Page 149 of Jonesing for a Spy

Gritting my teeth, I take the leap. Not literally, but I can do one more. I know I can.

His beaming smile tells me he knows me and he’s proud of me. Turning once more, he positions his right hip so my thigh can squeeze into it. “Tell me when you’re ready.”

“We really should’ve practiced this on flat ground.”

“Well, hindsight’s 20/20 and unless you want to do more stairs⁠—”

I smother his mouth with my hand. “You’re flirting with danger,” I say into his ear as a kiss lands on my palm.

“Jump on, Danger. Let me give you a ride.” He turns his face to hold my gaze, and his voice drops. “I won’t let you fall.”

I know that. I trust him. And I jump.

Note to self: Piggyback rides are way scarier when you’re an adult and stairs are involved. Maybe it was because I was smaller before. Perhaps it was because the big, bad world didn’t look so big or so bad. Or, it could just be that more adults need reverse-reverse cowgirl.

“Squat a little?” I ask once we’re in the driveway.

He does, and I release my good leg, keeping a tight grip on his shoulders to steady myself. “Well, that was interesting.” Next time, I’m taking that fireman’s pole hidden in the closet. Up stairs is one thing. Down is a different beast.

Strider offers his smile the same time he offers his hand. We’re at the street when he says, “I told my mom we’re engaged. I should probably call my sisters too. Actually…” He pulls his phone from his pocket, snaps a pic of our joined hands, and sends a message. “I’ll hear about this.”

Sure enough, his phone rings, and he flips it to face us as a dark-haired woman with a precise long bob comes into view. “What? When? How? Tell me everything.”

“Lo, this is Mirren. Mirren, this is my baby sister, Lorien. She’s a biochemist in Denver. And that’s her fiancé, Liam.”

A man with an impressive beard waves a tatted hand my way. That’s it and that’s all. Nothing more.

“Nice to meet you, Liam and Lorien.”

“I heard that baby sister part, Strider.” Her face reads exasperation, but the love she has for her brother is unmistakable.

“Big brothers, right? We’ll never shake them,” I toss back.

“Right? Ugh. I’m so happy for you both,” Lorien starts, and her fiancé’s hand wraps around her shoulder tucking her in close. “I need to meet you sooner rather than later. And what are you doing in May?”

I look around like I’m on hidden camera. “No plans.” Why does this feel like a set-up?

“You do now. I mean, if you want to. I’m getting married on May fifteenth. Will you be my bridesmaid?”

I’m stunned speechless. Truly speechless. But I’m trained not to show it. I do, however, look at Strider.

His beaming face tells me all I need to know. “I’m officiating, so I’ll be there.”

“If you’re serious…” I say hesitantly to Lorien. I mean, we met today.

“I’m serious.” Her reply is quick and decisive.

“Then I’d love to.”

We talk for a few more minutes and then resume our walk, still hand-in-hand. I tire out before I tell him, but Strider must notice because he turns us around and heads back toward home.

Home.

I hadn’t really considered it outside of the house I grew up in. But walking these streets with its homes and their under-eave, flickering festive lights and warmth inside like a beacon of hospitality for all who want a cup of cocoa or to sing a carol, I realize two things. One, there’s nowhere else in the world I want to be. And two, the man at my side is the reason why.

He has made me see my life as the adventure it is. He has accepted me wholly. Fully. And beautifully adds to the joy of it.

He sees me, wants me, chooses me, and, damn, if he doesn’t challenge me.