Page 18

CHAPTER 18

E cho expected a transport aircraft, something utilitarian with jump seats and cargo nets. What she didn’t expect was to ride on a commercial plane; she certainly didn’t expect to be flown back to the United States in such luxury. The pod-style layout of the business and first-class sprawled luxuriously before her. She tried not to act like she’d never flown first class before—but then again, she hadn’t.

As she approached her assigned pod, she marveled at its sleek design. The soft, oversized seat resembled a recliner, complete with controls to fully recline into a bed. There was a personal entertainment screen, noise-canceling headphones, and even a small storage compartment. She glanced down the other aisle and caught Deacon’s amused smirk as he settled into his seat across from her. He dropped the privacy shield between their pods, leaning slightly toward her.

“I’ve never been in first class before,” she whispered excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

Deacon chuckled, his broad shoulders shaking. “Well, it’s about time we fixed that.”

She observed as Ronan and his team positioned themselves on the right side of the plane, while Deacon’s team took up the left. Other passengers filled the remaining pods toward the front, but the camaraderie between the two teams made the atmosphere feel more like a private charter.

Echo’s curiosity got the best of her. She began pressing buttons, adjusting the seat, and exploring the entertainment system. She was still discovering when a flight attendant approached, offering a glass of champagne. The long-stemmed flute sparkled in the soft cabin lighting as she accepted it. Deacon reached for his glass as well, and with a shared smile, they clinked their glasses and kissed gently. No words were exchanged, nor were they necessary.

In Echo’s opinion, the connection between them spoke volumes. Did she love him? Yes. Absolutely. Would she tell him now? Absolutely not. Relationships were a balancing act, and she wasn’t about to upset the equilibrium by saying it too soon. She glanced at him, his profile strong and calm, and felt a warmth settle over her.

The flight attendants were attentive to a fault, continuously offering snacks, meals, desserts, and even cookies. Echo felt pampered, especially when one brought her a neatly wrapped set of pajamas. She held them up and looked at Deacon, who smirked.

“Are you going to change into pajamas?” she asked, holding the soft cotton in front of her.

He laughed and shook his head. “No. I’ll sleep in my clothes.”

Echo raised her eyebrows. “I think I’m going to put them on.”

He waved her toward the first-class bathrooms. “Go for it.”

She returned a few minutes later, her clothes folded neatly in her arms, wearing soft, heather-gray pajamas. The team chuckled as she paraded back to her seat, her steps light with delight. She extended her seat into a bed and propped herself up on the pillow.

“I could get used to a life like this,” she murmured, looking over at Deacon with a playful smile. His eyebrows lifted in amusement. “Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to pay for my luxuries,” she added quickly, waving her hand dismissively. “But really, anyone could get used to this.”

Deacon chuckled and shook his head. She knew she was practical to a fault. She was already planning how to make the most of what she’d saved. Sue her, she was raised to be frugal, and it had stuck.

“Are you going to sleep?” she asked, yawning as the thought overtook her.

“Not right now,” he said. “You go ahead. It’s a long flight home.”

With a nod, she closed her eyes, sinking into the plush bedding. The low rumble of the aircraft, combined with the soft hum of activity from the flight attendants, created a soothing background noise. Sleep came easily after the marathon of emotions and physical exertion the previous night.

Echo enjoyed the fact that first class was first to disembark. Although their accommodations were fantastic, the flight was extraordinarily long, and she was happy to walk and stretch her legs. As they entered the airport in San Francisco, they pooled together, waiting for the rest of the team members to make it down the gangway. Deacon dropped his arm over her shoulders when all the phones for every man on both teams rang simultaneously. Deacon looked at his phone and then clicked his earpiece, along with the others. He said, “Cobra One, online.” All the other men checked in as well.

