Page 86 of Mountain Defender

The topic first came up a couple of weeks ago, as Gage and I were packing his things to move to my place. I already knew about Vince, one of his Night Stalker teammates who died in the helicopter crash that cost Gage his foot. I knew how Vince used to love playing pranks on his friends, and how he had an addiction to tabasco sauce and carried a bottle of it wherever he went. And I knew Gage missed him badly, just as he did the rest of the friends he lost on that fateful mission four years ago.

What I didn’t know about was the yearly event Vince’s family held; a celebration of life slash fundraiser to raise money for a scholarship in Vince’s name. “I’ve never gone before,” Gage had explained, self-recrimination lacing his tone. “I sent money, but there was always a reason to stay home.”

“But,” he’d continued, “I’ve been thinking. Maybe it’s time. If you wanted to come with me, you could meet some of my old Army buddies. We could rent a cabin at the resort and make a weekend out of it. Unless you’d rather not… I know you don’t like being around a lot of people, and it’ll probably be crowded…”

Even though I’m more comfortable in public than I used to be, it’s true. I’m not crazy about being around a lot of people I don’t know; feeling their curious gazes once they notice the scarson my face. But for Gage? I’ll deal with my discomfort so I can support him.

So I told him yes. Of course I’d go. And aside from the niggling worries about people staring at me, I’m looking forward to it.

I’m excited to meet the friends I’ve heard so much about, like Jackson, who served with Gage as a Night Stalker and now works for Blade and Arrow Security, along with his wife and former Green Beret, Nora. I can’t wait to meet Webb in person after playingWorld of Warcraftwith him. And we just heard that Devin, another former Green Beret who works for the Brotherhood Protectors out in Colorado and went through basic with Vince, snagged some last-minute tickets to fly out here with his wife, Mal.

“I know,” Gage says with a heavy sigh. “At least, I know I didn’t cause the helo accident. But I could have come. Blue Mountain Lake is only three hours from Bliss. I could have made the trip before now. So I feel guilty about that.”

The doors open as a couple walks out, and another burst of laughter follows them. Gage gives the older man and woman a cursory glance, but obviously doesn’t recognize them, as he turns back to me a second later. “I’m sorry, Ror,” he adds. “I shouldn’t be laying this on you right now. Let’s just go inside and get this over with.”

An ache settles in my chest—not from my own pain, but Gage’s.

This is a side of Gage he doesn’t let people see. The side that kept him holed up in his house up north, the side that made him always wear pants instead of shorts, and the part that never, ever wants to let on that he’s feeling insecure. That he’s not the fearless Night Stalker he always prided himself on being.

He’s gradually learning that it’s okay not to be strong all the time. That his friends want to be there for him when he’sstruggling. And even though our experiences are different, it’s a lesson I’m learning along with him.

Catching his hands in mine, I tilt my head back to meet his gaze. “If you don’t want to go inside, we don’t have to. We can go back to the cabin for the rest of the day. Or we can just go home now.”

Another heavy sigh. “Rory. I can’t ask you?—”

“I want to do whatever you want, Gage. Whatever you feel comfortable with. But.” I stop. “I really don’t think anyone will be upset with you. I think your friends will be thrilled to see you. Vince’s parents will understand.”

There’s a long pause. “I feel like such a coward,” Gage admits quietly. “Afraid to go into a damn party.”

Unexpectedly, tears burn behind my eyes. “You arenota coward, Gage McKay. You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met. Don’t ever doubt that.”

Emotion works in his eyes. He swallows hard. “Rory. How did I get this lucky?—”

But he’s interrupted by the doors opening again. This time, a younger couple walks out, both of them somewhere in their mid to late thirties. The woman has gorgeous red hair pulled into a long braid, and the man is dark-haired with brilliant green eyes. They both hold themselves the same way Gage and his teammates do, alert and poised to jump into action.

The man glances at Gage and does a quick double take. He breaks into a broad smile. “McKay. About time you got here.”

The woman follows her partner’s gaze. Lighting up, she says, “Gage. So glad?—”

She stops. Concern flickers in her eyes. She shifts her attention to me and holds out her hand, “Hi. I’m Nora. I used to serve at Fort Campbell with Gage. You must be Rory.”

Gage stiffens. His hand tightens around mine. With a tight smile, he says, “Hey, guys.” He gives the man a quick one-armedhug, then pats Nora on her shoulder. “Good to see you. We were just about to head inside. Just taking a moment.”

A beat later, he gives his head a little shake. “Shit. Sorry.” To me, he adds, “This is Nora, obviously. You’ve heard the guys mention her before, I’m sure. And this”—he angles his chin in the dark-haired man’s direction—“is Jackson. I’ve told you about him.”

“All good things, I hope.” Jackson steps forward to offer his hand. He flashes me a friendly smile before turning back to Gage. Sobering, he asks, “You doing alright? I didn’t think…”

Gage hesitates. A tiny muscle in his jaw twitches. “I feel guilty,” he admits. “Not showing up until now. I should have?—”

“No,” Nora interrupts. Her voice is kind but firm. “There’s nothing to feel guilty about. We all have our own journeys. Our own timelines. Maybe it wasn’t the right time until now.” Then she glances at me with a knowing gaze. “And sometimes it takes the right person to help us move on.”

“Nor,” Jackson says softly. Emotion is thick in his voice. Then he lifts his chin at Gage. “Nora’s right. Now. Do you want to go inside? Devin and Mal are already here. So are Webb and Sam. Or do you want to take a walk down to the water? Hang out for a while there?”

I’ve only just met Nora and Jackson, but already, I know I like them. And while I’ll support whatever Gage wants to do, I really hope he agrees to go inside. It might be hard at first, but I really think this will be good for him.

Gage looks down at me, and I give him a little nod of encouragement. “Whatever you want to do is okay with me.”

After a deep breath and exhale, he says, “Let’s go inside.”

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