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“I didn’t think it through. Pepper can stay outside.”
Major’s lips form a firm line and he shakes his head. “The dog is welcome anytime. But if the temp drops any further, I’m driving you home in the truck.”
He gives me the double whammy. The voice and the look that says it’s best not to argue.
I grab the bottles from my bag and hop out.
“Housewarming gifts. Bourbon for you and sparkling wine for the mama. Figured Ace already has the fridge stocked with beer.”
“You’d be right.” Ace raises his bottle. “But bourbon sounds good.”
As I get closer, they step together, blocking my way through the garage.
“How are you doing?”
A lump forms in my throat at the tenderness in Ace’s question. I see Major almost every day at the house, but it’s been a while since I’ve spoken to Ace.
“I’m getting by. Ready for him to be home but afraid to get my hopes up on his actual return date.”
“He’s coming home tomorrow.”
I jerk a little. This is news. “I thought he said Sunday.”
“Things changed. He and Talon are finishing up tonight.”
“He said that last week, and then there was a development.”
“No fucking development this time. He’s already talked to Robbie. We’re working some new angles here in town.”
The flutter of excitement is short-lived. “Why didn’t he tell me?”
The look they exchange speaks for itself at the same time sending fear slithering through me.
“Is everything okay?”
“He’ll talk to you.”
“Unlikely,” I mutter bitterly, my gaze dropping to the floor.
“Rowan.” Ace lifts my chin, giving me no option but to face him. “He and Talon have kicked ass these last weeks.”
“You all kick ass in everything you do.”
“It also comes with sacrifices. We all have our special skills. Ford and Talon led this because of their skills.”
My shoulders sag. “Logically, it makes sense, but my heart isn’t catching up. I miss him.”
“He feels the same, which is why—”
Major clears his throat, and Ace stops, rolling his bottom lip between his teeth.
“What were you going to say?”
“Whitman will explain.” He lets go of my chin, taking the bottles out of my hands.
I push, wanting to know what he was getting to. “Fine, I’ll just let my curiosity get the best of me and think of all the worst scenarios in my head until the anxiety takes over and they put me in a straightjacket. Do you want that on your conscience?”
They both have the nerve to grin complacently at me.
