Page 80 of Unplanned Target

Allie and I reach the pretty two-story we call home and enter through the garage, toeing off our shoes. Following Allie into the kitchen, I discover it won’t just be us tonight. We’ve actually got kind of a houseful.

Butch and Becca are seated at the kitchen table, eyes glued to Becca’s laptop. They’re deep in conversation, so whatever they’re looking at must be interesting. An assumption Allie also makes, because she’s soon stealing the chair on Becca’s other side, leaning close as she joins their conversation about a job Becca’s currently working on for Pierce.

Butch and Miranda’s mom stands at the counter, chopping vegetables for a salad. She seems to be having a good day today, and I’m glad for it. I want Miranda to make peace with her mother before she’s too deteriorated to have the opportunity. And sadly, that seems to be coming sooner, rather than later.

I round the island to where my wife stands, stirring a large pot of tomato sauce as she helps direct her mother’s actions. I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. “How was your day?”

Miranda’s smile is wide, but carries the hint of sadness that accompanies her mother’s visits. “Good. I just signed another contract. It’s for a sticker company that’s ready to move to the next level.”

“Fantastic. If anyone can help them do it, it’s you.” Miranda’s pivot to focusing on female run companies has been a game changer. Not only is she happier and more relaxed, she’s been able to accomplish greater success. Now her clients listen to her advice pretty much without question. There’s rarely pushback, and every one of them appreciates her brilliance.

It’s been amazing to watch her flourish. To know I had at least a small part in providing the space for her to feel safe and supported enough to go after what she wants.

“Who are you?”

I look over Miranda’s head to where her mother is staring at me with a perplexed expression on her face. We go through this every time she visits. Becca and I are new enough to the picture that she doesn’t retain our identities, and that’s okay.

“I’m Owen.” I hold one hand out, introducing myself the way I always do. “It’s nice to meet you.” I give her a wink. “I see where your daughter gets her good looks from.”

Nan might not have appreciated Miranda for who she was, but at least she’s easy to charm. It helps visits like this go smoother. And whatever I can do to give Miranda the closure she needs, is what I’m gonna do.

Nan gives me a sly smile. “I hear that a lot.”

I bark out a laugh, shaking my head as she puts her hand in mine. “I bet you do.”

The facility we found here in Nashville for her is a pretty nice place. They have great security, so we don’t have to worry about her wandering away. Their food is decent, and they have plenty of activities.

It’s also a hotbed for random geriatric hookups, as I’ve learned many of those places are.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined senile octogenarians are getting it on. But they’re adults with autonomy, so while the nurses in attendance do what they can to reduce the shenanigans, at the end of the day, grown-ups are allowed to grown-up.

At least we don’t have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy.

“I think everything is almost ready.” Miranda points toward the dining room. “Allie Bug, can you get the table set?”

Allie appears reluctant to abandon her position beside Becca. With a heavy sigh, but no verbal argument or complaint, she slogs her way out of the room. She and Miranda still occasionally butt heads, but both of them have come a long way, understanding each other and finding common ground. I’m sure it helps that—like her mother—Allie is like a dog with a bone when it comes to her goals. She will do anything to achieve them.

And one of her goals is to work for Alaskan Security. So displaying her tendency to buck authority is something she’s trying to keep on the down low, thinking it will make her more hirable when the time comes. Thank God no one has told her that’s one of the primary attributes Pierce looks for when hiring.

“I’m gonna go wash up. Give me five minutes.” I kiss Miranda on the lips, then give her ass a little swat.

“Enough of that.” Butch grumbles from his seat. “People are getting ready to eat.”

I check to make sure Nan isn’t watching before I flip him off, grinning when he returns the favor.

Like Allie and Miranda, Butch and I have come a long way. He knows I love his sister and niece and will protect them with my life, so he tolerates my existence. I know he loves his sister and Allie and would protect them with his life, so I tolerate his.

It’s basically a bromance at this point.

Cutting down the entry hall, I make my way past the pillow covered settee and artfully topped table decorating the foyer. A gold and bronze runner cushions my steps as I take the stairs two at a time to the second floor. The bedroom Miranda and I share is large. It’s got a vaulted ceiling, giant windows, and an attached sitting area. Every bit of it is cozy and comfortable. The soft, feminine lines remind me of the decorations in her previous home, but now the structure around it complements them. Instead of the builder grade 1980s model home she tried to retrofit into the elegant, luxuriously refined house of her dreams, Miranda was able to choose every aspect here from the ground up.

It was a job she took very seriously. And it paid off. I love our home.

Though to be fair, I would love a cardboard box if she and Allie were inside it.

I make a quick run through the shower before pulling on a pair of athletic pants and a T-shirt. After quickly starting a load of darks in the upstairs laundry room, I hurry back downstairs to find everyone moving to the dining room table.

“You had perfect timing.” Miranda points to the pot of drained and oiled pasta as I enter the kitchen. “Can you take that in for me?’