Page 46 of Tyler

“Bet they thought they were smart, hiding the evidence in the wall.” Carter smirked. “Which one do you think hid it?”

“Henry,” he replied. “Gabe found out the guy had been in construction and was part of the crew renovating the lawyer’s offices. Somehow, he managed to slip the towel behind the sheetrock before the entire wall went up.”

Carter grinned. “Now they’re going to learn that crime doesn’t pay.”

And now, Ty could rest easy that Piper was no longer in danger.

“No one should ever mess with a Navy aviator,” Gabe said as he approached with his beautiful wife on his arm, while he tugged at the collar of his rented tux. “Just my luck that I’d havethe night scheduled off, otherwise I could’ve shown up in my uniform.”

All the women were wearing gowns and dresses, while the men wore suits or a tux. Yeah, the monkey suit was restricting but only his brother seemed to be bothered. Of course, no one else was built like a barn door, either.

“Quit your bellyaching,” Lyndsey chided, smacking Gabe’s chest. “Or I won’t strip you out of it later.”

His brother’s went brows up before they settled back down, and excitement gleamed in his eyes. “Like I was saying, it’s a good thing I had the off and could escort my beautiful wife to The Artery’s Grand Opening Gala in style tonight.”

Ty chuckled. “Nice save, man.”

“You’re looking very dapper tonight too, Ty.” Lyndsey smiled at him. “You’ve got something cooking, don’t you?”

He shrugged, not willing to take the chance of spoiling Piper’s surprise. His brother knew because he’d helped Ty “acquire” the gift.

It wasn’t anything grand, but it was priceless, and he knew she would be pleased.

“You popping the question?” Carter asked with a raised brow, while the women gushed.

He shook his head. “No. It’s nothing like that. I’m not going to rush her.”

He hadn’t even told her that he loved her yet, but that would change tonight.

“Then what is it?” Abby asked.

Cooper set a hand on her shoulder. “Shh…here she comes.”

Ty straightened and watched Piper head for him, meandering through the crowd, nodding occasionally to people who stopped her, no doubt, to wish her success.

Her hair was held back by a fancy clasp while several strands were loose and framed her face. She wore a black gown thatbared her shoulders and clung to her gorgeous curves. A slit on the left side ran thigh high, showcasing her shapely leg and promptly accelerating Ty’s pulse as she walked.

God, she was beautiful.

“Hi.” She smiled, sauntering straight to him, setting her hands on his arms. “I’m finally done with official business and can enjoy the rest of the night.”

He placed his hands on her hips and leaned in for a quick kiss. “Would you like some wine?”

She smiled. “I’d love some.”

“On it,” Mel said, then turned to the bartender. “Wine for the owner, please.”

“Thanks and thank you all for coming and dressing up. I appreciate it.”

Ty moved a hand to the small of her back and stood by while the gang congratulated her and asked questions about the place and upcoming events.

Later that evening, after the gala was over and guest had gone home, they walked upstairs to their new apartment. Several boxes were strewn about, still needing to be unpacked. They hadn’t had the time to fully move in yet.

“I’m proud of you,” he said, pulling her close.

“Thank you. I had help and a lot of support.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “Your support meant the most of all. Thank you, Ty.”

“No need to thank me. I’d do anything for you, Piper.”

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