Page 28 of SEAL's Spitfire
It was Rafe’s turn to snort. Of course, he did. “I should have known. Thanks, bro. I appreciate it. This is going to get worse for her.”
“Most likely. There’s something weird with this whole thing. I’m not sure what it is yet, but I will find out.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it. I’ll check in when I can.”
“Happy hunting.”
As he slung his bag over his shoulder, there was a quiet knock on his door.
“Come in.” Cindy opened the door and when she saw him the smile disappeared from her face.
“You just got here. Why are you going away?”
“I have to sweetheart, I’m so sorry.”
“But we didn’t get to have our tea party.”
“Next time, I promise.”
“You said that last time.” It sucked, he hated that he kept disappointing these kids. But it was his job. He dropped his bag and swooped her into his arms. Her tiny hands wrapped around his neck and she laid her face against his.
“If I could stay I would. But I have to save some people from very bad men.”
“Like Captain America?”
“Yes, kind of, yes. But I don’t have a cool shield like he does.”
“I guess it’s okay then. Will you come back when you’re done?”
“I will try very hard, but I can’t promise. Okay?”
“Okay.” She leaned back and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Uncle Rafe.”
“I love you too, Cindy. Be good for your momma.”
“I’m always good. It’s Chase who is always getting into trouble.” Placing her on the floor, he grabbed his bag and took her hand. As they headed down the stairs, the sound of his sister yelling at Chase punctuated his niece’s comment.
“See Uncle Rafe. I told you.” Rafe squeezed Cindy’s hand.
“Yes, you did. Let’s see if we can fix this. Sound good?”
“Yup.” Her sweet innocence squeezed his heart. They needed their father. Bob was killed in action a year ago, and they’d gone through a lot. He’d planned on taking some of the pressure off of Dawn. That had gone out the window when Jake called, but he could play referee before he left.
“Hey. What’s going on?” Dawn turned toward his voice and she saw his bag. He caught a glimpse of tears in her eyes before she turned again. What the hell was going on?
“Chase and I are working it out. It’s fine.”
“It didn’t sound fine. Cindy and I could hear you guys upstairs. Chase, you should never yell at your mother. She deserves your respect. What would your dad say if he heard you?”
Whatever Chase had been about to say died before it came out of his mouth. He may only be ten, but both of them had grown up a lot in the last year. “I’m sorry, Mom.”
Dawn pulled him into her arms and looked over his head and mouthed the words, “thank you” to Rafe. “I’m sorry too, buddy. I shouldn’t yell either. I don’t want to have to argue with you every time I tell you no to something.”
“I’ll try to be better.”
“That’s all I ask. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
