His team needed their leader, and he couldn’t afford to let them or his wife down.
CHAPTER 25
Addyson ranto catch her phone when she heard it ringing from the bathroom. The sound indicated a video call, and she rushed, knowing only Liam would be video calling this early.
She swiped the screen and smiled at the man she ran to the day before. “Hi,” she said shyly.
“Hi, gorgeous,” he said. “I can’t talk long, but I wanted you to know we made it.’
“I’m glad you called,” she said, sitting on her bed. “It’s perfect timing. I’m getting ready for work. How’s Apollo doing?”
“He misses home as much as I do,” he said, pointing the camera down so she could see his K-9 lying at his feet. “I have a new call-sign. Apparently, the guys found you endearing and worthy of an Academy Award. They’re calling me Hollywood.”
Tilting her head back, Addy laughed. “It fits you. You’re like my own movie hero, always coming to my rescue.”
“I seriously doubt it. You must be thinking of Zeus,” he teased. Lowering his voice, he leaned into the camera. “You made my day. I love you, Addy.”
“I love you. Liam,” she murmured back, beaming.
“Have a good day. I don’t know when I'll be able to call you next. Don’t forget me,” he whispered.
“Never. Please be careful,” she urged. “I know you can’t talk about it. I’m scared.”
“I know. Keep the courage you showed yesterday. I’m proud of you, Addy. We didn’t have time to discuss this. I’m not asking you to forget Sam,” Liam explained quietly.
“I know. It’s something I’ll have to make peace with,” she said, noticing she still wore Sam’s wedding ring.
“Why don’t we try getting to know the little things about each other?” Liam suggested. “Where did you grow up?”
“Chicago,” she said. “What about you?”
“Portland,” he replied, glancing at his watch. “I must go. Leo wants to call his wife, and I want him to get a chance to speak with her.”
“Yeah. I can’t imagine having a pregnant wife a million miles away help matters,” she told him sadly.
“I may not get to contact you, but will you do me a favor? Every night before you go to bed, tell me five things about you. It can be something you did, about your day, or how you’re feeling. I’ll do the same thing. Then, when I call, we can share it with each other,” he suggested.
“I like your idea,” she said, nodding her approval. “Stay safe.”
“Love you, Addy,” he said before disconnecting the call. Why did this mission have to happen when it did? He closed his eyes and recalled how she ran to him on the airport strip. Nothing felt better than hearing her express how she felt about him. With all missions, he knew time limits didn’t exist, and he worried if he stayed gone too long, she might have second thoughts.
By giving her the little exercise, Liam hoped no matter how long the mission, she’d think of him every night.
* * *
Leo waited anxiouslyfor Kit Kat to pick up. When she didn’t, he hung up the call and let Taco speak with Tess. Sparky contacted Ty and Bear, and he watched as she organized the information for the team.
“It’s all yours, boss,” Taco said, coming from the room they used for making personal calls.
Leo entered and tried to talk to his wife again. After the fourth ring, when he started to give up, she answered.
“Hi, Leo,” she said tiredly.
“Hey, Kit Kat. I wanted you to know we arrived. Did you not get any sleep last night?” he asked, scanning her for any telltale signs of additional stress.
“Grace woke up at four this morning, and I got her down thinking I’d get a quick nap before Derrick woke. As soon as I lay down, he woke up for his feeding,” she sighed. “It’s the usual chaos.”
“Why don’t you bring in the nanny again? It doesn’t have to last forever. At least use her until I get home,” he pleaded, seeing the weariness in her eyes.
