Page 34 of Married to a SEAL

“Among other reasons. So wait, he told you we’re moving in together but not that we’re having a baby?”

“Men,” Sarah said with a shrug. “Yes, he’s my brother, but sometimes he’s as clueless as the next guy. And God—he went through so much before he met you. You know you two are perfect for each other.”

Rebecca gave her a sad smile. “I never thought I’d find anyone again either. But, wow. If I have to deal with losing him? I don’t think I could bear it.”

“Don’t say that,” Sarah said. “He’s a fighter.

“Yeah, he is,” Rebecca agreed. “I just—I don’t even know what kind of injuries he’ll be dealing with. Gun shots? Explosions? A plane or car crash? Ryan was extremely vague when he called me, and since I have no clue what exactly the mission involved, I’m assuming the worst-case scenario.”

Her eyes darted to her cell phone as it buzzed on the kitchen table. “Lexi,” she said, blowing out a sigh of relief. Lexi used to work for the Pentagon and had reconnected with her old flame Christopher when she was sent down on an assignment to stop hackers infiltrating the systems at Little Creek. Now Lexi had moved here to Virginia Beach and worked on base with the SEAL team.

Rebecca was certain Lexi had clearances and knew things she’d never have the first clue about. But the fact that she was calling her this early in the morning?

She knew about the accident. Which meant the team might already be on their way home—everyone except for Patrick. She was half-tempted to turn on CNN and see what she could find out about the missing American woman.

To find out if the media was reporting an injury to a Navy SEAL.

She fumbled with her phone, finally answering.

“Christopher called and told me what happened,” Lexi said as soon as Rebecca answered. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Have you heard any updates?”

“None. I’m waiting for the CO to tell me what’s going on. It’s been hours since he told me about the accident, and I’m going crazy with worry.”

“Are you alone?”

“No, Sarah is with me. We’re at Patrick’s house with the kids.” She filled Lexi in on the rest of the night at the hospital with Alison.

“Holy crap. I hope she’s doing all right today. I’m heading into base soon,” Lexi said. “I’ll see what I can find out. The rest of the men are already on their way home.”

“That fast?” Rebecca asked.

“Yep. I guess they completed their op and are catching a flight. Christopher hadn’t heard anything about Patrick either after he was medevac’d out. They obviously knew he was injured, but that’s it.”

“Call me as soon as you find out anything,” Rebecca said.

“Will do. I’m so sorry, sweetie. Patrick is strong though—one of the strongest men on the team. He’ll do anything to get home to you and the kids.”

“I know,” Rebecca said. “I just hope it’s enough.”

***

Patrick opened his eyes, blinking as they rushed him down another hallway. Where was he? How long had he been here?

Where was the rest of his team?

He remembered moving through the insurgents’ camp with his team and Delta. Had they even rescued the American woman?

There’d been an explosion, and then everything had gone black.

He groaned, trying to make sense of what was happening.

More blinding lights above. More white walls.

Announcements echoed through the stark hallway over the loudspeaker, but there was so much commotion around him, he was having trouble understanding the words. Briefly, he realized someone was pushing an IV alongside him, shouting about some type of medication they needed to administer.

His gaze fell on a set of double doors that said “Do Not Enter” in huge red letters. In an instant they were pushing the doors open, calling to the medical staff already inside.

His eyes landed on the “OR” sign on one wall.

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