Page 25 of Aussie
His mouth was already watering from the smell of the roasting turkey in the oven. He had been looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner and was thankful they were stateside and able to enjoy the holiday.
He shifted restlessly, unable to stop glancing at the clock on the wall. He had received a text from Ava about fifteen minutes ago saying that she and Christian were on their way.
Even though Christian sort of met his team during the college and career day event, this would be the first time they’d meet everyone officially. And while Aussie was confident in his choice to invite them, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nerves. He was proud to introduce Ava to his team. Hell, he wanted them to see what he saw in her. But he also wanted it to go perfectly.
“Man, you’ve been checking that clock like it owes you money,” Nails teased, grinning from where he leaned against the arm of the couch.
“Shut up, Nails,” Aussie shot back, though he couldn’t keep the grin off his face.
Of course, Nails couldn’t leave well enough alone. He leaned over and poked Aussie in the ribs. “Seriously, when is Ava getting here? I’m curious to meet her.”
Aussie groaned, trying to swat Nails away. “You’ll meet her when she gets here. And let me be clear. I want you to stayfaraway from her.”
Nails feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. “Me? Far away? Why? I’m a charmer. Women love me. Maybe you’re just afraid that she’ll realize she’s with the wrong SEAL when she meets me.”
Jay Bird, the quietest on the team, chimed in from his spot in the recliner. “Let’s be real. Nails has been in more relationships this year than I’ve been to the gym, and that’s saying something.”
The room erupted in laughter as Nails threw his hands up. “Hey, hey! Let’s not throw stones.”
Snow chuckled, leaning against the wall. “Nails, you couldn’t hold onto a woman if your life depended on it. Pretty sure Ava would run screaming the moment you said, ‘Hello.’”
“She wouldn’t get the chance,” Aussie interjected with a grin. “Because I’d drag you out of here by your collar before you could get a single word out.”
Nails laughed, clapping Aussie on the shoulder. “In all seriousness, I really can’t wait to meet her. She must be special to have you acting like a lovesick puppy.”
Aussie shook his head, unable to hide his smile. “Yeah, she is. Which is why you’ll be admiring her from a very safe distance.”
Duke, who was sitting next to Aussie, raised his beer in a mock salute. “To Nails. An admirer of all women, keeper of none.”
The room roared with laughter, and even Nails couldn’t help but join in, shaking his head. “You guys are just jealous.”
Aussie leaned back in his seat, laughing along with the rest. “Yeah, Nails. Jealous of how much money you spend on flowers and apologies every week.”
That sent the team into another round of ribbing, leaving Nails rolling his eyes and Aussie grinning ear to ear.
As they all settled in to watch the football pre-game show, the front door swung open, and Playboy and Gabby strolled in. The room erupted with cheers and groans.
“About time you two showed up!” Jay Bird hollered from the recliner.
“Last ones to arrive—no surprise there,” Snow added, grinning.
Gabby rolled her eyes, but there was a sparkle in them as she held up her left hand, the light catching on a dazzling ring that sat on a very important ring finger. “Well, maybe we were a little late becausesomeonedecided to propose!”
The room froze for half a beat before erupting into chaos. Jocelyn, Hannah, and Clover rushed over, gasping and squealing as they examined the ring.
“Oh my gosh, Gabby, it’s beautiful!” Jocelyn exclaimed, her hands clasped in excitement.
Playboy grinned like the cat that ate the canary as the guys clapped him on the back, congratulating him one by one.
“Congratulations, man,” Aussie said, shaking Playboy’s hand.
In the middle of the commotion, Snow nudged Aussie and motioned toward the window with his chin. “Look who finally made it.”
Aussie turned his head, and his heart skipped a beat as Ava’s little SUV pulled up along the curb in front of the house. His stomach flipped, a sudden wave of nervous energy surging through him.
This was it.
Pushing himself off the couch, he ran a hand through his hair and strode toward the front door, his pulse quickening. By the time he stepped onto the porch, Ava and Christian were climbing out of the car. The crisp autumn air hit him, but he barely noticed.
