And twice this month, the little cutie had fallen asleep on her lap as they watched his favorite animated show about first responder puppies. Noah had looked so innocent and sweet, his arm around her and head on her chest. Her heart had burst and now the little dude was forever tucked safely inside there.
“I’d say they’re all special.” Christa’s voice brought Amanda’s attention back to the yard, and the fathers and sons laughing and interacting together.
“Yes.” Amanda nodded. “Very special.”
“Hunter and the guys said there’s been a huge change in Dante since his days in Phoenix.”
She watched the man, noting his easy smile and warm, gorgeous chocolate gaze. “I think having his military buddies around has helped a lot.”
Christa set a hand on Amanda’s arm, and she glanced at her. “But it isn’t just them. It’syou, Amanda. The guys all sayyouare the reason they have their old brother back. Actually, Hunter told me he’s never seen Dante this happy. This content.”
Amanda’s throat was hot, and her eyes burned as emotions ran rampant. “I…he makes me feel those things, too.”
Christa patted her arm again. “I can tell. And believe me, I know exactly how you’re feeling. Amazing—scared to death—but amazing at the same time.”
“Yes,” she whispered, trying not to be overheard. “That’s it exactly.”
Her friend sighed. “Afraid the other shoe will drop.”
She nodded, too afraid to say it out loud lest it jinxed their happiness.
Christa patted her arm a third time. “Say no more. I just wanted you to know I understand. And you’re not alone.”
Amanda inhaled and smiled as she blinked back another round of emotions. “Thank you.”
Then Mac walked in through the back gate, his face serious.
She straightened in her seat. “Hi, Mac. Is everything okay?”
“Hi, Amanda, Christa,” he said. “Could be better.”
Dante and Hunter spotted their boss at the same time. Their postures immediately straightened. They said something to the boys, who nodded and continued to play as the men headed over.
“What’s going on?” Dante asked, his gaze dark with concern.
Hunter frowned. “Trouble in Houston?”
Mac let out a breath. “Maybe. We have a slight situation. Two possible targets. Carter has them on surveillance. Sinjin is in pursuit. I can’t pull RJ or Dean, because I need them at the door. Hate to ask, but I’m calling in anyone who can QRF. I can’t have my guys with no back-up.”
Hunter glanced at Christa, who nodded. “They do now.”
She had no idea what QRF stood for but understood the wordbackupand the fact Mac was asking for some for the guys currently in Houston on a job.
Dante glanced at his son and then at her.
Amanda nodded. “Go ahead. I can stay with Noah until you get back.”
“You sure?” he asked, but she could tell by the strain on his face that he needed to help his buddies. “I know you were going to work on your lesson plan.”
She stood and set a hand on his chest. “I’ve got this. Noah likes my bedtime stories better anyway. And I can bring my laptop over here and work on the plan when he’s asleep.”
Hopefully, it would keep her mind busy and off worrying about him and the others in Houston.
Dante smiled. “Thank you.” He kissed her quickly before trotting over to Noah. The little boy looked at her and nodded, a big smile on his face.
“I’d say that’s an affirmative on the bedtime stories.” Christa chuckled.
“Thanks, ladies,” Mac told her and Christa, then gave the men a curt nod. “Wheels up in fifteen. Dex and Cooper are already at the hangar.”
