Page 8 of Worth the Wait

It could be the fact I’m starving that the food tastes so delicious, or that the restaurant it came from is good at what they do. While it could be both, my heart says it’s because Peter sent it to me.

That’s when I realize I’m in trouble.

And I’ve never been happier.

Nor more scared.

Chapter Three

Peter

April 6th…

“Can you see yourself eventually taking on a full-time role at a specific location?” I glare at my dad. That was not subtle at all. Within minutes of meeting Bellamy, I could tell he’d already claimed her as part of our family. The formalities of making it official were just that to him.

“Yes,” she says, and my eyes dart to her. Though I don’t miss the pointed stare he gives me. Nor the smugness at having learned what he wanted to know. What we both wanted to.

“My son thinks highly of you.” Bellamy smiles, clearly pleased with that news, and grabs my hand. “He’s always been a good judge of character.”

Bellamy has been watching me, allowing her to see my reaction to that. “That’s adorable. You’re blushing.” She runs her finger along the tip of one ear. “Even here.”

Dad laughs, then there’s a flash. “Did you just take a picture?”

“Yep. I have to show this to the guys.” The guys being my teammates.

“Ooh,” Bellamy beams, on board with this idea. “I haven’t met them yet.”

I immediately raise my hands in defense. “It’s planned. It was difficult to find a time when everyone was available.”

Seeing an opening, Dad asks her, “What’s your number? I’ll send it to you and you can show the others.”

“That’ll earn me points?”

“Maybe some cash, too,” Dad jokes, though he might not be wrong.

We give each other shit over everything and nothing. Humor is often a mechanism amongst certain careers to defuse the tension. The fear. The routine.

Being as close as we are, it’s also part of who we are.

I can’t wait for them to meet Bellamy. Three of them are married, so their wives will be able to offer advice and comfort to Bellamy when I’m deployed. Which is a huge bonus. Bellamy will fit right in with Skye, Hazel, and Khary.

Marcus and Skye Wayne have been married the longest. Followed by our designated leader, Carter Jacobs, and his wife, Hazel. Last year, Tyler Dawson joined their ranks with Khary. Frederick Iverson, Teddy Brown – yes, that’s his real name, and myself are the only single members left. Though, I don’t consider myself to be one of them now.

I know where Bellamy and I are headed. We just have a few steps in between our current position and our future. And while they’re important to our journey, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t mind being able to jump ahead a little.

**Bellamy**

“Your dad is awesome.”

Peter hangs his head and I fear I’ve messed up somehow. “I know he heard that and his ego is growing.”

“We left ten minutes ago,” I remind him.

“I know.” I stare at him in confusion.

“Does he have bionic ears or something?”

“Always felt like it growing up.” I laugh, loving this peek of him as a kid.

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