“I could use a drink,” Mason announced. “Let’s leave the lovebirds alone for a few, angel.”
Lucky heard Lyric giggle as Mason led her away.
Hawk let her up for air and brushed his nose against hers. “I love you. Everything is going to work out today. And even if it doesn’t, Desiree will face the consequences of her actions. At least the ones we can prove.”
“I know. It’s going to be fine and I’ll finally be free.”
“Lunch?” he asked to distract her.
“I’ve got it all ready and in the fridge.”
They joined Mason and Lyric in the kitchen. Lucky set out the chicken pesto pasta and crusty bread. Everyone served themselves a bowl, then took a seat at the table. Hawk had prepared a strawberry peach cocktail that was light and refreshing, and a glass of limeade for Lyric.
They chatted about life since they’d all seen each other last. She and Lyric talked about her upcoming baby shower while the guys talked about the game they caught last night.
It was wonderfully normal, even though they were all just killing time until Neil and Desiree arrived.
Hawk got the text from Jase right after they finished eating a slice from the double chocolate cake she’d made this morning just to keep busy. He held up his phone so she could see it.
JASE: Desiree ETA 10. I’ll stick close in case you need backup.
Lucky’s heart sped up. “She’ll be here soon.”
Like he’d heard her, Neil rang the bell.
“I’ll get it.” Lucky hadn’t even gotten out of her seat when Hawk rose and put his hand on her shoulder to keep her in place.
“I’ll get it just in case.”
“In case of what?” she asked.
“I don’t know. But I’m not putting you in harm’s way any more than I have to.”
She wanted to roll her eyes, but maybe he had a point.
Hawk checked the peep hole, turned off the alarm, then opened the door. “Open your jacket and turn in a circle so I know you’re not armed.”
“Armed,” Neil scoffed. “Dude. You’re paranoid. I’m on parole.”
“Just do it,” Hawk instructed again.
Neil must have complied because a moment later, Hawk opened the door wide enough for him to come inside. The second Neil spotted her, he walked forward. “Lucky.” Her name sounded like a prayer. “I can’t believe this could all be over today.”
“We’ll see.” She rose and met him by the table.
He looked like he wanted to hug her, but held himself back.
Hawk had no trouble hooking his arm around her waist and planting his hand on her hip. “Did your parole officer agree to come?”
“Yes. He said he’ll leave his car down the road a bit, then walk in and wait out back like you instructed.”
Hawk let her go and opened the window closest to the deck out back. “Are you going to be able to keep your cool?”
Neil nodded. “I know what I have to do. For Lucky. For me. For my daughter.”
“Good.” Hawk stared toward the front of the house. “Because she’s here.” Hawk checked his phone as a text pinged again. Had to be Jase alerting them to Desiree’s arrival.
Lucky turned to Mason. “You ready?”
