Jason's Home
Master Chief Jason Hayes scanned his backyard, a smile forming as he eyed each member of his team. Bravo had been through hell and back together more than once over the years, the fact each stood before him this afternoon hale and hearty proved to be nothing short of a miracle. Their recent loses had sent his team into a tailspin, one he was glad they recovered from.
His smile broadened as he spotted Cerberus chasing the ball Mikey threw. His children were still struggling over the loss of their mother, but Cerb proved to be a welcome distraction today. Brock stood nearby, enjoying a beer as he spoke with Trent, Sonny, Ray, and Naima, with a wide smile. His dog often acted as if still a puppy and this was no exception.
Enjoying another swig of his beer, Jason continued to scan the group. Spotting Clay and Stella he set his beer on the table, retrieved his cell from his pocket, and opened the camera. Catching Ray's eye he nodded in the couple's direction. Ray slapped Sonny's arm and gestured, and the rest of Bravo turned to the youngest team member.
Clay wiped his sweaty hands on his pants as he and Stella strolled around Jason's backyard. Thankfully his girlfriend was clueless as to his plans for the day. He reached for Stella's hand, stopping her in her tracks, as he slid a hand into his pocket. "Hey, hold up a sec."
"Everything okay?" Stella turned to face Clay, noting the odd look on his face which spoke of rare nervousness. Clay doesn't get nervous.
"Yeah, at least, I hope. Look, Stella …" Clay swallowed, all his carefully planned words vanished the moment he took her hand. "We've been together a year and a half now and I know it hasn't always been easy. I'm gone a lot, and I understand you worry about me often. But one thing I've learned is that no matter when I leave, what social event I disappear from, what others think or say, or what happens when I'm gone, you're always here for me when I come home. You've been a rock in the hardest of times. You've stayed with me when I'm sick or hurt and nursed me back to health. You have stuck with me through thick and thin."
Clay held out the small, black, velvet box as he lowered to one knee. "Stella, you have remained by my side day in and day out and love me for who I am."
Stella's hand came to her mouth and her eyes rounded, shocked Clay was proposing to her. The fact he did so in front of his team spoke volumes. She forced herself to breathe as her eyes remained fixed on Clay's.
"I love you, Stella. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"
Forcing a breath in Stella beamed as she gazed lovingly at Clay. "Clay, I …"
The ringing of cell phones across the yard stopped Stella's words.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Clay groused as his phone vibrated in his pocket.
Jason noted the alert on his phone and sighed. Poor kid can't catch a break.
"Hey, Stella, does the kid get an answer before we go?"
Stella glanced at Sonny, noting his broad smile, before returning her gaze to the man she loved. "Yes. Yes, I'll marry you, Clay Spenser."
Clay beamed as he took out the engagement ring sporting a solitaire diamond and slid it on her finger. Rising, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her soundly.
"You need to go." Stella caressed his face in her hands, memorizing the joy emanating from his handsome features. "Come back to me so we can celebrate properly."
"Yes, ma'am." Clay's megawatt smile lit his eyes. "I love you."
"Go on." Stella nodded to the back door where Bravo already gathered.
Clay kissed her forehead once more before jogging towards the guys. Brock whistled for Cerberus and just like that Bravo Team vanished.
Stella sighed. This was her life, the one she freely chose, all because she loved Clay, a Navy SEAL to his core.
"Hey, you okay?" Naima's words brought Stella back from her daydreams.
"Yeah." Stella chuckled. "Hey, at least he got the whole question out before the call came in."
"That is true. I want to see that rock."
Stella and Naima moved off to the patio, discussing all the fine points of Clay's proposal and the beauty of Stella's new ring. Both sending up silent prayers for the guys to come back safe and soon.
Tactical Operations Center (TOC)
"Why does the timing always suck?" Ray dropped his cell into the holder by outside TOC.
"Luck of the draw." Jason pulled open the door and held it for his men as they filed by. Noting the expression on Spencer's face he chuckled. "Don't think he minds too much though. He at least got his answer."
"True." Ray entered the secure briefing room.
Lieutenant Commander Blackburn paced the front of the room. When Bravo entered he noted Clay appeared over the moon about something and sought out Jason's eyes. The slight nod from Bravo One indicated the question had been asked, and an answer given. He grinned as he strode to the front of the table.
Settling into his seat, Clay replayed his asking Stella to marry him. This time the decision was thoroughly considered and the question asked at the appropriate time. Even though they were called in for a mission in the middle of her answering him, the moment had been perfect. He couldn't hide the wide grin and didn't plan to. He was ready to announce to the world that his best friend, the woman he loved with all his heart, agreed to marry him. Noting Blackburn at the head of the table he forced his mind to shift into mission mode, ready to tackle whatever they faced next.
"Let me begin by saying congratulations, Spenser."
Clay nodded at the commander in thanks as all around the room offered their own words of congratulations and back slaps.
"Case of beer!" Sonny piped up, much to the amusement of the team.
"Nah, this time we owe him one." Jason winked at Clay. "He already forked out enough money for the ring."
Clay fist bumped Jason. It had been a while since he owed the guys a case, and he wasn't about to hide his joy at getting out of this one.
"What do we got?" Jason swiveled back to the front of the room, his attention going to their commander and the mission.
"Twelve hours ago a group from Doctors Without Borders was taken by rebels in Morocco. There are seven doctors and three military escorts." Blackburn posted a photo of the group in question.
"Why are doctors being escorted by the military? Don't they typically have their own security details?" Ray leaned forward, elbows on the table.
"Yes. However, these groups don't usually have the son of a U.S. Senator with them. Benjamin Lawrence, only son to Senator Alexa Lawrence. She is, as you can imagine, pushing us to get her son back in one piece." Mandy displayed an overhead photo of a compound. "This is where they are holding them. The civilians are in this building, while the soldiers are being detained here." Using the laser pointer, she designated the structures.
Blackburn gestured to the photo. "Although we have no definite proof, we believe they are interrogating the soldiers for intel."
"You mean torturing." Clay observed, his gut churning at the thought of what the men may be enduring.
"Yes." Eying his men, Blackburn noted the steely determination on their faces.
"How do we get in?" Jason linked his hands behind his neck and squeezed itching to get in the air.
"You will HALO in. This region is highly volatile so we need to insert you quickly and silently. Once you obtain the packages, Blackhawks will bring you to Spain where we will be waiting."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's bring them home." Jason stood and headed for the door.
"Final details will be shared on the plane. Wheels up in thirty." Blackburn closed the file as Bravo filed out.
Bravo made a quick stop at the cages to change and gear up before heading for their jet. As the C-17 lifted into the air, Clay found himself looking forward to Stella's greeting upon his return home.
AN: Thanks for stopping by to check out my new story. If you like this be sure to check out my Flashpoint FF :)
My new novel is now available! Just go to / SlatersDeckClubs (remove spaces and . )
Clubs: Heart Of A Hero (Book 1 in the Slater's Deck Series)
How far will heroes go to protect the ones they love? Drew Slater, a dedicated Marine, husband, and father must endure constant separation from his family to keep them safe. For three years, he and his Special Forces unit have endeavored to locate and stop the efforts of those who threaten his family.
Roxy Carter-Slater, Baltimore SWAT officer, devoted wife, and mother wants nothing more than her husband to return home to her and their daughter, Ava. She understands the sacrifices all three are making to safeguard Ava, but her heart still yearns for them to be together.
When the life of an innocent is at stake, Drew, Roxy, and their teams must make difficult choices in the face of the enemy. Will one of them be called to make the ultimate hero's sacrifice for a child? Will Drew find the peace he so desperately seeks?