Page 88 of Forever Fallen

“Twice…?” Handsy said in disbelief. “You know once is enough to put your neck in the noose, right?”

“Not everyone is miserable,” Ryan said openly. “Sophie is absolutely lovely – in fact? All of the team is deliriously happy with their spouses.”

“Good for them.”

“You didn’t have to marry her… you could have…” Caboose began, and Ryan cut him off sharply, feeling his temper surge at what his friend was about to say aloud. That might have been his own mindset before meeting Sophie – but never now.

“Sophie’s not like that and I would never drag her name through the mud or fool around with her. She’s my wife. I love her and can’t imagine my life without her.”

“Did he just say something sentimental and mushy?” Hot Cakes muttered mockingly at Caboose. “I think he did. Maybe I hit my head or something? I seriously thought Reaper just said he loved someone…”

“Well, I will leave you guys to process all of this while I put away my things, email Sophie, and then I think we have a meeting at seven in the morning to discuss the next mission… right?”

“Yeah, Reilly wants us there at seven sharp,” Hot Cakes muttered and then sat down on his bunk, staring at Reaper. His hands were folded under his chin, elbows resting on his knees, as he stared at him.

“What?” Ryan said, opening his bag. “What’s on your mind, Hot Cakes?”

The man sat there for a moment as if he was trying to figure out how to start the conversation with him.

“Is it nice there?”

“It’s home,” he admitted. “I’m from a town a few hours away and grew up in North Texas… so to me? Yes, it was nice to be back. You’re from Massachusetts, right?

“Yep. Holland – a little town outside of Sturbridge.”

“When do you fly out?”

“Monday.”

“For a week?”

Hot Cakes nodded.

“The temperature should be okay for you – you acclimated to this place alright,” Ryan hesitated. “The offices are small and I there’s bunks in the back of the business, a small kitchenette, and you’ll have access to a car almost all the time. Who’s picking you up at the airport?”

“It’s supposed to be Valkyrie – but his wife went into labor according to the last email I got. Alpo is going to pick me up from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport instead.”

“Marisol’s in labor?” Ryan hesitated before smiling. “I know Sophie is probably at the hospital then with them. She adores Valkyrie’s wife and the man promised to watch out for my wife while I’m gone.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Sophie took a shine to Marisol – and because of it? I think Valkyrie looks at her like a cousin or little sister. He actually volunteered his home and arranged for the minister for our wedding. I was touched by his offer. I will tell you to be ready for some big changes with our friends.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Everyone is so relaxed… and happy,” Ryan admitted. “I know it sounds childish or silly – but they are all incredibly content with their lives now. I don’t think any of them miss flying a Falcon.”

“Not even Valkyrie?”

“Nope.”

“Can I ask you something personal?”

This caught Ryan’s attention, causing him to look up from where he was unpacking his bag and putting his things in his footlocker. There was something in the man’s voice that sounded strange.

“Sure. What’s up?”

“How did you know?” Hot Cakes said. “I mean, you said you asked her to marry you before the plane touched down - so how did you know? I know Handsy’s wife was his high school sweetheart, but…”

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