade smiled, shaking his hand. “Nothing special. Just did what needed doing.”
Jack’s lips twitched. “That’s exactly what makes it special.” He turned to Deke. “She’s a keeper.”
Deke’s fingers found Jade’s hand without thought. “I know.”
Suddenly, Lauren let out a sharp breath.
Everyone turned.
Austin’s head snapped toward her. “Babe?”
Lauren grimaced, one hand going to her belly. “Uh … so ... I think my contractions just started.”
Silence.
Then:
Austin. Full-blown SEAL panic mode. “WHAT? NOW? Should we—do we—SOMEONE GET A BAG.”
“We already packed the bag, sweetheart,” Lauren said patiently.
Austin’s eyes darted to the team. “SOMEONE GET THE PLAN. WE HAD A PLAN.”
Izzy, completely unfazed, reached for a clipboard off a nearby table. “Birth Op. Operation Tiny Daggett. Step one: Get Lauren to the SUV.”
“Step two,” Zara added, taking the clipboard, “make sure Austin doesn’t drive, because his adrenaline levels are off the charts.”
Austin was already attempting to scoop Lauren into his arms.
Lauren swatted at him. “I can walk!”
Deke, barely containing a smirk, turned to Ronan. “You’re driving.”
Ronan nodded once, already moving to grab the keys.
Kenji threw his arms wide. “Alright, people! Operation Tiny Daggett is a go!”
As the SUV pulled away, Zara turned to Izzy. “You had an actual clipboard for this?”
Izzy shrugged. “It’s Knight Tactical. We plan for everything.”
Kenji threw his arms wide. “Now, back to the Glitter Op!”
The music swelled. The chaos resumed.
Deke caught Jade’s gaze, her eyes warm, her smile soft.
He extended his hand. “Dance?”
Jade’s lips twitched. “Only if you promise to protect me from more glitter attacks.”
“Always.”
He guided her to the makeshift dance floor, holding her close.
“I’m never letting you get away again,” he murmured.
