Diesel looked up from his computer screen to check on Joshua, who sat at the worktable between their office manager, Gayle, and Marcus’s wife, Detective Scarlett Bishop, who worked with Adam and Deacon. The worktable was normally cluttered with printouts, maps, competitors’ newspapers, and coffee cups, but today it was covered with puzzles and pages from the coloring books Marcus and Scarlett had bought for Joshua.

Diesel smiled when Joshua grinned at something Scarlett said. The boy had cried all the way from the free clinic to the Ledger office, but Gayle’s grandmotherly hugs—and the candy she’d given him—had distracted him just enough. Then Marcus and Scarlett had arrived with enough toys and candy for six children. That Joshua had met Scarlett earlier that afternoon put him further at ease.

“You’re spoiling him,” Diesel said, but he could hear the warmth in his own voice. “Thanks, man.”

Marcus clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re welcome. I had to put back half the stuff Scar put in the cart. She’s practicing.”

Diesel frowned. “Practicing what?”

Marcus was staring at his wife, a sappy expression on his face. “Mothering.”

It took Diesel a full second and then he pushed to his feet and grabbed Marcus into a bear hug, lifting him until only his toes touched the floor. “Oh my God. That’s . . .” He let his friend go, gripping his arms so that he could make eye contact. “Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.”

Marcus smiled and Diesel’s heart squeezed. His friend’s smiles had been a rare occurrence before meeting Scarlett Bishop. Now they were a daily given. A daily gift. He and Marcus had been through a lot together since they’d met in boot camp. War had made them brothers, but the years after had made them the best of friends.

Unfortunately, there were things even best friends didn’t tell each other. He didn’t think Marcus would think any differently of him if he knew about his childhood. About the abuse he’d endured. But Marcus had a past of his own and there was no way Diesel was adding to his friend’s load.

And now? Even more of a reason. Marcus was going to be a dad. Time to put all the dark years behind them and start fresh. Children were one of the best reasons to live in the light.

“When?” Diesel asked.

“In six months. We haven’t told many people yet. Just our immediate families.” Marcus grinned. “My dad and Keith are beside themselves. They’ve already started on a nursery.”