My Spy (46 page)

“There's nothing regular or average about Sam,” Annie said fiercely. “Money can't make a man a hero. Those kids know that, too.”

Izzy didn't answer. He was grinning when she turned to glare at him. “You said it, not me.”

“Stop grinning. Just because I like him doesn't mean I'm going to
marry
him.”

“Like?”

Annie took a deep breath. “Okay, love. Fine, I admit it. But that doesn't change my mind. We need to be careful, to be certain we're not making a mistake.”

“You can't be sure.” Izzy watched Sam take a cookie from a girl with adoring eyes, smiling when another child reached up to hug him tightly. “The only way to know where life's taking you is by living it, Annie.”

“How? This is all too new. I don't know what to think, how to act. I don't even recognize my own feelings anymore.”

“It's called feeling alive. You almost died, so you're bound to go through some changes after that.”

Annie sighed. “I've never been confused in my life, and now suddenly I'm confused by everything.”

“Give it time, Doc.”

There were children all over Sam now, two on his lap, a half dozen at his feet, one on each arm. He had a chalk stripe down the sleeve of his uniform and a battered Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shoved in his face. A juice box was tilted toward his chest, perilously close to spilling. Annie's heart skittered as Sam gently removed the Turtle, straightened the juice box, and eased the boy off his shoulder and settled him on his leg, never losing a single beat of the conversation.

Air whooshed out of her chest and all her resistance vanished. She couldn't fight the truth any longer. It would be criminal
to lose what she had by worrying about what she might not have.

She knew there would be sleepless nights and juggling of schedules. There would be fights—but there would be lots of making up.

If Sam wanted her, she was his.

In sickness and in health. She'd put him back together again if he needed it, too. She wanted the whole nine yards, with a dozen kids and a few stray dogs and cats thrown in for general chaos.

The thought was still a little frightening, but she couldn't think of any better way to spend the next fifty years.

There was a stir as the door opened. A furry body streaked over the floor, pushing his way onto Sam's already crowded lap.

“I thought Donegal was down in a training program in Virginia.”

“All finished,” Izzy explained. “He'll be with Sam from now on. Admiral Howe likes the idea of a canine program.”

Tail wagging, Donegal settled against Sam and took a bite of a cookie offered by a boy with thick glasses.

Izzy crossed his arms. “So are you going to marry him?”

Annie straightened her dress, then slowly smiled. “Just as soon as I get over being terrified.”

“Terrified of what? It's only your whole future, your commitment to your resort, and the welfare and happiness of your unborn children at stake.” He touched her arm. “Relax. You're going to have an amazing time, I guarantee it. Not easy, not ordinary, but definitely amazing.”

Annie thought about it. Amazing was probably right. Suddenly she couldn't wait to get started.

She crossed the crowded room as the children jumped up to perform a rehearsed musical salute to their hero. Transfixed, Annie listened to drums bang out of rhythm and violins play flat. When the music ended and the children left to put away their instruments, Annie sank down beside Sam.

Leaning close, one hand on his shoulder, she whispered in his ear. “I've thought about it.”

“Annie, you don't have to—”

“The answer is yes.”

“I think you should take more time to—” He blinked. “Yes? You mean—”

“I mean no more worrying or bracing for imagined problems. We're going to make this work,” she said fiercely.

His eyes were intent, his focus almost palpable. “I don't want to rush you.”

“I want to marry you, Sam. I couldn't possibly love you more.”

“You're sure? Because if you need more time—”

Annie pulled a tall witch's hat from the nearby table. Holding it in front of them, she leaned down and brushed his lips with her finger. “Stop arguing for once, McKade. Just kiss me, will you?”

“I thought you'd never ask,” Sam muttered hoarsely.

Around her the room, the noise, the whole world faded. His arms tightened, the kiss enveloping her. Beside them, Donegal looked on with interest, tail wagging.

Admiral Howe pulled a cigar from his pocket and smiled, looking immensely satisfied.

Izzy looked smug.

Taylor beamed.

In one corner of the room, a little boy in a crooked bow tie nudged his neighbor. “There he goes again.” He made a sound of disgust. “Heck, he's not going to be good for
anything
now.” His voice fell. “Next thing you know, they're having sex.”

His friend frowned. “They are?”

“Sure. Last week the kindergarten teacher was kissing the coach and she kept brushing his cheek like he had something on it. Then he kept clearing his throat like he had food stuck.” The boy nodded importantly. “So sex has got something to do with food.”

“Probably chocolate,” his friend said morosely. “No way I would kiss a girl, not for all the chocolate in the world.”

Fortunately, Sam didn't seem to agree. He pulled Annie beside him, locking her hand in his. Even with three squirming children in his lap, he didn't let go of her hand, his eyes intent with promises.

This is as good as it gets,
Annie thought, giddily.

“I might be relocating to Monterey,” Sam said quietly. “If this canine unit gets the green light, we'll be working with a breeder out there.” He grinned at Donegal. “I know one dog who can't wait to show his stuff.”

Annie could barely speak. “Monterey? But that's only—”

“Forty minutes away. Funny how it worked, isn't it?”

“But how—”

Sam shook his head. “My lips are sealed.”

“Commander?” the boy in his lap asked solemnly. “Are you going to kiss her some more, then have some babies?”

Sam looked at Annie. “I don't know, are we?”

“Probably a dozen.” Annie wasn't frightened anymore. Admiral Howe was right. They'd laugh and they'd fight and she'd hurt when he was gone. But they'd be just fine. Annie knew without question.

Now their only problem was Taylor slipping them into her next book, red lace and all. Annie tilted her head thoughtfully. Maybe Taylor needed a little distraction to keep her occupied. No, make that six feet four inches of distraction. Sam would probably know someone up to the task. She'd have to ask him tonight.

But Annie forgot all about her newest scheme as the door opened with an explosion of flashbulbs. Reporters jostled for space at the doorway. Five men in dark suits entered the room and scanned it thoroughly. One touched his ear, his lips moving.

“Someone wants to meet you.” Sam leaned closer, his hard body brushing hers. “You can discuss the details of that private tour of the White House you wanted.”

Annie was still leaning against him when she heard the piano creak. She stood up straight as the music teacher launched into the opening chords of “Hail to the Chief.”

“You didn't. You
wouldn't.
” Annie swallowed hard. “I'm going to get you for not telling me about this, McKade.”

“I'm sure you'll think of something truly inventive.” His eyes glinted as he leaned closer. “Just make sure that red lace is involved.”

With one sentence he left her pulse jolting and her throat dry, wondering how soon they could be alone. Amazing, she thought. It was turning out just the way Izzy had predicted.

Then an entourage burst through the door to the wild clapping of children and teachers. Her eyes aglow, Annie faced the future with the man she loved.

Here we go.