by Rachel Dylan
“Unlike the cowards who are responsible for all of this,” Izzy said. “I have to hold my tongue, or else I’ll say things I shouldn’t.”
Lexi sighed. “Yeah, I hate all the deal making that was done, but I’m hoping Patterson and Whelan never see daylight again. And we still have to deal with the Iranians and the fallout from the arms they were able to obtain.”
“We can’t solve every piece of this ourselves.” It was something Bailey had to remind herself of daily.
Lexi nodded. “Yeah. And I know we’ve got our best people on it.”
“One good thing came out of this.” Izzy smiled. “I’ve met some great people, including the two of you, who I now consider my friends.”
Bailey couldn’t agree more. “Absolutely. Viv and Layla are throwing me a little girls-night-in party next weekend at my place. I really want you both to come. No guys allowed.”
Izzy’s eyes lit up. “That’ll be so fun.”
“Count me in too,” Lexi said. “Although at some point we’ll have to let the guys come around, since we’re in new relationships and they can’t stand being without us.” She laughed.
“Speak for yourself,” Izzy said. “Aiden is so busy with work, we barely see each other.” Then she smiled. “But he’s worth it. I’m fine with moving slowly. I think it’s for the best.”
Bailey gave Izzy an encouraging pat on the shoulder. Izzy had opened up to her about an awful attack she had endured. Bailey had also learned that Jay had confronted the sergeant who was the perpetrator. Bailey wasn’t sure what Jay told him, but it had resulted in the sergeant taking an early retirement. At least he was no longer on the police force and couldn’t use his position of power to hurt anyone else.
Marco joined them and said hello. Lexi and Izzy excused themselves, and he wrapped an arm around Bailey. “This has been a great afternoon. I love being on the water. Especially with you here.”
She leaned her head on his shoulder. “I know. I need to stick with you. All your Navy friends have boats.” She laughed.
He turned her toward him and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I hope you’ll stick with me even after summer ends. And when all this craziness is finally over and we’re back to business as usual with our own careers. You at the FBI and me at NCIS.”
She’d given their relationship a lot of thought, and she was certain how she felt. “I’d like that a lot. Remember how we talked about making time for each other?”
“Yeah. I do.”
She looked up into his dark eyes. “Well, you should know that I’ve put you in my calendar as my standing Saturday night date.”
He grinned. “Oh, really?”
“But sometimes I do get called away.”
“As long as you come back, I’ll be fine with that.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” As the words came out of her mouth, she realized how true they were and how real her feelings for this man had become.
“Bailey, I know we’re just starting on our journey together, but I want you to know how much goodness and light you’ve brought into my life. You challenge me, you help balance me out, and you are the only woman I want in my life. I love you.”
“I love you too, Marco. I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”
As he leaned down and kissed her under the bright sun, her heart was filled with love. She no longer lived in fear of loss but in hope of what was to come.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’m so excited to launch the Capital Intrigue series and am very thankful for the opportunity to write more books.
To my wonderful agent, Sarah, your love and support mean so much to me. I look forward to all the things we plan to do together.
To Dave, Jessica, Noelle, Amy, and the entire Bethany House family, thank you for continuing to believe in me and my books. I love working with everyone and appreciate all you do. Dave and Jessica—thanks for taking my ideas and helping make them so much better!
Aaron, I love you. Thanks for loving me and supporting my career as an author.
Rachel’s Justice League, thank you for not only being avid readers of my books but for being there for me as I walk through this author journey. Thank you for everything.
To my friends and writing buddies Alison, Lee, and Dana, I am so blessed by our friendship. Y’all make me laugh and bring so much joy into my life.
To my entire family, thank you for telling the world about my books and being my cheerleaders. Mama, I love you so much, and I can’t wait to hear what you think about this new series.
And without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, none of this would be possible. I thank the Lord for blessing me and being so very strong when I am weak.
Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. She has practiced law for over a decade, including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms.
Rachel is the author of the Atlanta Justice series, which features strong female attorneys. Deadly Proof, the first book in the series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist, and a HOLT Medallion finalist. Lone Witness is the winner of a HOLT Medallion, a Maggie finalist, and a Selah finalist.
A Southerner at heart, Rachel now lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids—two dogs and three cats. She loves to connect with readers. You can find her at www.racheldylan.com.
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