Code Name: Nanny (SEAL and Code Name #5)(114)

With operatives like Summer, Izzy, and Gabe present, the wedding would be safe from any and all intruders, Tate thought wryly. Now if only the bride would deign to put in an appearance.

He was about to send Gabe up to reconnoiter when he heard Sophy’s laughter from the top of the stairs, followed by Cara’s husky questions. Suddenly he was caught on a wave of panic. What if Cara got bored with him? What if the girls thought he made a bad father? What if he was too busy, too old, too cynical?

Tate Winslow, the most popular senator in America, a man who made four-star generals quake and Beltway journalists squirm, felt sweat beading his brow.

What if he was a failure at the things that really mattered, like love and commitment and family?

He turned to face the doorway, dimly aware of Gabe moving to stand on one side of him and his brother on the other. Izzy waited nearby, his handsome face set in an easy grin. “A very beautiful lady is waiting for you out there.” Izzy glanced outside. “Correction, Senator. Make that three beautiful ladies.”

Organ music filled the room, but Tate couldn’t seem to move. He wanted to give Cara the sun, moon, and stars, but what if he failed her? What if his murderous eighteen-hour days and nonstop meetings made her—

Gabe touched his shoulder. “Senator, I believe that organ music was your cue.”

Tate took a deep breath. He loved Cara, had loved her for years. He’d make damned sure they had another thirty or so more years of arguing and laughing and driving each other crazy. Only a fool would ruin a future like that because of maybes or what ifs.

And Tate Winslow had never been a fool.

He smoothed his lapels and looked at his three best men. “Thank you all for being here, for helping Cara and me through these last difficult months. Even if the rest of the world won’t ever know the truth, you three will, and your support means everything to us.” He cleared his throat. “Now it’s time for me to go marry the woman I’ve loved forever.”

And he walked outside.

The first thing he saw was Audra, looking very grown-up in a long dress of pink satin. Beside her, Sophy’s face was full of light as she carried a small basket of roses and baby’s breath. Finally there was Cara, tall and radiant and nervous as he was.

Tate saw nothing else in the room after that, only Cara’s smile.

They were a family, he thought, struck dumb with awe. At times this moment had seemed like an impossible hope, but now it was as real as the snow leaving white tracks against the windows.

Summer appeared, absolutely stunning in a dress of fiery red. Izzy muttered something that made Gabe lean forward tensely. The SEAL said something under his breath, but Tate couldn’t make out what.

He didn’t try too hard, because Cara was finally framed in the doorway, smiling at him, and suddenly all the air was sucked out of the room, out of his chest, and there was no past, no future, only Cara’s radiant face and the wild beating of his heart.

He couldn’t wait to say “I do.”





[page]chapter 44

Can we sneak away yet?”

Tate smiled at his wife. “I thought that was supposed to be my question.”

“You’re thinking it. I’m just the one who’s stupid enough to ask.”

“Brave,” Tate corrected, brushing a swift kiss across her lips. “What about the garter? I seem to recall some sort of ceremony is required.”

“To heck with the garter,” Cara muttered. “Except Audra will kill me, because she wants everything done just so.” She breathed deeply, as if savoring all the happiness in the room. “Actually, I can’t wait to tear your clothes off, Senator Winslow.”

“Actually, I can’t wait to let you, Mrs. Winslow.”

The look they shared stretched out in heated understanding. Both had waited too long to deny the passion they were feeling. With any luck they would be ready to leave in—

“The wedding was lovely.” Cara’s sister and husband cut into the silence, beaming. Their sons looked stiff in their suits, but pleased with the general company in spite of that. “When are you two leaving?”

“As soon as we can manage it.” Tate smiled at Cara’s sister. “But the party should go on for hours, so please make yourselves at home. The rooms we prepared for you are comfortable, I hope?”

“Beyond comfortable. We just got back from a rafting trip in Texas, so these accommodations are pure luxury. Audra’s been watching over us like a regular mother hen, too.” Melody straightened her eldest son’s tie. “Jordan’s home from college, did you know? Hard to believe he’s so grown-up.”

“Mom.” With the universal cry of youth, the handsome, dark-haired boy rolled his eyes.

Cara patted Jordan’s arm. “In time she’ll realize you’re an adult and loosen up, honey. We all do, sooner or later.”

“I doubt it.”

Melody gripped her son’s arm, brushing away a tear. “You really are beautiful, Cara. It’s a great wedding, but you two ought to sneak away now, and we’re going to help you start by getting out of your hair.”

Cara and her sister shared a tight hug, then the bride and groom were finally alone. They were just about to make their escape when they were cut off by Tate’s brother.

“Sorry to bother you, Tate.” Greg Winslow shifted a champagne glass from hand to hand, looking uncomfortable. “The ceremony was perfect, but there’s something I have to tell Cara. It’s a long-overdue apology.”