Page 180 of Wild Card

Finn and Robbie are supposed to be watching their kids since their wives are here.

Max is scheduled to fly out tonight.

“Gonna go check on the dogs.” I walk her back to my mom and head inside through the house.

Not surprising, Ford and Major are on my tail.

The three guys are on the front porch.

Their faces are etched in stone, jaws hard, eyes burning, and muscles ticking.

Max is in the center of the trio, standing firm. His arms crossed, feet planted, chest barely moving.

Stoic.

Alert.

Brimming with adrenaline.

This isn’t a casual visit with friends.

These are not the men standing around last night throwing back top-shelf bourbon.

This isn’t a talk about Rylee Richards or her antics toward Willow.

This is a visit from three Marines.

Marines who have a mission.

“Talk,” I demand, my own training taking over.

“I’ve been called in.” Max slices his eyes side-to-side at his friends. “And we may need help.”

26

WILLOW

My nerves buzz franticallyas I peer around the restaurant. It was my goal to be early, but ever so prompt, she beat me.

Mom stands, raising her hand to wave, then stops herself and settles back in her seat.

Shockingly, she’s dressed in basic jeans and a lightweight sweater. Similar to last week, her accessories are toned down to the basics with the addition of a few bangles Chase and I gifted her one Mother’s Day.

She gives me a small smile, motioning for me to sit at the table. A frazzled waitress approaches, handing me a menu. I order a water, not sure my stomach can handle anything more.

“Willow, I—” Her voice is shaky. She draws in a breath and exhales slowly. “Thank you for meeting me on your lunch break. I know you are busy.”

I knew this would be awkward, but seeing her nervous somehow eases my own anxieties.

“I received your messages.” I clear my throat, searching for confidence. “One thing I promised myself when accepting this invitation was total honesty.”

“That’s expected.”

“I’m here because of April Simms, Talon’s mom.”

“Oh?”

“She and I spent the weekend together and it opened my eyes to some things.”

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