Chapter 13

Now that the decision was made, Macy let go of the angst she’d been carrying around like a yoke. Feeling lighter, freer than she had since she and Gabe got involved, she walked into the restaurant around four and found Sally sitting at a table with her tablet in front of her. When Macy reached her, she asked, “Am I interrupting?”

“No. As a matter of fact, I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to talk to you.”

“Let me get coffee. Want a refill?” When she’d gotten the brew, she sat down and asked, “What’s up?”

“I’m ready to branch out from being a bartender.”

Macy knew Sally had been in business before she married, but after the divorce, she was unable to find her way back into the field. “That would be a great move for you.”

“Probably not for you.”

“Maybe. What are your plans?”

“I want to own my own business. I want to run it. Don’t worry, though, I won’t be competition to Macy’s Place.”

“I’m not worried. I want what’s best for you.”

She gestured to the back. “I like this setup. If I could find a place like yours, where the kids and I could live, that would be ideal.”

Macy remembered Gabe’s words last night…

“I want to marry you. But if you’re not up for that, let’s move in together.”

“How would we explain that to Simon?”

“He’s got to learn to live in the real world. Adults cohabitate.” He’d winked at her. “Besides, I’m pretty good at explaining stuff to him.”

In for a penny, in for a pound, she’d thought. “I’d like that, Gabe.”

“There’s more. We can stay in Maryland, but I want to buy a house.”

“Oh, Gabe, I want a house, too…”

“Sally, I may be moving out of the apartment in the back.” She thought for a second. “No, I am moving out.”

“To live with Gabe?”

Macy had confided in Sally a month ago about her relationship with Gabe and its problems. “Yes. You and the kids could move in here, if that makes a difference.”

“It might, temporarily. But I wouldn’t be pursuing my own business.” She studied Macy. “Unless you want to take me on as a partner. It’d be a good way to get my feet wet in ownership. I have the money for it now.”

“I hadn’t considered that. But you know, I’m back into my art now, so maybe I would consider a partner. Can I have some time to think about it?”

“Of course.” She gestured to the tablet. “Just in case, I’m going to keep searching for other opportunities.”

“You should. But I won’t take too long.” She walked back to the apartment and got out her cell phone, punched in Gabe’s number.

“Gabe Marino.”

“Hey, it’s me.”

“Hi, sweetheart.”

“What are your plans tonight?”

“I assumed we’d see each other. I checked my calendar and you’re not working.”

“Why don’t you come over for dinner? Simon and Joey are here, and they’ll occupy themselves. I want to talk to you.”

A hesitation. “Something wrong?”

“Nope, not a thing. See you later.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

She disconnected and fell onto the couch, smiling. God, it was good to have things settled between them. Even though he was going to the PPD in ten days. This would all work out, she just knew it.

* * *

Gabe drove up to the White House, relief and gratefulness still running through his veins like a shot of adrenaline. Today, he’d meet with the staff he’d be working with, get familiar with the place again, though he’d already thoroughly studied the building from blueprints and photos. He gave his name and the guard said, “Welcome, Agent Marino.” They would have been alerted to his new status.

He drove to the designated area and took the route into the White House. Soon, he was in the Secret Service Office, located on the ground floor right off the center hall. Once inside, the SAIC, special agent in charge who’d taken over for Nick, stood up from where he sat with the group. “Marino, good to see you again.”

“You, too, Jay.”

He gestured to the group sitting around a small conference table. “These are your colleagues. I’m not sure if you know all of them.”

He took a quick survey. “I’ve met all but one when I was here last summer.” He spoke to the only woman in the room. “Hello.”

“Nicole Petersen.” The female agent stood and walked over to shake his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Welcome. I’m your replacement until you come on board.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You, too. Though I have to say, I’d love to stay on here.”

“I’ll bet.”

“But no hard feelings. I’ll get my turn. And this stint has helped me along that road.”

When all were seated at the conference table, Jay Talbot passed out some papers. “Gabe, I’ve scheduled you in. Does the start date still work?”

