Bri

Her eyes met his in the mirror and she smiled, feeling her blush from her cheeks all the way to her chest.

"How long have you been there?"

"A while."

Her hazel eyes drifted from his face, down to his wide chest and finally to the bulge he couldn't hide in his grey sweats. When her eyes made it back to his face, he was already smiling at her.

"I know what you're thinking…"

Savannah just giggled as she pinned her long hair into a top knot before adding a touch of lip gloss.

"I'm just enjoying the view of my husband…"

"Nicole is already texting you."

"She misses me," Savannah said with a little laugh. "When I told her I was taking the week off, she said she was gonna pray for my vagina," she cackled. "She'll be impressed that I can walk."

Terry just shook his head. His wife and her best friend were a fucking riot. The two of them together were dangerous for everyone else around them. Storm padded into the kitchen, her ears perked up. She looked up at Terry and let out a soft bark. A few seconds later, both parents could hear their baby from the monitor in the bedroom.

"Meet you in the kitchen, mama."

Terry stepped closer to her and Savannah closed her eyes as he pressed a kiss to her temple. On his way to the kitchen, he stopped in the nursery to grab Elijah. The sleepy baby rubbed his eyes as his daddy carried him into the kitchen and started to brew coffee. By the time Savannah made it to the kitchen, fully decked out in her cute new lavender scrubs, Terry had breakfast sitting on the counter and was pouring her coffee. She paused, just taking in the moment of her husband quietly taking care of her before making her way over to him. He faced away from her, Elijah on his hip, as he doctored up her coffee the way she liked it, adding her favorite creamer and collagen. Savannah slipped her arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his back before laying her head against him. She could feel his heartbeat against her cheek as she took a deep breath of his scent, her nervous system calming completely. Elijah mewled softly, those big pretty eyes of his locked on his mama. Savannah beamed, leaning in and pressing a kiss to her baby boy's lips.

"How's my sweet boy?"

Elijah giggled and cooed, playfully hiding his face against his daddy's massive bicep. Terry turned, dropping a soft kiss on her lips and patting her ass.

"Sit down and eat, Bug… I'll bring your coffee over."

Unable to keep the smile off of her face, Savannah slid into her chair at the breakfast bar, her belly rumbling as she looked at her breakfast. An egg scramble with veggies, chicken sausage, avocado toast, and fresh blackberries. A similar plate with double the amount of food sat in front of Terry, still steaming. And a little bowl with plain scrambled eggs and mashed banana for the baby.

"I have some breast milk in the freezer for him if he wants it."

Terry nodded, more to himself than her as he fed the baby a small spoonful of eggs.

"He'll definitely want some later," Terry said with a little chuckle. "Can't let those leg rolls disappear."

Savannah giggled softly as she began to eat her breakfast. Elijah had the CUTEST little Buddha belly and leg rolls. She was obsessed. She knew that every mother felt that way, but she truly was obsessed with his chubby little cheeks and hands. It was still wild to her sometimes that she was a mom and forever had a little piece of her and Terry to love forever.

"This is really good, baby. Thank you."

Terry winked at her before taking a sip of his black coffee.

"Excited to go back?"

"I am actually… It's insane, but I've missed it."

"I know, baby. I'm sure your patients have missed you too."

"What are you two going to do today?"

"You know… little tummy time… gonna get him reading The Odyssey. Nothing major."

Savannah just laughed, shaking her head. Elijah, clocking his parents' joy, giggled and clapped his little hands together.

"I'm gonna stop by John's office around 4. He wants to see the baby and talk to me about that job thing."

Savannah nodded, popping a berry in her mouth. The couple enjoyed their breakfast over casual conversation, with occasional baby murmurings peppered in. After setting his plate in the sink, Terry walked over to the fridge and grabbed his wife's lunch bag, all packed and ready to go. He passed Elijah to his mother for some cuddles before she left for work.

"Tell John I said hi when you see him."

"I will, baby."

"You be good for daddy, munchkin."

Elijah shot his mother a wide grin as the family made their way towards the garage door.

"Let me know when you make it?"

"I will."

Savannah leaned up on her toes for her kiss, grinning when Terry slipped his free arm around her waist and pulled her in close. Her free arm was around his thick neck and she pressed her body close as her man kissed her THOROUGHLY. Savannah's eyes were a little cloudy as he pulled back, dropping another quick kiss on her lips before letting go. Terry patted her ass, a sly grin on his face as he looked down at her.

"I should call in sick…"

Terry laughed, shaking his head.

"Nicole would kill you for abandoning her over some dick."

"Top-tier dick though. She'd understand."

"She's a lesbian… would she really?"

"I mean…"

"Drive safe, mama. I love you."

"I love you too, Mr. Richmond."

She grabbed her Stanley and lunch bag from the entryway table and gave Elijah a quick kiss before passing him to his daddy.

"Be good for daddy."

"Mama!!"

Savannah felt her heart squeeze and leaned in for one more kiss, smiling when her baby put his little hands on her cheeks.

"Mama loves you, Eli. More than all the stars in the sky."

She took a deep breath and walked out the garage door. Terry stood in the doorway, watching as she climbed into the driver's seat of her blacked-out Infiniti QX80. Storm sat at his side, her tail wagging softly.

"Mama…" Elijah babbled softly, his little hand reaching out for her.

"Me too, bubba," Terry murmured, pressing a kiss to his temple. "She'll be back soon."

Savannah blew them a kiss before popping the garage door and backing down the driveway. Terry watched until her car cleared the driveway before closing the door.

"Wanna watch some X-Men?"