Sensing this was not a casual call, as one, the men stepped to the side, letting other passengers disembark without disrupting the flow. Deacon stood still, his jaw tight, eyes closed briefly. Whatever news had come through the synchronized team calls wasn’t good. Echo watched him, her own thoughts temporarily distracted by the small communication device in his ear. The earpiece was impressive—able to transmit and receive—but as she studied it, she couldn’t help but think how easily it could be retrofitted for vocal commands, given it already housed a microphone.

Deacon’s sharp movement pulled her focus back. He snapped his attention in her direction and asked one clipped question. “When?”

The slump of his broad shoulders told her the answer was immediate. “Roger, copy,” he said into the device, his voice low and tense. He clicked off his earpiece and turned to her, extending his hand. His grip was firm yet gentle as he led her farther down the terminal, weaving through the crowd until they reached a small nook tucked away from the bustling travelers.

“We have to go,” he said, his tone apologetic but resolute. “Both teams. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, Echo. I wanted to take you all the way to Virginia. I wanted to spend more time with you.”

She shook her head, her fingers lifting to his cheek as her touch softened his expression. “I know who you are, Deacon. I know what you do. I’m a big girl. I can make it back to Virginia on my own.” Her voice was steady, but the hint of sadness in her eyes betrayed her. “When you can, come to me. I’ll be waiting. And if you can’t send word, I’ll understand. I know it’s not always possible. I’ll be watching the news, wondering where you are and the difference you’re making. Because I know it’ll be something good, something that matters.”

He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek as his eyes locked onto hers. “Echo, I think I’m in love with you.”

Her lips parted, but his finger pressed gently against them before she could respond. “No, you don’t have to say anything. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just … I need you to know how serious I am about us. If I can’t contact you, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to. And if weeks or months go by, I’ll reach out as soon as possible.”

She nodded, her eyes shining with unspoken emotion. Then, with a cheeky grin, she licked his finger, causing him to jerk it back in surprise. She laughed softly. “Deacon, I feel the same way. It’s too soon and terrifying, but the feelings I have—what I feel in here”—she placed her hands over her heart—“could very well be love. Go with your team. Do what you need to do. I’ll be here. I’ll wait for you.”

She paused, her lips curving into a small smile. “Well, not here. Back in Virginia. Do you have my address?”

He chuckled, the tension in his face easing slightly. “I’ll get it. There’s not much Guardian can’t find out.”

“No doubt.” She stood on her toes to press a gentle kiss to his lips. “Take care of yourself. Remember, you have to come back to me.”

“I will,” he promised. With one last lingering kiss, he turned and walked away, his shoulders squared with determination.

Exactly thirty-two days later, Echo stepped out of the nondescript government building she’d worked in for far too long. In her hands, she carried a small cardboard box filled with trinkets and keepsakes accumulated during her time with the CIA. Of course, the box had been thoroughly searched and scanned before she was allowed to leave. Trust wasn’t exactly the agency’s forte.

She shook her head with a wry laugh, the reality of her freedom sinking in. A sleek black limousine pulled up to the curb in front of her, its polished surface gleaming in the late afternoon sun. She stopped, frowning as the imposing vehicle blocked her path. The back window rolled down, and to her surprise, Anna Alexander leaned out, waving enthusiastically.

“Congratulations on your last day of work!” Anna’s bright voice cut through Echo’s confusion. She opened the door and climbed out, striding over to Echo with open arms. Before Echo could react, Anna hugged her tightly, squishing the cardboard box between them.

“How did you know?” Echo asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Anna made a dismissive sound and waved toward the limo. “Girl, there are no secrets from me. Deacon texted me and told me today was your last day, so I thought I’d plan a nice dinner at our house to celebrate.”

Echo blinked. “Well, that’s very kind. I can follow you in my car.”

“Oh, no, no, no.” Anna shook her head firmly. “Just come with me. We’ll get your car to the house, or we’ll bring you back to it later. Either way, you’re riding with me. That way, we can talk.”

There was no arguing with Anna Alexander, and Echo knew it. With a resigned smile, she slid into the plush interior of the limousine, placing her box carefully on the floor. She scooted over to make room as Anna climbed in after her. The privacy window between the front and back was down, and Echo noted the driver and another figure she couldn’t identify. Anna reached forward and pressed a button, raising the screen.

