Page 54 of Luck Be Mine
“Absolutely. We’ve barely started.” The three men entered. With called greetings, they dispersed to speak to Cait.
Then the stories began – and while much of what they did together as a team was serious, they always exaggerated to find the humor.
Odd moments like this struck him, the truth settling deep.
Wife. Party with friends. Family. He never expected to be here, but he wanted every bit of it.
§§§§§§§§§§
◊ Day 365 – Still Standing ◊
Dang. It figured the team wouldn’t forget.
Cait stopped to fuss with her hair. She grabbed a Kleenex from the side table and wiped her eyes. Doogie wrapped arms around her from behind and kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy you’re here. That man would not be the same without you.”
“He’s not the samewithme.” She grinned and settled into his embrace.
“True. He’s better. I know you didn’t want to celebrate this day, but it matters. You matter to us.”
“It’s just I go to…”
“The airman. I’m sure his family is grieving today, and we grieve with them, but we’re also thrilled to still have you here. Two things can be true at the same time.”
Tears flowed and she didn’t stop them. Grabbing another Kleenex, she dabbed at the mess and accepted a hug from Quaid on her other side. “I’m here because of you, so this party is definitely appropriate,” he murmured.
“I did my job.”
“Yeah, keep repeating those words, Doc.” Quaid winked at her.
Hunt eased next to them. “You’re making my wife cry, gentlemen. Do I need to give you both lessons on how not to do that?”
Cait smiled, the snark exactly what she needed. “They’re giving me a reminder of how much I’m loved, and how much I love every one of you.” She kissed Doogie’s cheek, then Quaid’s,and took a solid moment to kiss her husband. The hoots and hollers were extra.
Cait stepped into the center of the room and signaled for the noise to stop. Plates were in different states of full to empty. The cake had been decimated. Some joker took the Army man off the top and buried his head in a mass of frosting. Rachel and Mateo’s four kids popped the balloons and giggled like fiends.
Everyone quieted.
“I have a great many things to be thankful for today. This last year has been tough, and without all of you checking on me, teasing me, prodding me…well, I couldn’t have gotten here on my own. So, thank you.” She stared at the ‘Glad You’re Not Dead’ sign and shook her head. “I didn’t expect to ever have a party like this, but leave it to you all to pull it off. We should do this more often – without the tagline.”
Carter interrupted her. “Fully plan to keep doing this, year after year. It’s a good reminder for all of us.”
“Okay, but maybe we should be in a house for next year?” She turned to study Hunt’s face.
“Not opposed. I believe I promised a home when I asked you to marry me.”
She faked confusion. “I was on pain meds. I don’t remember your answer.”
Quaid raised his hand and grinned. “I do. I was there. He did.”
Cait laughed, finally getting into the spirit of the moment. “Well, Doogie and Rachel get the cheers for the food, and to everybody thank you. I love you.” She went to Hunt, and his arms were open.
He kissed her on the forehead, and she silently thanked God her fear of dying – and losing him – had not come true. Every day was aGlad You’re Not Deadday.
Chapter Nine
December 14, 2020
◊ One Year Anniversary – You’re Not Alone ◊
