Page 70 of Not Faking it with the Colonel

“If you’ve got this part, I’m going to take pictures of all the couples for the USO website,” Erin said as Graham placed the ground pork in the bowl to mix with the panko and seasoning.

“You’re abandoning me to do KP duty?” he teased.

“I’m sure you can handle this. I’ll be back to help.” Erin got shots of Mateo and Michelle, then moved to the middle row.

“You don’t want to overwork the meat,” Mikie said, watching a couple in the front row.

“Yeah, save that for when we get home, honey,” Louie Atkinson cracked.

“You wish,” his wife replied as Noelle shot a shocked look Louie’s way.

After taking pictures of each couple, Erin returned to their workstation. Graham had nearly finished forming all the meatballs. “Great job, honey,” she said loud enough for the general to hear. “We should get a picture of us together.”

“I’ll take one for you.” John extended his hand for her phone.

“For the USO website or Facebook?” Graham’s eyes narrowed.

“For me. I didn’t have any pictures of us together when Piper asked.” Regardless of how things ended with Graham in the next few months, she wanted to remember her time with him and the woman she’d become due in part to his help. Would any man she met in the future measure up after Graham?

* * *

Erin watchedseveral couples walk out holding hands after the class. “Have you gotten a wedding gift for John and Elizabeth?” she asked Graham.

“Not yet.”

“A gift certificate for a cooking class would be more appropriate than a couples’ massage class, considering you’re his commanding officer.”

“Agreed. Great idea. I’ll take care of it.”

“I’ll split it with you. I wanted to do something to thank Mikie and Scott for tonight. They gave the USO a great deal on the rates.”

“We can settle up later.” He raised his eyebrows and gave a suggestive grin.

Sean and Sally McKittrick strolled over before heading out. Noelle and Pete lingered a few steps away.

“Thanks for inviting us. It’s been a long time since we did anything like this.” The general smiled at his wife. “And you know what you said about supporting our family units, Graham? This kind of event is perfect.” He fixed his gaze on Erin. “I’d love to see you set some things up like this when you plug in with the FRG.”

“Honey, you might be rushing things a little,” Sally stated. “But since he did bring up the FRG, next weekend we’re doing a brunch for Gold Star widows of the unit. Graham is one of this year’s speakers. With your involvement with the USO, I’d love for you to come.”

“I would love to, except I’ll be in Charlotte helping friends host a bridal shower. If you need help with setup and decorations, I’m available Friday morning, or I can provide food items. I love to bake.”

“I’m sorry you won’t be able to attend since the wives find you relatable, but we never turn down baked goods or casseroles.”

“I can pick up some donuts or pastries,” Noelle chimed in. “And I would be happy to help serve, especially since I already know many of the women in the unit.” She cut her gaze Erin’s way.

“Thank you, Noelle. I hope to see you soon, Erin,” Sally bid them goodnight.

“Sorry about the general putting you on the spot that way,” Graham said as they exited. “At least it shows they’re buying us as a couple, and they both like you.”

That was better than the death glare Noelle had shot her. “I probably should have let it slide when Noelle commented Pete about outranking others coming. But with my dad having been an NCO, I don’t take kindly to officers, or their wives, who act like rank automatically makes them more important than enlisted personnel.”

“There’s still a clear line of division between enlisted and officers in the Army. Noelle’s father was a high-ranking officer, so she doesn’t come from the same perspective as you do. She once asked Bethann how we could let Megan marry a non-commissioned officer.”

“She didn’t.”

“She tried to roll it back, but Bethann knew what she was implying. I’m sure it never occurred to Noelle to marry anyone less than a captain. She doesn’t appreciate the caliber of highly intelligent and hard-working men who make up Special Forces—many of whom earn college degrees. That’s one of the things that makes Bryson such a good leader. He served before getting his degree. I’ll take a man who’s served in combat over one who partied through college and still came out with bars on his collar over stripes on his sleeve. It’s about character over rank. I’m in this position now because of the shortfall of ethics and character in officers.”

No one who knew Graham’s character could seriously think he’d repeat the actions of his predecessors. He simply wouldn’t do that to his family or the men he commanded and lose their respect. And Erin would do everything in her power to keep his reputation from being blemished.

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