Page 45 of Code Name: Tank
Admiral appeared in the doorway. “What are you doing here? I thought your family was due to arrive today.”
“Not until later this afternoon.”
Alice looked up from her screen. “Hey, what about Flint? Should we invite him to join us for Thanksgiving?” she asked Admiral.
“I’ll talk to him and let him make the decision about what he’s comfortable with.”
My eyes met Dragon’s, and in them, I saw the same relief I felt. There was no way I’d invite him to my family’s gathering, but leaving anyone alone on a holiday felt wrong too.
The day passed quicklyas Dragon and I wrapped up our most urgent work. I found myself watching the clock, anticipation building as three o’clock approached.
At four-thirty, my mom’s number appeared on the screen.
“Tank, honey, we should be at the lake in a half hour! The mountains are absolutely gorgeous.”
“Sounds good, Mom. How was the flight?”
“Uneventful. Just the way I like them.”
“Glad to hear it. We should be at Cedar Point when you arrive. Dinner is all taken care of.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I hadn’t even thought of that.”
I glanced at Dragon, who was pretending to work but clearly listening. “Can’t wait for you to meeteveryone, Mom.”
After I hung up, Dragon was staring at me intently.
“Everyone?” she asked.
I moved closer and leaned in. “She knew what I meant. Sorry if I embarrassed you.”
“Not embarrassed at all.” Her smile was soft and genuine.
Twenty minutes later, Atticus, Dragon, and I were driving toward Cedar Point camp with a cooler full of sandwiches and drinks from the lake store. Dragon sat in the passenger seat, her nervousness showing in the way she kept smoothing her jeans.
“They’re going to love you,” I whispered.
“You keep saying that.”
“Because it’s true.” I reached over, took her hand, and brought it to my lips. “My family has good taste in people.”
“Hey, none of that PDA stuff in front of the kid,” Atticus joked from the back seat.
“You’re a year younger than me.”
“And definitely older than me,” Dragon added.
“I’m just reminding you in case you’ve forgotten there will be three kids arriving soon.”
My eyes met Atticus’ in the rearview mirror.
“On the other hand, your parents and Cam and Carter don’t exactly hold back.”
“Cameron is my sister, and Carter is her husband. They have three kids—Powell, Sophie, and Riley.”
“What should I call your parents?” she asked.
“Mom will insist on Candy. My dad’s name is Bradley, but he goes by General most of the time. At least around the family.”
