Theo set his beer on the table as one of the kids giggled while going down the slide and hitting the water with a splash. “You’re not staying? Solo wants you to go back to Europe?”
“She’s Kim. Solo was her Agency name, and she’s not with the Agency anymore.” Across the pool, he saw his brother talking to Avery and Li. He was sitting on a chaise lounge. He had his brother back. He never thought he would see him again, but there he was with a smile on his face.
“Kim.” Theo nodded. “It suits her.”
“I wish you all would pick one name and stick to it.” Owen joined them. Rob and Ariel and their daughter had been staying at Theo and Erin’s place, Owen and Tucker at the Dean-Miles house, and Jax, River, and the kids were staying with Ian and Charlotte.
But now they were all at this gorgeous lake house Ian and Sean had purchased a few years before. It had become a regular weekend hangout for the whole crew. He came out a few times a year, and he’d always wanted to take Kim hiking. They weren’t far from the city here, but they were surrounded by nature, and she’d always loved to get away.
“I promise this is the last name change. We’re all going to stick to the ones we’ve got.” Although he intended to talk to Kim about Roman’s last name. Technically Roman shared a last name with her uncle. But he wanted them all to have the same last name. His. Hers. It didn’t matter as long as it was theirs.
Rob and Tucker walked up, Rob cradling his tiny baby girl in his arms. Jax was right behind them, and he was carrying a tray of what looked like shots.
“I heard you might be turning in your notice soon,” Rob said. “Tell me you’re coming to Europe. Come on, man. London is a great place to live.”
Tucker frowned his way. “You’re looking to buy a country house.”
Rob shrugged slightly. “Yeah, but only for the weekends. I could never get Ari out of the city. She likes to shop way too much. But I wouldn’t mind having another friend around. I’m the last one of us left in London.”
“I’m going to let Kim decide,” he admitted. “I’ll go wherever she wants, but she likes to travel and she hasn’t been able to for a couple of years, so I suspect we’ll see everyone from time to time.”
Jax set his tray down on the table. “You better show at family reunions. We’re going to Wyoming this year.”
“I already rented out our only decent hotel,” Tucker admitted. “All six rooms. I’m going to warn you. It used to be a whorehouse, and like way more recently than you would think.”
Beck laughed. “Kim will love it.”
Despite her money, his love never complained about something not being five star. She had a never-ending curiosity and thirst for life that made her open to new experiences. He liked to see the world through her eyes because she was so willing to try new things.
They could show their son the world. This time they would do it right. This time they would be tourists, learning for the love of learning and not because they wanted to know how to take advantage of a situation.
It felt like he was starting his life all over again.
But there was one problem.
“Do we know where Levi is being held?”
He watched as the men he’d worked with all those years ago went from play to work mode. Every expression went taut.
“Ian’s on it,” Theo replied. “He’s been trying to get in touch with Drake. He’s a slippery guy. He works with us when he wants to and ignores us when it serves his purposes.”
“Sounds like every Agency arsehole I’ve ever worked with.” Owen shook his head. “I was wondering if we were going to let it lie.”
Rob patted his daughter’s back and bounced slightly. He smiled his wife’s way as she walked up. “I don’t think we can. He’s too dangerous.”
Ariel was dressed in a pretty orange and yellow sundress. She held her hands out and Rob transferred the baby to her. “Are we talking about Levi?”
Beck glanced around, looking for Kim. She’d been with Ariel earlier.
A brow rose over Ariel’s eyes as she settled her daughter into her arms. “She’s taking a walk. I saw her down by the lake with some of the kids. Is this something you want to keep from her?”
“Yes. I’m going to kill Levi,” Beck admitted.
Ariel’s expression changed to a sunny smile. “Oh, is that all? Of course you are. We can’t allow the bastard to live. He has a terrible habit of popping back up when you least expect him. Carry on, then. Let me know if you need a sniper.”
She gave him a wink and walked out to the pool where River waited to welcome her.
“God, I love that woman.” Rob had the goofiest look on his face.
But then they all understood that look. They were all still madly in love with their wives.
Theo took one of the shot glasses and held it up. “So one last mission?”
Owen held up his. “I doubt it will be our last. At some point we all know our kids will get in trouble.”
Tucker selected his. “Of that I have no doubt. The next generation is already giving us hell.”
Jax picked up the last two shots, handing one to Beck. “I’ve tried to keep my boys away from the Tag twins, but they’re practically in love. They already like dangerous women. I’m doomed. How about a toast? To making the best of a really bad thing.”
“To making the most of our second chances,” Theo said.
Owen lifted his glass. “To forgiveness and acceptance.”
“To finding
