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against the warm skin of her neck.  I love you, she whispered simply.  And thank you. I m so glad you
didn t listen to me. She felt silent chuckles shake the lanky frame pressed tightly to hers, and she greedily
absorbed the warmth and comfort she found there, clinging to Devlyn as though she were a lifeline.
 Guess you never expected to hear me say that, huh? She swallowed thickly.  I was going to see if I
could get an earlier ticket home. The thought of being alone here tonight was making me sick.
Dev slowly stroked her back and placed tender kisses on the top of her head.  You re not alone,
honey.
An agent discreetly gestured towards the vehicle, which was still running. It wasn t safe to be standing
out in the open like this.
Over the top of Lauren s head, Devlyn nodded.
 I guess I don t have to tell you how things went, Lauren finally whispered after a few moments of
comfortable silence.  He s never going to forgive me. I swear, after so much pain in our lives I don t
understand how he can begrudge me honest happiness.
Dev sighed.  He just doesn t understand.
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Lauren nodded against Dev s shoulder.  I& I know it s stupid. It s not like we were ever that close.
She sniffed a few times.  This shouldn t feel worse than all those years where we hardly saw each other,
but it does. It s not much different. But&  She shook her head in frustration.  But he s still my dad and I
already missed my chance with Mama.
 Maybe, Dev paused, not wanting to offer useless platitudes.  Maybe things can be different someday.
She slowly stroked her partner s back.  Time takes care of a lot of things, Lauren.
 Mmm&  Lauren let out a shuddering breath.  Maybe. She placed a kiss on Dev s jaw and resolutely
told herself to look forward from this point on. As much as it hurt, her father was, at least to a certain
extent, right. There was nothing left for her here now.  What are you doing here? she murmured against
Dev s neck.
Devlyn gave her a lopsided grin and let all the love she felt show in shimmering blue eyes.  I m here
because this is where I needed to be. I can t do anything to fix this, honey. But& yeah, maybe. Just
maybe I know someone who can.
* * *
Devlyn walked into the bathroom of her Nashville hotel room, her cell phone in hand. The lights were
low and her lover was snoring gently, an exhausted, unhappy expression marring her face even in sleep.
 Please be there.
 Hello, a sleepy voice burred.
 Hi.
 Devlyn? The words came quickly now.  Is something wrong? It s the middle of the night.
 No, well& sort of. But physically, at least, we re all okay.
 Why are you whispering then?
Devlyn could hear the sound of creaking bedsprings in the ultra sensitive earpiece she was wearing.  I
want to keep this private.
A long, silent pause.
 All right.
Dev sighed.  Thank you. I need a favor. I need someone to& well, it has to do with Howard Strayer.
A pair of pale eyes narrowed.  Go on& 
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* * *
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
DEV SIPPED FROM a glass of iced tea and from the front porch of her parents home watched the
sunset paint the world in ruddy colors. She pushed off with her feet, just enough to keep the old porch
swing swaying in a gentle motion. A hundred yards away she could see the large, sturdy tent which had
been set up to house the brief ceremony and what she hoped would be a hearty, memorable reception.
In the distance the kids were laughing and carrying on with Janet and Frank. Dev sighed and wiggled her
toes, realizing that this was about as relaxed as she could get. An unconscious smile swept across her
face, stretching her cheek muscles, and for a single moment she was overcome with the feeling that her
life simply couldn t get any better than this  her smile broadened  until tomorrow.  Hard to believe
that tomorrow s the big day, Dev mumbled with a touch of marvel.  Wow.
Warm, firm hands began a massage of her shoulders.
 Are you nervous? Lauren asked, leaning over and brushing her lips against Dev s cheek.
Dev could hear the smile in Lauren s voice, and she reached back and took her hand, guiding her
around to sit next to her on the swing.  Not yet. It won t hit me until tomorrow morning. Then I ll be a
pile of nerves.
Lauren sat down next to Devlyn and snuggled close. The wood felt cool and slightly rough against the
back of her pants as she wiggled into a comfortable position. They were both wearing jeans and soft
cotton shirts, just warm enough to ward off the slight chill of the evening breeze. She took Dev s glass
and helped herself to a sip before handing it back.  Mmm.
 How about you? Dev winked.
 How about me what?
 Nervous?
Lauren cocked her head slightly to the side as she gave the question serious thought.  No.
Dev blinked.  Really?
Lauren nodded and laughed.  I m really not. I can t believe I m saying that. But I think I ll be more
relieved than anything to get the actual ceremony behind us. She smiled impishly.  Besides, then you re
stuck with me forever.
 Promise?
 Uh huh.
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 But we still should have eloped.
Lauren fondly noted Dev s mischievous smile and the gentle creases just making inroads around vivid
eyes.  And had your mother hunting us down for the rest of our natural lives? No thanks.
Dev laughed and put her arm around Lauren, remembering the first time she d tried a similar move and
Lauren had swatted at her, thinking the tentative touch was a bug. Dev pulled her close, deciding this
level of comfort was much, much nicer. And much less terrifying. She sighed.  You and I have come a
long way, Boris. Yeow!
Lauren pinched Dev hard in the side for using her newest Secret Service code name.  Not nice, she [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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