—

Her feet were screaming six and a half hours into her shift and her belly was most definitely protesting loudly. She sank into her chair and set her lunchbox down in front of her. Her husband had packed it this morning and she hadn't taken a peek yet. It was something he'd always done when he was on leave, and that level of care had always warmed her heart. It was very easy to be attracted to a man like Terry because of every aspect of his physical prowess. He was a big man, standing at 6'4", 245 pounds of heavy muscle. That face belonged in museums. It was truly the way he took care of her that made her fall in love with him every single day. Emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially. Terry had been making the effort to show his love since they'd been together and it was something Savannah didn't take for granted. He made her feel cherished and she hoped she made him feel the same way. The break room was blissfully empty as she began to dig into her lunch bag. She grabbed the glass bowl and popped it open, grinning when she took a deep breath of the quinoa and chicken bowl. Packed with roasted veggies and her favorite feta from the farmer's market… it smelled amazing. She popped up to warm it in the microwave for a moment before checking to see what else was left. There was a little treat in every compartment… Persian cucumbers and hummus in one compartment. Almonds and strawberries in another. He'd even packed her some cold brew for the post-lunch slump. The microwave dinged and she grabbed her bowl, pouring on the vinaigrette he'd packed on the side because… of course he did. When she reached back in for her fork, her fingers brushed a little Post-it note. When she pulled it out, scrawled in Terry's neat handwriting was: "Don't forget dessert." Curious now, she unzipped the bottom compartment, beaming when she saw two bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cake safe and sound in little mini containers. One had a little note on it: 'For Nicole'. The other was red velvet, her absolute favorite.

That was how Nicole found her when she joined her best friend for lunch, tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.

"I'm gonna marry that man all over again."

Nicole chuckled as she plopped down with her lunch, a kale chicken salad from her favorite little bistro.

"What did he pack this time?"

"This bowl… some snacks. Cold brew. And dessert," Savannah said with a little smile, sliding over the other mini cake. "This one is for you."

"He packed a dessert for me??"

"Mmmhmm…"

Nicole had a little smile on her face as she peeked into the container, her mouth falling open when she saw that not only had her bestie's husband treated her to dessert, he'd somehow remembered that the lemon raspberry one was her favorite.

"How did he…"

"Baby, he's Force Recon. He noticed your Bundtini flavor the same way he notices everything else. It's literally his job. You're my bestie and his son's godmother and he loves you. I also think he's got a little touch of the 'tism… His pattern recognition skills are insane."

Savannah took a bite of her lunch, sighing happily as she enjoyed the delicious meal. Nicole slid her treat to the side before popping the top on her salad.

"You know… I think men are gross, but I'd switch teams for Terry."

"Oh my fucking God…"

Savannah's laugh could be heard in the hallway outside the break room, and Nicole couldn't help but join in, her shoulders shaking as she laughed hysterically with her best friend. By the time the giggles had subsided, both women were slightly out of breath and had matching sets of sore abs.

"Deadass though. Marry him again."

Savannah smirked as she continued to eat.

"It's been so nice having him home, Nic…"

Nicole smiled as she looked over at her, so happy to see her friend this content and loved. The two women had been friends since their freshman year of college. They'd met in the dorms and clicked right away… been inseparable ever since. Through nursing school. Through relationships. Through cross-country moves. The two of them were like two peas in a pod. And when Savannah had added Terry to the dynamic, Nicole had known Terry was in love with her before Savannah did. They'd gone on a double date and it was something about the way Terry was looking at her friend. Content. Like it was Christmas morning and she was all he'd ever asked for. The way he walked on the street side of the sidewalk. The way Terry talked about her when she wasn't around. Seeing her friend being loved so deeply made Nicole realize that true love was real. That soul mates existed. That sometimes, the universe gave you a love so perfectly matched to how you needed to be loved that it couldn't be questioned.

"I bet. I know you were missing him like crazy."

"I was, girl… It's so different now that we have Eli. I just didn't want him to miss anything."

"I'm glad he made it back safe and sound. Is he thinking about staying stateside?"

"Yeah. I think he's going to end up working with John. I'll take that. At least it keeps him in the country and not in a damn war zone."

"I can just imagine John and Terry together. They were in the same unit before John retired, right?"

"Mmhmm… met in basic but didn't really become friends until the basic recon class. John's known him longer than I have," she chuckled. "The two of them together are a riot, so a working relationship is going to be interesting. And insane."

"John's another good one. Give me faith that all men aren't trash," Nicole said with a laugh.

"They're a dying breed, I tell you. I can't imagine being on the dating scene right now. You know Janna was telling me that she went on a date the other day and the guy asked her to Zelle him half… Can you believe that shit?"

"She is way too pretty to be dealing with a man like that."

"That's what I said… Maybe I should hook her up with John." Nicole glanced over at her with a little smile.

"They'd be cute together."

Savannah smiled as she finished off her lunch.

"I'm gonna invite her to our next little cookout. See if they hit it off. John's so picky, but I think he'd actually really like her."

"He's only picky because he knows what he wants. Plus, he sees how happy Terry is, so why settle for less?"

"You're right…"

—

A little while later, both ladies were getting ready to get back on the floor. Savannah was at the sink rinsing out her bowl, and Nicole stashed her dessert back in her bestie's lunch bag for safekeeping. They'd both have them later when the sugar rush would hit. Savannah followed Nicole back onto the floor, the friends parting in the hallway. Savannah headed towards the nurses' station to check if her bloodwork was back. Charge Nurse Gloria Mae Simmons manned her desk, her keen eyes scanning a patient's chart. From the moment Savannah started in this ER almost five years ago, Gloria had taken her under her wing. The older Black woman reminded Savannah so much of her favorite aunt, and she'd been a constant source of support during her career. She ran that floor like an army sergeant, and they were all better for it. Gloria glanced up as she approached, her smile warm like the sun.

