Page 109 of Rafe’s Future

After everything with Henry Stanton was over—and he was behind bars, awaiting his trial—she’d decided to retire from the CIA. There had been meetings, debriefings, paperwork, and more questions than she cared to answer.

She’d dealt with Roger’s betrayal and subsequent death as best she could, and before long, she’d closed that chapter of her life. After that, Lena had come here, to Rafe’s.

It’s not just his anymore.

She’d moved in with him several weeks back, and the transition had been close to seamless. There was a definite adjustment period at first, but it didn’t take long for them to settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Rafe still consulted with Digger and the members of Tac-Ops when they needed to lean on his experience and expertise, but he was no longer an active participant in any of their field operations. Like her, he’d discovered it was time to put that part of themselves to rest.

Since that time, neither had looked back with remorse or regret. Lena loved waking up beside Rafe every morning. Having breakfast together and taking walks through the garden. It was amazing how many of life’s simple things she’d been missing.

Not anymore. Not with Rafe. Whenever she was with him, Lena was fully present. They’d both wasted enough of their personal lives fighting for the greater good. Now it was their turn.

This was their moment.

Rafe looked down at her, his lips parting slightly, as if he was about to speak.

“What?”

He swallowed before giving his head a quick shake. “Nothing.”

“You were going to say something.” She frowned. “What is it?”

A car horn sounded from outside.

Rafe sighed. “That would be Alice and Slade.”

He started to turn, but she refused to let him.

“Hang on.” She pulled on his arm and drew him back. “What were you going to say?”

Leaning in, Rafe put his lips to her forehead. “Later.”

“Hello?” The front door was opened, and Alice’s voice floated through the house. “Are we early?”

Lena hollered back, “We’re in the kitchen.”

A few minutes later, the house was full. Falcon and Avery arrived next, and Lena couldn’t help but smile when she saw the way Falcon hovered around his very pregnant wife.

“Stop,” Avery ordered her caring husband.

Falcon frowned. “I’m not doing anything.”

“You’re staring at me.”

“I’m just making sure you’re okay.”

Avery rolled her pretty eyes. “I’m pregnant, Garrett. Not dying.”

The team’s lead sniper didn’t look convinced.

Alex and Coulter arrived soon after. Lena immediately noticed expectant woman was starting to show.

“Look at you.” Lena gave her friend a careful hug.

“I know.” Alex glanced down at herself. “I feel as big as a house.”

Avery snorted. “You think so now, sis? Just wait.”