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Buck thought about it for a moment before smiling.

“That,” he gave her a hint of a nod, “I’ve heard.”

“It’s funny…”

He turned to see Kid sitting nearby, his gaze watching the craft project unfolding.

Kid smiled and looked more youthful than normal. “There are so many similarities between cultures. We just don’t know about them until we hear the stories. Until we talk to other people.”

“Visit other places.”

Buck turned to see Arctic lying in the grass a few feet away, his foot tapping to the beat of the music.

His blond friend gave him an approving nod.

“This is a great night.”

Buck saw Mari smiling as she looked around the gathering.

She’d brought together her neighbors and his friends. They’d all talked and laughed, sharing food and stories of their lives, growing up, and family.

And now?

Laid in the grass, his head pillowed in her lap, looking up at her and the night sky above her. All of it was more than wishful thinking on his point.

Before meeting Mari, he’d never thought about having this.

Having her.

He lifted a hand and traced her lower lip with the tip of a finger.

She looked down at him, her smile lighting up the night and his heart.

“Are you having fun, too?”

He nodded, but slowed the movement to keep his gaze on her face. “I feel like I’m right where I want to be, enjoying time with you. With my friends.”

His gaze narrowed then as another thought went through his head.

His friends.

If he left the Marines, would he lose them as well.

“Hey,” he felt her gentle touch smoothing over his brow, “are you okay?”

One end of his mouth lifted slightly. “Yeah, I’m great. Why?”

Mari lifted a brow and he could see that she didn’t believe him. At least not completely.

There was a heavy dose of questioning in her expression.

She was a smart woman.

And she was with him.

He smiled at the thought.

Maybe he wasn’t all that lost.