"Mrs. Henderson's blood work is back," she said, handing over the iPad so Savannah could see. "How was lunch?"

"Delicious. I love having a husband who can cook," Savannah said with a little chuckle. "Has Dr. Amante seen this yet?"

"No. He's been with another patient while you were out."

The post-lunch lull was always deceptive in the emergency room. So easy to get lulled into a sense of calm and then BOOM. Utter chaos. Especially over a night shift. Savannah did NOT miss those days.

"Ok… Thank you. I'm gonna go check in on her."

Gloria nodded, turning her attention back to the ER, those all-seeing eyes of hers scanning the room like she always did. Savannah made her way over to her elderly patient, a smile on her face as she pulled the curtain and stepped inside. The small woman was lying in bed, her eyes on the small screen where Judge Judy was reading someone for filth.

"How are you feeling, Mrs. Henderson? Has your pain level gone down?"

The older woman, seventy-four and still sharp, silver hair pinned in a neat little bun at the top of her head despite spending the last seventy-two hours in the hospital, considered the question carefully for a moment before answering.

"It's gotten a little better, baby. You've got gentle hands. I barely felt that last IV."

Savannah smiled as she made a notation on Mrs. Henderson's chart, using the in-room screen to push updates back to the nurses' station.

"That's very kind of you to say. I try to treat people the way I'd want someone to treat my grandma…"

"Are you two close?"

"Very. I adore her. I'm going to check your blood pressure real quick."

Down the hall at the nurses' station, Gloria glanced up from her charting the way she always did when the ER doors opened. Twenty-two years of instinct. She set her pen down as a smile graced her face. Her favorite little emergency room visitor was here, dressed in the absolute cutest football onesie and looking like a miniature version of his fine-ass daddy. Gloria might have been older, but she wasn't dead.

"Lord have mercy," she murmured.

Nicole was rounding the corner when she caught sight of him, her smile getting bigger when her eyes went from what was in his left hand to the adorable bundle of love cradled in his right. The ripple moved across the floor as it always did—quietly, without disrupting the flow of things. Heads lifted. Eyes tracked. Sandra, a young nurse who had been hitting on Terry for the better part of two years, exited the break room and went very still.

"Ma'am," Terry said with a knowing smile and a wink as he passed Gloria at her station before his eyes slowly scanned the room, landing on his wife. Elijah let out a little squeal when his eyes landed on his mama.

Behind the curtain of bay two, Savannah's eyes were on the blood pressure cuff, monitoring the pressure and checking in with her patient. She didn't notice any of it. But Mrs. Henderson did.

"Oh my…"

"Too much?"

"Oh no… I'm fine, baby. But there is a very handsome man holding a baby, and he is staring right at you."

Savannah whipped around, her face breaking into a grin when she saw her husband standing there, cradling their child and her favorite flowers.

"Go on… Lord knows I'm not going anywhere."

The heat in Savannah's cheeks intensified as Mrs. Henderson patted her hand. She loosened the cuff a bit before turning towards her husband, who'd stepped a little closer.

"Good evening, ma'am. I'm sorry to disturb you."

"Don't be sorry at all, young man. This made my night," Mrs. Henderson said with a little giggle.

Savannah stripped off her gloves and tossed them as she made her way to her husband, walking him back towards the nurses' station. Elijah lunged at her and she took him in her arms with a little giggle, pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek.

"Are those for me?" she asked shyly, her eyes on the blood orange dahlias in his hand.

"Of course they are, mama."

Terry grinned as he tipped her chin up with his finger and kissed her softly, keeping it PG since they were in her workplace.

"They're beautiful… thank you, baby. What are you doing here?"

"We're on our way to John's. Eli thought you might like the surprise."

"Oh did he?"

"Mmhm… came up with it all on his own."

Savannah reached up, her left hand cradling Terry's cheek. He closed his eyes briefly, pressing his cheek against her palm.

"I love them… this was a perfect surprise."

Elijah chose that moment to take notice of Gloria and Nicole, and his little hands immediately began a grabby motion towards them. Nicole just grinned as she walked over and picked her godson up, cuddling him close.

"Thanks for the dessert, Terry."

Terry just smiled, shrugging his shoulders.

"Knew you'd enjoy it."

Nicole just grinned as she brought the baby over to Gloria, where they both immediately began gushing over the bright-eyed baby boy. Knowing her baby was in safe hands, Savannah turned her attention back to her husband. He was dressed in dark-washed jeans and a black henley. His biceps were currently testing the limits of the sleeves of said shirt. His favorite gold chain hung around his neck. Black boots completed the look.

"You look so damn good…" she murmured, reaching out with one hand and playfully squeezing his bicep.

"Now don't start something you can't finish, Mrs. Richmond."

"Who says I won't finish it?"

"Oh?"

"You've got about five more hours to prepare yourself."

Terry growled low in his throat, and something about that sound had Savannah's lower belly clenching in response.

"Gotta work on our girl until it takes."

Terry's eyes darkened, and it took everything in him not to throw her over his shoulder and find the nearest empty room and lock them away. His wife reached up and teasingly tugged at his necklace, bringing him down to her level for another quick kiss. His hands were itching to grab her ass but… he kept them at her waist.

"Ya know… seeing this does in fact make me a little curious," Nicole muttered.