The air in the limo was rich with the scent of leather and faint traces of Anna’s floral perfume. As the vehicle pulled away, Anna turned to Echo with a wide smile. “Now, let’s talk.”

Echo pointed toward the privacy screen separating the front of the limo and asked, “Why do you have two drivers?”

Anna smiled warmly, her laugh light. “Oh, he’s not my driver. He’s my bodyguard.”

“Bodyguard? You need a bodyguard?” Echo blinked, her brow furrowed as she tried to reconcile the cheerful, down-to-earth Anna with someone who required professional protection. “Are you that rich?”

Anna laughed and shook her head. “Sweetheart, I can honestly tell you I don’t know how much money my husband has. I don’t care. We could lose everything tomorrow, and I would still be by his side every step of the way. Money isn’t a factor.”

Echo nodded slowly. “Yeah, I get that. But … why do you need a bodyguard?”

Anna rolled her eyes with exaggerated flair. “I don’t, not really. But Gabriel insists. He believes that people like us—those connected to Guardian—can sometimes be targeted. So, if having a bodyguard makes him happy, I’m happy to let him think he’s protecting me.” She grinned conspiratorially. “You should pity the man, though. He’s spent more time in boutique shops and grocery stores than any other operative in Guardian’s history. Lucky for him, he gets paid very well.”

“He works for Guardian?” Echo’s curiosity piqued.

Anna nodded. “Yes, he does. Everyone on our security detail does. It’s part of the job description for being married to Gabriel Alexander.”

Anna’s tone shifted as she asked, “When was the last time you heard from Deacon?”

Echo’s shoulders dropped slightly at the question. “A week ago. Click called to say Deacon was alive and doing well. They’re closing in on wrapping up the mission, but there’s no definitive extraction timeline yet. I’ve been watching the news,” she admitted, flicking her gaze toward Anna. “I think I have a pretty good idea where they are.”

Anna shook her head with a quick wave of her hand. “I stopped watching the news a long time ago, specifically because of where my boys work. I don’t want to know what kind of messes they’re stepping into, so please, don’t tell me.” Her smile softened. “I’m spoiled because I have Gabriel. He’s connected to everyone at Guardian, so if there’s an issue, we’ll know immediately. And trust me, if there were any problems with Deacon, I’d come straight to you.”

Echo’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you so much, Anna. Inviting me to dinner was incredibly kind. You didn’t have to do that.”

Anna waved off the sentiment with a laugh. “Oh, nonsense. I’m making a huge Prime Rib with fresh bread, mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables. I love to cook, especially for a big gathering.”

“Big?” Echo blinked at her hostess.

“Not too big. Gabrielle and her husband, Connor, are here. Charley and her husband, Dan, are here, too. I’m not sure about Fleur. I haven’t seen her yet. Anyway, I figured this was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: Celebrate you leaving the CIA and let you meet the rest of the family.” She tilted her head. “Gabriel said it was a celebration. He told me leaving that job means you’ll start doing something you truly want to do. So, tell me, what do you want to do?”

Echo laughed nervously. “You know, I’m not entirely sure. I just knew I didn’t want to keep doing that job. So, yes, it is a celebration, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about the next six months.”

“Six months?” Anna raised an eyebrow.

“That’s how long my savings will last,” Echo admitted. “I figure that’s enough time to decide what I want to do and start hunting down potential employers.”

Anna nodded with understanding. “I can see why that would make you anxious. There was a time when I was living on a shoestring budget, too. I made leather goods—belts, saddles, bridles, that sort of thing. It was hard work, but it paid what little bills I had. Back then, I was living away from Gabriel.”

Echo tilted her head, intrigued. “How did you meet Gabriel?”

