Epilogue #2
Chase arched a brow but headed off, rounding up Foster, Zain and Kash. They stopped in the middle of the sitting room, Keaton’s crew gathering on the fringes.
Nick nodded at them. “I hope it’s okay. I brought a friend with me.”
Nick darted back out the door, footsteps pounding along the main path. A door chimed in the distance, two footfalls heading back up the walkway. Nick appeared first, holding the door as another man shuffled in. Thinner. Rough, but steady.
He looked over at them, grinned. “Sorry it took so long. I got tied up.”
Frozen.
All of them.
Standing in Foster’s house, staring at Eric Dalton as he stood in the foyer, looking haggard and frayed, but his eyes clear and bright.
Chase took a step, stopped, then laughed as he closed the distance — pulled the man in for a hug. His buddies followed suit, clapping Dalton on the back, as they moved into the kitchen, grabbed Dalton a beer and some pizza.
Foster made the introductions, the noise level climbing as they talked about old missions — how they’d found their way to Raven’s Cliff.
Dalton took a long slow swig of his beer, looking them all in the eyes. “I’m really sorry about Rhett. About everything. If I could have stopped Carver and Hodges…”
Chase waved him off. “You made it. Rhett would have been thrilled.”
Dalton smiled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Nick said you started a foundation in his honor.”
Foster beamed. “The guy had more money than he knew what to do with. When he left it to us… We wanted it to help people. We’ll be funding men and women who want to dedicate their lives to search and rescue, either as tech specialists or medics, but who don’t have the finances to take the courses — get the experience. I think Rhett would approve.”
“I think he would.”
Foster nodded at him. “What’s your next move?”
Dalton shrugged. “Right now, I’m just happy to get through a day without losing my mind. Haven’t really thought about much else.”
Saylor inched forward. “Well, there’s an apartment over my boathouse. It’s been designated for crew, but you’re welcome to it, if you’d like. Maybe some salty air and gray skies would help. Lord knows it’s helped all of us.”
Dalton’s eyes widened. “You’re serious?”
Zain grinned. “Can’t think of a better use. And you could hang out at the hangar once you’re settled. Maybe come on the odd ride. If you want. No pressure, brother. We’re just happy for the win.”
Dalton glanced at Nick. “I might just take you all up on that.”
Zain glanced over at Nick. “That goes for you, too, Colter. Judging on the rough appearance, it might be time to consider a new vocation. Chuck the CIA to the curb.”
Nick glanced at Chase, then Greer, scrubbing a hand down his face. “I’m not really the search and rescue type.”
“What about security?” Bodie shouldered up beside him. “Always looking for a few more good men. I might even forget you’re a Spook.”
“Now, you’re just being mean. But…” Nick sighed, a few of the shadows lifting from his eyes. “We’ll talk.”
Bodie nodded as the party continued, Atticus chatting with Dalton, the kids finally passing out before everyone ambled off to bed, Foster’s house packed full of family.
Chase held Greer’s hand as they made their way back home, snuggling under the covers not long after. They’d just turned out the lights when Greer bolted up, scrambling over him before racing for the bathroom — hurling into the toilet a moment later.
Chase moved in behind her, holding her hair until she’d finished.
He didn’t ask any questions, just kept her close, waiting until she seemed ready before helping her to her feet.
She spent a few minutes brushing her teeth, looking as if she wasn’t sure whether to collapse or go in for another round, before finally heading back to bed.
He helped her climb under the covers, gathering her in his arms as she sighed against his chest. “Something you want to share with me?”
Greer snorted. “You’re absolutely shit at surprises, you know that?”
“I’m not the one who just gave it all away. Literally.” He looked down at her. Smiled. “You sure?”
Greer pushed onto her elbow. “Seven tests don’t lie. At least, I don’t think they do.”
“Seven? The first two weren’t enough to convince you that you were pregnant?”
“I didn’t want to chance it might be a false positive, especially since I hadn’t gotten the implant removed yet. Though, apparently, it ran out of juice, or so my doctor claimed when he removed it this morning. But I didn’t want to get my hopes up only to find out I was wrong.”
“Six other times?”
She gave him a swat. “That’s not the takeaway here.” She drew patterns along his skin. “The real question is… are you okay with this?”
Chase relaxed as any remaining doubts vanished into the green of her eyes. The image of her holding their baby. “All-in, sweetheart. Just like I am with you. Though, you realize this means you’ll actually have to take some time off, right?”
Greer smiled. “Then, it’s a good thing I hired extra deputies. Though, I intend on going back. You’ll be okay with that, right?”
“Will you let me ride shotgun for a while?”
“I’ll see what the sheriff thinks. I’ve heard she’s a real ball buster.”
“That, she is.” He tucked some hair behind her ear. “A baby. Now, that’s the way to end the day.”
“And start tomorrow. I love you, Chase.”
“Love you more, Greer. Now, get some sleep. I have a feeling the next twenty years are gonna be extremely busy.”