The sound of Saint pulling up outside after a meeting at headquarters has me slowly getting out of my chair and hobbling toward the door.
He runs up the porch steps, kissing me hello like we’ve been married for twenty years. It’s only a quick peck on the lips, but the small gesture has my heart beating that little bit harder.
It’s the small things that cement the words we blurted all over each other when we thought I was dying.
He’s been so attentive and caring, even when I’m complaining about being bored out of my brain.
He slaps my ass as he walks past. “Go shower and get dressed. We’re going out.”
“Going out where?”
“A rave. I figured you’d love to go dancing on that leg of yours.”
“Seriously, where?”
Saint rolls his eyes. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Now go.”
“Is Parsons coming with us?”
“Nope. Just you and me.”
“Heard that!” Parsons yells from his spot on the couch. “Thank you for making me feel so included.”
“You’re welcome!”
I hop closer to my man. “Do we at least get to shower together?”
Saint pulls me against him. “I wish we could, but we’re late, so you need to hurry.”
“We’re late? For a surprise. That’s not a rave …”
“Exactly. Stop trying to figure it out and go with it.”
“You know I still need help washing myself, though.” I blink at him.
“Liar. You just love the attention.”
“Duh.”
“I can still hear you,” Parsons calls out.
I huff. “Fine.”
I shower quickly, though I wasn’t totally lying about needing help. It would be a lot faster if I had it.
Then we get into Saint’s Jeep to go only he knows where.
When we pull up to a military training base, I’m even more confused.
He shows his ID at the gate, and they wave us through.
“Did you secretly re-enlist me to get rid of me?” I ask and fake gasp. “You and Parsons are going to steal my house and live happily ever after without me.”
“Yes,” Saint says dryly. “We were playing the long con the whole time.”
“I knew it!”
Saint pulls into a parking spot and turns off the engine. “So, I have some good news. Well, it’s been sort of unofficial since Udoola, but Trav confirmed it today.”
“What?”
“I’m officially taking over Ghost’s position on US soil, and he’s being put into the field.”
I’m happy for him. More than happy. But … “You don’t think you ever want to be back in the field?”
“Maybe one day? But I’m loving the freedom I have—that we both have—when I’m behind that screen. Trav trusts me to take over after how I performed under pressure in Udoola. I’m going to be more useful to the team in this role, and it means we still get to work together in a way that won’t compromise the team.”
I reach over and squeeze his leg. “If you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“You’re going to be even happier in a minute. Because I’m going to be staying back for most missions, I wanted to get you something.”
I bounce in my seat. “My very own soldier to play with when I go on missions abroad?”
“Not on your life. But let’s get out. There is someone I want you to meet.” He climbs out before I can ask any more questions.
I hobble after him on my crutches and follow him into a building with—
“Oh my God, puppies!” I shriek.
Saint smiles. “Welcome to the dog training center for military K9s.”
“Do I get to play with the puppies? This is the best day ever.”
“Even better. You get to take one home with you.”
My eyes widen. “Wait, what?”
A door opens and in runs an adorable German shepherd.
“Aww, here she is now,” Saint says.
There’s a handler behind the dog who’s all big paws and clumsy as fuck, falling as she tries to pull on her lead. Uh, the dog, not the handler.
“Nice to meet you in person, Linda.” They shake hands. “This is Iris, the man I was telling you about.” Saint turns to me. “Iris, I’d like you to meet Dog Iris. Guess how she got her name.”
“Aww, is she named after me?”
“She didn’t pass her puppy classes to be accepted into the program.” Linda hands over the leash to Saint. “She’s … a bit of a troublemaker. The name suited her.”
I awkwardly lower myself to the floor, and Dog Iris immediately pounces on me. I fall with a groan and a laugh because I’m in pain, but she’s so cute.
“Iris. Get off of … Uh, Iris,” Saint says, then runs his hand through his hair. “That’s going to get confusing.”
“You’re welcome to change her name,” Linda says. “God knows she doesn’t respond to Iris anyway.”
“We should give her a badass name. Like Killer.” I grab her smooshy face and just smoosh it. “Ooh, or Princess Smooshy Face.”
“That’s a total badass name.” Saint pats my shoulder.
Princess Smooshy Face growls and tackles me some more, licking my face and showering me with love.