Page 3 of No More Lies

Diane felt a pang of envy. She remembered feeling that way. Counting down the days until Steve came home. She was so proud of him and what he did. Anyone that served their country like these men did were true heroes. Yes, it was dangerous. There was always the risk he might not come home, but Diane never dwelled on that. When they first met, he was already enlisted. She knew who he was and what he wanted to do. Not every woman could understand or accept being the wife of a military man, but she did. She admired, respected, and loved that her man was in the Navy, a SEAL, and now been chosen to be part of a unique Special Forces team where only the best of the best made the cut.

She loved Steve. Her feelings for him hadn't changed, but her life had. Over the past twelve months or so, little things started to feel like big things. While she had tried to ignore the thoughts creeping in, they refused to quiet. Instead, she felt unhappy and desperately alone.

Things had gotten even more strained recently with Steve, primarily because her focus had been on work. She had waited so long to be where she was now, a lawyer at a big firm, but she was exhausted and miserable. Hell, she’d barely noticed Steve had been gone other than the extra running around needed to take care of Megan. Each day, she felt Steve and her growing farther apart. She didn’t want that, and she didn't want to lose him, but she wasn't sure how to stop it. Realizing her eyes were moist, she quickly took a drink and blinked back tears before someone noticed. Too late.

“Diane, are you OK?” Kelly asked.

“Yes, something in my eye.” She grabbed a napkin and dabbed at her eyes to deflect the attention. “There you go, got it. All good.”

“How’s Megan?” Sophie asked.

“Growing up way too quick.” Diane smiled at the mention of her daughter. “She’s turning nine next month.”

“Wow. Ever thought of having another?”

Her heart tightened in sadness. “We haven’t really talked about it. I was focused on getting through law school after we had Megan, and then Steve was away so much.” She shrugged, trying her best to dismiss it. Steve wanted another child, used to mention it all the time. She wanted her career. After a while, he stopped bringing it up and they’d never spoken about it again.

“You’re not too old, Diane, you could still have one. And now Steve is with Onyx, he’s home much more,” Sophie said.

“I don’t know, I think we’ve both got used to the idea of having one child. How about you guys? You’re all in love. Are we going to hear any patters of tiny feet?” She wanted to get the conversation off of her life.

Sophie said, “I think Ryan wants his own army.” Laughter filled the table. “I do want kids, but one step at a time. We are thinking about moving in together, though.”

“That’s wonderful!” Kelly exclaimed. “I’m so happy for you both. Who will move where?”

“Not sure. We both rent. I spend so much time on base. Ryan’s place is closer, but it’s such a bachelor pad.” She rolled her eyes, and they all laughed. “Maybe we’ll look for somewhere new. We’ll see.”

“That will be nice. How about you, Mira? Not feeling broody?” Diane asked.

“It’s too soon for me. We’ve only just got together. I like it being the two of us. Dating and getting to know each other.”

“Kelly? You and Dex have been together forever.” Diane smiled at the woman she had been friends with since Steve got onto Dex’s SEAL team more than six years ago.

“We have talked about it, and we both want kids. We will one day, but I’m old-fashioned. I want to be married first.”

“Yeah, why hasn’t he popped the question yet? Or has he?” Sophie looked at Kelly suspiciously.

Kelly smiled. “No, he hasn’t. Neither of us were in a rush to get serious and settle down. We were both focused on our careers. And then, after what happened... Well, we got serious, but I don’t know. We’re kind of taking things one day at a time.”

The table went quiet. They were all aware of what happened. Kelly had been captured, raped and tortured by Reyes Lazir, a Reborn soldier. Dex had been the leader of a SEAL team at that time. He had gone rogue with the team to rescue her, and it almost cost him his career. The incident was confidential, but Kelly had chosen to share it with her friends, needing their ongoing support.

“Well, that fucker is rotting in a cell somewhere,” Mira said in a low voice. “And you guys have moved on and deserve a life together filled with happiness. And marriage. And babies.”

“You’re right.” Kelly raised her glass, and they toasted again. “Let’s order some food.” Kelly grabbed the waitress’s attention, and the women ordered.

“So, what’s the big case you’re working on? Or can’t you say?” Mira asked Diane as they waited for their meals.

“Custody battle. He's a big client, that’s all.” Big enough that failing could cost her the shot at partner and ruin everything.

“That must be so hard. Battling over kids. I can’t imagine.”

“It’s never easy.”

“Well, you are an excellent lawyer, so I’m confident you will make sure the kids get the best.”

Diane smiled. “I hope so.”

The food arrived and the girls ate, turning the conversation to Donnie and Mackie, the two remaining single team members on Raven.

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