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Rick gave the man a snappy salute. “Much appreciated.” They followed him up onto the bridge as their Zodiac was hoisted aboard and they got underway.

“That was some pretty fancy work, eh?” said the ship’s captain once everyone had been introduced. “Air drop in and salvage a boat. You SEALs are something else. Although I was a bit disappointed that your dog, Axe, wasn’t with you. He’s the talk of the entire Coast Guard. Is it true he fought off North Koreans and then dragged you both ashore?”

Mike laughed. “Axe is amazing, but he’s not super dog. He’s actually retired from the teams. Our last trip was off the books.”

“Got it. Well, he’s being considered for a rank in the Coast Guard. Retired SEAL dog and honorary Master Chief.”

“No shit,” said Rick. “That means he’ll outrank TJ.”

“Honorary, Rick. I’m still the top dog on the team,” TJ returned, good-naturedly.

The trill of the team’s satellite phone sounded, and Rick excused himself, stepping off the bridge to answer it.

“Rick, it’s Commander Stark.”

“Sir, did you get our last SITREP? We’ve completed our task,” said Rick.

“Good work. No, this is a message from your wife. She’s going into labor.”

Rick’s heart skipped a beat. “Sir, that’s a week and a half early.”

“It’s nothing to get excited about. My little girl was three weeks early. But we do need to get you back. A Seahawk is heading your way out of Naval Base Kitsap. It’s going to drop you at McChord Air Force Base, where there’s a C-17 that’s scheduled to head down to Edwards. They’re going to swing past Coronado and drop you off. You got any questions?”

“Yes, sir, can I call Jenny from the satellite phone?”

“Go for it. However, all three of your teammates’ wives are with her at the hospital. I’d recommend calling one of them.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“My pleasure, Rick. Keep me posted on your progress. Stark out.”

Rick took a moment to compose himself. Then he stepped back onto the bridge.

“All good?” asked TJ.

“Yeah, Jenny’s going into labor.”

“Holy shit,” said Mike. “We’ve got to get you back home ASAP.”

“Commander Stark’s got it sorted.” He turned to the Coastguard captain. “Sir, is there room on your flight deck for a Seahawk?”

The Canadian shook his head. “Negative. We can handle a light chopper at best.”

“No problems,” said TJ. “Let’s prep Rick for winching.”

Four hours and twenty minutes after he was winched off the Canadian Cutter, Richard ‘Rick’ Anderson, SEAL corpsman and acting Team Leader, sprinted down a hospital hallway in combat fatigues stained with salt to birthing suite four. Knocking gently, he waited for it to open.

It was Ali’s face that greeted him. “Rick, come in.” She stepped to one side as he entered the room.

The sight that greeted him was unexpected. Jenny was sitting alongside a hospital bed on an inflatable fitness ball, grasping a nurse’s hand.

“Hey, babe, I’m here. How are you doing?” asked Rick.

Jenny let out a grunt as her face contorted in pain. He moved to her side, kissed her cheek, and took her other hand. Behind him, Ali slipped out of the room.

“Things are moving quickly now,” said the nurse. “Jenny darling, once these contractions are complete, we’re going to put you on the bed.”

She turned to Rick. “You made it.”