“Katie, eat something,” Parker said.
She grabbed an egg roll and took a bite, then, unable to help herself, looked to the doorway again, only to find it dark and empty. She sighed.
“It’ll take time,” Declan said, either sensing her angst or catching her hundredth glance at the door. “Luke had to travel far to catch Ebeid.”
“Have you heard from him?”
“Not since he landed in Auckland.”
“Which means Ebeid could have killed him.”
“Or he’s got Ebeid in custody and is bringing him home.”
“Then why not call?”
“Perhaps he doesn’t want to risk calling you with Ebeid in earshot.”
“He’ll come back,” Tanner said. “I’m sure of it.”
“I’m glad you are.” Because she sure wasn’t.
“Sure about what?” Luke asked from the doorway.
Of course, the minute she’d looked away from the door, he appeared. She jumped to her feet and rushed to him, wrapping him in her arms.
He winced.
She pulled back. “What’s wrong?”
“Got shot.” He pulled his V-neck sweater away from his body, showing her the bandage across his collarbone.
“You’re okay?”
“Yep. Nothing a little surgery on a third-world island couldn’t fix.”
“Ebeid?”
He nodded.
“And he is . . . ?”
“Dead.”
Thank you, Lord.
“And you didn’t call because?” She’d been waiting a week, beginning to believe the worst.
“I was chasing Ebeid, then out of it from the surgery. . . .”
“And then?” she pressed.
He shrugged, pulling a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. “I thought I’d surprise you.”
“Seriously? You really thought that these were good circumstances to surprise me in?”
He offered a cheesy I-know-I’m-in-deep-trouble smile. “Surprise.”
Kate exhaled. “You’re lucky I don’t shoot you myself.”
“You know, I think we ought to be going, Av,” Parker said to Avery, who had healed remarkably well. She was a fighter too.
“Yeah . . .” Everyone else stood as Avery did, excusing themselves one by one.
“Night,” Tanner said before being the last one out the door, leaving Kate and Luke alone.
Tears sprang to her eyes. “I was so worried about you.”
Luke pulled her gently into his arms. His chest had to be sore as all get-out. “I’m sorry. I should have called. I was so focused and excited to get back to you, I just kept moving in that direction.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “Is this okay?”
“Better than okay.”
She looked up at him. “I’m not hurting you? Or your wound?”
“You could never hurt me, baby. And I promise I will never hurt you again.”
“And the Agency?”
“Already put in my resignation.”
“Seriously? You have time to call Malcolm, but not to call me?”
“Clearly I messed up. I’m sorry. It’s going to take me a while to get the knack for these types of things again.”
“I’ll be patient,” she said, attempting a stern face, “but only for so long.”
“I was just trying to get everything in order, so I could walk through that door and tell you it’s all over.” That he was here and ready to begin a new life with her.
“It’s really over?”
He nodded. “As of today, I’m all yours.”
“Ooh.” She smirked. “Now, what am I going to do with you?”
“Anything you want.” He smiled, bringing his lips to hers. He was going to love civilian life.
Epilogue
Luke remained with Kate in her car, trepidation filling him.
“They are going to be ecstatic to have you home,” she said.
He’d waited until his parents returned from their European cruise and had traveled back from their retirement home in Florida to Chesapeake Harbor for Thanksgiving before making this final move back into his normal life—returning to his family. How on earth would they react? How would he explain? He swallowed, rubbing his hands up and down his thighs, the friction off his jeans warming his hands. It was a cold November day, the first snow having already fallen. Now he was just stalling. He summoned the courage to ask Kate the question burning in his soul. “What if . . . ?”
“What if what?” Kate tilted her head. “Luke, they are your family. They love you.”
“Sometimes I think being a CIA agent was less intimidating.”
“Please.” Kate rolled her eyes. “You’ll do just fine. You got past me, and I’m the hard one.”
He chuckled. “That is true.”
She clasped his hand. “I’ll be right at your side.”
He lifted her hand to his mouth, placing a kiss on her engagement ring. “Forever.”
She smiled. “Forever.”
He exhaled.
Jesus would carry them through this together. He needed her, just as she needed him. God had created them for each other. They were designed to be one. And with her at his side, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do.
Stepping from the car, he took her hand and moved for the house, catching sight of the rest of the gang playing flag football out back. Swallowing, he walked around the corner and stopped at the sight of his brother.
Gabe’s gaze met his, and he dropped the ball. “Luke?”
Luke nodded apprehensively.
“Luke?” Gabe’s eyes widened and he rushed forward. “Mom, Dad, it’s Luke! He’s back!” he hollered as he engulfed his brother in a hug.
He was home.
Letter to the Readers
Dear Readers,
There are so many books out there. Thanks for picking up Dead Drift! I’m honored and humbled.
Thank you so much for sharing Luke and Kate’s adventure with me. I hope you’ve had a chance to read all the books in the CHESAPEAKE VALOR series, and I truly hope you enjoyed the conclusion. I loved spending time with this gang of characters and will miss them. But I look forward to my upcoming COASTAL GUARDIANS series and meeting a lot of new friends. I hope you will too.
For lots of extras and behind-the-scenes information, be sure to check out my website (www.danipettrey.com) where you’ll find recipes, Dead Drift’s story playlist, Pinterest board, Book Club Kit, and much more!
Blessings,
Dani
Acknowledgments
To Jesus—for being my anchor. For blessing me with a love of words and the beautiful joy of getting to share that love with others.
To Mike, Kay, Ty, Calvin, and Brenn—I love you all silly and beyond measure. You fill my days with joy, laughter, adventure, and beautiful chaos—and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I thank God every time I think of you. Thank you for making my life so rich and full, and for all your support, especially during deadline craze.
To Lisa—for always being there and for being the best, best friend a girl could ask for. Love you!
To Karen—for your meticulous eye, helpful feedback, prayers, and friendship.
To Jen—for your amazing work!
To everyone at BHP—I’m so honored, humbled, and blessed to be part of the BHP family.
To Janet—thank you for your support, encouragement, wisdom, wit, and friendship. I’m blessed by you! And you’re never allowed to retire!
To Dee—for your continued support, encouragement, inspiration, and friendship. Thanks for sharing this journey with me.
To Katie Cushman—for being my friend and partner-in-crime. Can’t wait to see what our next adventure holds!
To Donna—for keeping me sane.
To Ali—you are absolutely amazing and I adore working with you.
To Dad—for all your help on this one! Loved the chats.
To Barry—for taking the time to read my stories, pr
ovide feedback, and champion me on. I appreciate you.
I have so many people who bring joy and richness to my life. Thank you for the amazing support to Debb, Annie S., Carrie S., Rissi, Lisa Kelly, Rick Estep, Heidi Robbins, Eli, Amanda Dykes, and all my awesome Suspense Squad Street Team members. You guys rock!
About the Author
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than 400,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today). Her ALASKAN COURAGE series and CHESAPEAKE VALOR series have received praise from readers and critics alike and spent multiple months topping the CBA bestseller lists.
From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves—full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com.
Books by Dani Pettrey
ALASKAN COURAGE
Submerged
Shattered
Stranded
Silenced
Sabotaged
CHESAPEAKE VALOR
Cold Shot
Still Life
Blind Spot
Dead Drift
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook
Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
Facebook: Bethany House
Twitter: @Bethany House
Dani Pettrey, Dead Drift
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