Page 133 of No Regrets

Dex’s home buzzed with chatter and laughter. Standing on the beach, he was so damn grateful to be alive and surrounded by these people. So much had changed over the past few months. Yeah, he wasn’t afraid to admit he’d hit rock bottom there for a while. Losing Bravo, the hearing, Kelly, his team. Then losing his father, finding out he’d been murdered and almost dying in that warehouse. He counted himself lucky to be here with his family.

He and Kelly were hosting a barbecue, wanting to bring together the people that meant the most to them. Both teams were here. Joe and Lynne had also made it and Sam was on his way. Even Sophie had come. These people before him were family now and he felt blessed to have them in his life.

Ryan handed him a beer.

“You know, you’ve started something here. The Dawson barbecue is going to have to be a regular occurrence.” Ryan grinned.

“I’m good with that.”

“I gotta say, going back a few months, I never thought this was where we would end up.”

Dex smiled. “I was just thinking the same thing. No regrets?”

“No regrets.” Ryan held up his bottle. They clinked, both taking a drink.

“Who’s the girl with Mackie?”

“Don’t ask me. He has too many to remember their names.” They both grinned. “So, how are things going with Sophie?” Dex teased.

“I’m working on it.”

“You mean, she shut you down.”

Ryan was saved from answering when a young girl ran up to them. “Uncle Dex, my dad said to ask you if there are more burgers.”

Dex smiled down at Megan, Steve’s eight-year-old daughter. “Why, did your dad eat them all?”

Megan giggled. “No, not all of them.”

“Well, you tell your dad, there’s some in the fridge. But he’s only allowed to get them if he doesn't eat them all.”

“OK, I will.” She turned and ran, almost bumping into Sam and Liam walking towards them.

“Glad you guys made it.” Dex raised his bottle saluting them.

“I hear that Steve’s barbecue skills are legendary. Plus, there’s free food and beer,” Liam said.

“Yeah, about that. Don’t you owe me a beer for saving your ass in Mexico?”

“Er, I think we can call it even, don’t you?”

Dex grinned. Damn straight they could. Lazir was in a dark windowless pit somewhere and would never see the light of day again.

“It’s good to see Taylor and Saunders here.”

“Yeah, Saunders has been cleared. Taylor should be good in a week.” Liam looked over at them. “Can’t wait to have the whole team back together.”

“Dex, can we chat for a minute,” Sam asked. Dex frowned. What did he do now?

“You’re not in trouble.” Sam rolled his eyes.

“That makes a change,” Ryan mumbled. Dex gave him the finger as he followed Sam down toward the water, hearing Ryan and Liam laugh.

“I want to run something by you.”

“Shoot.” Dex took a sip, letting his eyes drift towards the house, towards Kelly.

“How would you feel if Kelly joined Onyx?”