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It had been a week since Rick had brought Sofia and Jenny home. Everyone had met her at the hospital, but they’d given the little family space to let them work out their routine.

“She’s a great sleeper,” said Jenny. “She wakes up to feed a couple of times a night but goes down straight after.”

“See, esse, I told you girls are the best,” Ernie said to Rick. “Neither of our boys slept through the night in their first three years.”

Rick looked down at the baby sleeping peacefully in his muscular arms. “Well, hopefully Sofia continues to sleep well. Daddy needs his rest after the gym. Gotta stay jacked to scare off all your boyfriends, because mommy didn’t let us get a baby Axe.”

“He still hasn’t forgiven me,” said Jenny.

“Hey, Sofia is going to need a sidekick.”

“Just have another kid,” said Mike, between sips of beer. “You won’t regret it.”

“Easy for you to say,” said Ali. “Jenny, care to join me in a mocktail?”

The conversation continued as trays laden with seafood were placed on the table by the wait staff. The kids, on their separate table, tucked into crumbed shellfish, grilled fillets, and a variety of salads, while their parents enjoyed oysters, lobster tails, mud crab, and whole grilled fish.

Once the mains were finished, TJ rose and cleared his throat. “Team, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few words. First, I would like to officially welcome Sofia to the SEAL family. You’re part of a legacy now, little lady, and no matter what happens, we’ve all got your back.”

“Hear, hear,” added Ernie and Mike.

“Additionally,” TJ continued. “I want to thank Deb for her love, support, and this absolutely amazing venue.”

Rick thought he spotted a slight misting in the veteran SEAL’s eyes as he gazed lovingly at his wife.

“We love you, Deb,” said Maria.

“But there’s another reason I insisted on this team dinner. I wanted you to hear this straight from me.” He paused for a moment. “This month will be my last on the team.”

Mike, Rick, and Ernie were all at a loss for words.

“The group has decided they need an intra-agency liaison officer. I’ll be moving into that role on promotion to Senior Chief.”

He paused, and silence fell on the room.

“You’re leaving us,” said Rick.

“Yeah, bud, it’s time for this old frog to hang up his fins,” said TJ.

“Esse, that’s bullshit, you’re the best TL in the group,” said Ernie.

“Thanks, bud, but that’s because I’ve been doing it longer than anyone else. It’s time for me to move on to a senior role where I can add value across the entire group.”

“Well, you do deserve the promotion,” said Rick. “And I’m sure Deb is going to enjoy having you in and out of her office. Our Canadian adventure sure proved the value of having that liaison.”

“Agency leadership is very keen on the idea,” said Deb. “I do not doubt that my boss is pushing it hard, and yeah, I’ll be happy to have this crusty SEAL around a bit more.”

“Who is going to replace you?” asked Ernie. “We don’t want some reject from one of the other platoons.”

TJ snorted. “No, I wouldn’t let that happen. Rick will be stepping up into TL, you’ll be his 2IC.”

“So, a homegrown reject,” quipped Ernie.

“Boom!” added Mike. “Nah, seriously. That’s awesome news.”

Ernie slapped Rick’s shoulder. “I’ve got your back, brother.”

“Rick, you’ve come a long way in the last few years, and you’ve got the team seniority,” said TJ. “You’re planning for the recovery of Charlie’s boat was the last thing I needed to see. You’ve got the making of a damn good team lead.”