I can’t help but drag my fingertip over our faces. It’s the three of us, all in swimsuits, with sopping wet hair, grinning at the camera.
“That’s the summer we moved here,” Ry says from beside me as he stares at the photo over my shoulder. I can feel his breath on my neck, and I pray to God no one sees my nipples react. “You were scrawny, Gid.”
“Fuck you.”
I laugh and shake my head as I walk around to sit on the stool next to Gideon and eat my sandwich.
“You two werework,” I say before biting into my lunch. “So grumpy and surly and angry at each other.”
“I think we were just angry at the universe,” Ry replies with a shrug. “It worked out.”
“I’ll have copies made of this,” I volunteer. “So we each have one.”
“I thought the same thing,” Gid says. “I’d like a copy.”
“I’ll make sure we all have one,” I assure him and then bump his shoulder with mine.
“Found this one too,” Gideon says, and then we’re all staring down at a completely different photo, taken one year later. We’re all dressed up, standing in a courthouse.
“Your gotcha day,” I say with a soft smile.
“We’re not puppies,” Ry reminds me, and I can’t help but laugh at that. We’re all quiet for a long moment. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Ilovedthat I got to be a part of their official adoption day.
Aunt Debbie cried like a baby when the judge signed off, and Ray held her tightly, the way he always did.
It was one of the most special days of our lives, and I can admit, I was a little jealous. I wish they could have adopted me as well.
“We’ll need copies of this one too,” I say after swallowing hard, and my guys both nod.
I turn to Gideon, needing to lighten the mood a bit.
“How are you? Are you going crazy being gone from work so long?”
“It’s only been a little over a week,” he reminds me, and I just lift an eyebrow.
I know my guys.
“Yeah, I’ve been checking in every day. It seems Blackbird doesn’t only try to pushmybuttons. She’s been difficult this week.”
“What does she do that’s so bad?” I ask him.
“She likes to run off. Evading us, sneaking away, is a game for her. She hates having security. Thinks she should have her freedom because she’s an adult. But that’s not how it works.”
“I know the president has Secret Service for the rest of her life, but will her children also have them forever?”
“No. When Madam President’s term is over, she and her husband will have a detail for the rest of their lives, but not their children. Only children under the age of sixteen.”
“Interesting.” I reach for the bag of chips that Ryker tossed on the island for us to share and pull out a handful. “How much longer in this term?”
“She’s up for reelection. So it could be another five years or so,” he replies, shaking his head. “Fuck my life.”
“Can you get reassigned?”
“I could.” Gid shrugs. “It’s all good. At least it’s not boring.”
“That’s true.” I grin at him. “I’m proud of you, you know. You’re pretty cool.”
Gideon shakes his head, but I can see the pride in his eyes when he offers me a small smile. “Thanks, kiddo.”
