Page 41 of Forever Fallen

She took his arm as he led her forward, stopping before each airman.

“Mrs. Merrick, I’m Thumper – and I’m so sorry for your loss,” one man began. “My wife and daughter are at home and couldn’t be here, but we wanted to offer our condolences. It’s very nice to meet you.”

“Thank you,” Sophie whispered nervously, realizing she was never going to remember all their strange call signs quickly or easily. Her brain felt like it was on the fritz, just blown away by all this display organized by Ryan. “And please – call me Sophie.”

“Of course.”

They turned slightly to the next airman.

“I’m Romeo – and this is my lovely wife, Dixie…” who immediately stepped forward and hugged her as soon as her husband had finished shaking Sophie’s hand. The woman was a mess of ruddy, riotous curls and had a warm, soft smile that touched her eyes.

“It’s nice to meet you both.”

The introductions, handshakes, and hugging went on for a few more minutes as she moved down the line, pausing each time with Ryan beside her.

“Hey Soph…” Armadillo announced, leaning forward and waving – as did Firefly beside him, the two of them cutting up… only to get elbowed by another man standing with a very pregnant woman.

“I’m Valkyrie - and this is my wife, Marisol,” he said tightly, glaring at the other two men who were goofing off. Marisol stepped forward and tried to hug her, but her belly was making it strange, causing both women to laugh.

“I’m due any day now,” Marisol smiled up at Valkyrie – and Sophie saw the cold man’s face melt slightly as his eyes looked at the dark-haired woman.

“Come sit with us and let’s get you off your feet,” Sophie urged tenderly, seeing the woman’s swollen ankles. She immediately released Ryan’s arm and wrapped it around Marisol, urging her forward towards the line of folded chairs.

“I’m fine…” Marisol protested softly – but there was gratitude in her voice too that made Sophie smile, knowing she did the right thing.

Sophie glanced back at Ryan to see his proud eyes watching her – and Valkyrie’s grateful ones.

“Well, Sophie just made a friend for life…” Firefly muttered, gently punching Valkyrie on the shoulder. “Didn’t she?”

“My wife is an incredible person,” Ryan said proudly behind her, and Sophie couldn’t help but feel a rush of adoration run through her at his words.

They took their seats – and Sophie found that she was able to sit through the service proudly, not crying at all, until the very end.

Instead of kissing her, Ryan put his hand around her shoulders, rubbing her neck slightly, and looking stoically ahead. She expected him to try to kiss her again, but instead, it was a public show of support and respect.

As the funeral was ending, Ryan got to his feet and held out a gloved hand towards her.

She stood up, touched and a little confused – only to see him hand her a rose. Looking around, she saw others were picking up roses that had been placed under the chairs.

Her mouth opened slightly as she stared at him – stunned. This was not something she’d planned, which meant that he’d done so… on his own.

For her.

“Come…” he offered gruffly, walking her up to say goodbye. As they drew close to the casket, Sophie felt herself crumbling and hesitated. Ryan leaned forward to whisper to her.

“Five minutes, Soph… just five more minutes, baby…” he urged softly. His softly spoken words, the endearment, and the warm look in his eyes were incredible. “You’ve got this.”

Nodding tearfully, struggling to hold her emotions back, she swallowed and drew in a shaky breath, reaching the side. She felt herself falling apart and opened her mouth to speak… only to hear a sob escape her.

Ryan drew her against him, hugging her, and spoke instead.

“You never have to worry about my Sophie,” he said gruffly, his voice thick. “She will always be cared for – I swear it.”

Sophie broke.

She was barely cognizant of laying down the rose on the casket – or Ryan pulling her away from the scene. Her heart was breaking painfully, and it hurt so much to say goodbye to her grandmother.

“Shhh…” he said gently, his voice full of emotion and pleading. He was hugging her as she sobbed pathetically against his uniform, his arms around her. “Sophie, please, baby. You’re… uh… getting snot on my uniform.”

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