Reed's Pov
By the time I pulled up to Reina's place, the sky was a dull gray — that lazy kind of afternoon that made the world feel quiet. Her neighborhood hadn't changed much. Same trimmed hedges, same nosy neighbor across the street pretending not to stare when I parked.
I didn't even make it halfway up the porch before the door swung open.
"Reed," Daniel said with a grin, leaning against the doorframe. The guy was still built like he could bench-press a car — ex-military, too — but softer around the edges now. Civilian life looked good on him.
"Dan," I said, giving a short nod.
Before either of us could say more, a small voice squealed from behind him. "Uncle Reed!"
Then came the sound of quick footsteps and the blur of a kid in unicorn pajamas launching herself straight at me. I barely caught her in time.
"Hey, short stack," I laughed, lifting her up. "What are you doing attacking people at the door?"
She grinned, missing a front tooth. "You said you'd visit weeks ago!"
