Flirtation (15 page)

Four years later…

“G
OD
, I
LOVE A
woman in uniform,” Logan whispered to Sage and Charlotte. His eyes were glued to Sarah as she stood at the podium next to Ian and EJ, all impressive and proud in their formal dress uniforms.

Jennie—who’d joined the team shortly after Ian and Sage’s daughters were born—stood with them, and Nathan Reilley, next to her, the most recent member of the team. The unit was receiving commendations as a team and individually for the excellent work they’d done for the previous five years.

The Virginia HotWires office was now the model for similar units being formed all over the country. Small, specialized units were being annexed onto police departments and existing computer crime units, blending federal technical expertise with local law enforcement. It was proving to be a winning combination.

“I think Sarah looks a little misty,” Sage com
mented with a broad grin. Her two dark-haired, blue-eyed daughters, Anna and Rose, were quietly fascinated—for the moment—with the sight of their daddy, aunt and uncles up on the stage.

“It’s the hormones, but don’t say anything.” Logan grinned, looking forward to adding his own child to the growing HotWires family. “She vehemently denies any mood changes.”

Charlotte chuckled, keeping one finger hooked into the collar of Jared, who was two, and who badly wanted to go up on stage and see what all the fuss was about.

“You did a magnificent job with the flowers, Charlotte—those hydrangeas are unbelievable, and in November!”

“Thanks, Sage—they’re from my new collection in the greenhouse. We’re so busy I’m going to have to take on more help soon, especially with the new addition on the way.”

Logan leaned down to Sage. “You and Ian expanding the team, by any chance?”

“We’ve been talking about adoption. One more would be nice—a boy, maybe. And we both like the idea of giving a child in need a home.”

Logan squeezed her shoulder in support, and returned his eyes to the stage. The ceremony was over, and congratulations were offered all around, flashes from cameras coming from every direction.

“I’m so glad that part’s over, I could eat a moose.
How long before the dinner?” Sarah joined the group first, blushing as Logan pulled her into a deep hug, and missing the humorous looks exchanged by her friends and partners. A beeping sound had everyone checking their pockets, but Sage popped up.

“It’s mine. Sorry guys, keeping an eye on a contract we’re trying to get in D.C.”

Kissing Ian apologetically, but with a sensual promise in her eyes, she turned away to take the call, and Ian’s two girls flew into his arms, nearly toppling him over.

Grace laughed, her eyes on Nathan—the sexy new team member and the youngest of the group—as he joined the group. Grace’s date, Jordan, stepped up possessively sliding his arm around her as he offered congratulations to Ian and the rest of the group.

Ian’s daughter, Rose, spoke at the top of her lungs, wanting to make sure she got her two cents in among all the adult conversation. “Daddy! You look handsome and sexy!”

Ian quirked an eyebrow, wondering where his daughter had come up with that particular description, and peered over at Sage, who winked at him and shrugged. Looking down at the giggling girls he shook his head.

EJ teased, “You are
so
going to have your hands full when those two get older.”

Ian looked up, more content than he ever imag
ined being. “You look like your hands are pretty full now, my friend.”

EJ held Jared, who wiggled and pulled at his dad’s police hat, and EJ set it on his son’s head, obscuring his face completely. Everyone laughed, heading toward the round dinner tables set with pristine white linen cloths, crystal and gleaming silver. Cloth napkins were folded into roses, and expensive sprays of flowers—arranged by Charlotte’s recently opened shop—completed the festive decorations.

Jennie ran a finger along the edge of a lily blossom, smiling at Charlotte. “You’ve outdone yourself,
cara.
”

Free of holding onto Jared, Charlotte basked in the praise and squeezed Jennie’s hand in thanks. Jennie had become such a close friend over the years, practically an aunt to Jared, as well as to Ian and Sage’s girls, but Charlotte wished Jennie could find happiness with children of her own.

For whatever reason, Jennie shied away from serious relationships, even though Charlotte was sure Nathan was interested. Charlotte knew Jennie had secrets she never spoke of, and Charlotte didn’t push. She wondered absently if Nathan would be that polite, though, watching the young man’s eyes turn hot as they took in Jennie’s sensual beauty. Time would tell.

“How’s Ronny doing, Charlotte?” Sarah asked as she picked hungrily from a tray of appetizers. Char
lotte grinned and heeded Logan’s earlier warning. Sarah was only two months along and still getting used to the idea of her pregnancy. Even though she and Logan had been trying for over a year, the reality was still settling in.

“He’s doing pretty well. He’s been working on his college degree in youth counseling, course by course, and should be eligible for parole next year.”

“That’s fabulous. You’ve done so well standing by him like you have. Not everyone has that kind of family love around them. I can’t imagine how he wouldn’t make a go of it.”

“Well, I had EJ’s support. EJ and Ian used their clout to keep him close to home so I could visit, and I think that meant a lot. It hasn’t been easy for Ronny, and he still has a way to go, but he’s grown a lot.”

“That’s good to hear.”

They all took their places at the head table, settling in as servers in white uniforms began to deliver the first courses, and Ian picked up a crystal flute of champagne, lifting it to his team and their families.

“To new beginnings,” he said, his eyes locked on Sage’s sparkling gaze.

“To new beginnings,” EJ and Sarah chimed in, echoed by all the others as glasses clinked and the celebration went forth.