Esmeralda''s birthday had arrived.


    It was today, in fact, but she was swamped with work and would have to get through it before making any evening ns.


    She nodded absently, her gaze flickering with a trace of hope, as if she was waiting for something.


    Suddenly, Elodie seemed to remember and arched an eyebrow. "Ah, that''s right— your fiancé''s back in town. Got anything nned with him?"


    Esmeralda''s shoulders slumped as she shook her head, crestfallen. "He hasn''t even called. I''m not sure he remembers."


    Before Fleming went abroad, he always made time for her on her birthday.


    Elodie ruffled Esmeralda''s hair. "He''ll remember. He''s back now, and even if he forgets, you can always remind him. Just tell him you want to spend the day together."


    Esmeralda''s eyes lit up as if a cloud had lifted. "You''re right! And it''s Sunday, so he''s got to be free."


    Seeing her friend''s smile, Elodie couldn''t help but grin too.


    "Is everyone here?" Elodie asked as they walked down the hall.


    Esmeralda shook her head. "Not yet, but Alex is inside, chatting with a few of them already."


    Elodie knew some team members from the base would show up today-they''d be working together a lot going forward.


    They headed up to the third floor.


    There were several men waiting there, all of them well-dressed and striking in appearance. Two of them, Elodie recognized immediately-they were special ops pilots who''d transferred from the base: Adrian and Heath.


    Lily Lockwood was there too. As soon as Elodie entered, Lily stood up, shot a quick and critical look at Esmeralda clinging to Elodie''s arm, then pursed her lips and looked away.


    Alexander, seeing Elodie arrive, immediately checked to see how she was doing. Satisfied she was fine, he began introducing everyone.


    Greetings were exchanged.


    Suddenly, a voice called out from the doorway.


    "Sorry I''mte. Traffic was a nightmare."


    The moment that voice carried through the room, Elodie felt Esmeralda freeze at her side, gripping her arm even tighter.


    Elodie nced down; Esmeralda''s breath hitched, nerves written all over her face.


    Esmeralda was usually cheerful and outgoing, always the first to crack a joke or stir up some fun. Yet somehow, there was one person in the world who could unravel her entirely.


    She took a surreptitious deep breath, forced her most radiant smile, and turned toward the door.


    But as soon as she saw who was standing there, her smile faltered ever so slightly.


    Fleming stood at the threshold, and beside him was a tall, slender woman with an easy poise.


    The woman wasn''t exactly striking, but she had an effortless grace and carried herself with confidence.


    Esmeralda knew immediately who she was: Fleming''s much-adored stepsister.


    Fleming didn''t spot Esmeralda right away. Instead, he looked around the room. "This is my sister, Lucy. Hope nobody minds if she joins us."


    Today''s gathering wasn''t strictly official, so there was no need for secrecy.


    Alexander nced at Esmeralda before replying, "Take a seat."


    Lucy, however, noticed Esmeralda at once and crossed the room with a bright smile. "I knew it you''d be here."


    Lucy greeted her, though Esmeralda


    felt a pang of awkwardness. She''d always felt a bit self-conscious around Lucy, especially after having once Suspected there was something between Lucy and Fleming.


    "Today''s your birthday, right?" Lucy asked warmly.


    vei


    ала


    Esmeralda was taken aback, then nced at Fleming in surprise and delight.


    He must have remembered and told Lucy-how else would she know?


    Lucy, oblivious to Esmeralda''s expression, rummaged in her bag and produced a small package. "I got you two gifts. My brother''s.


    hopeless-he probably forgot el


    don''t take it personally. I bought two different things, in case he missed the mark. Hope you like them."