Page 9 of No Man Left Behind

Of course, Marcus didn’t miss much, and he leaned in. His voice was soft. “Whatever is causing the sadness in your eyes, I’d like to help. I know you don’t want to talk about it right now, but think about it. I’m not going anywhere, and I hope you’ll be staying for a long while. We’ll have time.”

It would be so easy to fall for this man. She wondered if she’d been falling slowly since their first meeting all those years ago.

The door to the Saloon opened and broke the moment. Marcus glanced up and grinned. He squeezed her hand. “Here we go.”

Elina looked up to see Epic walk in alongside a beautiful woman. She watched his eyes land on Marcus with curiosity and then switch to her. His eyes widened, and he let out a whoop. “Elina? Holy shit. I can’t believe you found us. I can’t believe you’re here.”

He bounded to their table and swept her up and into a hug. “Welcome to Phail, Elina. I’m so glad you’re here. Piper, come and meet Elina.”

Piper laughed as she came up and held out her hand. “I’m going to guess you’re the Elina who taught at the girls’ school overseas?”

Elina barely managed a nod. “I am.” Here was another woman who knew her. More proof she hadn’t been forgotten by these incredible men. When she’d thought she was going to die, she’d wondered if anyone would notice she was gone. If anyone would miss her.

“Elina? Seriously? You’re here?” Slick’s voice cut through the conversation, and she was enveloped in another hug.

When he released her, he was grinning. “It’s great to see you. Addy, Nina, come and meet Elina.”

After they’d been introduced, the teen grinned at her dad and then Elina. “I bet you can tell me lots of embarrassing stories about my dad.”

Elina laughed. “Sorry, Nina. Your dad and the rest of his team are some of the most impressive people I’ve ever met. Not a single embarrassing story to be told.”

When she sighed dramatically, Heath gave his daughter a side-armed hug. “Told you so.”

Nina rolled her eyes, but that couldn’t stop the pride shining through her eyes.

Oz’s voice reached her next. “Elina? Marcus found you? It’s great to see you.”

Oz had always been the quietest of the group but he’d also been friendly and kind. He’d helped the villages make improvements to their fields and food supplies. She wasn’t surprised to learn he was growing the hops for the team’s brewery.

He introduced her to his girlfriend, Isla, who was also interested in plants, and working to improve the world’s food supply. They made a great team.

“Elina?”

She recognized Scooby’s voice next. The man ran his hands down her arms and then pulled her into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. That was an awful day, and we hated to leave you and the village behind.”

Elina swallowed hard. “I’m so glad to see you, Scooby. And I’m so very sorry about Shaggy. That was the worst day.”

He squeezed her tightly. “Thank you. Shaggy was the best. She’d be very happy that you’re okay and that you’re here. I have someone here you have to meet. She helped me get through it all.”

She met Kimi, who was the local veterinarian, and Elina learned that not only were she and Scooby together, but they were building a canine and equestrian therapy center along with a petting farm to teach people about animals. They’d called it Shaggy’s Place, and it brought tears to her eyes.

“That’s perfect. I’m so proud of you, Scooby. Sorry, Garrett. It’s going to take me some time to remember all your names. I only learned them today, so I hope I don’t mix anyone up.”

Nina laughed. “We should make everyone wear name tags for you. I can’t believe you knew them all for years but didn’t know anyone’s real names. Just like me with my dad.”

Again, Elina wondered at the story and if she’d ever find out more.

Her dad, Heath, shrugged. “It was a Special Forces thing the army tried a few times. Don’t know if other units are still doing it or not.”

A loud whistle brought everyone’s attention to Branna, who was standing at the bar. “It’s a special day in Phail as we welcome another friend to town. Welcome, Elina. We hope you enjoy your stay, especially if it lasts forever. First round is on the house.”

Elina felt her face flush as the Saloon erupted in cheers. Forever?

A look at the smiling faces around her made her think that sounded like a really great idea.

Especially when she looked at Marcus and he was smiling right back at her.

Chapter4

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