Especially when my little girl cries. Every instinct in me wants to become her permanent rickshaw.
Because nothing tests bravery like loving someone you can’t protect forever.
And all it takes is a small, well-placed piece of kryptonite to shatter the illusion.
I know firsthand how hard it breaks.
So, when a happily ever after presents itself for the gift it is, I don’t assume it’s bulletproof.
I know it’s not.
And I don’t take it for granted.
I honor it.
I guard it.
I hold it with both hands and cherish it.
Because true bravery isn’t measured in fists or firepower.
It’s the willingness to throw myself between the people I hold dear and whatever grenade comes through that door.
To love.
No matter the cost.
CHAPTER 1
Harrison
Buzz!
That’s all it takes to drag me out of the first real sleep I’ve had in forever.
Instincts kick in, and my hand moves on autopilot. Eyes closed, I fumble for my phone, swipe blindly, and shove it under my pillow.
Silently, I pray the weapons of mass destruction haven’t been agitated.
I hold perfectly still for two Mississippis and listen hard.
Thankfully, no disturbance in the Force—other than my angelic daughter’s window-rattling snore.
For almost five straight hours, I’ve actually slept. No water requests. No bathroom emergencies. No deep 3:00 a.m. philosophical debate about whether dragons breathe fire and, if so, do they fart it, too.
Sleep. A parent’s Christmas miracle. One I intend to latch onto like an influencer with a cell phone. With a deep breath, I roll to my side and instantly drift off.
Buzz-buzz.
The second set of buzzes may as well be a sledgehammer against my skull. Defeated, I mentally set my phone on fire.
Whoever this is clearly hates me.
You know, it wasn’t that long ago I’d be up and at ’em. Boots laced. Adrenaline humming. Out the door before the ass-crack of dawn. My body used to live for, busting in doors and blowing shit up.
No headlines. No credit. Just results.
Making the world that much safer. One unseen op at a time.
