Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 113741 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113741 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 569(@200wpm)___ 455(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)
“Really?” Trent asked.
“Yes, that and he knew you were working at the gallery,” Gage added.
“So he has been watching like Lynn thought?”
“Yeah, looks like it.”
“Thank you, Gage. I’m sorry you gave up your story, but thank you for keeping Emalynn and Hunter safe,” Trent said, his voice sincere and quiet. Gage could hear the relief with each word spoken.
“No thanks necessary, Trent. I’m glad it worked out. I didn’t have a backup plan.”
“I’m still so shocked. I thought the kids and I would be on the run. I was afraid the adoption would be overturned or the kids would be a target for retaliation… Gage, I really thought we would be on the run…” Trent let it all tumble out, and Gage smiled, knowing his words were finally sinking in.
“On the run with me! We’re a team, Trent. I have to go, though. When I get back, we need to talk. If it’s okay, I’ll come by there first,” Gage said.
“Please do. And it’s safe for the kids to be at school now? We can go on with our lives? I can start looking for new business, now?” Trent fired off the questions, back to back, not giving Gage time to answer any of them.
“Yeah, I forgot about that. Sophia mentioned it last night, and I meant to ask you. Trent, you promised to tell me if anything happened as a result of coming with me to the opening. I’ll transfer money into your account when I get cell signal again, and I’ll call vendor relations at Layne and get you set up by the end of the day. They’ll get you working tomorrow. You don’t need to worry about any of it. That should be the least of your worries right now,” Gage said, pulling the calendar of his phone up to schedule a reminder to do all those things. His brain was fried, his adrenaline high ebbing. He didn’t want to forget because he knew Trent would never remind him.
“Gage, I’ll figure it out myself. You gave us back our safety; it’s more than enough. You don’t even know my bank information,” Trent said, but Gage stopped him by spouting off the name of his bank and his account number.
“What else do you want to know about you? I told you I pulled your complete background information. Babe, I don’t want to argue right now. I love you, just let me have this one without a fight. Layne will have enough work for you to run five crews, I promise. It’s gonna be fine and you deserve it. You do outstanding work.”
“Thank you,” Trent simply said.
“I love you, Trent. Stop saying thank you,” Gage said, not wanting the gratitude, just the love.
“I love you, Gage.”
Chapter 24
The grill sizzled with burgers and hot dogs adding to the celebration going on in Trent’s backyard. Gage was due home at some point today. They wanted to surprise him with a small party in the backyard. Gage stayed in Washington DC a day longer than expected, tying up the loose ends of the case and being at their disposal for any questions. As of now, the only words Abdulla uttered were those he’d said to Gage, but true to their word, the case the government built kept him and the kids completely out of it. Gage truly saved his family.
Sophia lay on the deck, tanning her winter white body. Gage’s mom cooked inside, putting together some sort of dip she’d brought which was supposed to be Gage’s favorite. Rhonny laid in about the same position as Sophia, but floating on a blowup raft in the freshly filled swimming pool. Gary and his father were in the water with Trent’s kids who splashed and played in their inner tubes and arm floaties. Gage’s parents brought a couple of the grandchildren along to play with Em and Hunter and they were all splashing around in the pool. The radio played in the background on the local pop-rock station, not that anyone could hear it over all the squealing coming from Em and Mirabella every time they got splashed. The meat was done, but no one seemed quite ready to eat yet, hoping Gage would get there soon.
Trent checked the cooler he kept outside, the ice held up even in the summer sun, keeping the drinks, the potato salad, and mayo all cool inside. The table looked ready; disposable plates, napkins, bags of chips all ready to open. Everything looked perfect. They were waiting to see if Gage could make it home before too much longer. He loved the thought Gage might make this a home. They hadn’t discussed it, but it felt natural for Gage to be considered part of the family here.
Trent grabbed his shirt from the hem, lifting it up and over his head, tossing it aside. He kicked his sandals off to land in the same general direction as the shirt, leaving him in his long brightly-colored swim trunks. A glance down at his chest revealed he was pretty winter white himself, and he chuckled. He had decided to relieve Gary of the kids, maybe dump Rhonny into the pool when he got the chance, but before his decision moved toward action, a car pulled to the back of the driveway, straight past the fence he’d left open. Gage’s driver came into view through the windshield. Gage was home.
The moment the car stopped, Gage stepped out from the backseat, and the kids went nuts cheering for him. Trent changed direction, swiveling on his heels, and a smile spread across his face as he walked over to Gage. Trent didn’t think Gage could look any sexier than he did wearing his khaki work shorts and an old T-shirt, duffle slung over his shoulder. He shut the car door without a backward glance, and the driver began to back down the drive. Gage called out and waved to the children, before walking to meet Trent.
“I told him I was staying, I hope it’s okay,” Gage said loudly, still several steps from Trent.