Page 52 of The Rough Ride

She guided him through the simple steps and glanced at the tub. “Honey, we’re supposed to draw the waterafterwe get in.” She gazed into his deep blue eyes. By all that was holy, she’d love him forever. They were sorighttogether. And tonight made everything she’d endured for the past sixteen months—worth it.

Nick scoopedhis Liz into his arms and set her down gingerly in the frothy bubbles. He jogged back to the dining room and gathered their clothes. The memory of tonight went a long way toward rectifying the words he’d heard Vera speak into this room only days ago about Liz’s daughter—his daughter. He’d better get used to saying it. His daughter.

He snatched his boxers and balled them in his fist—he’d save them forever. He tossed the armful of clothing and shoes into Liz’s room and strode towards the bathroom.

“Here I come, Lieutenant. Make way for daddy long legs to join you.”

Liz opened one sleepy eye. “What were you doing out there?”

He chuckled. “I hid the evidence, as in picked up our clothes. I have a feeling that once we soak and climb in bed, we’re gonna sleep good, babe.”

A grin spread across her face. “Thank you, so thoughtful. Here, you take the seat, and I’ll sit between your legs.” She leaned back against his chest and sighed. “We’ll have to play games more often, Sergeant.”

He lathered a bar of soap in his hands and washed her arms. “I’m already planning a version of the American League Playoff series for the pennant.”

She burst into laughter and floated around to face him. “Your inner animal has been unleashed.”

He ran a thumb across her lower lip. “You do that to me, babe. How many hours did you work today?”

She kissed his palm. “Eighteen.”

“Time for bed, young lady. You look exhausted. Pull the plug, and I’ll grab some towels.”

Nick dried her off and carried her to bed. “I’ll pull the covers down and tuck you in. Should I check on Ella?”

Liz kissed him one more time as he set her down inside the warm covers. “I really think she’s out for the night. You can check on her, but if you wake her up—you’re on duty.” She yawned. “Welcome to fatherhood, Nick Flannery. I’m so glad you’re here. We’ll figure the rest out together.”

He crept down the hall, minus the fear he’d worn like a wet coat the other night, and opened Ella’s door. Judging by her breathing, she was fast asleep.

He slid in next to Liz and spooned with her heart-shapedbackside. It didn’t matter if sleep eluded him. This was one of those precious days he didn’t want to end.

He’d remember today for the rest of his life. Ella was almost seven months old.

Butthiswas the day he became a father.

30

Liz plopped her purse on the conveyor belt at the security entrance of her Homeland Security building. Today was a day of celebration. If only a flash mob would pour out from the eight elevators to help her sing and dance a show tune in the austere marble lobby, and help her gift the ladies at the information desk with bunches of pink roses.

She’d spent yesterday with Nick and Ella. Her heart hadn’t been this light in, well, let’s see, maybe forever.There was nothing to hide anymore.Her precious little girl had a daddy, and someday Ella might even grow up in a family with two loving parents. What more could Liz possibly ask for?

She’d worn a red blouse today with a flamboyant floral scarf. It complimented her dark hair and livened up her plain black suit. Loud clothing was totally out of character for her, but this new lease on life demanded a colorful splash of fun. She wasover it. No more contemplating what she could’ve, should’ve, would’ve done differently in the situation.And furthermore, she’d fought like a warrior to regain her life andpersonal balance. She was damn proud of her accomplishments.

Liz raised her chin, smiled at the security guy, and whisked the cross body purse over her head. She looked inside. Yup, they were on a no liquidkick today. Her hand lotion and antibacterial gel were gone. But somebody loved her: they’d left her favorite yogurt in the clear lunch bag.

The elevator opened as soon as she pushed the button, and she smiled at the mirrored door. Boom. She had this. Whatever the day threw at her, she’d overcome. The big stuff in her life? It was already handled.

She bounded from the elevator and strode toward her office, greeting a few folks along the way. She’d barely hung her jacket and purse on the hook in her office when Carmen rushed in, her brows furrowed.

“Hey. I can’t see you on my system anymore. Is everything okay?”

“Oh yeah, don’t worry. They moved me to a different server. New project. No big deal. I’ve got two laptops to stay on top of all the projects in the bullpen. You’re here early.”

“Four-day weekend. I got a lot of extra sleep and went to the gym at five this morning. I figured I may as well get started.”

“Ready to catch some bad guys?” Liz fired up both computers and adjusted the window blind to reduce the glare, beaming a smile at her coworker.

“From your lips to God’s ears,” Carmen laughed. She leaned forward and whisked a finger through Liz’s scarf. “You’re mighty colorful today. It looks good on you. Happy.”

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