Page 39 of Challenging Her Protector

“Turns out she was right.” He hoped that meant he had Hannah’s blessing, but when the redhead waved and shot him a wink across the room, he figured he had it.

“Damn.” Branch shook his head. “Guess I owe Collin a twenty.”

The teen in question kept rolling Jacob’s chair past the dessert table. They were both shrieking with laughter as Collin not so slyly grabbed a treat each time they went past. If their howling didn’t give them away, the frosting on both of their faces was a dead giveaway. “How does Hannah feel about you gambling with her teenage son?”

“Probably about the same as when you and Silver played hide-and-seek with him around the hotel wearing the communication devices.”

“Yeah. That was fun.” He had no clue when he was running around the hotel, using the SEALs’ state-of-the-art equipment to entertain Collin that his life would change so rapidly by the end of the trip.

Branch rolled his eyes, but there was no heat behind it.

“Have you and Hannah been back to the house?” Iron asked.

“Once. Hannah was freaked out at the thought of someone trying to break in, and I don’t blame her. She and Collin have pretty much moved into my place, which is what I was hoping for.” The SEAL kept glancing out at Hannah with a soft expression on his face.

“You gonna marry her?” Iron heard himself ask. A few weeks ago, he would’ve steered clear of a conversation like this, but the more time he spent with Vee, the more he couldn’t picture a life without her.

“Ring’s in my nightstand drawer.”

“Congrats.”

The DJ announced another song and applause and shouts went up around the dance floor. Apparently, whatever the song was, it was popular.

“What about you?”

“Things are still new, but I expect that’s where we’re headed.” Iron wasn’t going to waste any time claiming Vee. When the time was right, he’d broach the topic of their future.

Branch nodded and smiled. “Hannah will be pleased as hell.”

“You don’t think it’s too soon?” He glanced around the dance floor, searching for Vee. She looked up as though she sensed him and smiled. Warmth hit his chest, his heart expanding.

“If it was anyone else, I’d say to put on the brakes, but you’ll take care of her, cherish her.” Branch placed his empty bottle on a nearby tray stand. “You’ve punished yourself for a hell of a long time. I’d say you deserve someone sweet and kind.”

“I’ve felt a lot of guilt for years.” He rolled his shoulders. “Don’t know if I’ll ever be able to let go of it all.”

“Guilt?” His former teammate, Ransom, came to stand beside him. It was the man’s wedding day, but for the first time that night his expression changed from happiness to something else entirely.

“For letting Scooter die.” He had to push the words past the thickness in his throat.

Ransom rounded on him. “Thefuck?”

Pain pressed against his chest like a weight. “I knew he was going to do something reckless. I should’ve anticipated it. Could’ve stopped it. Instead, he went home in a goddamn box.”

“Fuck, Iron. Is that why you’ve kept to yourself so long?” Ransom shook his head. “The rest of the team thought it was because you blamed us. Any one of us could’ve stopped him. We all knew his affinity for risk. Hell, I was on his other side. I could’ve reached out and grabbed his arm. We all know that mission would’ve been fucked if Scooter hadn’t made the decision to distract the terrorists. Those hostages wouldn’t have had a prayer.” Ransom turned to him and pulled him into a brotherly hug. “We should’ve been there for you instead of thinking you hated us. Fuck, Iron.Wemessed up.”

Iron sucked in a stunned breath. “I can’t believe you felt that way. That all of us have been taking the burden of that guilt.”

“No more. We need to remember him and honor the decision he chose. He knew not all of us were getting out of there that day. He did that for every one of us, not just the hostages.” They hung their heads for a moment, feeling the weight of their teammate’s sacrifice and the mark it left on each of them. The cost was too damn high.

“Your girl is coming.” Ransom grinned after a moment. “Happy to see she’s swept you off your feet. Welcome to the club.” Ransom crossed the room to his wife Brynn, picking her up in his arms.

“You look like you’re having fun out there.” He smiled at Vee.

“I love that,” she said softly, looping her arm around his waist. “The way you smile. I’ll never get tired of seeing it.”

“I have a lot to smile about since you came into my life.”

“So do I.” She rose up on tiptoes and planted a kiss on his lips. “I had no idea escaping my old life would bring me so much joy. That it would bring me you.”

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