Page 86 of Undercover Hearts

"Partnership," Jenna agreed. "Though I still say the documentation requirements are excessive."

"Says the woman who color-codes her case files by emotional resonance rather than date."

"It's an intuitive system!" Jenna laughed, the same bright sound that had first captivated Michelle during their undercover briefings.

They walked back toward the gathering, where a small platform had been erected. Chief Marten stood beside the microphone, her expression carrying the same blend of authority and warmth that had guided them through their transition from partners to spouses.

"Before we go up there," Jenna said, stopping Michelle with a gentle touch, "I need to tell you something."

Michelle's heart rate quickened; after five years, Jenna could still surprise her. "What is it?"

"That first day, when you chose me for the operation? I was terrified I'd disappoint you. That I'd fail to maintain the cover—or worse, that I'd let my attraction to you compromise the mission."

"Jenna—"

"Let me finish." Her eyes held that determined glint that meant she'd been thinking about this. "I spent so much energy trying to be the perfect partner, the ideal undercover operative. But somewhere in those three weeks, I stopped pretending. Not about being Jenna Wolfe—about being myself with you."

Michelle squeezed her hand, not caring if their fellow officers saw their emotion written on their faces.

Together, they climbed the platform where Deputy Chief Marten waited. As Diana spoke about the Reyes-Walsh Protocol and its revolutionary impact on undercover operations, Michelle found her thoughts drifting to that first interview in her office. How Jenna had impressed her with quick thinking and natural charm. How she'd tried to convince herself the selection was purely professional.

The weight of the commendation plaque in her hands felt less significant than the simple gold band on her finger. As the crowd applauded, she caught Jenna's eye and saw her own thoughts reflected there.

They'd begun as strangers playing roles. They'd evolved into partners risking everything for justice. They'd emerged as soulmates who'd found in each other what neither had dared to hope existed.

The Phoenix Ridge harbor stretched before them, witness to their journey from isolation to connection, from pretense to the deepest authenticity either had ever known.

"Ready for whatever comes next?" Jenna whispered as they descended the platform.

"With you?" Michelle replied, taking her wife's hand. "Always."

The department picnic continued around them, but in that moment, they existed in their own world—one built on trust, sacrifice, and the unexpected gift of love that had grown from an undercover assignment into a lifetime commitment.

Five years ago, they'd pretended to be in love to catch criminals.

Now, they simply were.