Page 194 of Sloane

Sloane

I looked down at the stone bearing Shawn’s name as I started to speak softly.

“Sorry it took me so long.”

I paused, almost like I was waiting for him to reply.

“I’m marrying Ashley. Gave her a ring, just like you said. We have a little girl. Her name is Amelia Sloane Davidson, but we call her Millie. She’s beautiful.”

I tried to think of what else to tell him.

“I retired from the Marines. I see you were promoted. I hope Callahan was able to give Lainey her ring, and your parents honored your wishes about taking care of her financially.”

If I needed any proof that O’Brien was listening, I received it moments later when a pretty young blonde woman appeared with a little boy about Millie’s age.

Accompanied by Callahan himself.

“Cap’?” the young Marine asked with wide eyes.

“Hey, Adam. Good to see you.”

I offered my hand, which he shook with gusto.

“It’s good to see you, Sir. I never got a chance to thank you for saving my life.”

“Semper Fi.”

“I’m sorry for what happened to you.”

“I’m healing.” I lifted my pant leg to show my fake leg. “I’m part cyborg now.”

He smiled, then as if just realizing we weren’t alone, quickly gestured to his companion.

“This is Lainey. And this,” he ruffled the little man’s strawberry-blond hair, “is Conor Shawn O’Brien.”

Oh snap!

I quickly glanced at the woman’s hands. There was a diamond on her right hand, and I wondered if that was the ring.

Had Shawn known he was going to be a dad? I didn’t think so. It seemed like he would have mentioned it.

“Nice to meet you, Lainey.” Ashley was at my side now, so, I gestured to her. “This is my fiancée, Ashley.”

Adam’s eyebrows went to his hairline.

“The Ashley? Pink-envelopes Ashley?”

That made her giggle what I’d come to learn was her embarrassed giggle, so I leaned over and said, “The men were all just jealous I had the best-smelling mail,” while he explained to Lainey why he’d just called Ashley, “Pink-envelopes Ashley.”

He turned back to Ash. “You made some fantastic desserts if I remember correctly. Thank you for those, ma’am.”

Her smile fell, and she put her hand to her hip.

“Did you just ma’am me?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m in the presence of a superior officer, my manners are on high alert.”

Smooth.

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