Page 82 of Code Name: Tank
“Cam, I need your help with something. The kids too,” Tank’s mother shouted from upstairs.
“But we’re in the middle of?—”
“Now, Cameron.”
Tank shook his head. “My sister knows better when our mother uses that tone of voice.”
I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder when he settled beside me. I was curled on the couch, wearing flannel pajama bottoms and one of his sweaters, a soft throw draped over my legs. The Christmas tree in the corner sparkled with lights, presents piled beneath it for tomorrow’s celebration. The simple domesticity of the scene should have felt ordinary, but instead, it felt magical. Soon, we’d say good night, knowing that Powell and Sophie would be up at the crack of dawn. Cam had apologized in advance, but I told her that nothing would make me happierthan watching them tear into their presents, squealing with joy, no matter what time it was.
“Tank, can we talk?”
His gaze immediately sharpened with concern. “Are you okay? Is the pain getting to you?”
“No, I’m fine.” I raised my head and shifted to face him more fully. “I’m great, actually. I’ve been thinking about what comes next. For us. Your mention of children makes me think you have been too.”
His expression grew serious. “Only if you are.”
I took his hand in both of mine, studying the calluses on his palms and the strength in his fingers.
“When we were in the helicopter, when I thought I might not make it…”
“Piper—”
“Let me finish,” I said softly. “I spent three years building walls, convincing myself that independence was the same thing as strength. But this past month, letting you take care of me, watching you with your family and how they’ve embraced me—it’s shown me something important.”
His thumb traced across my knuckles. “What’s that?”
“That love isn’t about losing yourself in someone else. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself because someone believes in you.” I met his gaze, seeing my own emotions reflected there. “You make me better, Tank. Braver. More willing to take risks, because I know you’ll be there to catch me if I fall.”
“You do the same for me, darlin’. This past month, taking care of you, watching you heal, seeing you with my family—it’s made me realize something too.”
“What?”
He shifted closer, his free hand coming up to cup my cheek.
“I don’t want this to be temporary. I don’t want to go back to separate camps when you’re fully recovered, pretend thatsharing this space with you is just about making sure you’re safe.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I want forever, Piper. I want to wake up next to you every morning for as long as we both live.”
My pulse quickened. “Tank?—”
“I know it’s been a whirlwind,” he continued, his words tumbling out as if he couldn’t hold them back any longer. “I know most of our time together has been spent working or during your recovery. But when I thought I might lose you, when I saw you bleeding in my arms—” He stopped, his jaw working as he struggled with emotion. “I realized that what I feel for you isn’t about timing or circumstances. I’ve been in love with you since the day you walked into that command center.”
“You don’t have to convince me, Tank. I love you too.”
“I know,” he said, standing. “There’s something I need to do.”
My heart began to race as he walked to the Christmas tree and retrieved a small wrapped box from behind it. When he returned, he dropped to one knee beside the couch, the firelight dancing across his face.
“Piper Drago,” he said, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes, “you are the strongest, most brilliant, most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. You’ve survived betrayal, rebuilt your career, and found the courage to love again despite every reason not to.”
He opened the small velvet box, revealing a ring that caught the firelight and threw it back in brilliant sparkles. The center stone was an emerald surrounded by diamonds, elegant and timeless.
“Will you marry me, darlin’? Will you let me love you always, in sickness and health, through whatever missions and adventures life brings us?”
“Yes,” I whispered, then louder, “Yes, Tank. Yes, to all of it.”
His smile was radiant as he slipped the ring onto my finger, and when we kissed, it was soft and sweet and full of promise.
He rested his head against mine. “I love you.”
