Page 77 of No Regrets

“Thanks, Sam. I wasn’t expecting you to come. You didn’t really know him.” He shook Sam's outstretched hand.

“I know you.”

The words took Dex by surprise. “Well, I appreciate you being here, especially aft—”

Sam cut him off. “Let’s not go there. That was business, and it’s done. This is personal.”

Dex relaxed, grateful that Sam was letting it go. At least for now.

“I imagine a lot of people will turn out today. He was very well-respected.”

“To be honest, Ryan and the guys took care of the invites. I have no idea who’s coming but yeah, I’m sure they’ll be a good turnout.”

“How’re you holding up?”

Dex shrugged and looked at the car where his father lay. “I don’t know. Not sure it's really sunk in.”

“It’s been a hell of a ride for you lately.”

“No kidding.”

“I know you’ve probably heard this a hundred times already, but if there's anything I can do, just ask.”

Dex turned back to him. “Thanks. I just need to get through today.”

Sam nodded. “You’ll handle it.”

“I know. But fuck, give me a black op over this any day.”

DEX’S EYES REMAINED fixed on the casket during the service. When it came time for him to speak, he stepped forward to face the mass of people. Scanning the crowd, familiar faces stared back at him as he spoke. But he didn’t see the one he wanted to see.

He’d gotten Kelly’s text right after Ryan had given him the heads up about what Kelly had seen. The whole thing was so fucked up and he needed to talk to her, but between calling people, accepting condolences, and sorting out the funeral, there hadn’t been a good time. Not to mention, he was grieving. But he really thought she would be here today.

Taking a breath, he started speaking. He was so proud of his father, the sacrifices he had made, the service he had given the Navy. The respect he had earned from the people standing before him.

The lump in his throat was choking him, but he made it through the eulogy. One of his father’s old teammates stepped up after him to say a few words. Then the service was concluded and he, Aunt Mary, and Maria slipped into the car to follow the hearse to the cemetery where his father received full military honors before the casket was lowered into the ground.

“That was a beautiful eulogy, Dexter,” Aunt Mary said, tears in her eyes.

“Thank you. I’m glad you’re both here.” He smiled at his cousin Maria. “We really should make more of an effort to stay in touch. Our family is shrinking.”

“Yes, we should,” Mary agreed.

“Be careful what you wish for, Dex. I like it here on Coronado, maybe I’ll come stay a while.” Maria was seven years younger than him at twenty-four and had just got back from a year’s backpacking around Europe.

“You can come stay with me anytime. But be warned, if any sailors come sniffing around, they will have to deal with me.” He winked.

“Jeez, way to spoil my fun,” Maria teased.

“He’s his father’s son, because Matt would have done the same.” Mary said.

“Yes. I know he would.”

Dex needed space. “Ladies, why don’t you go on ahead to McGarry’s? I’ll be along shortly. I wouldn’t mind a bit of time to myself before the wake.”

“Of course, Dexter. We’ll see you there.” Mary looped her arm through Maria’s and the two women walked away.

Dex remained at the graveside alone, not ready to leave yet. Once he got to McGarry’s, it was going to be an endless stream of shaking hands and condolences. People meant well and he would do his part, but he’d rather just go home. He welcomed these few minutes to gather his thoughts and say his final goodbye.

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