Page 100 of Hollow State

"Damn straight about that," Quinn said.

The sound of footsteps on the side path caught his attention, and he turned.

Gus rounded the corner of the house, wearing dark slacks, a button-down shirt, and a furrowed brow. Darwin hated that expression. It meant Gus wasn't here for the food.

“I thought you were at the base all weekend.” Darwin stood.

“I was.” Gus stepped onto the patio. “Before I forget, Kane says hello. He wanted to be here, but he’s enjoying his new job and his new rank.”

"We’re glad he found a place in active service that suits him," Neve said.

“He’s a good fit." Gus nodded. “And they’re lucky to have him.”

Kane’s recovery still amazed Darwin. Not perfect. It would never be perfect. He had limitations, and Darwin suspected he always would. But he was walking. Working. Living. His body had healed enough to allow him a career that mattered to him, even if it looked different than the one he’d lost.

That counted.

"That's good," Darwin said. "So, what brings you by? I'm sure it wasn't to deliver a message from Kane."

“Black Hollow has a mission.” Gus stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I need everyone, including the soon-to-be mamas, back at the bunker in two hours for a briefing.”

Darwin took off his glasses and cleaned them on the hem of his shirt. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”

“I didn’t expect you to," Gus said.

“But you know I’ll do whatever you need." When Darwin left the military, he hadn't thought he'd ever voluntarily return. And while he and Gideon weren't considered active duty, they were a part of Black Hollow. And he'd do anything for this team. For his family.

“I’ll brief you on the details when you get back.” Gus took one step toward the path, then stopped. “Happy birthday, Darwin.”

“Thank you.” Darwin watched as Gus disappeared around the side of the house. "Guess the party is over."

"Not yet." Wynn pushed herself up from the chair. “No one leaves until they've had cake. I didn't slave for hours making this thing for it not to be seen and eaten.”

Zadie sat up. “You made the cake?”

“Yup." Wynn pressed her hands behind her back and pushed out her belly. Her idea of a stretch.

“As in decorated it yourself?” Neve asked.

Wynn wiggled a finger at Neve. “Do not sound surprised.”

“I am delighted and terrified.” Neve raised both hands.

“You should be.” One hand braced against the curve of her belly, Wynn moved toward the sliding door. “It’s a little lopsided, but it still tastes great.”

Darwin headed toward the sliders to give his wife a hand.

Turning, she pointed at him. "You stay."

"Yes, ma'am." Darwin sat in the chair and took a sip of his beer.

For a moment, everything around him settled into perfect, impossible clarity.

The lake. The mountains. The people he loved gathered on his patio. Neve laughing at something Coulter murmured near her ear. Gideon and Zadie whispering about cottage permits. Quinn stealing Scout’s drink and getting elbowed for it.

Darwin had spent most of his life believing contentment was something other people found because they wanted simpler things.

He’d been wrong.