Page 73 of Special Agent Isabella

Stacy’s pride showed in her glowing face and tear-filled eyes. Obviously, his appearance had been huge… a tremendous bonus to a life half-lived.

In seconds, she was joined by Abbie. “Daddy.” The girl’s voice held nothing but glee. She scooted close to kneel beside her parents, her hands reaching for them both.

Hank looked at her, his face alight with so much love, Bella had to swallow to keep the tears under her lids and not dripping down her face.

Hank’s shaking hand reached to touch the blonde wig, and he did a pretend backup. “Wait a minute. My beautiful little princess had soft gorgeous auburn hair, so pretty it made me proud. What’s this?”

With a swipe of her hand, Abbie wrenched off the wig and threw it away as if it held no importance. “It’s play hair. I’m still me. See, I’m your princess.”

Hank and Stacy both pulled the child into their embrace and their whispered words were only heard between them.

Nan hearing the sirens approach, rushed to open the doors to let in their backup. Bella met the uniforms at the door. “Call in an ambulance. Agent down in here and also the handyman and a guard outside.”

Once Nan heard those words, she flew to the back of the house, her pale face losing even more color.

Bella returned to where Tanner had pulled himself into a sitting position, using the wall as support. “The ambulance won’t be long.”

“Seriously, slugger. I’m fine. You could have simply taken me to the hospital in the car.”

“Back off, sweet talker. We needed the paramedics for the guard outside. He’s lost consciousness from the wound these idiots inflicted. And Collin must have tried to stop them and got shot in the stomach for his interference.”

“Christ. Is he okay?”

“He thinks so. He was conscious. And… I gave this dude a good thrashing… frustration made me forget my strength. He’ll need treatment too.”

Tanner nodded. “You do have an attitude when people get in your way. Especially when it’s someone you care about. I saw the look on your face, and it scared the hell outtame.”

She leaned in and kissed him. “Then don’t mess around. Let them look after you too, or it’ll be me you’ll deal with.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

ChapterFifty-Seven

Bella and Tanner arrived together in answer to the message from Stacy. “She wanted both of us to be there for dinner. You’re sure?”

“That’s what the text said. Why… are you surprised they want to see us?”

“Not really. I had the feeling they were planning a getaway to become reacquainted as a couple. When Stacy called to tell me about it yesterday, I thought it was a wonderful idea. They have a lot of catching up to do. Between you and me, I think maybe she’d called to see if we could stay on and watch over Abbie.”

“Would you want to?”

“Of course, the kid’s gotten to me.”

Tanner smiled, a happy glow lighting up his handsome face. “I talked to Hank and Vinny. Did I tell you the vet is working for the family now… Hank’s idea. They hired him as the new guard to replace Collin while he’s recuperating. Guess things are working out just fine. And I’m wondering if Nan isn’t baking special favorites for him already. If the gleam I saw in her eye the last time I was there signifies anything, I figure the guy’s a goner.”

Bella giggled. “Go figure, you’re nothing but a born romantic.”

“Well, why should I be the only one to—?”

“Care-ful!?”

“To be the luckiest man alive.”

“Kinda what I thought you were going to say.” Bella reached over for the hand coming her way, brought it up to her face, and kissed it gently.

Tanner cleared his throat. “Did I tell you I got a call from Demi this morning. She’s arrived in Alaska and heading into the bush to find her grandfather’s place. She sounds thrilled and scared but definitely sure that she’s made the right choice.”

“Yeah. She called me too. That girl knows exactly what she needs. I told her to set up a guest room, and I’d come for a visit.”

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