Page 170 of Jay Bird

“What about Commander Grandpa?”

Derek slowly turned his head and stared at her until she started laughing.

“That’s worse.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

“I’d like it if you never said either of those things again.”

She slipped an arm around his waist. “You know I’m right.”

Derek looked around the room again, and as much as it pained him to admit it, maybe she was. Something felt different about seeing both teams together like this. Alpha and Bravo had started as separate units, each with their own dynamics, missions, and headaches, but somewhere along the way those lines had blurred. When they were together like this, they weren’t two teams anymore. They were one giant, loud, and occasionally dysfunctional family that seemed to attract trouble at a rate Derek suspected the Department of Defense should probably study.

“At least they’re all settled now,” he said.

Juliette looked up at him. “Settled?”

“Relationships, marriages, kids. Everybody’s happy.”

“You sound relieved.”

“You have no idea. I swear I’ve spent the last several years feeling like a damn relationship counselor who occasionally got to command SEAL teams.”

“Commander Cupid?”

The voice came from behind him, and Derek closed his eyes.

Of course it was Bear.

When Derek turned, the asshole was standing several feet away with a grin spread across his face.

“I thought we were clear about that?”

Bear laughed while Juliette nearly spilled her wine.

“I kind of like it,” she said.

“I blame you for this.”

Juliette smiled sweetly before kissing his cheek. “You love me.”

Derek smiled despite himself, but before he could say anything else, movement near the hallway caught his attention.

Tink stood there watching him, and he wasn’t smiling.

He’d known Tink too long and served beside him through too much not to recognize that expression. Something was wrong.

Tink caught his eye and tipped his head toward the back door. “Walk with me.”

The good mood Derek had been enjoying disappeared almost instantly.

Derek leaned down and kissed Juliette. “I’ll be right back.”

Derek followed Tink through the kitchen and outside. The cold air hit him the moment the door closed behind them, and the sounds of Christmas music and laughter became muffled through the glass. Patio lights cast a soft glow across the yard, while through the large windows behind them, Derek could still see everyone moving around inside.

For several seconds, Tink didn’t say anything.

Derek shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Whatever it is, spit it out.”