"About what?" Gloria asked, gently bouncing Elijah.

"Maybe men aren't as repulsive as I thought."

Gloria just snickered and shook her head.

"After thirty years, you're suddenly straight now?"

"Well… I mean, Sav seems incredibly happy all the time."

Movement out of the corner of her eye caught Nicole's attention. It was Sandra, a young nurse who had been hitting on her best friend's husband for the better part of two years with zero response. Talk about not being able to read the fucking room. Nicole watched as the woman leaned her forearms against the counter and sighed softly.

"What a man."

Gloria's eyes flickered towards Nicole and her expression sharpened slightly. She remembered what had happened at last year's Christmas party. Sandra in that red dress that left very little to the imagination, landing her in a meeting with HR about workplace party etiquette. Gloria had watched the way she slid up next to Terry while his wife sat nearby, soft and freshly postpartum, navigating her new role and new body… saying something about how men needed variety and how her body hadn't been ravaged by pregnancy and childbirth. How the baby weight hadn't dropped off as quickly as she'd been expecting.

And without raising his voice, without causing a scene, Terry had looked at her—steady, unbothered, and a little disgusted—and said, "My wife just gave me a son. She's never been more sexy or beautiful than she is to me right now. You couldn't compare in any lifetime." And just like that, Terry turned his back on her, effectively dismissing her. Gloria had gone home and told her husband that night… and reported Sandra to HR the following Monday.

"Yes… a very married, very satisfied… very FAITHFUL man," Nicole said, arching a thin eyebrow at the audacity.

Gloria didn't bother to hide her smile. "Nicole…"

"Just stating the facts, Ms. Gloria."

Sandra just sighed, tearing her gaze away from the beautiful couple.

"Yeah… I guess you're right."

Elijah cooed softly, his expressive eyes on Sandra before looking up at Gloria.

"Awww… he's so cute," Sandra said, smiling as she reached out towards him.

Elijah shrank away as Gloria turned her body so Sandra couldn't touch him.

"Do not touch that woman's baby. What is wrong with you??"

Nicole glared over at Sandra.

"Girl, go somewhere."

As Sandra turned and walked away with her tail between her legs, Nicole turned to Gloria and rolled her eyes.

"This is why I'm not into blondes."

—

Terry stood, staring down at his wife as she prattled on about dinner, a small smile on his face. She clutched the flowers he'd gifted her close to her chest.

"I think I want Italian tonight. Maybe we can order from that spot downtown."

"Sounds good, Mama. I can pick it up if I'm still at John's office when you get close to getting off."

"Mmm… and then you can get ME off," Savannah murmured softly, her eyes soft as she gazed up at her fine-ass husband.

Terry closed his eyes for a moment, trying to stay composed while his dick was threatening to break through his zipper. His hands tightened on her waist as he pulled her body closer against his.

"You're lucky that we're in public."

"I thought you liked it like that."

"Savannah Noelle Richmond."

The naughty little giggle she let out as she buried her blushing face against his chest warmed Terry's heart. This woman drove him absolutely crazy, and he prayed every day that he'd get this for another sixty years. He dipped his head, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.

"Gotta get on the road, baby doll. I'll text you later."

"Ok. I love you, Papa," she murmured, leaning up for a kiss.

Terry held her close as he kissed her gently, his teeth nibbling at her lush lower lip. He couldn't fucking wait to get her home. By the time he pulled back, her cheeks were flushed and she had that look he loved so much on her face. He kissed her forehead gently before letting her go. Nicole took the flowers Savannah handed off as Gloria walked over, passing the cuddly baby to his mama.

"Say bye bye, Eli," Savannah murmured.

Elijah did his version of a wave, giggling when Gloria waved back at him. Savannah pressed a kiss to his soft curls, taking a deep breath of his sweet baby scent.

"Mommy loves you. Have fun with Uncle John and be good for Daddy."

"He's always good," Terry said, his grin proud as he took his son into his arms, shifting him in the crook of one massive arm.

"Drive safe."

"Always. I love you."

"Love you more."

Terry dropped one more sweet kiss on his wife's lips before turning to head out, his son waving back at the ladies. Savannah leaned her hip against the nurses' station, a little smile on her lips as she watched her husband walk away.

"I'm gonna marry him all over again…"

—

Obsidian Group was housed in a sleek building, black glass hiding an interior filled with some of this country's most accomplished operators. Men and women who'd put it all on the line for this country. People personally vetted by John Kincaid himself. Terry's black Ford F-450 pulled cleanly into one of the visitor's spots near the entryway. He climbed out and went to get his son from the backseat. The almost nine-month-old was letting out an adorable yawn as Terry opened the back door.

"Hey Bubba… you sleep ok?" he murmured softly, grinning as he stroked Elijah's round cheek. The baby grabbed his finger and promptly jammed it in his mouth. Terry let out a chuckle as he began to unbuckle the little one.

"Let's get you inside and you can have a snack."

Baby bag on his shoulder and miniature in his arms, Terry Richmond made his way into the building, those blue-green eyes scanning the lobby. There was a woman sitting behind the reception desk. Pretty like Nia Long in the '90s with a haircut to match. Had to be former Army judging by the way her eyes took him in and filed him away. She smiled slowly when her eyes landed on the baby. No one could resist the kid.

"You can go on back, Mr. Richmond. He's been expecting you."

