Page 46 of Code Name: Tank
“General?”
“It’s a thing in our family. I’m Patton, he’s Bradley, then there’s Powell. My grandfather’s first name was Grant.”
She grinned. “That’s kinda cool.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if she’d mind continuing the tradition with our firstborn. Instead, I bit it.
Cedar Point campsat on a beautiful point of land jutting into Canada Lake. The main house was decorated in the traditional Adirondack style and had seven bedrooms—far more than my family needed. It had large windows offering spectacular water views, and the boathouse, which I hadn’t taken a good look at when Atticus and I came to check the place out, was even bigger than the one at Kane Mountain.
“Here we go,” I said, squeezing Dragon’s hand, when I saw two SUVs pull up and park.
My mom popped out of the first one when we walked out to greet them. Behind her came my dad, tall and graying. My sister and her family were taking longer to exit their vehicle.
“Tank!” My mom practically ran over to hug me.
“Hi, Mom.” I lifted her off her feet briefly, then turned to introduce Dragon. “Everyone, this is Piper. And you all know Atticus.”
Dragon stepped forward, and I could see her steeling herself. “Mr. and Mrs. Abrams, it’s so nice to meet you.”
My mom immediately pulled her into a warm hug. “Oh, honey, call me Candy. And you’re even prettier than Tank described.”
“You described me?” Dragon mouthed in my direction with wide eyes.
“I just told them you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever met. Outside of my mom, of course.”
“Oh, Tank. You’re always so sweet to me, but even when I was her age, I wasn’t as stunning as Piper is.”
I put my arm around Dragon’s waist, hoping she wasn’t already overwhelmed and ready to race back across the lake. When she leaned into me, I wanted to take her in my arms and show her how happy she made me.
Later, I definitely would.
“Bradley Abrams,” my dad said, extending his hand to Dragon, then turning to Atticus. “Good to see you, boy.”
Atticus chuckled. “Thanks for letting me crash the family gathering again.”
“The more, the merrier,” my mom said, already pulling him into a hug too.”
“Uncle Tank!” A blur of energy shot out from the direction of the second SUV—my eight-year-old nephew, Powell, followed closely by six-year-old Sophie.
“Hey, buddy! Hey, Sophie!” I caught Powell in a bear hug, then scooped up Sophie. “You both get taller every time I see you.”
My sister, Cameron, approached next, holding two-year-old Riley, with Carter beside her. “There’s my baby brother. Come give your sister a hug.”
After introductions all around, we led them inside. Carter and my dad immediately started discussing the best fishing spots on the lake while the kids explored their temporary home with the kind of excitement only children could muster.
The camp’s kitchen was spacious and welcoming, and within minutes, my mom had taken charge of setting up the sandwich buffet while peppering Dragon with questions about her work, her background, and her favorite foods.
“So you’re in intelligence too?” my mom asked as she and Dragon arranged sandwiches on platters.
“Yes, communications analysis, mainly,” she replied.
Powell raced in and tugged on Dragon’s sleeve. “Do you like video games? I brought my Switch.”
His face lit up when she said, “I’ve never played, but I’d love to learn.”
“Uh-oh,” Cam said. “You just made a friend for life.”
Sophie, not to be outdone by her brother, tugged on Dragon’s opposite arm. “Do you want to see the dress I brought for Thanksgiving?”
