After the Storm (KGI #8)(87)

Rachel reached over and squeezed Eve’s hand. “I won’t tell you that I don’t live in fear when Ethan goes out on a mission, although he’s cut back a lot since the twins were born. But I also know he’ll do more sooner or later. But what they do . . . it’s worth it. I know firsthand. If it weren’t for them and what they’re capable of, the resources they have, I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be alive.”

Emotion knotted Rachel’s voice and Donovan drew her into his side, kissing her temple after giving her a quick hug.

“We all fear that something could happen to our husbands,” Sarah said honestly. “But as Rachel says, what they do, it’s noble. They help so many people. They take down a lot of evil people. Dismantle entire operations. The world is a better place for who they are and what they do. So I can live with that. I can live with my husband risking his life because that’s who he is and I wouldn’t change him. He wouldn’t be the same Garrett I know and love if he were a normal nine-to-fiver working some desk job somewhere.”

Sophie and Shea both nodded their agreement.

“They’ve helped us,” Sophie said quietly. “Each of us. It’s how we met and fell in love with them. And every single one of them, not just the Kellys, but the KGI team leaders and members too would risk their lives for any of us. No questions. No hesitation. That kind of selflessness, that kind of love and loyalty, is priceless.”

Eve nodded, heartened by their impassioned words. She hadn’t yet experienced the full scope of Donovan’s job. But he’d hinted. She’d seen the reality of the way they lived. No one lived behind a high-tech security net unless it was warranted, unless there was a very real danger to them.

Her and Donovan’s relationship was so new. Still growing and deepening. They still had a long way to go. Much to discover about one another, and it made her uneasy to imagine losing him after finding such a miracle.

“You’ll have us when the guys are gone,” Shea said, taking her hand from Rachel’s to squeeze. “We close ranks when they go off on a mission. And it’s rare when they’re all gone at the same time. Sam has a rule about all the brothers being on one mission. Of course over the years, there have been exceptions. But when possible, some remain behind so that we aren’t left alone. And we stick together. We’re not just sisters-in-law. We’re friends. And we’d like to be your friend too, Eve. Donovan means a lot to all of us, and we’re very happy he’s found the woman who will make him happy.”

Eve didn’t miss the subtle warning in Shea’s voice or the mirroring agreement in the other women’s faces. They accepted her, but they were also warning her not to break Donovan’s heart.

“Thank you,” Eve said again. “I feel so fortunate to have found Donovan. All of you. It means the world to me that you’re all so accepting of Travis and Cammie. They’re my family. Until now, my only family. I want them to have a better life than I’ve been providing them. They deserve better than what I can give them.”

“That’s not true,” Travis said fiercely.

Eve silenced him with a gentle smile. “It’s true, Trav. We weren’t going to be able to run forever. We needed . . . help. And now we have it.”

Donovan wrapped his other arm around Eve and pulled her close, brushing a kiss over her brow. “Yes, you do, honey. You have all of us. I want you to remember that any time you get scared or worried. There are a hell of a lot of us who will be here for you. No questions. No conditions.”

“So do we have a date tomorrow?” Sarah asked. “Girl time and a play date for Charlotte and Cammie?” She turned to Travis. “And what about you? Would you like to come?”

Travis looked uncertain. He looked to Eve and then Donovan for help.

Donovan laughed. “How about Travis and I have a little guy bonding time and leave you girls to do your thing.”

Travis looked relieved and nodded his agreement.

Rachel rolled her eyes. “That means the husbands will likely get involved, and there’s no telling what they’ll plot when we’re not around.”

“Us?” Donovan asked innocently. “We wouldn’t do any such thing.”

Sophie snorted. “Whatever, Van. Okay, we’re scooting on out. We just wanted to stop in and say hello to Eve and introduce ourselves. We couldn’t let Garrett go on being smug that he was the only one to have met them aside from Joe.”

“It was very nice meeting you,” Eve said with genuine feeling. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

The women all said their good-byes and Charlotte gave Cammie a huge hug before running back to her mom to take her hand.

“You ladies be careful walking back,” Donovan cautioned.

“Oh good Lord, Van. It’s a two-minute walk across the grass,” Sarah said. “I’m sure we can make it that far without any mishaps.”

“Just want to make sure my girls are taken care of,” Donovan said with a grin.

They all blew him kisses, said one last good-bye to Eve, Travis and Cammie and then disappeared out the front door.

When Donovan returned from seeing them out, he pulled Eve down onto the couch with him. Cammie promptly crawled back between them and resumed her position, snuggled into Donovan’s side.