“Problem? No, no, it isn’t a problem, Talon. Your mom told me when you were home in December that you had a girlfriend. It was her, the person you were texting. It was the Shoemaker woman, right?”
“Yeah, and her name is Riley.”
“Shit.” Jacob sighed dramatically. “You realize I’m going to have to admit to your mom that she was right?”
“Should I say sorry? I mean you have to do that on the daily anyway.” Talon laughed when his dad groaned.
“I made a bet with her.”
“No way. What’s the bet?”
“You don’t want to know.” He heard his father scrub his face. “Let’s just say it involves me retiring and us going on an around-the-world cruise.”
“Holy shit, Dad. Why would you do that?”
“Because who has time to date when you’re working the schedule you work?”
“Ah, Ronan, Deacon, Jug, just to name a few. We aren’t exactly handcuffed to the missions, you know.”
His father groaned again. “Okay, right, I remember, but do me a favor, don’t tell your mom. Give me a week?”
“What are you going to be able to do in a week?” Talon took a long swig of his water.
“I don’t know, but I got to figure something out. I’m not ready to retire.”
“Then tell her that.”
“A bet is a bet, Talon. I always honor my word.” Which was true. He’d never known his father to go back on his word. Ever.
Talon smiled suddenly. “So, did you say when you were going to retire?”
“No, why?”
“Give Jason your letter of resignation, but date it two or three years from now. But if you tell Mom Isuggested it, I’ll let Ronan know how to beat you in the ring.”
“My lips are completely sealed. I knew you were my favorite oldest son.”
“I’m your only oldest son.” Talon rolled his eyes.
“Damn good thing you're my favorite, then. Hey, Talon?”
“Yeah?”
“Tell me about her.”
Talon smiled and leaned back in the POS plastic chair. “Where do I begin?”
“Your choice.” His dad laughed. “I want to hear everything. Your mom will interrogate me, so give me all the info.”
Talon closed his eyes. “Dad, she’s amazing. Perfectly imperfect and my best friend.”
“Kiddo, that is the best foundation to have.”
“It really is.” Talon smiled. “How much time do you have?”
“As long as it takes, son. As long as it takes.”
CHAPTER 18
