Page 99 of Evening Shadows

“If you give me the number, I can do it.”

Sadness filled her insides. He shouldn’t know how to do that at this age. Maybe know how, but never have to. She wanted to ask how often he’d done that and find out why when Ken’s light touch stopped her from responding.

“How about we do it together?” he asked. “I’d like to learn what type of pizza you like.”

“Pepperoni.”

She should’ve expected that. “I’ll leave you two to get to know each other better, and I’ll start up the grill.”

Ken looked about to argue, but Sam nodded toward Cody.

Once the grill had warmed, Ken walked out on the patio with a plate holding the steaks. Without a word, he placed them on the grill and closed it. Setting down the plate, he turned to her. “How’d you manage to get that dress? I know you didn’t have one in your closet.”

With indignation, she huffed. “How do you know I didn’t?”

He chuckled. “Come on, Sam, you never liked wearing heels. They typically go with dresses so I can surmise you don’t have dresses—or very few—in your wardrobe.”

The man knew her too well. Avoiding crossing her arms and pouting like a child, she remained truthful. “All right, Megan got it for me.” Not wanting to indulge his curiosity on that front, she changed the subject. “Anything happen after I left?”

“Not really. We debriefed—you’ll do yours tomorrow—did some paperwork.” His features softened. “Sam, about today—”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

The pain in his eyes drove into her.

“This whole op almost killed me and not physically. I couldn’t stand the potential of you being hurt and then to get shot—” He audibly gulped.

She’d planned to wait,but now was the right time. “Ken, I’m leaving HIS.”

The shock on his face quickly morphed into concern. “I won’t lie and say I would prefer you weren’t there but only because I don’t want you to get hurt. I also don’t want you to go to another dangerous job.”

“I’ve still got most of Lance’s life insurance policy and Sebastian said something about getting money to help with raising Cody through Bev’s finances so I can take some time to transition.”

His light touch on her shoulder drew her closer. Since Cody had ruined her answer, she’d plugged ahead.

“Why are you quitting and what will you do?”

“I honestly don’t think Cody should have two parents who work in a dangerous job. He’s been through so much already.” She shook her head, not quite ready to forgive herself for not seeing just how much he’d suffered at the hands of Bev. “As for what I’ll do, I went to the gun range on the drive home today, and I’ll begin teaching a variety of courses. Some they have and some I’ll design.”

Before she spoke, he appeared to be holding his breath. Huskily, he asked, “Do you mean it? Cody’s two parents?”

“Yes. But I don’t think we should get married right away. Cody needs to know you and feel comfortable before we can become a family.”

He swooped down for a kiss, but first whispered, “I’ll wait as long as I need to. I love you, Sam.”

“I love you, too.”

His lips had barely touched hers when Cody slid the patio doors open. “Pizza guy’s here.” Then he spun around and ran to the front door.

Ken growled. “I’ll be right back. Turn the steaks for me.”

She did as instructed, noticing they were on their way to being overdone.

Warmth slid through her; she’d been blessed with the love of two fine men. If anyone had told her before now that cupid’s arrow could hit the bull’s-eye twice, she’d have scoffed at them.

When Ken returned to the patio, he automatically checked the steaks and grimaced. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to love having the kid around, but there will be times when I want you alone.”

“I want that too, but I’m not sure how we can manage that. I have no family here, and while Kate offered, that’s a long drive to their home.”

---