Being a lawyer wasn’t risk free, and her office certainly got its share of threats, but they weren’t out on the frontlines, either. Nor were she and her colleagues putting their lives on the line when writing a brief or arguing a case.
But what Gavin did? Not only did he face the standard risks a cop did, but he then did this incredibly difficult, physical job that carried additional danger.
Their gear alone fascinated her. Each diver that came up was outfitted in suits and air tanks and an additional, smaller tank Gavin had called a bailout bottle. And then there was all the additional equipment, from cutting tools to communications equipment to camera and video equipment when needed. All while putting the body through the physical rigors of a dive.
If that didn’t make a family by choice, Sera didn’t know what would.
“You do have each other’s backs,” she finally said in agreement. “It’s impressive. But I wonder if you know how special it is.”
“I work with a great group of really dedicated people.”
That subtle resistance from him—the one that didn’t want to fully acknowledge what she was saying—had her reaching for her sandwich. She’d been pressed in the past by well-meaning comments she wasn’t ready to hear and could recognize carefully built armor shifting into place.
What was the real surprise was how her own carefully constructed armor had begun to chafe, rubbing at convictions she’d held so long she’d nearly forgotten the armor was even there in the first place. Because if she wanted to poke at Gavin, she’d have to accept the requirement to open up, too.
And, oddly, it didn’t fill her with the same sense of panic it might have in the past.
There was no way she could have a child with someone who had no idea who she was or what she’d lived with. It was uncomfortable and took the concept of intimacy to a place well beyond friendship or deep conversation or even sex.
But he deserved to know.
And, if she were fair to herself and even more fair to their child, she deserved to tell him. About those experiences that had shaped her from the earliest age. The memories she fought to keep buried and hidden away from others. The ones that, on the rare occasions she took them out and examined them, left her feeling wanting and less than, even though she knew she shouldn’t feel that way at all.
Which meant she needed to figure out how to tell him. And as they sat there, each of them taking a few minutes of respite with each other, she had the first inkling that it might be okay.
She could do this.
Because, in an odd and deeply strange parallel, it was a lot like those weapons laid out at the front of the boat.
What Gavin chose to do with the evidence was going to be up to him.
Chapter 8
Something had changed.
Hell, Gavin thought ruefully, a lot had changed.
But specifically today, something had decidedly and determinedly shifted course between him and Sera. Something that went well beyond what happened at New Year’s or their work on the task force or even the baby.
It was the something between them.
He could see her now, talking to Kerrigan at the front of the boat, both of them perched over the evidence and talking about the various aspects of the weapons recovery. He’d joined them at first, but after the continued distraction of all that consumed his thoughts, he’d made an excuse to go talk to the evidence lead, leaving them to their discussion.
You’re a family.
Her comment was made so simply—so casually, even—and it had haunted him.
For a man who considered himself fitted with rather loose familial bonds, it was jarring to realize that he had formed them anyway. He just hadn’t realized it.
“Hey, Gav.” The greeting was punctuated with a mild pat on the back as Jayden Houston came up beside him, his demeanor casual as he took up the spot beside him at the back railing of the boat.
Gavin wasn’t fooled for a minute. Jayden was a stellar member of the Harbor team, his physical conditioning and dive skills making him excellent in the field. But it was his innate kindness and understanding of the crew he worked with that truly made him a standout.
His body language might be saying cool-as-a-cucumber, but Gavin was well aware the man missed nothing. He was also inscrutable about it.
The fact that he’d come up to Gavin in a relatively deserted area of the boat meant he likely had something on his mind. But since Jayden didn’t give anything away until he wanted to, Gavin figured he’d lead the conversation and see where it went. “That was some damn fine work today. The recovery was really smooth.”
“Thanks. All the credit to you and Wyatt for the first on scene. You both knew what you had.”
Gavin let out a long, low sigh. “And what we have is a lot.”
“A whole freaking lot. Any theories yet on who’s doing it?”
“Not a one. I briefed the captain this morning. He’s put me on point on the investigation since I’m already splitting some time above the water for the task force.”
“That’s fantastic!” Jayden’s dark eyes lit up, even though exhaustion rode his features after two straight days of diving. “And don’t fool yourself that this is just about being on land with the task force. Good things are happening for you, Gav, and no one deserves it more.”
It was just like Jayden—a man who had confidence in himself and support for his colleagues in equal measure.
And once more, Sera’s telling comment pushed through Gavin’s thoughts, refusing to be silenced no matter how hard he’d tried to push it away.
You’re a family.
“The task force is turning out to be quite an experience so far.”
Jayden tilted his head in the direction of the boat. “If Sera’s any indication of the caliber of people chosen for it, you’re in really good company. Man, she’s great. Sharp. Smart. And super interested in the work.”
“She’s amazing.” He waited barely a breath before pressing on. “She’s also Miss New Year’s Eve.”
