Page 24 of Jack Raider

“I survived war zones. Trudy might still top the list.”

She laughed, and I kissed her right there, beneath the stars and the porchlight, with her family yelling about cobbler in the background.

“If I didn’t have to give Nate and Frasier a ride home, I would follow you to your place.”

“The next time we want to be together, we won’t tell anyone,” she said, pulling me down for another kiss. I was hard in a second. I rubbed against her to show how much I wanted to stay.

“That feels so good. Don’t wait too long before you come back.” I heard the others walking out and took a step back from her.

“I won’t,” I said.

I should’ve been exhaustedafter a long week and an evening spent dodging invasive questions, unsolicited marriage advice, and enough fried food to stop a strong man’s heart—but instead, I couldn’t stop smiling.

Eloise’s family had completely overwhelmed me. And weirdly? I loved it.

I drove home in silence, letting the night settle into me. When I got there, the house was dark, the kind of quiet I used to crave. But now it felt… too still. Wolf walked over. I walked him outside and let him do his thing for the night.

I kicked off my boots, walked into the kitchen, and poured myself a glass of water. I stood there for a minute, staring at the clock on the stove, thinking about the way Eloise’s family was how fun they were and how close all of them were.

I’d been protected before. By men in uniform. Brothers. Teammates. But this was different.

This was family.

And it had taken me thirty-something years to find it.

I grabbed my phone and texted Eloise.

Me: Tell Trudy if she ever needs a wingman for karaoke night, I’m her guy.

Eloise: Oh god. She’s going tolovethat. I hope you’re ready to become her emergency contact.

Me: Already added her to my favorites list.

Eloise: You’re insane. But… I’m glad you were there. They like you.

Me: I liked them too. But I like you more.

Eloise: …

Me: Too soon?

Eloise: No. Just smiling too hard to type.

I tossed my phone on the counter and ran a hand through my hair. I couldn’t remember the last time something felt this easy. Not without complications, sure—Eloise and I had our fair share of history and chaos—but still… this felt right.

I looked around my empty house, my clean counters, the military-sharp corners of my bed that no one ever messed up.

And I thought—

Maybe it’s time to make space.

Not just physically.

Emotionally.

For her.

For the dogs.

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