Terry nodded a greeting before heading towards his best friend's office. The interior of Obsidian Group was just as sleek as the exterior, all cool charcoals and rich leather. The hallway wasn't crowded, but people moved through it efficiently, the way one moves when used to clearing a space before relaxing. A few glanced up as he passed. The first was a woman with a severe bun at the nape of her neck and a thin scar that dragged from her carotid across her throat, disappearing into the neckline of her shirt. Survivor. Badass. Her eyes did a quick sweep of him, her gaze softening when it dropped to the baby sitting on his daddy's forearm. She didn't smile. But almost. Two men at the end of the hall, Navy SEALs judging by the assortment of tattoos and haircuts, were mid-conversation when he rounded the corner. One of them clocked Terry immediately, recognition lighting up in his eyes. Ghost was among them. Living legend. Utter nightmare in combat. Elijah turned his head as Terry passed the two men, giggling and blowing a spit bubble. Conversation forgotten, the men wondered what brought Ghost to Obsidian Group…

Terry reached out with one hand, giving two quick raps of his knuckles on John's door before pushing it open.

"Guess who?"

John Kincaid stopped speaking mid-sentence, looking up from his computer to see a man he hadn't seen in four months. A man he'd known since they were both scared eighteen-year-old boys on Parris Island. Captain Terry Richmond was home.

"I'll call you back later."

He hung up without waiting for a response before pushing himself to his feet. His dark eyes went from Terry's face to the child in his arms, his heart cracking open in that very moment. The two men gravitated towards each other, dapping each other up before pulling one another into a hug that said more than words ever could. I'm so glad to see you. I'm glad you made it back in one piece. Thank God you're alive. John pulled back and just stared at Terry for a moment, silent as his eyes took his friend in. Home. Whole. And Terry let him. There was no way to describe to someone who had never experienced it what it felt like to see a dear friend off to war and not know if you'd ever see them alive again. Not knowing if they'd return to you in a pine box or with a mind so shattered Humpty Dumpty himself couldn't put them back together. He understood that grateful feeling… to see a loved one return in one piece when so many of their fallen brothers didn't.

"Man… it's so fucking good to see you, Ghost."

"Likewise, brother."

Elijah cooed softly, that expressive little face lighting up when he realized who was in front of him. He reached out for John, and Terry grinned as he passed his child over.

"There's my little man. You're getting so big, kiddo."

"Growing like a weed."

Terry's keen eyes drifted across John's office, taking notice of the space the way he always did—assessing, cataloguing, efficient. The heavy walnut desk was new. The photos centered on it were not. The oldest one, worn by age, was a black-and-white photo of John's grandparents, John Kenneth Kincaid Sr. and Elizabeth Caldwell Kincaid. Terry's smile deepened when he saw the photo of the family at a cookout right before his last deployment—Terry standing behind Savannah, his arms around her waist while she smiled down at the tiny infant in her arms, Terry's father laughing at something outrageous John had just said, and Sloane, John's baby sister and resident badass, smiling over at the newest member of their unit. The last photo was the second-best day of his entire life. He was standing in the maternity ward cradling his newborn son. John had taken that photo, and Terry still remembered, vividly in fact, the feeling of his heart exploding in his chest when he first made eye contact with the tiny little being he'd created with the love of his life. His whole world had changed that day.

"Place looks good…" Terry murmured as he turned to look towards one of the large windows that dominated the space, his eyebrows slamming together as he turned back to look at his friend. "John, why is there a pack and play in your office?"

The small pack and play, grey with cartoon baby animals on it, looked absolutely outlandish in an office dominated by a large desk in its center, a wall of screens offering a live stream of every single inch of this building, and a treadmill facing a window in the opposite corner.

"Seemed easier to get one of my own rather than having Savannah lug one around."

Terry laughed as he shook his head.

"Plus he's gonna be here way more often now that you're back," John said, his face smug as he rubbed the little one's back.

"Is that so?"

"Oh yeah. Obsidian Group is very family-friendly."

"Who says I'm taking the job?"

John deadpanned a look at Terry before standing and walking over to the small fridge near his coffee bar. He dug around in it for a moment before finding one of the organic pureed fruit pouches and handing it to Elijah.

"You keep snacks for my kid in your office?"

"I keep snacks for my godson in my office. There's a difference."

Terry just shook his head, watching as John sat Elijah in the pack and play with his little snack.

"You're a natural. Time for you to join the club."

"Find me a wife and I will. Now… back to this job I know you're taking."

As Terry sat in the expensive leather seat across from John, he watched as his friend dug in the bottom drawer of his desk, pulling out a small black box. He didn't say anything. John just set the box down in front of Terry with a smirk. Terry warily glanced over at his friend as he reached out, opening the box. Inside were business cards. Expensive ones, if he was judging by the heavy card stock and gold-embossed lettering. He ran his thumb across the words, his eyes widening slightly.

Terrance Richmond/Partner Obsidian Group, est. 2020.

Cerulean eyes met warm chocolate.

"When did you have these made?"

"February."

"I didn't decide to retire until April."

"Yeah, well."

Terry just shook his head, a small smile on his lips as he ran a fingertip over the sharp edge of the matte black card.

"I've gotta talk to Savannah."

"I know."

Terry glanced out the window, his eyes drifting across the beautiful Charlotte scenery. Truthfully, he hadn't known for sure what was going to happen after retirement from the military. It had been something that was such a huge part of his life for so long that pivoting to something new seemed almost alien. He and John had talked about a security company for years, and Lord knows, John had the business mind for it. The man was brilliant. But seeing it all come to fruition was something else. A dream deferred. A dream delivered. Obsidian Group would allow Terry to do something he excelled at, while keeping him stateside for his wife and son. He'd go home to his family every night. Terry sat back in his chair, silently tucking the business card in his pocket.