“Yes, the trainees are getting their field-office experience these last two weeks, and graduation from the Training Center is after that.”

“Nicole will stay on until you get the lay of the land, get settled here and learn everyone’s name and position.”

One of the agents he’d had some dealings with and didn’t particularly like, braced his arms on the table. “I have a question.”

“About the schedule, Vincent?”

“No.”

“Save it, then.” Jay continued, “All of you, check the dates, where you’ll be each two-week shift, and let me know if there are any problems. If so, tell me now.”

As Gabe guessed, no one had a problem. Agents were expected to adhere to all orders. Briefly, Gabe wondered if Simon got sick or Macy got hurt or when Nick’s babies were born if he’d get to be there for all those things.

Jay continued. “I’d like to tackle some special events that are coming up on the president’s schedule.”

A trip to Ohio to talk to the steel workers.

A State Department dinner.

The White House Christmas party.

A trip to Russia.

Gabe had forgotten how many different activities PPD agents were responsible for. Would he be back to celebrate New Year’s Eve with Macy?

After an hour, Talbot said, “Now there’s time for questions. Vincent, you’re up.”

Cocking his head, he stared at Gabe. “I have concerns about you. You’ve been out of the field for five years. How do we know you’ve still got the skills to have our backs?”

“Not your place to question that, Agent Vincent.” Jay sounded irritated. “The president made this decision.”

“I’d like to answer, if I could.” After a nod from Jay, Gabe faced the younger man. “I’ve spent five years teaching trainees, and also trained the field agents on their skills. I’ve honed mine in the process. I’ll pit my ability against yours anytime.”

“Reaction time?”

“Superb.”

“Comfort in the field?”

“I assure you, I can handle this job.”

“Well, you didn’t handle Colombia very well when you were in charge.”

Talbot stood. “Enough. Everybody’s dismissed, except you, Vincent.” He turned to Gabe. “See you in a few weeks.”

Gabe left the meeting with conflicting feelings. He supposed he should have expected some resistance to this unorthodox move, but in truth, he’d forgotten about the conflicts that could occur in this strict and tense workplace.

Now that was something he hadn’t missed.

* * *

Macy stared out the window at Gabe, Joey and Simon. She was still shocked enough snow had fallen yesterday and today to play in. But five inches was rare in Maryland, and they were taking advantage of it. Even school had been canceled tomorrow.

Gabe gathered a mound and handed it off to Simon, who packed it tightly, then gave the whole thing to Joey, who stacked the block on the others they’d already set up. They were building a fort. As soon as Gabe had arrived, he’d gone outside to play with the boys. That was an hour ago. She opened the back door and yelled, “Supper’s ready.”

“In a minute.” Simon’s exited voice. “This is the last column.”

“You’re going to freeze to death.”

“Nah, we’re tough.” Joey had gotten his cast off and was enjoying his freedom.

She eased back inside and turned down the heat on the minestrone soup she’d prepared for the cold winter night. She covered the bread she’d warmed and finished up with the salad. Nothing to do but wait.

In the living room, she got out her sketch pad. Up until about three months ago, she’d sketched Simon, the outdoors, a dog she’d seen while walking. But the last two drawings were of Gabe. She’d done him in charcoal. One had him lazing in a chair, foot crossed over his knee, watching TV with Simon. He hadn’t known what she’d been drawing. She smiled at how she’d captured the cut of his jaw and the long lean lines of his body. The second sketch was of his back. He’d slept next to her after a hot session of lovemaking and she’d stayed awake drawing the breadth of his shoulders and the tapering of his back to his hips.

She was a good artist. She glanced down the hallway, pleased with the tree mural she’d painted there. Until she started the art class, she hadn’t realized she’d missed the process of creation so much.

And now, by taking on a partner, she had a chance to do more.

The door flew open and three bedraggled guys came inside. Gabe made sure they stayed on the tile while they got off their outer clothing. Still, the rug got wet. She thought of a new house. It would be convenient to have a mudroom, a bigger kitchen, some space where you could be alone.

