Page 41 of Jay Bird

Jay Bird nodded. “Most of the time.”

Suddenly, Willow’s eyes widened. “Mia’s brother. She told me once that he was a SEAL. Though I don’t think she was supposed to say anything. But in her defense, she said that after a couple of drinks.”

Jay Bird grinned. “Yeah. Ace. He leads Alpha Team. And you’re right. Normally we don’t advertise who we are.”

“Is Mia’s husband a SEAL too?”

Jay Bird nodded. “He’s on Ace’s team.”

“What about you? Are you on Ace’s team too?”

“No. I’m with Bravo team.”

“What about Riley’s fiancé, Nails?”

Jay Bird chuckled. “Bravo team.”

Willow nodded, putting everything together. “So, I’m guessing all those men outside of the gym that night—”

“Are SEALs,” Jay Bird finished for her. “Either Alpha team or Bravo team. Our commander, who you’ll meet tomorrow, oversees both teams.”

“Wow! No wonder I felt scared that night in front of the gym. You all are so big and intimidating.”

She must have realized how that sounded because she quickly added, “I know they and you weren’t doing anything wrong. I just...”

“Hey, you don’t have to explain.”

Her shoulders relaxed.

“Once you’re settled, and if you’re up for it, we’ll get everybody together properly. Less dramatic introduction this time.”

“How many people are we talking about?”

Jay Bird considered the two teams, wives, girlfriends, kids, and assorted people who had basically become permanent extensions of the close-knit community.

“A lot.”

Willow groaned.

“There are kids too. Lily will love them.”

That got her attention. “Kids?”

“Several. Different ages. They are all really good kids, though some have quite the imagination.”

Willow smiled. “Lily would probably like that.”

“She’ll fit right in. We’re all very close,” he explained. “The teams. Our families. On the battlefield, you trust the guy beside you with your life. Off the battlefield, that doesn’t just switch off. If somebody needs something, we show up.”

Willow’s expression softened. “Sounds like one big happy family.”

Jay Bird smiled faintly. “Pretty much. Dysfunctional as hell sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”

Something uncertain entered Willow’s face.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way because I am forever grateful for everything. But why did your friends help me?”

Jay Bird frowned. “What?”