Epilogue
“Are you ready?” Brody asked from the bathroom door. Drew didn’t know how long he’d been standing there, staring in the mirror. “Come on, everyone will meet us at the field.”
Drew turned and looked at his husband. They’d had a small, well as small as it could get with his family in attendance, wedding at Uncle Brian and Aunt Holly’s house.
With them living right on the coast in Georgia, it had been the perfect place.
Drew had asked Tristan and Rick to stand with him.
Brody had surprised him by asking Uncle Mike and Darien to stand with him.
He knew that Brody had become close with Uncle Mike, he just hadn’t realized how close.
Nicole, Ryleigh, Ryan, and Ryker had been the flower girls and ring bearers.
They’d been so cute holding hands and racing to the front.
Uncle Mackey had commented they reminded him of Cam, Cal, and their niece Jenny from his and Scott’s wedding.
Brody’s foster parents had been right in the front row next to Drew’s parents.
They’d been enveloped in the heptad’s circle since that Christmas Eve at Uncle Mike’s.
Brody was in his ACUs, captain bar on his chest. He was getting ready to take over the Emergency Room at Fort Belvoir while he went for his Master’s degree.
He’d gotten his trauma certification and was debating whether he wanted to try for flight nurse training — no, thank you very much — or go for his emergency/trauma nurse practitioner.
He’d have plenty of time to think that over as he did his command in Virginia.
Brody had spent the past eighteen months as the nurse manager for the Emergency Room at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital.
They’d both gotten to spend time with the observer-controllers at the training center, too.
Neither of them had been deployed yet, but Drew figured when he got to Fort Meade the possibility was high that he’d be going somewhere.
They both had just over two years left in their eight-year obligation.
Drew was thinking about transitioning to Army Reserves instead of outright resigning his commission.
The Army had given him a lot; service was in his blood.
He could do that and also work a search and rescue.
He couldn’t wait to meet his first canine partner and learn as the puppy grew.
Brody hadn’t made a decision about whether to get out or stay in.
They’d talked back and forth. Brody was still looking at the pros and cons as a trauma nurse. Either way, he had Drew’s support.
“Let’s go,” he said, holding out his hand to Brody.
§ § § §
It was strange for him to be sitting in the family section.
Even after being married to Drew for two years, it was surreal for Brody.
Drew’s family was his now. He had a forever family that included his foster parents.
All of the uncles, aunts, and cousins were there.
He briefly watched Julia pacing back and forth with their newest nephew against her shoulder.
Brody was going to get his Jamie snuggles soon, even if he had to fight the new grandparents over it.
The PA speaker squealed, drawing his attention back to the field.
“Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, please stand for the playing of our national anthem,” the announcer requested.
A tinny version of the anthem came through the speakers.
Brody looked across the feet separating him from Drew.
His husband was standing at attention with his men, their MWDs beside them.
“Please remain standing for the blessing.” The chaplain approached the podium and kept the blessing short and sweet. The detachment first sergeant took his place.
“Lieutenant Colonel Crooks, Sergeant Major Mallory, ladies and gentlemen, soldiers of the Fiftieth Military Working Dog Detachment, welcome. Today is bittersweet as we say goodbye to Captain Nolan while we welcome Captain Sanchez. I’ve watched how hands-on Captain Nolan has been and hope that the lessons that he has instilled in the NCO corps endure.
I know that I have learned a lot. Please welcome Captain Andrew Nolan, outgoing commander,” First Sergeant Knight said as he began applauding.
Brody watched Drew’s face. He could tell that Drew was biting his cheek as he walked to the front. When he got close, First Sergeant Knight held out his hand, which Drew used to pull him into a one-arm embrace. Drew nodded and said something to his first sergeant that made the man laugh.
“Officers and soldiers of the detachment, honored guests, and especially, my family. Thank you for being here as I step down from command. The past eighteen months have been an unbelievable experience for me and my husband. Our time here at Fort Johnson has helped us hone our focus for our careers while we’ve had the opportunities to assist with training units to deploy overseas.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank a few people.
Lieutenant Colonel Crooks, your guidance regarding opportunities for me to continue my military career has been enlightening.
First Sergeant Knight, thank you for taking the newly promoted captain and making him into a solid commander.
Handlers, thank you for indulging me and including me in the drills that you perform monthly, weekly, and daily with your canine partners.
I hope that one day I am as proficient as you all are.
“On a personal note, I need to thank my family. The love and support you have shown me throughout all my ups and downs has made me the man I am today. Knowing that you have been and will be there for me, no matter what, humbles me. Brody, you have given me strength, comfort, understanding, guidance, a sounding board, and most importantly, your love. I know you don’t want my gratitude but you have it.
As I leave here, know that you all will be the cornerstone of my future.
” Drew’s voice waivered a bit as he finished, hinting at the depth of his feelings. Brody felt a tear run down his cheek.
The rest of the ceremony was a blur for Brody. When it finished, Drew walked up to the group and said, “Meet us back at the house. We’ve got the grill ready with all the sides. And…” Drew looked toward the triplets and Nicole. “Cake!” They started hopping up and down while the adults laughed.