Anna’s eyes twinkled as she leaned back into the plush leather seat. “Oh, that’s a long story. It involves old friends of ours, Deacon and Jacqueline. Deacon—yes, the one your Deacon is named after—and Jacqueline were attacked, and Jacqueline was left for dead. I was her nurse at the time. That’s my occupation—I’m a registered nurse. I’ve kept my certifications up all these years. It just seemed like the right thing to do.”

Anna’s smile turned wistful. “I met Gabriel while taking care of Jacqueline in Colorado. Later, Jacqueline moved to New Orleans, and the serial killer who thought he’d finished her off tried again. In the process, Gabriel was injured.

"Long story short, Gabriel had to go away, and I was threatened. I was also pregnant with our first. I felt it was necessary to disappear. I didn’t want to bring any danger to Gabriel, and I believed the threats I received." Anna sighed, her gaze softening as she recalled the past. "So, I hid out in Wyoming in the middle of nowhere. Gabriel searched for me and found me just after I’d had Gabby."

She smiled wistfully, then added, "Someday, when we’re sitting down with a glass of wine, I’ll tell you the whole story. It could fill a novel." Anna chuckled, and Echo shook her head in amazement.

"Wow. And I thought the way I met Deacon was unusual."

Anna laughed. "You know, loving a Guardian isn’t easy. But it’s worth it."

Echo didn’t respond aloud, but she smiled warmly. She wasn’t ready to tell anyone—let alone Anna—that she loved Deacon before she told him. But she did. The last thirty-two days without him had proven how deeply she needed him in her life. She’d been turning it over in her mind: If Deacon continued to work on the teams but came home to her whenever he could, she could live with that. It wouldn’t be the ideal of having him home every night, but she knew how much he loved his work. He could have both—her and his career.

Maybe she’d look into Guardian to see if there was a position for her in her field. She didn’t want Deacon to pull any strings. She'd jump at the chance if she could earn the job on her own merit.

The limo pulled up about twenty-five minutes later in front of a stunning colonial mansion. The house was a picture of elegance, with pristine white columns, black shutters, and a sweeping front porch. The grounds were immaculately landscaped, with neatly trimmed hedges and flower beds that looked like they belonged in a magazine. Echo let out a low whistle as they rolled into the long horseshoe driveway.

As the wrought iron gates closed behind them, she noticed another man patrolling the property. So, not only does Anna have a bodyguard, but her estate is patrolled , Echo thought, her eyebrows raising. She was definitely going to have a serious talk with Deacon—his parents were far wealthier than she’d realized.

The bodyguard opened the car door for Anna, who hopped out with ease. Echo hesitated, glancing at her small box of belongings. "I’d leave that there," Anna said breezily. "We’ll get it to your house later unless there’s something you need right now?"

Echo looked at the box, filled with staplers, tape dispensers, and half-used calendars. None of it seemed necessary for dinner, so she shook her head and left it behind.

As they walked into the mansion's grand foyer, Echo was immediately struck by its timeless beauty. Marble floors gleamed under the crystal chandelier hanging above, and the walls were adorned with tastefully framed artwork. It felt both opulent and welcoming, a home built with love and care.

A woman who bore a striking resemblance to Anna strode across the floor. She extended her hand with a friendly smile. "Hi, I’m Charley. I’m Deacon’s little sister."

Echo shook her hand and grinned. "The brave one."

Charley laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I’m surprised he didn’t say ‘the crazy one.’"

Echo tilted her head and smiled knowingly. "He did. He absolutely did."

Charley pointed a finger at her, feigning outrage. "I knew it! Of course, he did. I have got to talk to that brother of mine.” Turning to Anna, she asked, “When’s Deacon coming home?"

Anna shrugged. "I’m sure you can talk to him when he gets back."

Charley shook her head dramatically. "I’m not crazy. I’ve been tested."

Echo laughed. "Well, I’m glad to hear that."

Charley looped her arm through Echo’s. "Come on, I’ll introduce you to my husband, my sister, and her husband. Mom, do you need help in the kitchen?"

Anna waved her off as she headed in another direction. "I’ve got this!"