The boys were dry enough from their outer clothing, but Gabe’s jeans were soaked. He carried his duffle bag and fished out a sweat suit. “I keep this in the car. I’ll change.”

Dinner was fun. The soup was hot and tasty, the bread buttery and the salad perfectly seasoned. All three boys gobbled down three chocolate-chip cookies each afterward.

“Can we go to my room now?” Simon asked, sliding out of the chair.

“Yep. Go ahead.” This from Gabe. He winked at the boy. “I’ll do your cleaning up.”

They raced off.

Gabe stood and began to clear plates. “I’m glad he has Joey.”

“I’m glad he has you.”

He halted abruptly. “You mean that?”

“Of course.” She stood, too. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“O-kay.” Slowly he walked to the kitchen and put the dishes in the sink. She finished clearing the table, while he made quick work of rinsing and loading the dishwasher.

When he finished wiping the countertop, he went up to her where she stood before the refrigerator.

Arms slid around her waist. He nuzzled her neck. “Am I going to like this talk?”

“You are.” She turned in his arms. “I want to move in with you, Gabe.”

“You said you did.”

“Something happened today that made me think more…fundamentally about it. I’d like to start looking for a house right now.”

“What happened today?”

“Sally wants to start her own business. She’s ready to move on. She made an offhanded comment about wanting a setup like we have here. That led to more discussion, and finally, she said she’d be willing to buy into Macy’s Place as a partner and live in the back.”

“That would be good for you. You could concentrate more on your art.”

How had he known? Her question must show on her face because he smiled at her. “I’ve seen you sketching a lot lately. And that painting you did of the lake for the art class is terrific. Isabelle was touched when you gave it to her.”

“How sweet that you noticed. That you care.”

He frowned. “Didn’t Spike?”

“I mentioned before that he never took an interest in my art, even when I was doing graphic design in D.C. When we moved out here, I lost interest, too, I guess.”

“Now that, darlin’, that is a cryin’ shame.”

* * *

“Agent Marino?” Gabe looked up from the evaluations he was filling out before graduation. Kilmer had come in for his final interview. “Hey, Kurt.” He purposely used the trainee’s first name. “Have a seat.”

Kilmer sat. “I can’t believe our training is almost over.” The boy hadn’t lost his enthusiasm since training had started.

“How do you think you did with your time here?”

Last time, Kurt had seemed embarrassed by his competence. Today, he held Gabe’s gaze and said, “I think I aced everything.”

Gabe angled his chin. “Didn’t Hogan outdo you on the pull-ups?”

His dark brows rose. “Oh, yeah, I forgot. She beat me by one.”

“I’m fooling with you, Kurt. You aced everything, and you’re going to make a good agent. Do you still want to go to the PPD?”

“Yeah, sure. It’s my dream.” The boy was so sure of this. Gabe wondered if he himself had been that way when he first started out. Of course, he’d been a police officer with a lot more street experience.

“Well, you’ll get exposure in your first three years.” Graduates spent a year on probation and were carefully supervised. Then another two years of provisional service. “You know it’s at least seven years before you get into protection, probably longer.”

“I’m sure I’ll learn a lot in the other areas.”

“That’s the best attitude to have.”

They discussed specifics of his evaluation, and when they finished, Gabe stood and held out his hand. “It’s been a pleasure to be your instructor.”

“Nah, I’m the lucky one. I’ve never had a better teacher than you.” Kilmer reached the door just as Hogan came up to it. Gabe noticed he squeezed her arm when they passed. The gesture seemed intimate.

Are there romances among the trainees?

He thought of Macy asking the question, of her reading romance novels.

“Come on in and sit, MJ.” She did a double take, probably catching the change in what he’d called her. She was dressed in her uniform, but she wore her blond hair down and around her shoulders.

He decided to give her a hard time. “So, I’ve heard rumors.”

Blond brows rose. “We didn’t tell the boys what you did about the prank.”

“Not even Kilmer?”

She flushed.

“Relax, I’m teasing you. What you do in your private time is your business. Though I will say it’s tough when agents fall for each other.” He thought of Whitney and Max. “Make sure you think this through.”

