Page 87 of Final Sins

His chest tightened as Alex headed around the corner. She didn’t look back.

For a moment, his feet were rooted to the spot. His heart raced, urging him to follow, to say something—anything—to keep her from leaving. He took one halting step forward.

“Major!”

Gravy’s voice cut through his indecision. “It’s on!” He shouted, grinning from ear to ear. “Bridger just called. Jane’s water broke. Those little angels are coming early.”

Jason’s gaze darted between Gravy and the helo on the far side of the building. The choice stretched before him like a chasm.

With a resigned sigh, Jason turned away. “My truck’s by my cabin,” he said to Gravy, falling into step beside him.

As they jogged back toward the living quarters, he cast one last look over his shoulder. The helicopter was lifting off.

A bittersweet ache settled in his chest. “Goodbye, Mendoza,” he whispered beneath his breath. “Be well.”

A leaden weight settled in his gut, growing heavier with each step that took him farther from her.

He hadn’t asked her out.

No doubt about it—he’d just made the worst mistake of his life.

47

Jason pacedthe hospital waiting room, his boots scuffing against the linoleum floor. The antiseptic smell burned his nostrils. He checked his watch for the hundredth time, willing the minutes to move faster.

The entire team was there, scattered across the uncomfortable plastic chairs. Tai, Fenn, Gravy, and the others formed a protective circle around young Kellen, who was doing his best to stay brave for his mom and soon-to-be sisters.

Jason squatted down next to him. “Hey, buddy, you doing okay?”

Kellen nodded, his eyes wide. “Yeah, Uncle Jason. Is Mom gonna be alright?”

He squeezed the boy’s thin shoulder reassuringly. “Your mom’s the toughest person I know. She’s got this.”

Fenn cleared his throat. “Why don’t we say a prayer for Jane and the babies?”

The team nodded in agreement, forming a tight circle and joining hands.

“Dear Lord,” Fenn began, his deep voice steady and calming. “We come before you today to ask for your blessingand protection over Jane, Bridger, and their babies. Guide the doctors’ hands and give Jane strength for the journey ahead.”

As the prayer continued, peace washed over him, sweet and bright and strong. The team had faced countless dangers together, but this moment—waiting for new life to enter the world—felt profoundly sacred.

Gravy spoke up, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “Oh, and maybe help the Major figure things out, you know?”

Jason’s eyes snapped open. “What does that mean?”

Gravy just shook his head sadly. “And I thought I was the dumb one,” he muttered.

Before Jason could press further, a commotion at the end of the hall snapped him back to the present. Bridger burst through the double doors, his face a mix of exhaustion and pure joy.

“They’re here!” he exclaimed, his voice cracking with emotion. “Both of them. They’re perfect.” He headed straight for his son, lifting the boy off the ground. “Mom’s doing fine. She asked me to get you first thing.”

Jason was on his feet in an instant, engulfing his nephew and brother-in-law in a bear hug. “Congratulations, man,” he said, his own voice thick with unshed tears.

The team broke out into a collective roar that brought the nursing staff to the doorway. “Sorry,” Tai waved at them. “We’ll keep it down.”

While Bridger led Kellen into the delivery room, Jason and the team traded hugs and high fives. It didn’t take long for Bridger to return, crooking a finger at Jason. “Mama wants her big bro,” he said.

“Copy that.” He hurried down the hall after his friend. A surge of love and protectiveness washed over him. His family was growing, changing in ways he never could have imagined. And for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to dream of a future beyond missions and danger.

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