“If they mind, I’ll beat their asses,” he said with a grin.“In all seriousness, they’ll be happy to watch him with your sister.Why don’t you get ready and I’ll call the guys?”
“Sure.”She hopped off the counter and he went back to the stove.He picked up the whisk and gave the eggs an extra stir.They were probably room temperature now, but the high heat would cook out any bacteria.
Little footsteps slapping against the hardwood echoed through the kitchen.“I help!”
He shook his head and smirked.This might be his only introduction to dad life, but he couldn’t say he didn’t already love it.
CHAPTER 18
“Aunt Owie!”Brayraced across the backyard and opened his arms for Ellie.
Natalie smiled as her sister picked up Bray and rained kisses on his cheeks until he giggled and squirmed to be let down before running back to race around the yard.
Natalie sat in a patio chair next to Brick while Ellie stood in the sun with her hands on her hips.While waiting for Ellie, the three of them had played outside.The warm sunshine—and Bray’s laughter—had rejuvenated her soul.
“It’s really nice here.”Ellie shielded her eyes to survey the backyard.“They even have a play structure.How fun.”
“Thanks for coming.He was so happy when I told him you were on your way.”
“I’m just so grateful he’s okay,” Ellie said wistfully.Her gaze went to Brick.“I have you to thank for that.”
“No thank-you necessary.”
“I guess not.But I’m happy you’re here.He deserves a great dad.”She sighed happily as a breeze rolled in and blew her dark hair across her cheek.Then her gaze zeroed in on Natalie.“You think this is a good idea?Turning yourself in?”
“She’s not turning herself in,” Brick said.“There’s no APB anymore.”
Ellie pinned her lips to the side.“I don’t trust it.”
Natalie chuckled.“You don’t trust the chicken at the grocery store but you still eat it.”
Her sister laughed and rolled her eyes.“Whatever.I won’t say I told you so.”The laughter left her voice.“In all seriousness, I’m just worried.This is Keetan’s workplace—I find it hard to believe this isn’t some ploy to get you there.”
Worry gnawed at Natalie’s insides.She knotted her fingers as her gaze drifted across the pretty green lawn to where Bray played with a stick in the dirt.“I’m inclined to have the same concerns,” she finally said.Slowly, she looked back at Ellie, whose eyebrows were pinched.“But this has to end somewhere.Brick obtained solid intel that Keetan’s been suspended.I just have to believe everything will work out.”
Ellie nodded.“I get it.I won’t stop worrying, but I trust you both to make the right decision.We’ll be fine.Those scary-ass soldiers in there won’t let a fly in this house.”
Natalie laughed.“Nope.You’re stuck here till we get back.”
“Aunt Owie, push me,” Bray called, as he jumped up and down next to the swing.The backyard had been such a blessing.Bray had been outside most of the day, and Natalie suspected the only thing that’d get him back inside was food.
“Sounds good to me,” Ellie replied.
Natalie stood and embraced her sister.Ellie thanked Brick again, then the sisters walked to the swing arm in arm.Natalie gave Bray a kiss and told him she’d be back soon, but all he wanted was a push from his aunt.
She returned to Brick smiling despite her fear.“And now I’m chopped liver,” she said with a chortle.
Brick took her hand and led her into the house.“You’re not chopped liver.He’s just happy and that’s a good sign.”He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“That’s a positive way to look at it.I suppose if he were severely traumatized, he’d cling to my legs right now.Aunt Owie or not.”
They passed through the living room.Taschen sat on the couch and Zain paced, his gaze fixed on his phone.Everyone would be happier once they were on the return flight to Seattle—especially Taschen and Zain, who’d be going back to the women waiting for them.
Zain glanced up.“You’ll be good,” he said reassuringly.“No way Toth would give the go-ahead to send you in unless he knew for sure you were in the clear.”
Natalie forced a smile.“Thanks.I appreciate you both staying here with Bray and Ellie.I hope we won’t be long.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Taschen said.“Zain’s always in a rush, so ignore the worn carpet.Although if you guys are fine with it, we’ll probably fly back this evening.”