"You wanna see your office? I need to get your input on the decor."

John had a little smirk as he stood up, brushing away an invisible crease on his slacks. Both men glanced over at Elijah, who was happily gnawing on his fruit pouch. Terry pushed himself to his feet.

"Be right back, Bub."

John led him out of his office to a door across the hall. If both doors were open, the two could literally shout across the hallway. Aside from the large walnut desk, leather executive chair, and recently installed bookshelves, the office was largely bare, waiting on its new tenant. Like John's, it had large windows that dominated the space, revealing the beauty of Charlotte. A video wall sat, screens black but ready to see all. Terry smoothed his hand across the desk, his eyes drifting to the only thing on it at the moment. A framed photo. He picked it up and grinned. It was his baby. Not Elijah. His first baby. Savannah.

When they'd first started dating, they'd been out at some fancy spot in downtown Charlotte. The lighting inside had been perfect, and she'd looked so fucking gorgeous. Terry had snapped a photo of her as she smiled over at him, and that photo had traveled with him all around the world. From Charlotte to New York. To places of great beauty and places of utter devastation. He'd carried a printed-out copy of her everywhere with him. When shit got hard, she'd been the reason. She was his why. John had probably seen Terry staring at that photo thousands of times. And now here it was… the first personalized thing in his brand-new office. His "why" stared back at him from the framed photo, and his heart flipped in his chest when he got that same feeling every time he looked at her

"February, huh?"

Terry glanced over at John, and the man had the smuggest look on his face.

"Someone had to."

"Guess you should go on and send me the link to that pack and play. Savannah's gonna find some kind of way to add plants in here…"

"Already on it."

Terry took one more look around the office before following John out, finally noticing the nameplate on the door. His name in recessed brass. If he'd said no, John would have had to get a whole new door to replace that nameplate. Terry reached up, carefully smoothing his fingers across the etched letters. Terrance Richmond/Partner. John really wasn't fucking around.

Back in John's office, the baby was babbling to himself as he played with a stuffed toy. Elijah reached his arms up to be held as soon as he noticed his father had returned. Terry chuckled as he scooped the little one up, his grin getting even bigger when the baby wrapped his arms a bit too tight around his neck. In his pocket, his cell buzzed.

HOME: On my way home. Don't forget Italian. 🍝

He grinned and typed back a response.

TERRY: Already on it.

John chuckled softly when he saw the goofy grin on his buddy's face.

"Wifey?"

"Of course. She wants Italian for dinner."

"You gonna tell her about Emerald Ridge soon? I went by last week and it's looking amazing."

"I was going to surprise her with it tonight," Terry said with a big grin. "I really appreciate you overseeing that for me while I was gone."

"Of course, bro. It's the least I could do."

The two men dapped each other up, and John playfully dapped up his little nephew, snickering when the baby burst into giggles. That sound was something that always warmed John's heart. There was no purer sound than a baby's laughter.

"Drive safe and let me know when you decide on shit for your office."

"Will do," Terry said, shifting the baby's bag on his shoulder. "Did you already install a gun safe?"

"First thing I did. Vaultek VT20i. Same as mine. Right side of your desk."

Terry nodded. At home, he had a Fort Knox pistol box mounted in his nightstand. His tried and true. The Vaultek was a bit fancier, but he trusted John's choice implicitly.

"I'll call you tomorrow. Don't work too hard."

"Sounds good, bro. I'm outta here in an hour or so. I have some new contacts to review and then I'm done. I'm behind on House of the Dragon, so I've gotta catch up on that before Sloane ruins it for me."

Terry smirked, shifting his son in his arms as his friend playfully complained about his baby sister. In his pocket, his phone buzzed again, and he pulled it out, expecting to see another message from his wife.

It wasn't a message from Savannah.

An unknown number. Albanian prefix. One word.

GHOST.

Terry stilled for a moment. Something in him went quiet in a very dangerous way. Ghost was not a nickname that a civilian would call him. Ever. Terry slid his phone back into his pocket before glancing back at John, who sat at his desk, eyes on his computer monitor.

"Enjoy the episode, Deacon."

John looked up from his screen, eyes locked on Terry's retreating back. A nagging thought tugged at the back of his mind as he watched until Terry rounded the corner and disappeared. On one of the screens on his wall, he watched as his friend made his way over to the large blacked-out truck and sighed softly.

Terry headed back out to his truck and carefully buckled the little one in, pausing to press a kiss to Elijah's round cheek.

"We'll be home soon, little man."

Terry walked around to the driver's side of the truck, pausing to glance up at the building that housed everything his best friend had been building over the last few years. This was his future. He knew it. He was right where he was supposed to be. As Terry climbed in and started the engine, his gaze fell to his rearview mirror, where he could see his son looking back at him in the little mirror in front of his car seat. That itch of paranoia tugged at him again. Something was off. Terry Richmond just didn't know what.

Stone smiled at the sound of her soft footsteps. She was trying to sneak up on him. He let her think she had.

His exaggerated shock when she wrapped her arms around him gave him away.

"You heard me, didn't you?" she whispered, nipping at his earlobe.

He shivered in her touch, which made her smile. She affected him so easily.

"Stealth is not your strength."

She gasped and smacked his shoulder. "Are you saying I’m heavy?"

He caught her wrist and tugged her into his lap, music forgotten. Burying his face in her neck, he inhaled deeply, his hands roaming the lines of her body. "You’re perfect."

She was already melting in his arms, her playful anger dissolving like mist. "You’re too good with words." She kissed him full on the lips. "I have to go."

