Page 84 of Operation: Sharp Angel

Becca swiped at her cheeks. “I know, but my sadness shouldn’t be making an appearance on your exciting day, knowing you’re so close to bringing your baby girl into the world.”

“You can’t control it,” Michaela assured her. “I am a little sad, myself, missing my parents during this time. My mother died when I was a child, but my father just died last year.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Becca said.

“Thank you. We’d been estranged for many years. I’m just glad we reunited before he died,” Michaela said. Then the expression on her face changed to surprise, and she glanced down at her leggings, which were suddenly saturated with liquid. “I think my water just broke!”

Angel calmly pulled her phone from her pocket. She dialed and waited for a beat. “Hi Lambchop, I’m in the kitchen on five with Michaela and her water just broke. It’s showtime, Daddy.”

Becca grabbed the paper towels from the counter. She tore several off and spread them over the floor near and under Michaela. They instantly soaked up the water that was beneath her. Shortly thereafter, a tall, muscled, bald man entered the room. He scooped Michaela up in an embrace that didn’t leave Becca wondering if this was Landon, or Lambchop, as some called him, Michaela’s husband. He was euphoric and fussing over Michaela and her baby bump. Becca hung back and watched, impressed by his gentle nature, a complete departure from what she’d expect based on his rough appearance.

“They make a cute couple and with their coloring, I bet that is going to be a beautiful baby they made,” Becca said to Angel after he’d whisked Michaela from the room. They’d make a quick stop in her lab to grab her things and then they’d leave for the hospital. “His appearance doesn’t match his personality, though. He was so cute, fussing over her.”

“Lambchop was a SEAL, one of the best,” Angel told her. “He’s also our team pastor. But don’t let that fool you. He’s as tough as they come and he’s also a total marshmallow when it comes to people he loves. That little girl of theirs is going to have two amazing parents.”

“And the rest of you in her life, too. From what I’ve seen so far, this is an amazing community of people.”

Zulu

Becca drew in the last potent sip of the fruity tropical concoction and held it in her mouth, savoring the flavor. She glanced at her watch. The flight from Chicago would be landing any minute. Excitement skipped through her. It had been a long month since Shepherd had offered her a permanent job. This time away had done wonders for her to gain a new perspective and to deal with everything that had happened enough that she felt she could move forward in her life.

She and Carter had stayed in touch as they’d promised, texting and talking on the phone, usually daily unless work got crazy for him. And then he’d send a quick text apologizing for not having the time to talk. Her feelings for him had grown with the passing of time.

They’d spent hours talking about anything and everything, enjoying long in-depth discussions where they both bared their souls without hesitation. She could honestly say she knew Carter better than she had any other man, ever, and she had sharedparts of herself with him that no one else ever got to see. She missed him greatly and couldn’t wait to see him.

The danger of his job was no longer an issue for her. The feelings she had for him overruled the fear of losing him. Life had taught her that someone did not need to have a dangerous job for violence to find them. She also knew that life was fleeting, therefore it had to be lived. And she planned to do just that.

She stepped away from the pool bar, knowing the call would be coming in three minutes. If Shepherd was anything, he was precise. Upon hitting the sand, she kicked her sandals off and walked barefoot through the warm sand. Ahead of her, the waves lapped at the shoreline, the incredibly beautiful turquoise water shifting into a stunning aquamarine color farther out. The sky was cloudless and the most incredible shade of blue.

The eighty-five-degree breeze caressed over her skin, which had become nicely suntanned over the last month. Her sundress rustled, as did the nearby palm trees. This was indeed paradise. But all good things must come to an end. Wasn’t that the expression?

Her phone rang, startling her, even though she expected it. The display read ‘Shepherd Security’ and a smile formed on her face. “Hello,” she answered.

“Hello, Becca. It’s Shepherd.”

“Thank you for calling.” She’d reached out to Angel a few days before to ask for a phone appointment with the Colonel. “Is that position you offered me last month still on the table?”

“Yes, it is,” he answered.

“I’d very much like to work for your organization. I plan to be back in the area in about a week.”

“Don’t you want to know the employment terms?” he asked.

Becca smiled into her phone. No, she really didn’t need to. She knew all she needed to know about Colonel Sam Shepherd and the organization he ran. Carter had already shared theparticulars of time off and the other job perks with her. The salary was irrelevant. “I’m sure you offer a fair and competitive employment package, and if there are any issues, I’m confident we can come to an agreement.”

“Me as well,” Shepherd said. “Reach out to Angel when you’re back and let her know what day you’d like to start with us. She’ll set it all up and get you an appointment on my calendar for first thing in the morning of your start date.”

“Thank you, Shepherd. I’m looking forward to it.”

“You’ll help us do a lot of good. Enjoy your last week in St. Thomas,” he said and then disconnected the call.

Becca stared at her phone. How did he know she was in St. Thomas? She’d told no one but Carter.

***

Tessman gazed out the window at the familiar sights as the plane taxied towards the terminal at Cyril E. King Airport. Rae leaned in close to him to look out the window too. She was excited. This was her first time visiting any island. Tessman looked past her and smiled at Wilson, seated in the aisle seat. Wilson returned his grin.

“I say after we check into the hotel, we head over to Coki Beach, like usual, and get in a quick dive from the beach,” Tessman said.

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