Page 65 of Keeping Kara

But Chaos was thrilled for his friends. It was obvious they were more than ready to put their rings on Laryn and Penny. Casper, because he wanted to be married when his girls were born, and Pyro, because he wanted to be able to officially adopt Bowie, and being married made it easier, at least in his eyes.

The reception was this upcoming weekend. The plan was for the couples to go to the courthouse to get married, then to Anchor Point for the reception. They were both happy with a low-key ceremony and one hell of a party afterward.

The bar and grill had been rented out for the reception, and no one was allowed entry if they didn’t have an invitation in hand, for security purposes.

Chaos and Kara hadn’t heard anything from the detective on her case in weeks, and supposedly no news was good news, but they were both still being very cautious. Not wanting to take any chances that Nolan was still out there somewhere, biding his time.

Tonight, Kara was getting together with the rest of the women. They were going to hang out at Penny’s apartment while Bowie hung out with the guys at Chaos’s house. Basically unofficial, unconventional bachelor and bachelorette parties. He’d dropped Kara off at Penny’s apartment building thirty minutes ago and was already missing her.

As for Chaos and his team, they’d planned some things to keep Bowie happy, although she was amazingly easy to entertain. Pyro was bringing the games and cards he’d bought for the sight-impaired, and Chaos had signed up for the Disney Channel, so when Bowie got tired they could all relax in front of the TV. They were having pizza for dinner, and Pyro was going to make cupcakes with Bowie.

The night would be completely different than most they’d enjoyed when they all got together, but it seemed right somehow. They were getting older, and getting drunk and talking about hot women didn’t seem quite as entertaining as it used to be. Instead, the party for Casper and Pyro—one that didn’t include alcohol, strippers, or jokes about balls and chains—was mostly about six men who’d been friends for years, who had all saved each other’s lives more times than they could count, enjoying time together that didn’t include discussing flight plans or terrorists, or worrying about bullets or RPGs.

Chaos was glad when Edge had said he’d come over as well, because lately he’d been keeping himself separate from the rest of the team. He probably felt a little like a sixth wheel, since everyone now had a girlfriend or fiancée. But whatever the reason, he missed his friend. He and Edge had been copilots for years, and it bothered Chaos immensely that he was going through such a hard time and keeping it to himself.

They could all see how affected Edge was by Jennifer’s new dating status. They still hadn’t met the guy, as he always seemed to be busy when they had get-togethers, but it was obvious Edge was kicking himself for not asking Jen out when he’d had the chance. Ex-wife or no ex-wife. Trinity was a piece of work with a jealous streak a mile wide, but that shouldn’t have kept Edge from going after what he wanted.

Knocking had Chaos putting aside thoughts of the vindicative woman Edge had divorced three years ago—who was somehow still dictating his life—and he went to answer the door.

Before too long, all six of the Night Stalkers were talking and laughing and being thoroughly entertained by little Bowie, who was eating up the attention.

After dinner, someone had the great idea of turning on some music. Bowie was currently the center of attention as she giggled and danced in the living area. Chaos and Obi-Wan had pushed back the furniture, and all three were having a dance-off…which, of course, Bowie would win hands down.

The mood was jovial and relaxed, and Chaos realized it had been a long time since he’d felt so carefree. The women in their lives had brought this about, he had no doubt. Even though they weren’t physically present at the moment, all the men were likely thinking about their women in one way or another. They’d brought a lightness into the dark parts of their world. Giving them the freedom to be silly. To dance with a little girl whose giggles could reach the most hardened of men.

A notification from his security system flashed on his phone, alerting Chaos that someone had tripped the camera at the front of the house. Pulling up the video, he frowned.

Oh, hell no. Not now. Not when they were all having a great time.

Giving Casper a subtle chin lift, he headed for the door, his team leader at his heels. No one seemed to notice them leaving, and Chaos had stepped outside before the woman who was walking up the driveway could approach the door and knock.

“No,” he said in a low, mean tone as the woman glared at him.

“I want to see Roman.”

“And I said no,” Chaos repeated. “Edge has made it more than clear that he wants nothing to do with you. Why do you continue to embarrass yourself by trying to stay in his life? You two divorced, you’re done. Do yourself a favor and move on already. You’re being pathetic.”

Trinity scowled at him. Chaos supposed at one time, the woman had been a looker. But since she and Edge had ended things, she’d let herself go. She looked every one of her forty-five years and more.

“Fuck you, Chaos! I want to see Roman. Get him out here.”

“See, you can’t just show up and demand shit like that,” Casper said mildly. “Especially when he doesn’t want to see you.”

“Too bad. I need to talk to him about something. It can’t wait.”

“No.”

Trinity struggled for a reply, but all she could come up with was, “You can’t tell me no!”

“The hell I can’t,” Chaos said. “You’re trespassing. Get off my property or I’m calling the cops.”

“You’re an asshole!” she spat, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

“And you’re a desperate hag who can’t seem to grasp the concept of a divorce. Edge doesn’t want you. Move on already. Find the kind of man you’re really looking for—one who’ll do whatever you want, every minute of the day. Because that’s what you already tried with Edge, and he’s not the kind of man who kowtows to anyone.”

“Fuck off. He’s just confused.”

“For three years? No, Trinity, you’re just desperate, and for some reason you still want a man who doesn’t want you. Pathetic.”