“What about you, Agent Marino? Ever fall for an agent?”

One trait he noticed about this class was they weren’t shy about asking questions, personal or not.

“No, not for an agent.”

She sat back, seeming surprised.

“But I know from whence I speak about how hard relationships for Secret Service agents are.” As soon as he said the words, a chill ran through him. “Now, down to business.” He opened her folder. “I’m impressed by…”

A half hour later, the last interviewees came in. “Hi, Clay.” The young man gave him a weak smile. “Come in and sit.” Gabe opened the last folder in front of him. And found a note had been put there by one of the training center’s assistants. The letterhead was from the Director of the Secret Service.

“What’s wrong?” Clay asked, immediately on the alert.

“Give me a minute.” He read the missive. “Seems you were right, Clay. Your parents are trying to pull strings.”

“They told me. I begged them not to do anything. But they called it fast-tracking.”

“Did you tell them you didn’t want to be fast-tracked?”

“No. I finally know what I do want, but I was afraid to share it right then. Anyway, I wanted to talk to you first.”

Gabe was curious. “Go on.”

“I want to spend my probationary year sampling all areas of the service, like everybody else. For the next two years, my parents think I should go to threat assessment full-time because it’ll make me more valuable than starting out in a field office.”

“All new agents go to field offices.”

“They said they could get me out of that.”

“Okay, you go to a field office. And after that?”

“Investigation. I liked that best of all the course work.”

“It’s an interesting and important area. You’d be connected to threat assessment then.”

Clay sat forward. “But I have more in mind. What I want to do is spend my first three years in the department learning all I can, then come back here to help teach at the center. I know I won’t make a lot of money, but I don’t need it.” He shook his head. “One of the benefits of being privileged. Anyway, even if I have to stay an agent in the field for five years, I still want to end up here. Like you.”

Gabe had to be honest. “You know I didn’t choose this job.”

“Yeah, I heard the stories. But you put your heart and soul into teaching us anyway.”

“Thank you, Clay.” He rapped his knuckles on the file. “Let’s do this professionally. I’m going to recommend that you not be fast-tracked and you be treated like everyone else.” Fuck politics. “But you have to stand up for yourself, too. They can’t make you do anything.”

“I’m trying.”

“Clay, if you ever need me, for advice or support, call me.” Grabbing a business card from its holder on the desk, he scribbled on it. “This is my private email and phone number.”

A genuine smile came from Clay that Gabe didn’t think he’d ever seen before. “Ya know, I might do that. I’d like to see the kid, Simon, too.”

“I’m sure he’d jump at the chance to spend more time with you.”

Gabe stood and they shook hands. “Good luck, son.”

“To you too, agent.”

After Clay left, Gabe sat down at the desk. He realized his relationship with Clay Langston was one of the most satisfying interactions he’d ever had with a graduate. And then he thought of other classes and all the good he’d done here. He was going to miss it, which shocked him. For so long, he’d wanted to get back to protection, and now that he was on the precipice, he was feeling nostalgia for the training center. Jesus, wasn’t anything black-and-white anymore?

* * *

On Thursday, Macy made a decision and she was excited to tell Gabe about it. Starting tomorrow, Simon was staying with Joanie for the weekend, and she and Gabe would have two nights alone together. On one of them, they were having dinner at a posh restaurant in D.C. And now they’d have a reason.

Gabe had said he was taking care of some household chores today—she suspected that he was getting his condo ready to sell—so she banked on him being home. To be sure, she texted him on a pretense and he confirmed where he was. She showed up at his house at noon. She had a key and let herself him.

“Son of a bitch.” She heard the words coming from the kitchen. She headed there, smiling. More curses. She laughed out loud, and his head poked out from under the sink. He was soaked. She recalled her own faucet fiasco and got a kick out of his wet hair and shirt. “Hey,” he said wiping water out of his face. “I didn’t expect to see you this afternoon.”

“I know. I come bearing gifts.”

“Food?” he said hopefully.

