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“When are you going to meet her?”
“Uh, well, we haven’t talked about it yet, because I think I already know her.”
“Wait, what?”
“It’s a long story and I’m sure you’ve all got better things to do. Besides, I think I’d rather hit the ‘john’ than talk about my private life with you, Selkirk.”
“Because your private life and the toilets resemble each other?” Selkirk called out from behind Talbot, chuckling as he turned around, sticking his thumbs in his belt loops in a satisfied manner. “And my work is done, ladies. Gosh, I love getting a rise outta that goofy man…”
“Things that should never be uttered in the barracks,” Peña retorted, throwing a magazine at Selkirk – hitting him in the face as everyone laughed again.
* * *
Friday morning arrived,and Eric was more than ready to get going. He had picked up a few small surprises for Madison and Max at the exchange, hoping to break the ice between them and show what kind of person he was.
Climbing up in the truck, he gave Selkirk a mock salute that the man easily returned… grateful he had someone to talk to on the plane. Maybe that would make the next fourteen hours pass a little quicker.
18
MADISON
Her heart was hammering wildlyin her chest as she stood in the baggage claim area of the airport, waiting for Eric. His flight had a slight delay, so it was a little later than actually planned, and Max was groggy, laying his face on her shoulder. Her son was dozing off slightly and she was content with just holding him, swinging him slightly back and forth to keep him happy.
As another crowd of people started down the walkway, she spotted her husband’s face as he was talking with another man beside him, Trigger walking happily between the two of them, looking up adoringly at Eric.
He raised a hand to say hello and hesitated, putting his finger to his lips in recognition, spotting Max as he walked forward to join her.
“Madison, this is one of the soldiers in my barracks – Ian Selkirk. Selkirk, this is my wife and my son,” Eric whispered openly, as the man gave a slightly theatrical bow before whispering ‘Hello’ to her.
“Do you have a ride?” Eric asked his friend, surprising her, because he hadn’t said anything about anyone else traveling there – and a part of her was curious if the guy was going to be ‘unexpectedly visiting’ the house too.
“Yeah, I’ve got it. I’m staying at a place not far from the airport, and going to see June tomorrow.”
“Good luck, my friend.”
“Have a greatvisit,” Ian grinned, winking at Eric baldly… as Madison looked at the duo in surprise. Was Eric the type to kiss-and-tell to his buddies? Wow, she did not see that one coming…
“Stop embarrassing me or making me look bad in front of my wife. You know better,” Eric snapped in a hushed whisper, shoving Selkirk bodily, causing the man to laugh aloud, disturbing Max… who immediately settled back down with a heavy sigh.
“Goodnight y’all…”
“See ya, Selkirk.”
Eric turned to her and hesitated, looking at her nervously, and then let out a heavy sigh. “Would you like me to carry Max to the car?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“How was your day?”
“It was good.”
“Oh my gosh, you two are completely lame…” Selkirk said loudly from the rental car counter. “Just kiss her you dolt. Sheesh. Do I have to tell the man everything?”
“Let’s go,” Eric said bluntly, taking her elbow and pulling her towards the sliding glass doors of the airport. “Are you parked out this way?”
“Yes.”
“Are you hungry?”