Stone blinked, raising a brow. "Go where?"

Andrea laughed. "Uhmm, my house? I don’t live here."

He stared at her like she’d just told him the sky wasn’t blue. "Really?"

She laughed harder, shoving at his face playfully. "Stop it. These two weeks have been heavenly. But I’m resuming work tomorrow. I need to prepare."

Stone tightened his arms around her waist. "You can go from here."

Andrea’s smile faltered at the seriousness in his tone. "Wh–what are you saying?"

His gaze didn’t waver. "I’m asking you to live with me. These two weeks gave me a glimpse of what life with you would be like, and I want more. Stay."

Her jaw dropped. Stone leaned in, his voice dropping to that sultry register that turned her brain to mush. "Live with me, Andrea. Please?"

Their lips were almost touching when her stomach growled. She pulled back, embarrassed, as he chuckled and set her down gently.

"I made breakfast," he said, taking her hand and leading her toward the kitchen.

A wave of scents hit her, making her dizzy. She stopped short.

"I think I have a stomach bug. I've been queasy. I don't think I can eat that, sorry."

His palm was on her forehead in an instant. "When did this start? Fever? Dizziness?" He turned as if to fetch the first aid kit.

Andrea tugged him back, laughing softly. "I'm fine, doctor. I just need something light. Maybe Sprite."

He made a face. "Soda?"

"Please don't go all health freak on me. Right now that's the only thing I can keep down."

He sighed in defeat. "Fine, but I don't keep poison in my house. I'll grab some for you."

She rose on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "I knew there was a reason I love you."

The words slipped out before she could stop them. His body went rigid.

They had been together nearly a year, but neither had said it. She knew she was in love with him, but she had been waiting for him to say it first.

A bead of sweat formed on her brow. She adjusted her bonnet and wiped at imaginary drool on her jaw, pretending nothing had happened.

Stone opened his mouth like he wanted to speak, then closed it again. Without another word he grabbed his jacket and left.

Andrea stood in the silence, her heart thudding. She had given voice to her feelings, and whether he returned them or not, they were hers.

She curled up on her favorite couch with a reality show, still giddy with the mix of joy and shame, when the front door opened.

"Did you forget something?" she called out.

"And who might you be?"

Andrea turned. An elegantly dressed woman in her late fifties stood by the door. Her complexion was warm caramel, her cheekbones and lips an exact match to Stone's. Andrea didn't need an introduction.

Monica Pierre looked at the barely clad young woman in her son's apartment. Stone had never mentioned a girlfriend. Yet she knew her son was too disciplined to entertain a casual fling.

Her eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

Andrea swallowed. "I'm Andrea. Stone is my boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?"

The word came from the younger woman at Monica's side. Andrea hadn't even noticed her until that moment, too shocked by the mother standing in the doorway.

Monica silenced the other woman with a glance before addressing Andrea again. "Where is my son?"

"He stepped out. He'll be back soon."

"Good." Monica gestured for the younger woman to sit, then took a seat herself.

Andrea hovered, unsure what to do. "Can I get you something to drink?"

The younger woman scoffed, but Monica replied calmly. "This is my son's home. I don't need anyone to offer me anything. But thank you for asking. You have good manners."

Andrea nodded slowly and slipped back to the bedroom to put on clothes, her mind racing.

Stone entered his apartment, arms loaded with bags—every possible option for Andrea’s unsettled stomach.

The sight of his mother froze him mid-step. “Mom?”

Monica rose with effortless grace, hugging her son before eyeing the bags. He kissed her cheek quickly and disappeared into the kitchen to unload. When he returned, she was studying him with an expression he couldn’t place.

He laughed uneasily. “What?”

“There’s something different about you,” she said at last, before turning toward the young woman at her side. A bright smile lifted her lips. “You remember Regina?”

Regina offered her hand. Stone shook it politely, firm and brief, before glancing back at his mother. “Who is she?”

“Stoney? It’s me.” Regina’s voice held a touch of disbelief. “Regina Jones. Reggie?”

Recognition lit his eyes. “Little Reggie? The chubby girl with the missing tooth?”

She gave a rueful smile. “She grew up.”

And she had. The awkward girl he remembered had returned as a statuesque beauty, tall, elegant, curves and legs that drew the eye.

Stone’s grin softened. “Well, we have a lot to catch up on. Let’s do that over breakfast. I made a spread for my girlfriend, but she wasn’t up for it.” He turned toward the bedroom, missing the flicker of disappointment across Regina’s face. “Have you met her yet?”

Monica’s voice cut through the air. “Stone.”

He paused. Her tone was cool, commanding.

“Can we have this moment between us as family?” she said smoothly. “She can join us… after.”

Stone’s brows furrowed. “What are you saying?”

Monica’s gaze pinned him. “I do not know who that woman is. Until I am properly and formally introduced, I will not sit and break bread with her as though she were family.”

His mouth tightened. “And Regina here—she’s family?”

Monica’s smile raised the hairs on his nape. “Soon.”

The word hung in the air.

From the bedroom doorway, Andrea froze. She had been ready to pop out the moment she heard Stone’s voice, but the sight of him with the young woman rooted her to the spot.

Side by side, they looked like they belonged together. Like she fit into his world in a way Andrea suddenly wasn’t sure she did.

Her stomach clenched hard, and it had nothing to do with hunger. She was too worldly not to understand what was happening.

Her chest tightened, her vision blurred. She spun away before anyone could notice and stumbled into the bathroom, heaving into the toilet for the second time that morning.

