Page 115 of Night Watch
“I’m guessing because you’re here today that things are good with you and Erik again.”
She couldn’t contain her smile.
“All right, then.” He grinned. “It should be a fun evening for the both of you.”
“It will be.” She looked out the window before she gave away her announcement.
“You going to miss working for the Bureau?” he asked.
“Being part of a great organization, yes.” She looked back at him. “All the red tape and paperwork, no.”
A dark eyebrow rose, and he looked intimidating, as many FBI agents did. “How do you know Veritas doesn’t have even more?”
“I suspect Maya runs a tight ship without a lot of redundancies.”
“Yeah,” he said. “I was just messing with you. I always hate it when we lose someone good. The slackers seem to stay for life, but good people get scooped up by the private sector.”
“I wouldn’t have left except for wanting to be here in Portland, and the local office isn’t large enough here to support my job.”
“The things we do for love.” He grinned at her.
Heat rushed over her face, and she looked out the window again. She should just keep her mouth shut, but she had one question to ask him before she clammed up. “What’s it like to join the Byrd family?”
He cast her an inquisitive look. “Honestly?”
“It goes no further than this vehicle.” She nodded and mimicked locking her lips.
“It’s terrific and terrifying.” A wry smile found his face. “I’m not big on a lot of talking, so you can imagine my overload when the whole family gets together. But the love, camaraderie, the concern for each other takes over, and I’m more than glad I said I do to Sierra.”
He tapped his thumb on the wheel. “But if you’re thinking of saying I do as well, just know that you’re saying it not just to Erik but to the entire Byrd family too.”
Erik didn’t like how his mom had cornered Kennedy. She didn’t look upset, but it was just a matter of time before Kennedy broke under pressure and admitted their engagement. Erik didn’t want to spoil this day, so he headed through the crowd in her direction.
Toni clasped his hand. “I know you’re on a mission, but I just wanted to be sure you tell Kennedy that I’m going to throw my bouquet soon if she wants to get in on it.”
“I’ll be sure she knows.”
“I’m glad you two are back together,” Clay added. “Maybe we’ll be here for you two soon.”
“I better go.” He gave both of them a quick hug and slipped into the crowd again before he said anything to take away from their day. As he approached, Kennedy locked gazes with him, and their secret burned in her eyes.
His mother spun. “Oh, good. You won’t believe it, son.”
“What’s that?” He did his best to keep a level tone.
“Kennedy agreed to come to family dinner tomorrow night.”
“That is, if you want me there,” Kennedy quickly said.
He took her hand. “Of course I do.”
“Oh, I see.” His mom’s lips curled up in a broad smile. “I hoped it would be this serious, but now I can see it is.”
He cast her a questioning look.
“The way you two look at each other. We’ll have another wedding real soon if I’m not mistaken.” His mom’s smile widened.
Erik stepped closer to his mother but kept hold of Kennedy’s hand. “I’m not confirming or denying anything. But I am asking you to ignore us until after Clay and Toni’s big day is over. They deserve to be the center of attention.”