Charley led Echo into a stunning living room, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, a roaring fireplace, and plush furniture arranged in an inviting semicircle. The room exuded warmth, as if it were meant to host gatherings like this.

Two men stood up as they entered. Charley gestured dramatically. "Everyone, this is Echo—Deacon’s girlfriend. Echo, this is my husband, Dan."

Echo looked at the tall, broad-shouldered man and stopped, her jaw dropping slightly. "You know you look just like?—"

Dan lifted his hand, cutting her off with a good-natured grin. "I know, I know. I get that all the time. I’m not him. My name’s Dan."

Echo blinked and then burst out laughing. "Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to embarrass you."

Charley waved it off with a laugh of her own. "Don’t worry about it. He really does get that all the time. It’s uncanny how much he looks like that actor. But believe me, he’s nothing like that asshole."

The other man in the room laughed, the sound deep and warm. "Right, he acts like a completely different asshole," Connor quipped, earning a punch to the shoulder from Dan. Connor rubbed his arm and laughed. "I keep forgetting how fast you are for an old fart."

Dan smirked and gave Connor another punch, making Connor wince exaggeratedly.

"Old fart? Careful, I can still take you down," Dan warned playfully.

Gabby, who resembled Anna and Charley, laughed and stepped between them, shaking her head. "Please excuse my husband," she said, turning to Echo. "I’m Gabby, Deacon and Ronan’s older sister. And this"—she gestured to the man next to her—"is my husband, Connor. We call him Con for short."

Connor gave a polite nod. "Nice to meet you," he said with a genuine smile.

Gabby gestured to a woman seated nearby. "And this is Fleur, Ronan’s significant other."

Fleur’s cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink, and she waved shyly. "Welcome to the insanity," she said with a soft laugh.

Charley huffed dramatically. "It isn’t insanity. We have spirited conversations."

Her husband snorted into his drink, trying to contain his laughter.

Echo’s face hurt from smiling. The camaraderie and lighthearted banter among the family members were contagious. By the time they were called to dinner, Echo felt a growing familiarity with Deacon’s family that went beyond just knowing him—it was as if she belonged there.

Gabriel took on the role of gracious host, bringing Echo her preferred Chardonnay and serving everyone their favorite drinks. As they sat down at the beautifully set table, Echo couldn’t help but feel a pang of melancholy. She wished Deacon and Ronan were there. It was a bittersweet moment, but she pushed the thought aside. She knew that if anything went wrong, Anna and Gabriel would be the first to know—and she’d know soon after.

Her first bite of Anna’s cooking was a revelation. The roast was perfectly tender, the mashed potatoes creamy and rich, and the vegetables roasted to perfection. It was, quite simply, incredible. The lighthearted chatter quieted as everyone tucked into their meals, savoring every bite. Echo couldn’t help but marvel at Anna’s skill in the kitchen—it was nothing short of extraordinary.

After dinner, Connor and Dan began clearing the plates while Anna headed into the kitchen to retrieve dessert. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Fleur discussed potential charities for Guardian to support, with Gabby and Charley chiming in with their thoughts. Echo leaned back in her chair, glancing toward the kitchen door. When it swung open, her jaw dropped.

There he was.

Deacon.

She blinked twice, not quite believing her eyes, before shoving her chair back and racing across the room. She launched herself into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist as he caught her effortlessly. Deacon held her close, his hands gripping her firmly as he kissed her deeply.

Fleur gasped audibly, and Echo managed a quick glance, noticing Ronan standing just behind Deacon with a broad grin. Deacon broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, and Echo took a deep breath—then almost gagged.

"Oh my God, you stink!" she said, pinching her nose.

Deacon laughed heartily. "Eighteen hours on a transport plane with no showers," he admitted unapologetically.

"I don’t care," she said nasally, her fingers still pinching her nose. Leaning in, she pressed her lips to his once more.

"Uh, we care.” Charley’s voice interrupted from across the room.

Deacon turned to glare at his sister. "This doesn’t involve you. Go away."

