Page 63 of SEAL's Sunshine
“You have friends in Atlanta, what about Barbara Jean? And Crystal?”
“They were okay, but they were mom approved, and we never did anything. Seriously, it’s okay. I don’t blame anyone. It was the life we had. I love you. But it’s time to let me go.”
“DC isn’t far from here, will you come to visit?”
“Of course, I will, and to Atlanta too. It’s not like I’m moving to Europe.”
“Thank God for small favors,” he said. Miranda laughed. It was a huge weight off of her shoulders when she told him. It had been stupid to wait so long, but it was done now. Or would be after she explained it to her mom. That would be harder.
“Will this SEAL take care of you like he should?”
“The SEAL’s name is Cam. And we’ll take care of each other. He’s an amazing person, you’ll realize it when you get to know him better.”
“We’ll see.”
“I know you already had him checked out. I’m your daughter, remember?”
Stanhope smiled. “Yes, you are. And you will always be my baby girl.”
“I know, Daddy. Now give me a kiss and then you can go back to work.”
“So this is how it’s going to be now?”
“Yup,” Miranda said with a big smile on her bruised face.
“You know, with those bruises that smile is kind of creepy.”
“Really?”
“No. Well maybe,” he joked then dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I love you. I’m only a phone call away.”
“I know. I’ll call you when I break out of here.”
“Oh God, he’s rubbing off on you already.” It was true, and Miranda grinned.
“Bye, Daddy.”
The SEALs were down the hall in the waiting room and Stanhope stopped in.
“You’re Cameron Patterson, right?
“Yes, Sir.” Stanhope reached for his hand and shook it.
“Take good care of her or I’ll find out about it.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Then he turned and walked to the elevator. When the doors opened he stepped inside and nodded at Cam as the doors slid shut.
* * *
“I’m goingto stay with her tonight. Do you think one of you can get the door fixed for me?”
“Yeah, no problem, I’ll work on it,” Murph said. “Do you care what kind of lock I put on?”
“Nope, as long as it’s bulletproof.” He’d meant it as a joke, but he didn’t quite pull it off. “Seriously, anything is fine. But this way I can bring Miranda and hopefully Halo home tomorrow.”
“You got it. If you need anything else, let us know,” Jake said.
