“Stryker, that had to be over two hundred yards away,” Gunner said to him.
Stryker stared at Cassidy, and she sniffled.
“I promised Cassidy I would protect her from that guy. I couldn’t run to save her. Everyone else was too far away, and I could see him hurting her then trying to kill her with the knife. I took a chance and took the shot. No one is taking away the best thing that’s ever happened to me and the team. No one,” Stryker said.
Memphis hollered out, “ooh rah,” and the others joined in too.
“Ooh rah,” Cassidy whispered and then cringed as the paramedics came onto the scene.
Chapter 12
Cassidy stood next to Stryker in Casper’s. She was all bandaged up from bruised ribs and stitches to her shoulder. She looked at Lynn and hugged her again. She was so relieved that Lynn was okay and that Blaze hadn’t let her die in the car fire he’d caused.
Lynn’s men, Chris and Jim, were enjoying conversation with Coast and Gunner as Cash, Orlando, and Memphis stood nearby keeping an eye on her.
She loved this place and all the friendships, compassion, and understanding it had provided to so many retired soldiers. She knew that if other American soldiers knew this town existed that they would want to come settle down here and ease their way back into civilian life again.
She knew first-hand how difficult that was. Being an American soldier herself, she understood the sacrifices soldiers made as they served and protected their country. She may not have had family growing up, but the bond shared by soldiers went deeper than state lines, country borders, and politics.
She had set out wanting to make a difference in soldiers’ lives and help them survive as civilians. It was pretty ironic how a bunch of sexy, strong-minded soldiers had helped to save her life and show her that love was indeed a powerful thing. But she wasn’t going to let them saving her and protecting her go to their heads. In fact, she already planned a little day excursion down by the swimming hole, where she would once again win their challenge and have her way with her men.
Cassidy smiled as she took in the sight of the five of them. Cash, Coast, Memphis, Orlando, and Stryker, her very own team, one unit, one family, her American soldiers, to love and to cherish for the rest of her life.
THE END