Your heels clicked hard against the stone floor of your company building, your features set in a deeper scowl than usual. Both women and men cleared your path as you stormed toward your office, a tabloid open on your iPad.

Your client was already seated, two members of his management team flanking him as if he needed protection from you.

Maybe he did.

You slammed your iPad onto the table the moment you took your seat.

"What is this, sir?"

His lips curled ever so slightly at your tone.

His bodyguards didn’t see it. You did.

One of them raised a hand, looking like he was about to tell you to calm down.

You narrowed your eyes at him and he shut his mouth.

You wheeled your chair as far into your desk as possible and leaned forward in a clear attempt at intimidation.

His heavy-lashed eyes darkened.

Something inside you responded, and not in the way you wanted at the moment.

"This is a PR disaster, sir. I told you that spot was crawling with paparazzi and you still decided to pull that stunt."

Bodyguard number two spoke up. "He has a right to kiss whomever he wants, as long as it was consensual."

You turned to him. "Oh really? Then what are you all doing here?"

He bristled under your glare, unable to find a better comeback.

You took a breath, steadying yourself before they started to think your anger was more than just work related.

"We need to plant a few accounts to make positive comments, post a couple of thirst traps and a cute video, and let the fans do the rest."

You turned back to him. "You’re a star now. You have to be careful about who you’re seen with and what you do in public. I try to do my job, but don’t make it harder than it has to be. Please."

He nodded. "Yes, ma’am."

Your eyes lingered briefly on his lips before darting down to retrieve your tablet from his side of the table.

"If that’s all…"

His team stood. He didn’t move.

They exchanged looks before bodyguard two spoke.

"Sir, I think we’re ready to leave."

His gaze stayed locked on you. "I have one more matter to discuss with her. You can go. I’ll find my way when I’m done here."

A look of pure panic flickered across their faces.

You almost laughed.

"Are you sure about that?"

He finally looked at them and smiled. "I’m sure."

They were gone for ten minutes before he stood and began shutting the blinds.

Your breath came in shallow gasps as you watched him move.

The fluid stretch of his long limbs, the way his T-shirt clung to the muscles of his back.

When he finally rounded your desk, your eyes blurred with tears of arousal.

"This is my office," you rasped when he wheeled your chair out to face him.

"So?" He dropped to his knees in front of you.

"You can’t—" Your words broke when he pushed your skirt up your thighs, your body lifting automatically to help him shove it higher onto your hips.

"I can’t what?" He breathed the words against your lips before claiming them in a kiss that melted the last of your anger away.

You mewled into his mouth, your hand tenderly cupping his jaw as you kissed him back.

He broke away just long enough to murmur against your lips, his forehead pressed to yours. "I didn’t kiss her. I was signing her photo when she leaned in. The video was cropped to show only the kiss, not the part where I pulled away."

You ran your fingers through his curls, nipping his bottom lip. "I know. It still annoyed me to see another woman kissing you."

He grinned. "I love it when you get jealous."

Before you could reply, he grabbed your thighs and threw them over the armrests of your chair, yanking your hips forward until you were completely spread for him. His head lowered, eyes locked on your center, dark with lust.

You followed his gaze and saw the obscene sight. Your panties were soaked, the damp fabric clinging to your swollen lips.

He leaned in and sucked on the wet patch. You slapped a hand over your mouth to keep in the sounds that could carry through the office walls and cost you your job.

You felt the scrape of his teeth, then the sharp rip of fabric.

His mouth returned to you in a fierce assault, lips and tongue devouring your heat. You pressed both hands to your mouth, stifling every muffled cry as his hands fisted beneath your skirt, ripping the last of your panties off. He stuffed the torn fabric between your lips, gagging you, then buried himself against your sex again.

You moaned into the gag, grateful to have your hands free to fist them in his hair and grind his face harder against your core.

You rode his mouth shamelessly, hips bucking, the edge of your chair biting into your thighs as you gasped into the gag. Your head fell back, cries swallowed by the fabric between your lips.

A vivid image flashed behind your closed eyes: the door to your office swinging open. An executive standing frozen, staring at the scene—your top client on his knees, ravishing your pussy, your hands tangled in his hair, your legs spread wide over your chair’s armrests while you fucked yourself against his face.

The filthy thought tipped you over the edge. You shattered with a scream trapped in your throat, your release soaking his face as he licked and rubbed into you until your body went slack.

You slumped back into your chair, trembling, while he wiped his face with his discarded jacket. Then he pulled your limp legs forward and wrapped his arms around you.

Before you could register his intent, he bent you face down over your desk, his dick nudging at your entrance from behind.

He plunged into you in one hard stroke, and your eyes rolled back.

Three deep thrusts in, your desk phone rang.

He leaned over you with a wicked grin, tugged the gag from your mouth, and pressed the button for you.

You cleared your throat. "Hello?"

"Hey. How did it go with him?"

"I have everything under control, sir."

He pushed deeper, forcing you to swallow a sob.

"Oh, okay. You’re doing a really good job with him. I know how stubborn he can be. How do you manage to get him to do anything?"

He began a rhythm of short, quick thrusts that had you biting your lip, your nails digging into the desk for balance.

"Hello? You there?"

"Yes, sir," you managed, voice trembling. "I do my best."

"Keep doing what you’re doing! I’ll leave you to it."

The call clicked off.

The moment it did, he drove into you hard, pulling one arm behind your back while the other pinned you down flat against the desk. His hips snapped furiously against you, the sound of skin on skin filling the room.

He leaned down, his lips brushing your ear. "I’m glad we have your boss’s blessing."

Tagging those who expressed interest. Let me know if you'd like to be added or removed.