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“It was John’s idea to include them and do a livestream,” Graham said to Elizabeth.
The entry received a standing ovation as Amaya and his men appeared on the screen and took a bow.
“We’ll be watching your performances here live, so you guys better make it worthwhile for us to get up at this hour. Have a great time tonight.” Amaya signed off, and the DJ called the next team to the dance floor for their performance.
The fun continued for the next half hour.
“Where did he get a white suit jacket in his size?” Graham laughed as Bryson pretended to dodge bullets with the team lip-syncing to “Stayin’ Alive” as part of their mashup of songs.
“eBay,” Elizabeth answered. “He has the entire suit now. I’m certain he’ll find a Halloween party to attend.”
Bryson’s team seemed like a shoo-in until the Group Support Battalion ended their performance by executing the iconic lift fromDirty Dancingto cheers from the room.
John leaned close to Elizabeth. “Told you we should have ended with that and me lifting you.”
“This was for the team, not spouses. Besides, it was funnier with the two men performing it. I’ll still vote for you,” she promised.
“You don’t have to. I’m voting for them. They never get the glory, but they make us look good. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
Erin noticed Graham give a subtle nod of approval. Bryson and Graham were clearly cut from the same camouflage cloth.
ChapterThirty-Eight
John and Elizabethwalked off hand in hand to turn in their ballots. Less than a minute later, Megan hugged her dad’s shoulders and kissed him on the cheek before she and Reece took the Brysons’ seats.
“Excellent choice on having Colonel Bailey speak on mental health,” Megan confirmed. “And good call on the lip sync challenge. It set the right mood.” She motioned to the crowded dance floor and subtly poured wine into Erin’s glass. “You two need to get out there and dance, and so do we.” Megan held out a hand to Reece.
“We better follow orders.” Graham leaned closer to Erin.” She thinks she outranks me. Especially now.”
Erin didn’t doubt that his daughter wouldn’t be the only one with Graham wrapped around their little finger in less than nine months.
They danced to several up-tempo songs before a slow song allowed Erin to catch her breath. Graham held her close, and she inhaled the light musk scent of his cologne. “How did I get so lucky?”
His low, sexy laugh stoked the fire in her. “Luck had nothing to do with it. You have a big heart for supporting the military and a thing for men in uniform. And an amazing talent for storytelling that landed you exactly where I needed you. I’m the lucky one. Blessed, in fact.” Everyone around them faded from sight as they stared into each other’s eyes.
“Shout” started playing. “I don’t normally retreat, but I can’t get low like I used to.” Graham guided Erin away as young couples swarmed to the dance floor.
The McKittricks homed in on Graham and Erin.
“Erin, you two certainly look good together out there,” Sally said as the general pulled Graham aside.
“I don’t know who my fairy godmother is, but I feel like Cinderella, and he’s my Colonel Charming.”
Sally laughed along with her. “You remember the purpose of Cinderella’s ball was to find the prince a wife. The necklace is beautiful, though I was hoping we might see a ring.”
That Sally clearly meant an engagement ring captured Erin’s attention like waving a big red flag. “It’s a little soon for that. Graham hasn’t even met my daughters in person yet. My oldest is coming to North Carolina for a wedding in early October, and we’re planning a trip to Spain, where my youngest is studying this year. Maybe sometime after that.” Surely, Sally would understand.
“I’m sure they’d be thrilled for you.”
Or not. “I’m not sure about that. Unfortunately, my oldest is still dealing with the divorce and the fact I’m dating.” She went for the sympathetic chord.
“They’re adults. You need to think about Graham’s career. There’s an expectation for officers to be married.”
“I’ve heard that,” Erin said as a light bulb flicked on. Why hadn’t it occurred to her that Sally might know about her husband’s plan to replace Graham unless he remarried? Erin took a drink of her wine. “Though I don’t see how a ceremony or a piece of paper to make two people legally man and wife is better than two people in a loving and committed relationship.”
“The Army may be a little old fashioned that way, but they don’t give identification cards and benefits to partners, no matter how significant or committed they are.”
“It’s a matter of timing,” Erin sought to reassure Sally since she was not the ally Erin had hoped for. She took another swallow of wine to counter her growing queasiness.
