Page 153 of Ozzie

“She’s not an asshole like you,” I say. “What about the senator? Is he still working? Is he talking to his son?”

Like Lightning, I seem to have grown a soft spot for JB and hope it all works out for him.

“The senator and his wife are living in the same home again and are going to counseling. After almost losing his wife, he’s finally prioritizing her,” Harding says.

“How do you know all that? Are you still watching him?” Reed asks.

Harding shakes her head. “No, I was with the senatorand Maria Walton for a few days at a safe house as everything went down. They reconciled while we were there, and she told me their plans.”

“Well, I hope it works out for them,” Reed says.

Harding stands up. “Me too. That’s all I have for you guys. I’m heading back to Seattle, and I’m not sure when I’ll make my way to New York again.”

“Ah, you say that every time. I’m sure we’ll see you in about two weeks,” Lightning says.

Harding laughs. “Very possible.”

Reed stands up. “All right. Thanks for the update, Harding.”

We take the hint and leave his office. Harding says her goodbyes and walks out with Thunder. Those two have been close for years. I don’t know their entire story, but I heard she used to date Thunder’s brother years ago.

“Ozzie, it’s time,” Piper says.

I take a deep breath as my nerves kick in. My palms grow sweaty, and I rub them against my jeans. We’d agreed today is the day to tell Durango that Piper is moving in with me. He’s leaving Monday for a month-long assignment, and we want to have this weekend for him to deal with the news and for them to say goodbye. Although they’ll still see each other most days. And even though Durango finally came around to being okay with us dating, I’m not sure he’s going to be happy about us living together.

We find Durango in his office. When we step in and close the door, he groans.

“Please don’t tell me you’re pregnant. I’m not ready,” he says.

“Neither am I. No, that’s not why we’re here,” Piper says.

Durango visibly relaxes as he leans back in his chair. “Okay, what’s up?”

Piper takes my hand in hers and squeezes it.

“I’ve asked Piper to move in with me.” I wait for his reaction.

He stares at both of us. “That’s fast, don’t you think?”

Piper shakes her head. “We’ve known each other for well over a year now and were friends before. It really isn’t that fast.”

“Agree to disagree,” Durango says. He turns his gaze to me. “What are your intentions with her?”

I’d laugh, but I know he’s being serious, so I want to set his mind at ease. “I plan to marry her. I haven’t asked her yet because I want her to take her time and decide if this is what she wants.”

Durango turns to Piper. “And what are your intentions with him?”

“My intentions with Ozzie?” She glances at me and smiles. “To be with him always. Whether that’s living together or marriage, I’m all in.”

Durango stands and walks around his desk in my direction. On instinct, I take a step back. The man hits hard.

He smiles and pulls me in for a hug. “Congratulations. I hope you two are happy.” Then he steps back and points at me. “But you two are the only family I have here, so don’t fuck it up. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“I need to get going. I’m taking advantage of having a rare weekend off and taking Willow out.”

“Oh! On a date?” Piper asks.

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