I opened my mouth and shut it again when I wasn’t sure what to say.
“All I want is for you to be happy.”
“I am happy, Dad.”
He grabbed me by the arms, staring at me. “I am lucky to be your dad.”
“I’m lucky you’re my father.”
If I hadn’t known any better, I’d have thought my dad had the thinnest layer of tears in his eyes. “You better go,” he said before looking over his shoulder to where Austin stood off to the side, talking to Pike. “She’s ready.”
I rolled my eyes. “Maybe I wasn’t.”
“You were. I have to go. The plane is waiting for me to head back to Virginia.”
I gave him one last squeeze and a kiss. “I love you.”
He touched my face, smiling at me. “Love you too.”
“Do you need a ride?” Austin asked my father.
“James is taking me to the airport. You two head back. I want you there before sundown.”
“Yes, sir,” Austin said, holding out his hand to shake my dad’s.
My father didn’t even hesitate, sliding his palm against Austin’s. “Thanks for being there for my daughter.”
I gawked at them both. My father had never liked any man I’d ever brought around him. Never. It didn’t matter how good their family was, how wonderful they were as a person, or how many accomplishments they had. But Austin was different. Austin was cut from the same cloth, part of the same brotherhood as my father. He was a SEAL.
“Whenever she needs me, I’ll be there,” Austin told him.
“I’m right here,” I reminded them both, glaring at them.
Dad laughed. “Text me when you get back to base.”
I rolled my eyes, getting a growl from my father.
“Okay. A text it is,” I mumbled.
“Let’s hit it, Dynasty.”
“I’m driving,” I told him, taking the keys from his hands. “You drive like a wild man.”
Austin threw up his hands as he walked to the passenger door. “I have no problems giving up control.”
“Bye!” various members of the Gallo family yelled out as I climbed in next to Austin.
I waved just as Austin did.
“I love your family.”
“Me too,” he said as a quick flash of sadness passed across his face. “This is the hardest part of military life, but we sacrifice to keep them safe and know that the distance isn’t forever.”
“We do.” I placed the key in the ignition, turning on the engine. “Now, buckle up, big boy. It’s going to be a long ride.”
“A slow ride,” he muttered, reaching for his seat belt.
“My mom taught me how to drive, and she does nothing slow. I’m careful, but we’re going to beat your time record here.”
