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“Duty first for the Frog Dog,” said TJ. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Let’s meet down at the beach at 0900 for some more practice on the boards.”

Rick held Jenny’s hand tightly as the female technician slid the ultrasound wand across his wife’s abdomen. The SEAL corpsman’s eyes were glued to the wall-mounted screen displaying the grainy image from the scanner.

“Oh wow,” he whispered as the side profile of his daughter appeared on screen. “Babe, that’s our girl.”

Jenny smiled. “Yes, it is.”

“That’s a perfectly formed twenty-week-old baby,” added the technician. “Her spine looks strong, and everything is where it’s supposed to be.”

Rick didn’t realize he was holding his breath until he released it with an audible sigh.

Jenny squeezed his hand. “Hear that, Dad, everything is perfect.”

Rick had tears in his eyes as he gazed lovingly at his wife.

“It can be pretty overwhelming,” said the technician. “But you guys have absolutely nothing to worry about. I’ll capture some stills, and you’ll be able to download them through the portal.”

“Thank you,” managed Rick.

“My pleasure.”

Jenny gave his hand another reassuring squeeze. “You got this, dad.”

“Yeah, makes it all so real. I mean, that’s our baby, right there on the screen. That’s our little girl, and soon she’s going to be with us. Babe, I’ve got so much to do. I’ve got to paint her room. We need to buy so much stuff.”

“Slow down, cowboy. We’re halfway, you’ve got a bit of time yet,” reassured his wife as she lowered her shirt and climbed off the recliner.

“Jen, you don’t understand. Mike gave me a list of everything he thinks we will need. Seriously, having a baby takes more gear than the Bin Laden raid.”

She laughed. “That’s a little dramatic. Rick, everything is going well, and knowing you, we will be more than prepared. Now, I’ve got a craving for a cheese-and-ham croissant. Do you have enough time for a coffee before you head to work?”

He wrapped his arm around her back. “Yeah, babe. We’ve got a late start. We’re meeting TJ at HQ at ten. Intel guys are giving us a global update brief.”

“Sounds interesting,” she said as they left the clinic and headed to the parking lot.

“Funny, I used to go in hoping for some action. Now I’m praying things stay quiet so I’m home for you and the baby.”

“Thanks, handsome, I’m sure there will be plenty of time for operating later. Both Mike and Ernie seem to balance family life and team life well.”

“Yeah, but for the time being, I need to be focused on family first. Which reminds me, Mike’s heading over to see the pups this afternoon. Did you want to come?”

“I’d love to, but I’ve got a massage booked. My lower back is giving me hell. You go, I’ll probably drop in with Ali tomorrow or the day after.”

“OK, babe.”

She stopped and fixed him with a stern look. “Do not come home with a puppy.”

Chapter Nine

“Man, they’ve grown in eight weeks. Whatever they’re on, I need to get some,” exclaimed Rick as he watched Axe playing with his pups in a fenced enclosure within George’s backyard. The retired working dog was running zoomies with all five of his offspring in pursuit. The pups were now the size of a small terrier, but still hadn’t developed any of the agility that the breed was renowned for. They barged into each other, tumbled, and tripped over their feet as they chased their father, Saber watching, enjoying a moment of peace.

“Uncle Rick, you want to drink dog milk?” asked Junior, who was standing with Mike and George, watching the dogs.

The hulking SEAL frowned. “No, I meant the chemical… never mind. No, I don’t want to drink dog milk. I just meant they’ve grown lots.”

Mike chuckled. “Yeah, they have. They’re almost ready to start their training.”

“Have you decided which one you’re going to bring on team?” asked Rick.