Promises (The Kings of Guardian #14) - Kris Michaels Page 0,26
mistake of overlooking character flaws once before, and it almost cost me my wife and future.”
Anna placed her cup on the end table and tucked closer to Gabriel. “Where did you first meet Gabriel, Frank?”
“Huh…” He rubbed his chin. “San Diego, in passing when I was in the Navy. Then again in Libya before I ran into him in Bolivia.”
“That’s where I finally convinced him to come to work for me.” Gabriel laughed. “He was a cantankerous country boy even back then.”
Anna snorted. “I believe there is a lot more to that story.”
Frank grunted. “Maybe a bit.”
A loud knock sent all the kids scurrying to the door. “Whoa there!” Frank bellowed the command, and every child froze in their tracks. “Who opens the door?”
Talon’s shoulders dropped. “An adult. But Grandpa, I was going to ask who it was first.”
“Nope, you know the rules. An adult opens the door. I don’t care whose house, mine or yours, doesn’t matter––an adult always answers the door.”
“But Grampa, didn’t the team check them?” Reece looked from the door to Frank.
“We won’t always have security around, Reece. It is always best to be safe,” Amanda said. “Children, back to the table. We have to pick up our things, that should be your ride to your sleepover.”
Frank glanced out the peephole and opened the door. Jacob and Jared stepped into the luxurious presidential suite Gabriel had procured for both couples.
“Get the animals tended to?” Frank closed the door behind the two men.
“Yes sir. Are you ready for us to relieve you of the horde?” Jacob bent down and hugged Tristan and Tanner, who’d escaped clean-up duty. “Hey dudes, did you have a good time with Grandma and Grandpa?”
“Yes sir,” they said in unison.
Jacob stood with a boy in each arm. “Were they good?”
“Perfect angels,” Amanda called from the table where the older boys were hurriedly putting away the coloring books, crayons, and colored pencils.
“Where is your man?” Frank asked Jared.
“At home. He’s putting Marcus to bed, and he has a video call with the manager of the shelter to make sure nothing drops through the cracks. He’ll probably need to sit in on a couple meetings via video from Aruba. Are we going to have that capability?”
Gabriel nodded. “Full comm set up, and unless there is an emergency, Jewell is not authorized within a hundred feet of the door.”
“Good luck with that.” Jared chuckled. “There’s the crew!”
“Hey, Uncle Jared!” Talon gave his uncle a high five and the younger boys followed suit.
“All right. Two cars. Blake, Reece, Talon with me, the twins and Tristin with your dad. Where’s your coats?”
“Here.” Anna held up two armfuls of coats, hats, and gloves. With adult help, the kids were bundled in record time.
“See you at the airport at eight?” Jacob asked before he opened the door.
Gabriel laughed, “No, we’re taking my jet down later. We’ll call when we get to the villa we rented.”
“Perfect. Chad and Jasmine are flying down and bringing Jade, Nic, Jewell, and Zane. We’ve got a full load with the ones flying in from South Dakota. We will see you in Aruba.”
“Be safe and be good for your dad and uncle.” Amanda blew a kiss at the boys.
“We will!” the boys promised as they scurried out the door.
Anna waited until the door shut before she turned on her husband. “I thought we were leaving first thing in the morning.”
“Ah, well, we were, but Frank and I need to pick up a few things before we head down.” Gabriel put his arm on her waist and guided her back to the small lounge they’d been in before Jacob and Jared arrived.
“What aren’t you telling us?” Anna stopped and narrowed her eyes at him.
“Nothing that you need to worry about, I promise.” He leaned down and kissed her.
“Uh-huh.” She glanced over at Amanda. “Are you buying this?”
“Not for a second.” Amanda crossed her arms and looked at Frank.
He lifted his hands. “If you want me to ruin the surprise…”
“A surprise?” Anna whipped around and grabbed her husband’s arm. “What?”
“No way, sweetheart. I’m keeping this secret under penalty of being skinned alive.” Gabriel laughed and avoided her attempt at a swipe at him. He wrapped her in his arms. “How about we brew some more peppermint tea and order up some food?”
“Deal, but we are playing canasta. Amanda and I need to redeem our champion status.”
Frank snorted, which earned him a look from his wife. “Oh, it is on Frank Marshall. We need two decks of cards.”
Anna smiled