Page 85 of Undercover Hearts

Your wife.The words still sent a quiet thrill through Jenna. She touched the simple gold band on her finger, remembering Michelle's hands trembling slightly as she'd slipped it on during their ceremony at the courthouse—the same building where they'd testified against Sienna Castillo and Isabella Garcia.

"The Harbor District program has secured funding for eighteen months," Michelle explained to Chief Marten. "But we need long-term commitment to rebuild trust in those communities."

Diana nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Draft a proposal. City Council meets next month."

Their conversation was interrupted by Dr. Samira Hassan's arrival, her young daughter balanced on one hip. "Michelle, Diana, enjoying the festivities?"

"As much as any introvert can," Michelle replied dryly, earning a smile from the doctor who'd saved her life five years prior.

"The community clinic sends its thanks again for the Special Investigations Division's support," Samira said. "The victims' advocacy program you established has been invaluable."

Michelle's thoughts drifted to Beatrice, Gabrielle, and Angelica—the three women whose deaths had launched an investigation that changed everything. Their families now had closure, and the foundation established in their names provided support for others affected by predatory organizations masquerading as advocacy groups.

"Credit belongs to Detective Lieutenant Walsh," Michelle deflected. "The program was her vision."

"Ah yes, your wife." Samira's eyes sparkled. "Still finishing each other's sentences, I see."

Before Michelle could respond, familiar arms slipped around her waist from behind. "Talking about me?" Jenna asked, pressing a quick kiss to Michelle's neck that sent warmth spreading through her chest.

"Always," Michelle admitted, turning to meet Jenna's gaze. Five years had only deepened what she saw there: intelligence, humor, and a love that still sometimes took her breath away.

"Can I steal you for a moment?" Jenna asked. "There's something I want to show you."

They excused themselves, walking hand-in-hand toward the park's edge where the harbor spread before them. The same vista where they'd met Julia Scott for operational updates now held only peaceful memories.

"Remember our first debrief here?" Jenna asked, their fingers intertwined. "You were so careful to maintain professional distance."

"And you saw right through it," Michelle replied. "You always did."

"Not always. I spent our first week undercover convinced you merely tolerated me for the mission's sake."

Michelle turned to study her wife's profile. "When did you know it was more?"

"That night at the beach," Jenna answered immediately. "When you kissed me in the kitchen afterward. There was something desperate in it, like you were fighting yourself as much as me."

"I was terrified," Michelle admitted. "Everything I'd built my career on was crumbling because I couldn't stop thinking about you."

"And now?"

Michelle brought their joined hands to her lips, kissing Jenna's knuckles. "Now I know the best things in life come from letting those walls crumble."

A burst of laughter drew their attention back to the picnic where their colleagues mingled with families. Lieutenant Hodges' twin boys raced past, chased by Detective Zoe's daughter. The sight stirred something in Michelle—a possibility they'd begun discussing quietly, tentatively.

"My parents called this morning," Jenna said, as if reading her thoughts. "They're planning to visit next month. Mom not-so-subtly mentioned the house has plenty of room for a nursery."

"Subtle as always," Michelle said with fond exasperation. She'd grown to love Jenna's parents, their warmth gradually thawing her own family's reserve. Even her brother had begun calling regularly, drawn by Jenna's determined inclusion.

"We don't have to decide anything now," Jenna said quickly. "I just?—"

"I know." Michelle squeezed her hand. "We'll talk. When we're ready."

They stood together as the sun climbed higher, the harbor gleaming before them. Five years ago, they'd been strangers thrust together by circumstance, playing roles that unexpectedly became truth. Now they were partners in every sense—professional equals, married couple, co-architects of a life neither had imagined possible.

"Chief wants us for the commendation ceremony," Michelle said, checking her watch.

"Right, your moment of glory." Jenna straightened Michelle's collar, fingers lingering against warm skin.

"Our moment. The protocol wouldn't exist without your field insights."