Love Inspired Suspense September 2013 Bundle: In Pursuit of a Princess\The Soldier's Sister\SEAL Under Siege\Killer Assignment by Lenora Worth

Author:Lenora Worth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2013-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

EPILOGUE

“I don’t remember November ever being this warm,” Stephanie said as she placed a basket of potato chips on the glass-topped patio table.

Nikki opened the ice bucket and dropped three cubes into her insulated plastic glass. “I’m glad you had this get-together.” She glanced at Ted, sitting next to Brody in the wrought-iron chairs near the pool. “The two guys have become such good friends. Ted told me Brody’s like an older brother.”

“He’s a good role model, which is what Ted needed. The counselor keeps praising his progress.”

“I’m glad you came back to Freemont, Stephanie.” The younger woman paused, her expression suddenly serious. “Ted needed you, even if he didn’t realize it.”

“That goes both ways. I needed him, as well.”

“And your dad?”

“He’s working on being a father, which is a huge change.”

“Ted said he’s in Europe again.”

“But it’s just a short trip this time. He insisted we use his house for the gathering today.” Stephanie laughed. “He knew my apartment was too small for a Veterans Day party.”

Nikki poured iced tea into the glass she held. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Everything’s done. Enjoy the afternoon.”

Nikki walked to where Ted sat by the pool. Brody offered her his chair and then joined Stephanie at the table.

“You’re working too hard,” he said, reaching for her hand.

She wrapped her fingers through his, appreciating his concern for her well-being. “Thanks for arriving early and getting the patio ready.” Glancing at the sunny sky, she added, “Even Mother Nature cooperated so we could be outdoors. The weather is perfect.”

“When do you want me to start the grill?”

“After a few more of the guests arrive. I invited Ted’s care team and Major Jenkins. They should be here shortly, along with some of the other folks from work.”

“What about Josh?”

“He asked if he could bring a friend.”

Brody raised his brow. “A girl?”

Stephanie nodded. “She works with Nikki at the Post Exchange. They seem to be hitting it off.”

“I’m glad. Josh is a good guy.”

“Keith offered him a job managing some of the rental properties in town as soon as his discharge from the army comes through. Josh is telling everyone he’s only got a few weeks left on active duty.”

Ted’s smart phone rang. He pulled it to his ear and nodded. “You can do it, buddy.”

Hanging up, he grabbed Nikki’s hand. “That was Josh. He’s out front and has a surprise for us.” The young couple left the patio and rounded the house.

Stephanie started after them, but Brody pulled her back into his arms. “We’re alone, at least for a few minutes. I wanted to tell you how beautiful you look today.”

“We had to be alone for you to pay me a compliment?” she teased.

His upper lip twitched. “I also wanted a kiss.”

She stepped closer and snuggled more deeply into his arms. Looking up, she raised her brow. “What are you waiting for?”

He smiled ever so slightly and then his expression changed. What she saw in his eyes made her breath hitch. She waited for what seemed like an eternity as he slowly—ever so slowly—dropped his lips to hers.

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