“I am.” John glanced at Ashley. “So are you.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“Speaking of, you’ll want to re-propose.”
“Sir?”
“She’s a hopeless romantic, and while a surprise proposal in a hospital might seem romantic to us, I’ve been informed it isn’t.”
“It’s not?”
“No. Or so I was told by someone wiser than me.” He looked back over at Mary.
“Noted.” John’s fatherly advice, offered with humor, helped me feel even more accepted.
“Let’s go. The foods in the back,” Jamie said.
As soon as the door opened, the rich scent of grilled meat hit my nose, making my stomach rumble. “Tell me you’re grilling burgers.”
“Steaks,” AJ answered.
“Even better.”
Two grills produced mouth-watering aromas. They’d set up folding tables, which were covered with food and dishes.
“You must be Nathan” A guy I hadn’t met wiped his hand on his jeans before holding it out for me to shake. “I’m the other new guy, Matt Robinson.”
“Nice to meet you. Thanks for cooking.”
When he said, Hooyah, it set off a chorus of Hooahs and Oorahs.
“The Army guys and Marines will never let our Hooyah go unanswered.” We laughed.
“I heard you started your career with a bang.” He looked down at my leg. Not that he’d see anything—the bandage was under my pants.
“Two, actually.”
“And a proposal?”
“Only one of those so far.” When he raised an eyebrow, I explained that according to John’s sources, I’d have to do it again. I called Ashley over and introduced her.
“We’ve met,” Ashley said. “You’re literally the only person he hasn’t met.” She patted my arm.
That made sense. He would’ve interviewed with the team, just like I had. And since he’d been here all day, he would’ve met the significant others too.
Lunch was delicious, loud, and chaotic, reminding me of outings with my SEAL brothers. I finally got to try Meg’s famous bacon mac and cheese, and it didn’t disappoint.
I excused myself and went inside to use the men’s room. And to take a minute to process the overwhelming emotions flooding my system.
“You good?” Kroup asked as soon as I walked back out into the hall.
Ashley, the Sheppards, and everyone at SSI had given me the family I’d always wanted. Well, half of it. Ashley was on her own to give me the rest of my dream family.
“Yeah, just a little overwhelmed.”In the best way possible.
Six weeks later...
Ashley
