Page 71 of SEAL's Angel
Dawn giggled and threw open the door. Jake stepped over the threshold to shouts of “welcome home.” The sound startled Jake, and he sucked in a breath. His first instinct was to turn around and run the other way. But almost as quickly, he realized he had nothing to worry about.
“I love you, Jake, so does your family. We’re all ecstatic you’re home. I hope you’re not upset,” Dawn asked as he clung to her hand.
Was he okay with it? He’d kept everyone away for so long that it was definitely overwhelming to see everyone. But yeah, he was okay, because she’d done it for him.
“Oh, I’m good.” Then he turned her face toward him and kissed her. And this time, the hoots were for both of them.
“You’re such a sexy badass,” Dawn whispered as he released her lips. “Now, let’s get this party started.”
At first, Jake was a little uncomfortable being around so many people. But they were his people, had given him a true family for the first time, and his eyes got misty with happiness. Once again, Dawn knew exactly the thing to do for him.
Christmas carols played in the background as everyone mingled and ate the food the Black Eagle women brought. After eating hospital food for so long, it was like nirvana.
“Jake, we’re so happy you’re home. Thank you for letting us live with you,” Cindy said with a big smile. Then she leaned in and whispered, “If you need to borrow Wilbrr, I’m okay with that.”
“I’m so glad you like it here. But you can hold on to Wilbrr for now. Thank you so much for offering.”
Chase shook his hand. “I’m glad you’re back, Jake. Mom was really worried about you. We all were.”
“Thanks, Chase. I’m glad to be home, too.”
One by one, his team members welcomed him home. It was good to see them, and he realized how foolish he’d been to keep them all away. They all chatted for a few minutes and then moved on to let the next couple visit with him.
After standing for so long, he’d needed to sit down. Dawn led him over to the new recliner she’d purchased. It was near the Christmas tree, and when he sat down, Jake felt like Santa Claus. Thank God he didn’t have the white beard and enormous belly.
The Red Falcon team was there, too. Quinn, Lucky, Doc, Heartbreaker, and Rye filled him in on the other half of the mission, which had also been a success. He hadn’t remembered to ask Tony when he’d come to the hospital. He’d only checked to make sure Azfaar hadn’t gotten away.
Jake couldn’t imagine a better welcome home than this one. As he chatted with his team, he didn’t feel like a broken man, and they didn’t treat him like one.
“So who is taking over as Eagle 1?” Jake asked when it was just him and the guys.
“For now, me,” Rafe said, “but I think they’re talking about bringing in someone new.”
“It’s okay. Even without the injuries, I was going to have to stop operating soon. Everyone ages out eventually,” Jake said wistfully. He’d fought against it, but now that he had no choice, he’d be happy to take a desk job and still be involved.
“It won’t be the same without you, boss,” Murph said and lifted his beer. The others followed. “To Jake.”
He lifted his water bottle in thanks. Even though he’d cut way back on pain pills, as long as he was taking them, he’d be off alcohol.
“Thank you. I wouldn’t have wanted to operate with anyone else. But you don’t get to ditch me now.” Jake grinned.
Tony Knox walked up beside Rafe. “Hey, Jake. It’s great to see you out of the hospital.”
“Thanks, Tony, for everything. Dawn told me how you tried to get her permission to visit.”
“You don’t have to thank me. It was the least I could try to do.”
Jake had one more question, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to bring it up in front of the guys.
“Your promotion is official January first,” Tony said, “and you’re expected to report for duty as soon as you’ve got your medical clearance. Congratulations, Commander Warner.”
Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Jake stood up with Rafe’s help and only winced slightly from the pain, and then shook Tony’s hand. No matter what the man said, if it hadn’t been for him, Jake probably would have received a medical discharge.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Enough of that shit, this is a party.” Tony chuckled. “I didn’t want you to worry about your future. You’re too good at your job for the Navy to lose you. Just finish healing and we’ll see you back on base.”
Shortly after that, the party broke up. Even exhausted and hurting, Jake couldn’t have been happier.
