It’s time.” I nudged Martin. “Get up.”

“Huh?” he grunted, not moving.

“Time to go. I did everything. You just have to get in the car.” I kissed him lightly on the cheek. He groaned and stretched. “I know you had a rough night, but it’s almost noon.” I gave him a quick smack on the butt and walked out.

Ten minutes later, as I loaded the last of the things into the car, Martin stumbled down the steps and made his way slowly to the passenger side. His hair still stood up on one side, where he’d no doubt crashed and lay unmoving for the few hours he’d had to sleep.

“Night shift getting to you?” I asked, smiling wide. He mumbled something I probably didn’t want to understand anyway. I kissed him and started the car.

“That’s what I get for losing the coin toss,” he said more clearly, looking toward the back seat. “How’s she doing?”

Rosy, Rosalind Ann Martin, mine and his mother’s middle names respectively, slept quietly in her car seat. A thick mop of curly black hair haloed her smooth olive skin. Martin reached back and wiped a bit of something off her cheek.

“Ms. Rizzo said the teething’s gonna last at least another month.” My old nanny had become my lifeline in the past year, suffering through many late night calls about sniffles and fevers, and the occasional tumble now that Rosy was walking.

“Great news.” Martin yawned, turned his head toward the window, and dozed along with his daughter.

His nap didn’t last long, as the park was only a few miles from the house. I pulled Rhonda into the parking spot closest to the pavilion and shook his arm. “We’re here.”

Pink and purple streamers covered every inch of the building, flying in the warm July breeze. From the parking lot, I could already see the back table, filled with towering boxes piled high on top of each other. Each one was wrapped in the same pink and purple theme. The “Happy Birthday, Rosie” banner that Daddy had ordered was much larger than I’d thought it would be, but I smiled. It was perfect, actually.

Cruz and Commander Phillips stood over a smoking grill, animatedly discussing the correct cooking procedure, it appeared. I got Martin’s attention and told him he should go intervene.

As I unlocked Rosy’s car seat, she stirred, just in time for Daddy to pop up behind me and ask to take over. I moved aside, bumping into Ophelia. She quickly jumped back and apologized profusely. I put a hand on her arm, “I’m sorry. Are you OK?”

“Yes. Here, let me help.” Ophelia rounded the car and began pulling balloons and other decorations from the trunk.”

* * *

“Hey guys,” I said loud enough to interrupt the serious conversation about steak temperature that I’d heard from across the field. “Need help?”

They both stopped and smiled at me. Commander Phillips clapped a hand on Cruz’s shoulder and said, “Just teaching this youngster how to properly grill a porterhouse.”

Cruz returned the shoulder grab and smiled. “And I’m just showing this old coot what a real steak looks like, not a chewy old tire like he’s used to.”

Both men laughed, and the tension fizzled.

“How’s married life treating you?” Cruz handed me a beer.

“Much better than the single life ever did.” I popped the top with my thumbnail and took a long, cold swig. Just what I needed to clear the fog of no sleep in my head.

“Looking forward to next week?” Cruz’s smile widened. Vanessa had finally gotten her job back at the law firm, and starting next week, I was on baby duty until we agreed on a ‘good enough’ pre-school. I actually was looking forward to it, but to save face, I said something smart ass about hiring Cruz to handle the diaper situation.

Commander Phillips raised his beer. “A toast. To new beginnings.” We all clinked bottles and took another drink. Afterward, he elbowed Cruz. “Tell him the big news.”

Cruz turned red, which I’d assume was quite difficult given his darker complexion. “Not yet.” Cruz set his beer down on the little table jutting out from the industrial-sized gas grill. As he did so, I wondered how they’d managed to get that monstrosity to the park, but then I glanced toward Vanessa and Marco at the picnic table. No doubt he had been in charge of all the arrangements.

I raised my eyebrows at Cruz. “What news? You finally get rid of that nasty rash?” I laughed and took a congratulatory drink of my beer.

“Ha, funny.” Cruz clapped his hands together and held them out by his side. “You’re looking at the new head of the VanGuard International division.”

“Not sure what that is,” I said, “but it sounds like it comes with a raise.”

“That it does.” Cruz beamed.

I was happy for him. After my one foray into private security, I’d hung up my holster. I was content lying low on my land with Vanessa and Rosy. The most excitement I wanted out of my day for the foreseeable future revolved around potty training and whatever new words Rosy picked up. Hopefully, not the four-letter variety that had gotten me in hot water with Vanessa last week, after our darling daughter let one fly at her one-year check-up.

“I’m very happy for you.” I lifted my beer as another toast and sighed. “Where you going?” I asked, wondering how much longer I’d have my friend around. I’d grown quite used to his presence.

“Everywhere, man. Everywhere.”

“Well, I think that calls for a celebration. How about some pink birthday cake?”

“My favorite.” Cruz rubbed his stomach, and we all headed toward the festivities.

As I turned to see Vanessa, holding Rosy in her arms and cooing in her ear, my heart filled with pride.