Page 96 of Not Faking it with the Colonel

“Graham has proved to be good for this unit, which is why my husband hopes to extend this assignment.”

“I’m certain Graham would be on board with that.”

“The timing may never be perfect, but sometimes life is like war, and you simply do what needs to be done. At times, that requires sacrifices you’d prefer not to have to make—for the greater good.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. If you’ll excuse me, I need to cast my ballot before they tally the votes.”

“Certainly. Enjoy the ball, dear. I hope it’s your first of many.”

“So do I.” She meant that, though Sally’s implied threat cast a shadow over the evening.

Erin placed her and Graham’s ballots in the box and then nearly collided with Megan.

“What was that about?” She swapped her full glass of wine for Erin’s nearly empty one.

“I hoped to recruit her as an ally to buy your dad more time. Apparently, she knows her husband’s plans to transfer your father if he doesn’t remarry.”

“It would make sense she would want to cover her husband’s butt. If anything else happened under his watch, it could cost him his posting and reputation. This moves us to Defcon Three. Dad may have to get a ring on your finger to keep from going to Defcon Two if he wants to be here when his grandbaby is born. We are not going to stress about it tonight. Keep doing what you’re doing, and let everyone see what a great couple you are.”

Megan mentioned Defcon Two then said not to stress? Right. Erin sighed, then took a generous sip of the wine she was now thankful to have.

She was in love with Graham, but he understood why she needed to focus on writing for the series right now. She also had to consider Madison. Erin couldn’t risk long-term damage to her strained relationship with her daughter by getting engaged, much less married, after only a few months of dating. Due to Graham’s situation with his father, he felt the same. She’d do whatever she could to keep him here with his family, except jump into marriage.

“Come with me.” Megan linked her arm through Erin’s and led her to a table where she introduced several of Reece’s teammates.

Speaking with the enlisted men and their wives and finishing the glass of wine allowed Erin to relax again. She wanted to be with Graham, however, when she caught his eye as he conversed with the other officers, he discreetly cut his gaze to McKittrick in a manner that she interpreted as meaning he couldn’t tactfully escape. The officers’ wives clustered nearby, but seeing the Gablers and Nishiyamas, she decided they were a safer option than engaging with Sally and Noelle.

In the middle of Greg telling a story about going through the selection process for Special Forces, Gabler interrupted. “Incoming. Take cover,” he said lowly.

It was too late to retreat as Noelle sauntered their way. “Talking about Colonel Bailey’s speech? His message was a little off the mark, considering the audience here is the best of the best.”

Erin opened her mouth to speak. Gabler beat her to the punch.

“Thanks for the compliment about us being the best of the best, but we’re human. His speech resonated with everybody at my table. I agree with him and Colonel Holmstrom that admitting you need help is scarier than facing insurgents. That took cojones. It was also what some of us needed to hear rather than believe the lie that going to counseling is a sign of weakness.” Gabler looked Noelle right in the eyes.

“I agree,” Nishiyama chimed in. “Did you know Bryson’s taking a psychology class? His wife’s a therapist, and he may join her in practice after he retires. He’d be exactly the type of counselor team guys could relate to and open up to. If you’ll excuse me, ma’am. I’m in the mood to dance. Cindy?” He extended his arm to his wife.

“You have a good one.” The Gablers headed to the dance floor as well.

Noelle forced a smile despite being snubbed. She moved closer to Erin. “I know you’re new to all of this, so let me give you a tip. You shouldn’t waste your time with the enlisted personnel. They can’t advance Graham’s career.”

“I was talking with them because I spent time observing their training, and we’re friends. Besides, Graham doesn’t need my help advancing his career. He’s got that covered all on his own.” He didn’t need her kissing up on his behalf.

Noelle gave a gruff laugh. “You really are naïve.”

“Maybe, but I’m learning.”That I don’t want to be like you.Erin walked past Noelle.

“You know, the only reason Graham’s dating you is because he was ordered to get married to keep his command.”

Erin froze. Based on the number of heads that swiveled their way, everyone in the vicinity heard that comment.

She pivoted on one heel to face Noelle. “That’s not true.” Though it was damn close.

“Maybeyoudon’t know it, but I have it on good authority that the only way for Graham to stay with 3rdGroup is to get remarried. And right after he learned this, he started dating you.” Noelle’s smug gaze darted to the small crowd raptly listening.

Cruz sent a hand signal to someone.

“When we started dating, Graham did mention he could be transferred.” The way Noelle’s haughty expression deflated, she’d expected Graham to keep that confidential. “Of course, Graham would like to stay here. Whatever his motivation for asking me out, it worked beautifully for both of us. I got to observe a team for research, and we fell in love.” She wouldn’t announce marriage wasn’t an option and kill Graham’s chances of staying here.

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