Page 17 of Bewitched

“You need something in your life that balances the experiences you have when you’re downrange,” Mark added.

“Shut up. I’m fine and don’t need a woman in my life.” Unless she has long mahogany hair and navy eyes. “I like my life just the way it is.”

Throwing his head back, Mark let out a bark of laughter. “You just screwed yourself. Now a woman is coming and she’s going to stay, and there’s nothing you can do.” As he ate his potato salad, he continued to chuckle. “Any time you say you don’t need something, that’s the minute it’s handed to you. I can’t wait to see what you’re in for.”

“I’m not in for anything.” As Blake ate a fry, he wondered if there was a small possibility that Mark was right. Looking out the window, he noticed a group of women having lunch and laughing. When was the last time he’d laughed? Shaking his head, he knew the exact moment…three months ago, in Amman, Jordan, with a woman he couldn’t get off his mind.

The sound of Mark’s phone buzzing pulled him out of his thoughts, and he turned to see him smiling and texting. There was only one reason for that smile, and it was his wife. “Is she on her way over?”

Mark looked up and grinned. “She’s out on a walk with Maddy and said she would stop by. They’re leaving the park and should be here in ten minutes.” Lifting his thumb, he motioned to the group of women on the patio. “Why don’t you just go over there and introduce yourself instead of staring?” Shrugging, he turned back to his food. “Just saying.”

Blake turned away from the window and picked up a fry. “You sure are full of a lot of advice today. Suddenly you know what I need and how to get it. When in the hell did you become the expert?”

“I’m older than you, and I’ve experienced what you’re going through. I also happen to be happily married with an amazing kid. All of that makes me a freaking authority on the subject.”

Blake flipped Mark off, looked out the window, and saw Birdie walking down the street, pushing a stroller. She wore a radiant smile as she moved toward the restaurant, and when she saw them in the window, she waved. Blake saw the moment Birdie’s eyes met Mark’s, and there was so much love in her face that he had to turn away. That wasn’t anything he needed to see.

Mark popped out of his seat, moved toward the front door, and kissed his wife. “Hi, baby. I’m happy to see that sexy ass of yours.” Lifting his daughter out of the stroller, he raised her over his head and laughed. “Are you being nice to Mommy today?”

“Mark, don’t say things like that in front of Maddy. What if she repeats it someday?”

“When she gets old enough for that to happen, I’ll say it real quietly. But I’m never going to stop.” Leaning over, he kissed her again.

“Behave,” she said firmly as she parked the stroller.

“That’s not what you said this morning,” he called out as she walked toward Blake.

“Hi, Blake. Did you have fun down at the base?” Birdie asked as she slid into a chair across from him.

“I had more fun than I expected to.” Checking his watch, he grimaced. “I better run. I have an appointment up at the medical center.” Standing, he dug out his wallet and put some money on the table.

Mark joined them and sat down with his daughter in his lap. “Don’t forget we’re going to the gym to see Laird’s brother fight on Saturday.”

“Got it.” He took a gulp of his soda and then waved to Maddy. “See you guys later.” As he walked out of the restaurant, Mark’s words rang in his head. Maybe it was time to find something outside life on the Teams. As much as he wanted it to last forever, he knew it wouldn’t, and accepting it would probably be a good idea.

He had some time off coming up, so maybe he should go home for a visit. Who knew? Maybe Paige was still in Texas. Snorting, he shook his head. And maybe he was the Easter Bunny.

Even if she was home, she clearly wasn’t interested in getting in touch. She had his number and had never bothered to use it, so the message was clear. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to make a bit of difference to him. He still wanted to see her. One more time…just to get his mind right. Yeah, that’s what he wanted.

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