Page 17 of Forever Fallen

A blue coffee mug was thrust in her hands as they all moved to sit down in the kitchenette of the tiny office building that looked more like a converted mobile home on a foundation.

Firefly was on his cell phone, tapping away, texting someone, and grinning wildly… while the other three men spoke.

“Harley had the baby on Monday, and they released her from the hospital late yesterday. It was a little girl, and they named her Samantha.”

“That’s fantastic…” Ryan acknowledged, smiling slightly, making her wonder if he ever smiled or laughed fully. She’d heard, or had seen, a faint glimmer here and there – but never anything like her Grammy had done.

That woman laughed with her entire being, and it was beautiful.

“Thumper’s coming over to meet Sophie,” Firefly said looking up from his phone. “So is Romeo and Dixie… and your wife texted, Alpo. Do you have your phone?”

“Shoot!” Alpo grimaced. “I left it on the toolbox in the hangar. Is she alright?”

“She can’t find the car keys…”

“Because I have them.”

“Tell Thumper and the others they can meet Sophie later,” Ryan began immediately, looking at her. “Her grandmother passed away and we need time to make arrangements.”

“Oh man… I’m so sorry, Sophie. Do you need anything?”

“Married and now a funeral… wow. I’m sorry, Sophie.”

“If you need something, don’t hesitate to ask this knucklehead,” Alpo said easily, patting Ryan’s arm and smiling at her. “You’re lucky to have this guy on your side.”

“Don’t I know it…” she smiled wanly, feeling like she might be sick.

These men were all so nice to her, and looked completely genuine, like they cared. She hated lying to them. She already dreaded tomorrow with every fiber of her being.

“Sophie?” Ryan began, looking at her with concern in his dark eyes.

“Dude! Her grandmother died – you’d be upset, too. Sophie, let him handle the hard things and if you need anything at all, just say something.”

“I appreciate that,” she replied, stunned at the kindness and gentle way that they were enveloping her into their world just because she was supposedly Ryan’s wife.

Was everyone so open, accepting, and caring?

… Because this felt strange.

At work, in automotive, there always seemed to be an angle.

How much gross on the deal? How many employees and can we get cheaper insurance through another carrier? Why was there an accident and how can it be prevented? Who filed a grievance and why wasn’t there a write up before now on file?

She had no close friends – and certainly not like this. No, at work she had to watch her back, document everything, and carefully analyze every detail to make sure there were no nuisances that could be misinterpreted or twisted.

These men were smiling, cutting up, and laughing like they were family… and even hugging as they got to their feet.

“Sophie, I’ll walk you to the car,” Ryan said easily – causing the other three men to look at him strangely, almost horrified.

“What were you planning on doing?” Firefly retorted easily, looking confused. “Did you sprout wings, or were you planning on skipping along beside your wife?”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s leaving… by herself?” Alpo asked, looking just as confused as the other two men. “Don’t leave her alone if her grandmother passed away, Reaper. That’s cold, brother, even for you.”

“I thought you needed help here – and Sophie wants some time alone to go through things, don’t you, sweetheart?” Ryan began – only to have Armadillo cut him off, looking distinctly offended and upset.

“We need help – but not at the expense of your marriage, bro. No one would ever ask that of you. Just be here at eight and you certainly don’t have to stay here at Flyboys. My gosh, do you think we are monsters? Reaper, be with your wife – she needs you right now.”

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