Page 84 of What Started In Deception

Mac hugged her back. “I’ve missed you, too.”

Lydia eased away, staring at the baby as she smiled and brushed her hand over his dark hair. “He’s so beautiful, Mac.”

Mac grinned. “He looks just like Will.”

“He really does,” Lydia agreed. Then her eyes widened as she looked at Ty. Leaning his way, she grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him closer and into the conversation. “Mac, this is my boyfriend, Ty Corddry. Ty, this is Mac Monroe, one of my very best friends.”

Ty shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Lyd talks about you a lot.”

Mac studied him as she smiled and returned his handshake. “Lydia’s kept you all to herself, but I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”

He grinned, sensing that she had a sassy side. “I appreciate everyone being okay with me crashing the summer party.”

“If you’re important to Lydia, you’re important to us.”

He nodded. “Thank you.”

“It sounds like there’s something fun going on over here.” A tall, well-built, dark-haired man grinned as he moved their way, carrying a sleeping preschooler. His friendly blue eyes lit up his handsome face.

“Will!” Lydia beamed, rushing forward to hug her cousin.

“Hey, squirt,” he said, returning her hug with one arm. “How was the drive?”

“Tolerable with a driving partner.” She eased back, grinning as she touched Everly’s cheek as Everly rested her head on Will’s shoulder. “She’s out cold.”

“Running around with a dozen other kids will do that to you.” Will looked at Ty. “I take it you’re the driving partner.”

Ty smiled, holding out his hand. “That I am. I’m Ty Corddry.”

Will returned his handshake. “It’s good to meet you, man. I’m Will Monroe.”

“I was just thanking your wife for letting me crash your summer party.”

“We’re happy to have you. From what I understand, you’re a personal trainer.”

Ty nodded. “That’s correct.”

“I work out every morning before I head into the office. Feel free to join me whenever you want.”

Ty nodded again, thrilled that he’d not only already made contact with one of his two targets, but he now had his in to start gathering the information that he needed. “Yeah, that sounds great. What time do you get started?”

“Right around six thirty—before everyone wakes up for the day. Or sometimes anyway.”

“Count me in.”

“Perfect. The gym’s the last door down on the first floor. I’m sure Lydia remembers the code.”

Lydia nodded. “Of course.”

“Well, I’m going to get this sack of potatoes into bed,” Will said, gesturing to his daughter, who was dressed in a grass-stained pink jumpsuit and had tangles in her long, dark-brown hair. “She looks light, but my arm’s telling me a different story.”

Ty laughed as Lydia did. “I’ll see you in the morning. Mac, it was nice to meet you.”

Mac smiled as she gave the baby a gentle bounce as he started to stir. “It was nice to meet you, too.”

Lydia touched Everly’s cheek again. “I’ll see you guys in the morning. You can tell my best girl that I’ll stop by to have breakfast with her.”

Mac grinned now. “I can’t wait.”