The Only Reason: A Novel (Trident Trilogy: Book Two) by Donna Schwartze

The Only Reason: A Novel (Trident Trilogy: Book Two) by Donna Schwartze

Author:Donna Schwartze [Schwartze, Donna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-14T16:00:00+00:00


Chapter Twenty-One

In-Flight

Virginia Beach to Baghdad

July 30, 2011

“Hey, asshole,” Chase said, kicking Mack’s hammock. “I asked you a question. Twice. You want to give me an answer? Or do I need to slap it out of you?”

Mack’s mind snapped back into focus. “What was the question?”

“Man, what’s wrong with you? You’ve been out of it all day,” Chase said. “You better get it together before we land, or I’m pulling you from the mission.”

“You thinking about that curvy, little brunette at the bar the other night?” Harry let out a long whistle. “Because I’m going to be honest, I’ve been thinking about her myself.”

“Shut up, Culver.” Mack reached over and gave the side of Harry’s hammock a hard tug, almost sending him tumbling to the floor.

“What’s the matter, man?” Harry said as he repositioned his body. “Don’t tell me you couldn’t close that deal?”

“Yeah, like that’s ever happened,” Mack said. “But you’re welcome to call her now. The only thing you’re ever going to get around me is sloppy seconds.”

Chase laughed. “So what were you thinking about? I’ve never seen you that deep in thought. You trying out meditation or something?”

“Naw, I was thinking about Millie.” Mack paused a second to control the shaking that was trying to come out in his voice. “If something ever happens to me, y’all have to promise that you have her—that you’ll take care of her no matter what’s happening in your lives.”

Chase pulled himself up and looked over at Mack. “What are you talking about? You’re two months away from retirement. You trying to jinx yourself? Keep that bullshit quiet.”

Mack sunk down deeper into his hammock, so no one could see the tears that started forming in his eyes. “Just promise me, man. I’m all she’s got. If something happens, go get her away from my mom and take care of her. Please.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to you,” Chase said. “But you already know we’ve got her if something does. Mar and I will adopt her. She’ll be a part of our family. I will never let her out of my sight. I promise you that.”

“I’ve got her, too,” Harry said. “If anything happens to you, she’s going to be smothered with attention from all her new uncles. She’s going to be so sick of us, she’ll probably try to hide.”

Mack cracked a smile. “Actually, she probably will. She’s developed a feisty, little independent streak. Don’t let her push you away.”

“When has anyone ever been able to resist me?” Harry said. “Everyone loves me—mothers, daughters, babies, animals.”

“Those goats in Ramadi really liked you a few months back,” Clem chimed in from across the plane. “A little too much, for my liking.”

Harry scooped up one of his boots from under his hammock and sent it flying across the plane—landing perfectly on Clem’s stomach.

Mack turned to Chase and said quietly, “Just swear to me—”

“I’ve got you,” Chase said. “Man, what’s wrong with you? You’re putting off some weird vibes. You starting to second-guess your retirement? Honestly, I am.



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