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“You were mad because the whole bru-ha-ha went down while the DJ played JT’s ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling.’”
“It was the one song I requested. But what does Thomsen have to do with you transferring?” Megan asked.
“I got called into General McKittrick’s office Friday.”
“Is that like getting called into the principal’s office?” Alex asked.
“Worse. Way worse,” Jace answered before Graham.
“I hope you don’t know from experience,” Graham studied Jace.
“No. I’ve heard, though.”
“General McKittrick witnessed an altercation between two men on Captain Bryson’s team. I already knew that because of Boatman and Thomsen there’s a trust issue between the teams and command, but apparently, there’s a rumor floating around that had to do with Mateo’s wife—and me.”
Reece’s mouth puckered as he took his place back at the table.
“There’s no truth to it,” Graham assured his family. “However, with me being single, McKittrick’s afraid the teams could be distracted from their mission if they’re worried about things back home.”
“Do they not know you? You’d never sleep with someone else’s wife, much less someone under your command,” Megan went on the defensive.
“They were told they could trust Thomsen too. Instead, they’re seeing a pattern of bad behavior.” Rather than take it personally, Graham tried to view things from the men’s perspective.
“Reece, can’t you say something?” Megan pleaded.
“Honey, they might think I’m biased since your dad would never sleep withmywife. And it wouldn’t be a good look for either of us,” Reece said. “This is McKittrick covering his own six. If something remotely similar happened under his command again, he’d be out too. Mateo gave his wife a second chance, but he’ll be watching her, especially since Kiser’s wife screwed around withbothprior commanders.”
“I’m guessing they wouldn’t transfer you to the 82ndor SOCOM,” Jace said.
“They don’t have a reason to bump Ayers from the 82nd. McKittrick pretty much laughed when I brought up SOCOM, JSOC, and Swick. He mentioned Vincenza and South Korea. Maybe back to Fort Lewis.”
“They can’t do that. We’re planning to start a family soon. With Mom gone, I want you here.” Tears glistened in Megan’s eyes.
The idea of grandchildren, something he and Bethann had looked forward to, tugged at his gut. “I won’t be gone permanently,” he promised his daughter.
“We need to figure out what it would take to convince them to let you keep your command.” Megan shifted to strategy mode.
“Probably castration,” Reece cracked.
“No,” Graham chuckled. Though that might be an easier option. “He did say if I were to get married, but that’s—”
“Excuse me?” Megan collapsed against the back of her chair.
“If I were to get married before Bryson’s team deploys in seven months, he’d keep me in my position here.”
“Remarried? You’re kidding.” Megan stared at him in disbelief.
“I wish I were.”
“Guess you just need to go to the post exchange and shop in the Army-issued wives department,” Jace joked.
“Right.” That’d be easier than dating again after nearly three decades. Except, finding a partner to share your life with didn’t work that way.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” Reece said. “Being married didn’t stop Boatman and Thomsen.”
“Have you thought about the possibility of dating or getting remarried?” Megan’s flat tone and blank expression revealed nothing of what was going through her head.
“Until this came up, I hadn’t thought about dating, much less marriage.” He’d anticipated encountering heavy resistance from both kids if he considered the idea so soon after losing their mother. And he couldn’t blame them. “Maybe eventually. When I’m ready, versus being ordered ‘for the good of the team’ and to cover a general’s backside.” He missed Bethann and the companionship. He wasn’t opposed to dating and possibly marrying again—after they all had more time to grieve and accept the loss.
