Page 29 of Gator's Gambit
For the few hours we have left, we chat about everything. Things we’ve spoken about a million times with each other, but now they have a different connotation – they’re more personal, more meaningful. I promise to visit him when he’s back, whenever that may be, and the thought settles me some.
Out of the blue, an alarm goes off on Godric’s watch, and he wrinkles his nose, an unhappy expression settling on his face. “I hate to say it, but we’ve got to get going.”
And there it is, the moment I’ve been dreading since I woke up this morning. I want to cry, rail against the gods that thismoment is being taken from me, but the last thing I want to do is upset the man before he leaves on a mission. I don’t want him worrying about me back home, instead of staying present on deployment and keeping himself safe.
Dressing in silence, all I can do is pray that Godric and his team come home alive and in one piece.
14
GATOR
It breaks my heart to see how Fancy’s struggling to hold it together now that it’s time to leave. There’s nothing I can do to change the circumstances, so rather than potentially making things worse for her, I hold my silence.
Holding her close to my side, I ring the small bell on the reception desk and wait for our hostess to make an appearance. For the first time, I understand what the guys mean when they say how difficult it is to leave their women behind. I’ve watched as Knight, Scooter, Bear, Dutch, and Lucky struggle with saying goodbye, and now I get it – fully get it.
This shit sucks. And it will continue to suck.
“Oh, hello, Mr. Soren,” our hostess greets with a smile. “Nothing wrong, I hope?”
“No, ma’am. Everything’s just fine, thank you. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to stay – I’m being deployed this evening, and we have to leave.”
“Oh dear, I am sorry to hear that you’ll be leaving us. Let me see about a refund for you …”
“Thank you, that’s very kind, but not necessary. I would feel better if you kept the fee.”
The lady’s cheeks pinken, her eyes sheen over, and I pray she doesn’t cry. “Why that’s so lovely of you. Thank you kindly.”
We complete the checkout process, Fancy and I turn to leave, and as we reach the door she calls out, “Thank you for all you do for our country, young man. It’s deeply appreciated.”
Not knowing what to reply, I leave it at a simple, “Thank you.”
Conversation is spotty at best as we drive back to Havelock. I need to drop Fancy off and collect Emma so she can drive me to the base and get her car back.
“Do you think I could come with you, so I can say goodbye? Would that be okay? Is that allowed?” Pleasantly surprised, it takes me a moment to reply. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot like that. Let’s leave it rather.”
“You didn’t – you just caught me off guard is all. It didn’t occur to me that you’d want to come. I’ve never been in this situation before.”
“How so?”
“I’ve never had a girl come see me off. It’s only ever been Mama and the girls, on the rare occasion anyone’s been able to. It feels strange, but I’d really like that.”
“Okay,” is all she says.
Mama and my sisters are waiting when I get home – everyone wanting to say their goodbyes, it would seem. If they’re surprised by the fact that Fancy’s with me, not one of them shows it. In fact, Em grins like the cat that got the cream but doesn’t say a word. She simply hops in the back of the car.
I get out and hug Livvy, Harper, and Riley, wiping Harp’s tears as she stutters, “Be safe. I love you.” She’s always been the tender-hearted one in our family, struggling the most with partings.
“I love you too, Care Bear.” With a final squeeze, I move over to Mama and swallow down the lump in my throat.
Mama’s eyes tell me everything she’s uncomfortable saying. A woman of few words, but with a love that runs deep for her family she’s the rock that anchors us all. Wrapping her up tight in my arms, I rest my head atop hers and breathe the familiar scent of her perfume deep into my lungs.
“Now you take care of yourself. Be careful out there and let us know as soon as you’re home safe, you hear?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Promise?” She clears her throat to hide the hitch in her voice.
“I promise.”
