Page 90 of Forever Fallen

“Hey Sophie, we are loading onto the plane, and I promise to write as soon as I get settled in. I love you so much and need you to be strong for me…”

She saw his beautiful eyes and knew he was hurting, too. It was there in his face, his expression, and he was holding on. If he could do it, then she certainly could to.

“I love you,” he repeated and glanced over his shoulder. “I’ve got to go. Be strong, Sunshine, and no crying… please.”

She immediately smiled, feeling tears sting her eyes, and quickly recorded one for him from the car.

“Hey Ryan, I’m already planning and dreaming of our reunion when you come back. We’ll celebrate our anniversary with our wedding cake, and you won’t be able to walk with all the serious baby-making that will be in progress the moment we get home…” she laughed, embarrassed, and hoping it would make him smile.

“I seriously love you, my darling Reaper, and I promise not to cry –much. Get there safe and come home to me. I will wait for you forever.”

She held up her hand, showing him her wedding band.

“I’m yours and you are mine – always.”

Clicking send, she saw it was read… and minutes later saw him send a video back. His eyes were shiny, bright, and infinitely proud.

“I’m yours and you are mine – forever. I love you, Soph. Head home and don’t wait in the parking garage. Be safe, reach out to my friends if you need something, and email when you can. We are going to do this, my beautiful bride.”

As the video ended, she texted back.

See you in a year, flyboy!

See you in a year, wife.

Sophie grinned and started the car. Just as she was getting ready to back out of the parking space, her phone dinged again and she looked at it, thinking it was Ryan.

It was from Valkyrie.

Hey… I know it’s hard right now with Reaper leaving – but we are all behind you two. Marisol went into labor, and we are headed to the hospital. The team is coming up – come join us.

Touched at the kindness from the quiet man, she quickly texted back.

See you all soon. I’m on my way… and thank you, my friend. I’m very excited for the two of you!

Always, my friend.

Putting the car into drive, she began the long drive back… but instead of heading home to an empty house?

She was heading straight to the hospital to be with other people that would understand what she was going through right now… and celebrating the birth of her new friends’ first child.

* * *

Hours later,Sophie walked through the hallway of the hospital to the section that was marked labor and delivery. A part of her desperately hoped she was here in nine months herself and it made her smile at the idea.

Once, not too long ago, she would have been terrified at the idea, but seeing Harley and Thumper with the baby had really done a number on her. The two of them were so loving with their daughter, and it was easy to see that same thing in Ryan… that was where she turned a point.

Ryan looked at her with love – and she realized that her parents had never had any of that. It was sad actually, because her mother deserved so much better and never got a chance to experience what Sophie had been blessed with…

She was going to hang on to Ryan with all of her might!

“You’re here!” Glory announced, practically tackling Sophie in a hug.

She was quickly greeted by the others, who hugged her, patted her on the shoulder, or waved politely. They were all there – or as much as possible. Harley was sitting in a chair, rocking Samantha, next to Thumper. Firefly was there with his wife, Melody. Alpo gave her a mock salute as he grinned

“I understand you married my boy, Reaper,” another man said, grinning, and extending his hand, before glancing at a woman beside him. Both were in uniforms and apparently just arrived. They were still saying their hellos to the others in the team.

“I’m Ace and this is my wife, Jessica. We just came up from Houston to be here when the ‘big guy’ spawns…”

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