“Better than food.”

He stood, came toward her and kissed her.

“Ew, you stink.”

“The drainage pipe and I had a wrestling match.”

“You lost, I guess.”

“Yeah, but now that you’re here, I’ll go shower. We can grab some lunch.”

“Maybe.”

“What does that mean?”

“Sit down for this.”

His scowl indicated anxiety. “Something with Simon?”

“Nope, something with us.”

“Am I going to like it?” He’d asked that question before, but given the nature of the relationship, she understood his concern.

“I hope so.”

He sat at the table, and she placed something in front of him. He studied the documents. “Your birth certificate and license?”

“Uh-huh. I hope you have yours on hand.”

“I do, but why?”

Leaning over, she kissed his dirty nose and got on one knee in front of him. “Will you marry me, Gabe Marino?”

She could see when the pieces fell into place by the profound expression that dawned on his face. What she didn’t expect was for him to drop his chin, then dig his thumb and forefingers into his eyes. “Gabe?”

In a few seconds, he raised his head. His cheeks were wet. “Do you mean it?”

“Of course. I, um, guess you’re happy about this?”

“I am.” He cleared his throat. “I am.” He barely got the words out.

She dropped down on his lap and circled his grimy neck with her arms. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He hugged her close. Said nothing for a while. Then, “What made you decide? I asked so long ago, then didn’t want to badger you about marrying me.”

“I got thinking about commitment and how I feel about you. If I love you enough to be with you when you go to the PPD and buy a house together, then I love you enough to be your wife.” She cocked her head. “Given your reaction, I’m only sorry I waited so long.”

“I didn’t want to pressure you,” he repeated.

“And that makes you even more special.”

He took in a deep breath. “So, when?”

“We’re going to the county clerk’s office now and get our marriage license. We have to wait forty-eight hours, but there’s nothing I can do about that or I would.”

“So we’ll get married this weekend.”

“Hmm, before our dinner.”

“You have unequivocally made me the happiest man in the world.”

“And I’m the happiest woman.” She stood. “Now go get showered, get your documents and we’ll head out.”

“Forty-eight hours, huh?” He checked the clock on the stove. “That gives us a couple of hours’ leeway today.”

“I guess it does.”

“Come upstairs with me. I want to be close to you.”

She took his hand. “I want to be close to you, too.”

* * *

Gabe held Macy on the dance floor as “When a Man Loves a Woman” filled the restaurant. The three-piece band could have been the Righteous Brothers. He inhaled the scent of the perfume she must have sprayed on her hair for their very big day. “You like this place?”

“Who wouldn’t?” She nosed into his chest. The small gesture was so intimate it made him pull her closer. “But I liked where we were earlier.”

“The ceremony was simple.” The Justice of the Peace Office was small, with paneled wood. But the windows let in a lot of light.

“I wanted simple. We had our own vows, and said I do. That’s enough.” She held up her hand. “I’m honored to wear this,” she said of the thick platinum-gold wedding band she wore.

He looked at his matching one. “Me, too.” Then he frowned. “Think Simon will be mad?”

“Maybe. But, after he realizes you’re officially his dad, he’ll get over any snit about not being invited.” She thought for a moment. “I know this was selfish. I didn’t want anyone else there, Gabe. I wanted this to be about just you and me.”

“It was perfect.”

The song ended and they walked to their table. “I’m starved.”

“Let’s order, then.” He sipped the tart merlot they’d already gotten and studied the menu, but he had trouble concentrating. She was his wife. She’d given him this gift before he left to go to a job she hated and would suffer over. Had anyone but his parents ever loved him so much?

The thought of leaving after graduation came with mixed feelings. On his first week at the White House, he’d be on three day shifts and on three nights, shadowing Jay Talbot, learning the routine, which was different from the vice-presidential detail he’d had and lost. In his off hours, he had to study blueprints and advance procedure, the roster of personnel and a myriad of other things. So he was staying with Whitney in D.C. going there for only a few hours of sleep.

As Macy watched him over her menu, Gabe realized fully what he was giving up.