"You do have a bit of an odor," Gabriel remarked dryly, holding his finger under his nose for dramatic effect.

Ronan clapped Deacon on the shoulder. "Let’s grab a shower so we can be polite company."

Deacon nodded, gently setting Echo back on her feet. "I’ll be right back," he promised, stealing another quick kiss before he and Ronan bounded up the stairs, taking them three at a time.

Echo turned to Anna, her eyes wide. "You knew!"

Anna tilted her head with a sly smile. "Maybe."

Fleur laughed. "So, that’s why we had to talk about the charities in Virginia and not in Colorado."

Anna grinned and linked arms with both women, leading them toward a cozy sitting room off the main living area. She shut the door behind them and turned to face them with a serious expression.

"Ladies, I want to tell you something, and you can take it at face value," Anna began. "There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my boys—except interfere in their relationships—most of the time."

Fleur frowned slightly, and Anna turned to her first. "Fleur, you’ve been waiting to decide if Ronan will always love you. Sweetheart, there’s never a guarantee. None of us can promise what tomorrow will bring. But I know my boy’s heart. If he’s given it to you, he won’t give it to anyone else."

Fleur’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she nodded.

Then Anna turned to Echo. "And you." She pointed at her, her gaze unwavering.

Echo blinked, her mouth falling open. "Me?"

"Yes, you. You know your mind. You know exactly what you should do. And you need to do it. You need to tell him."

Echo’s eyes widened further, and her voice faltered. "How do you know?—?"

"I’m an old woman. I’ve seen a lot in my life, so I’m entitled to be honest," Anna said as she rose from her chair. "You women know your hearts; you understand your own minds. Now, stand up and be present in your own lives." She paused at the door, her gaze steady and warm. "I’m going to get dessert ready, and I’ll let the boys know where you are."

With that, Anna left the room, leaving Fleur and Echo sitting in contemplative silence.

Fleur shifted uneasily before breaking the silence. "What were you supposed to tell him?"

Echo sighed and looked across at Fleur, her expression a mix of vulnerability and resolve. "That I love him," she admitted. "He knows how I feel, and I know how he feels. But the words—the actual words—without hedging or dancing around them, haven’t been said."

Fleur nodded slowly, her fingers toying nervously with her nails. After a pause, she asked, "How long have you known Deacon?"

Echo laughed softly, the sound tinged with the weight of memories. "It feels like a lifetime because of everything we’ve been through, but in reality, it’s been almost two months."

Fleur’s eyes widened in surprise, and her lips parted slightly. "Two months?" She seemed taken aback, her voice edged with curiosity and a touch of doubt. "Do you think what’s between you will last?"

The question lingered in the air, reflecting Fleur’s uncertainty. Echo got up from her seat and sat next to Fleur, her tone gentle yet confident. "I’m more worried about losing any time I might have with him," she said sincerely. "As Anna mentioned, nothing is guaranteed. I understand what he does, and I know he loves it. I’m ready to accept him as he is, and I think he’s ready to accept me as I am." Her gaze grew distant for a moment, reflecting on her own words. "If ten years, fifteen years, or thirty years from now we’ve grown apart, then I’ll have had ten, fifteen, or thirty years of love and friendship with an amazing man. I’m not afraid of the future," she said firmly. "I’m afraid of losing any time with him now."

Fleur nodded slowly, chewing on her bottom lip as she absorbed Echo’s perspective. Her hesitation was palpable, but her expression showed she considered the words deeply.

Echo reached over and patted Fleur’s leg, offering a small, reassuring smile. "You need to make up your own mind. Nobody can do that for you. I’m just sharing how I feel and how I view life. I’ve gone from college to the Army to working for the CIA, and I can tell you this—acting on your own convictions will always lead you down the right path."

Fleur glanced at Echo, her eyes softening as the weight of her thoughts settled. The two women sat there, sharing a quiet understanding, bonded by their love for extraordinary men in extraordinary circumstances.