“Brooklyn, I’m so glad to meet you. Thank you for helping Giana,” Pippa told her as the other women joined their conversation.
Brooklyn stiffened her legs to keep from running. “Hi, Pippa. Zale. I’m afraid I made a fool of myself outside. I’m sorry, Giana.”
“Oh, no! I was an idiot. I dealt with a threat for a short time, and I still freak out from time to time from something random. I’m really sorry I scared you,” Giana told her with tear-filled eyes. “Especially after you saved me.”
Brooklyn stepped away from Caden and wrapped her arms around Giana. “How about if we forget we saw each other a few minutes ago? I’m really glad to know that you’re safe now.”
“I’d like that. Let me introduce you to Aspen.” Giana stepped back slightly to wave the other young woman forward. “This is Aspen.”
“Hi, I’m Brooklyn.”
“Hi! We’re glad you’re here,” Aspen greeted her cheerfully.
“Giana told us about you driving like a badass to get her to the base,” Pippa said with a grin.
“Language, Pippa!” Zale corrected from behind the cluster of women.
“Sorry, Daddy,” Pippa apologized. She turned back to the women to whisper, “I’ve already gotten in trouble twice today. Let’s go talk over there by the swings.”
Giana hooked her arm with Brooklyn and said, “Good idea.”
The quartet distanced themselves together. Brooklyn couldn’t believe how the conspiracy to keep the men from overhearing their conversation made her feel like one of the group immediately. She glanced over her shoulder at Caden and gave him a thumbs up. He smiled and waved.
“Are you really okay?” Giana asked quietly.
“Just jumpy. I’m always expecting the worst to get me.”
“I hate that for you. You’re safe here. Those guys would take down anyone who even thought of messing with us,” Giana told her in a louder voice that the other women could hear.
As the others nodded, Giana added, “I’m strong. I’ll keep you safe as well.”
A movement caught Brooklyn’s eye, and she looked past the ladies to see an enormous animal approaching. “Um… Is that beast friendly?”
The massive dog bumped into Aspen’s leg and leaned his heavy bulk on her. Everyone laughed as Aspen took a step tothe side before bracing her legs to withstand the weight. “This is Rexy. Despite his fierce appearance, he’s a big softie.”
“He has to eat a lot,” Brooklyn said, studying Rexy.
“He does.” Aspen winked at her. “He’s handy for munching the green beans I don’t want to eat. Rexy draws the line at broccoli, unfortunately.”
“Suddenly, I want a dog,” Brooklyn said.
“I know. Right?” Giana chimed in. “I work long shifts. It wouldn’t be fair for a dog to be trapped inside for so long. I have to eat my own vegetables.”
“Daddy approaching!” a voice warned.
The women turned to see Zale heading their way. Brooklyn realized he’d announced his arrival so she wouldn’t get spooked. She really appreciated his thoughtfulness.
“It’s dinnertime. Come grab a burger. There might even be someveggiesfor you to eat.” Zale met at each little girl’s eyes to make sure they’d gotten his message.
“No fair using your supersonic hearing, Daddy,” Aspen fussed before turning to Rexy. “And you! Why didn’t you warn us?”
“We sent him down to tell you to come eat. You didn’t read the note I tucked under his collar,” Zale said.
Aspen ran her fingers around Rexy’s neck and pulled out an empty plastic bun bag. She held it up and glanced up at her daddy. “I don’t get it.”
“Doesn’t that say the hamburgers are ready?” Zale asked, chuckling.
The women spontaneously groaned in unison.
