Page 85 of Shadowed Agenda
“I think we have everything. Where are the little ones?”
“They’re fine. Detective Stone’s son is looking after them. The kid seems to have the magic touch. Everyone’s happy,” Mackenzie said and grabbed the two bowls Regan was carrying. “Senator Aster has been looking for you.”
“Thanks,” Regan said and walked over to the group mingling by the barbeque.
“Regan.” The Senator broke away when he spotted her approaching.
“Senator, are you enjoying yourself?”
“I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun,” he said, smiling.
Regan admired the man. His entire world crumbled on top of him, and he sifted through the pieces to make something better.
“Don’t you think it’s about time you called me Lane?” He shook his finger at her.
“I may have saved your life, but we’ve only known each other for a month. Give me some time to warm up to you.” Regan grinned. She’d been pleasantly surprised to find out she liked the man. Even more surprised when the Senator and her father struck up a close friendship. Emmeline was even calling him Grandpa Lane.
“So, have you considered my offer?” the Senator asked.
“It would be my pleasure to chair your committee on daycare reform,” she said.
“Wonderful,” he said. “I’ll have my assistant send you all the information. Excuse me for leaving so quickly. Your father and I are in the next lawn bowling match. We’re still the reigning champions.”
The Senator’s shift to support working mothers had been the reason behind the assassination attempt. When he announced his decision to run as an independent in the Primaries, he shared that his party didn’t support his stance on women in the workplace. He’d told the nation that before his wife’s betrayal, someone had pointed out that his wife was a working woman. It had forced him to examine what he stood for. His new campaign platform was one Regan could respect.
“Enjoying the barbeque?” Pavlo’s arms wrapped around her, and he pulled her back against him. The little shiver that danced down Regan’s spine would never grow old.
“Immensely,” she said and snuggled into him.
“Pav! Pav!”
They both turned at the same time as Emmeline ran toward them.
“My Pav! Up!” Emmeline commanded. Pavlo picked her up and tossed her into the air. She screamed with delight and then snuggled into Pavlo’s shoulder.
Her daughter was as enamored with Pavlo as her mother.
A sharp whistle pierced the air. Everyone froze and looked at Drake. He waved everyone over.
Regan turned to him. “You could have just said everything’s on the table or come get it.”
“Hey,” her father said as he joined the group. “Don’t give the man a rough time. We came up with this idea together. And don’t look at me like that.” He pointed a finger at Pavlo and then turned to the people gathered around them. “Pavlo has something he’d like to say.”
“This wasn’t how I had planned this, but SEALs are flexible,” Pavlo said, and everyone laughed. “And they get even.”
He pointed at her dad and Drake. Everyone roared with laughter. He didn’t let go of Emmeline as he pulled a velvet box out of his pocket and kneeled in front of Regan.
“Regan, I love you. My life is empty without you. Will you marry me?” Pavlo held out the velvet box.
A sapphire was tucked beside the diamond. It was Emmeline’s birthstone. Regan brushed a tear from her cheek.
“Yes. There is nothing more I’d like than irritating you for the rest of your life,” she said, and everyone roared with laughter. Regan held out her hand.
“Babe, I’m going to need help with this part. Kid on my shoulder. I only have one hand.”
Their friends laughed louder as Regan pulled the ring out of the velvet box and passed it to Pavlo. She held out her hand, and he slipped it on her finger.
“I love you,” she said.