Page 46 of Second Chance Wedding
Cole locked his knees when Mannix’s name was read as one of the fallen, and he said a silent prayer for the family left behind by the man’s death.
The table was noticeably quieter when dinner was announced, and the hotel’s wait staff appeared to serve.
He felt Ana’s curious gaze on him and knew she had to sense the tension.
“It’s all good, Sergeant Major,” Finley said from across the table. “Everyone knows it wasn’t your fault.”
Cole was aware of Ana’s gaze shifting from Jonesie, whom she no doubt believed Finley addressed, to him once she followed the man’s gaze.
Cole shifted in his seat and eyed Jones. “You know, you gave me such a hard time about coming and bringing a date, but I don’t see yours. She finally wise up and see the error of her ways?”
Jonesie’s slow grin eased the tension blanketing the table. He shook his head. “Nah, man, I am an American hero who looksgoodin uniform. My woman loves me. But I got downgraded by a six-year-old transplant patient. Even I couldn’t compete with that.”
“Jonesie’s wife is a pediatric surgeon,” Cole told Analise, hoping the subject of Mannix and his death was left behind with the toast. At least for the night.
“I’m sorry she couldn't make it, but what an honor to know she’s part of something so amazing,” Ana told the man.
“I couldn’t agree more. That’s something we can apply to a lot of things, isn’t it?”
Cole locked his jaw and shot Jones a glare.
“Being part of something bigger than ourselves is important. It’s what keeps the world spinning. Isn’t that right, Blackwell?”
Cole stared into his drink and ignored Ana’s stare along with everyone else’s at the table. But in that moment, hefeltthe weight lift, just a bit.
Mannix wouldn’t want Cole blaming himself. Just like Cole wouldn’t want Mannix doing it if their situations were reversed and Cole’s name had been read during that memorial toast.
It took another long moment, another deep breath, but Cole stretched out a hand and picked up his glass. “To Mannix.”
“Rest in peace.”
“To Mannix.”
“Tequila shots in heaven, buddy.”
One by one, all who served with the marine raised a glass and held it high before drinking to their fallen friend.
“Okay,” Jonesie said, getting everyone’s attention. “Since I am now your commanding officer and I am here alone until my beautiful wife arrives, I’m hereby requesting a dance with the beautiful ladies present.”
“What, you’re not dancing with me?” Finley asked.
“Don’t worry. You’re off the hook since I’m out,” Cole said to Ana, forcing a smile to try to alleviate some of the tension still riding him and drawing a laugh from the others as a result.
“Miss Ana?” Jonesie asked in a hurt yet teasing tone, ignoring Cole’s comment and placing a hopeful hand over his chest as though he’d be hurt if she refused.
“I’d be honored,” Ana said to Jonesie.
“Heartbroken over here,” Finley muttered. “I really looked forward to that dance.”
Finley’s date swatted at his arm, earning a wink from him and laughter from the table.
While dinner was served, an orchestra took position on stage and began playing. Table talk shifted from catching up on the various new developments within their family units to the antics of military brats as Jonesie related his twelve-year-old daughter’s troubles with a boyfriend.
“What about you, Ana? Do you have any children?” one of the spouses asked.
Cole felt Ana stiffen at his side, but she nodded and smiled.
“One. He’s fifteen going on…thirty. Or so he thinks.”
