Page 69 of Rules of Engagement

Six months later.

Sitting at the table watching my girl receive her award for the article she wrote on Everyday Heroes about Lucifer and me, I’m filled with pride. I look over at Grayson. He is wearing the same look on his face watching Sidney give her the award.

Sidney holds the trophy and addresses the crowd. “On behalf ofModern Family Magazineand Thorton Publishing House, it is with great honor that I award to Jorja Malone, the First Annual Thorton Publishing House Best Writers Award for her article on Everyday Heroes, featuring Jocko Malone, and his K9 Lucifer.” She points to us, and the spotlight finds us. I wave ‘thanks’ for me and Luce, who is asleep at my feet.

“I would also like to take this moment to congratulate Jorja on becoming aWall Street Journal, New York Times,andUSA TodayBestselling Author for her book titledRules of Engagement.It’s the detailed story of Jocko and Lucifer’s journey. It’s a fascinating read.” She turns to Jorja and says, “Congratulations on both.” Then she hands her the trophy and backs away from the spotlight.

Jorja looks down at the award for just a moment, then she steps up to the microphone and graciously but humbly accepts the accolades for her article.

I will never forget the way I felt when she let me read it for the first time. She presented our story from the eyes of a woman who loves her heroes and understands why we do what we do. I was touched to tears, and after reading it, I knew I would never have to worry about any miscommunication with Jorja ever again. She gets me on a level beyond words, but also that she is actually a great communicator.

“Jocko Malone is the epitome of a hero. He served his country with distinction as a special operator, a Navy SEAL. The words love, devotion, honor, trust, and respect are the keystones of his character. They are the words at the very core of who Jocko Malone is, and they are what makes him a hero. Every day he proves it to me in one way or another. Some days it’s the big ways, like rescuing a lost man in the woods or saving me from two armed attackers. But most days, it’s the little things, like kissing me goodbye every single time he leaves me for longer than thirty minutes.” She smiles as she looks at me, and I remember the conversation all too well. “If he doesn’t return to me, I want to be assured that the last thing I did was kiss him, and the last words I hear would be our ‘I love you’s.’ You see, it’s important to me because the first time he left me, he kissed me, but he didn’t say ‘I love you’ and we spent six long years not knowing that we were on the same page.”

“Now, we know that we love each other, and it really isn’t necessary to say every day, but he does it for me because it is one of my ‘Rules of Engagement’ and he isn’t just a hero. He is my hero.”

“I encourage each of you to look around at the men and women who are in your life with a new appreciation for the work they unselfishly do on behalf of the community. But also, for the time they put in on your behalf in your relationships.”

“Establish your own Rules of Engagement and let Rule Number One be making sure your Everyday Hero knows that every single day they are not only loved but appreciated.”

The room stands and applauses.

* * *

Nine months later.

“Okay! That just happened.” I stare at the puddle of clear liquid between my feet. “That is juicy on a whole other level!”

I text Sidney first.

Morning, Boss lady, I won’t be coming in to work. My water just broke. Since things are going to happen fast now, I’m texting Luke the details for Luce. I apologize if he reads this before you do and wakes you before six.

I text Luke next.

Good morning, Lukester. Guess what?

Today is baby day.

Luce’s food is labeled in the fridge.

Feed him around 6.

He can have 2 treats during the day, but no more.

(He is getting fat.)

There are balloons in the garage

if you want to blow some up and play.

I have his toys in his overnight bag.

Thank you again for looking out for our boy!

It means the world to us knowing he is being spoiled rotten while we are gone.

Then I text Jocko.

Head on back, Baby Daddy.

It’s time for our girl to join us.

* * *

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