“Like you’re one to talk about being schmoopy when you’re all moon-eyed over your man.”

“I am not moon-eyed. Whatever that even means.”

Shelby batted her eyelashes and went into a series of swoons that seemed more like convulsions to Sam.

“If I ever act like that, I invite you to stab me with my own rusty steak knife.”

Shelby lost it laughing again.

“How’s he doing anyway?” Sam asked.

“Who?”

“Avery. This case with Hamilton and Jacoby was hard on him.”

“It really was,” Shelby said with a sigh. “In addition to the nightmare it’s been for the Bureau, he’s so disillusioned by what they did. It’s sickening. Those poor people and Josh... Or I mean Taylor. To find out his entire life was a lie...”

“The Rollingses are such good people. They’ll get him through it, and he’ll feel like a part of their family in no time.”

“Still... They’ll never get back the thirty years that were taken from them.”

“That’s true.”

Shelby made a big production out of getting up from the sofa. “I’d better get my portly self home.”

“There is nothing portly about you. In fact, you’re the most adorable pregnant woman in the history of pregnant women.”

Shelby blinked repeatedly.

“If you cry, I’ll take it back.”

“Okay. I won’t cry, then. I’ll just say thank you for the kind words, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll be here. Thanks for everything. You’re the glue that holds this entire operation together.”

The statement resulted in more blinking.

“Go!”

“I’m going.”

Shaking her head, Sam laughed at Shelby’s out-of-control emotions. None of her pregnancies had lasted long enough for the crazy hormones to kick in the way they had for Shelby. She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be like that too. Maybe one of these days she’d get the chance to find out.

Chapter Thirty-Three

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

ANGELA AND TRACY arrived a few minutes later, exchanging greetings with the agent working the door.

“How do you deal with having all these hot guys underfoot all the time?” Angela whispered. “That guy at the door is ridiculous.”

“Easy, married cougar.”

“Being married doesn’t mean I’m dead. My eyes work just fine, and that guy is smoking hot. What’s his name?”

“I think it’s Zach.”

Angela fanned her face. “Zach. I like that.”

“I’m telling Spencer,” Tracy said.

“Oh please. Whatever. Like you weren’t wiping up the drool too.”

“He can probably hear you guys talking about him,” Sam said.

“Good,” Angela said with a sly smile.

“Not to change the subject, but you have to help me figure out what the heck I’m going to get Nick for an anniversary gift.”

“First anniversary is paper,” Tracy said.

“Huh?”

“There’s a theme for every year,” Angela said.