Author's Note: I'm trying to post the earlier chapters for you, as they are in the best shape. As I get further in to the story, I'll probably be a little slower, partially because those chapters need more work and because work is still busy.

"That was the perfect op! We got in. We schwacked some bad guys. We grabbed the HVT, and we saved a damsel in distress. And the flight home will get us back in time for a round of drinks at the Bulkhead to celebrate. What do you say, boys?" Sonny stopped at the top of the ramp into the C-17, waiting for a response from his teammates.

There were nods from a few of the guys as they dropped their gear and settled in, but Sonny wanted more. "How about you, Blonde Ambition? You up for a night out?"

Clay sighed. He wanted to talk to Emma and find out what happened today at her doctor's appointment. He knew she wasn't too concerned, but he was. He glanced at his watch. She was probably done at the doc's now. "Maybe. I need to check in with Emma."

"Ooh, boys, he needs to check in with the little woman. That's what happens when you're engaged. One step closer to being put on a leash." Sonny grinned as he followed Clay on the plane. "You need to let her know how it's gonna be. Tell her you're goin' out."

Tossing his pack on a bench, Clay shook his head. "You ever think there's a reason why you're never in a relationship, Son?"

Sonny patted Clay on the back as he passed by, heading farther into the plane. "It's a choice, Blondie, a choice."

"Right." Clay dropped down on the bench and let his head fall back against the webbing strung up the side of the plane. Thinking back, he tried to visualize the lump from his memory. It wasn't that large, so possibly that meant it wasn't a big deal. Why didn't he google for more info before he left?

Lost in his thoughts, Clay didn't immediately realize Trent had sat down next to him. His teammate's voice broke into his contemplation. "Hey, you okay? You know Sonny was teasing, right?"

"Yeah, I do. I have something else on my mind. That's all."

Trent nodded, but didn't reply, or ask any intrusive questions. He was good at waiting for you to volunteer the information he wanted. Unless you were injured, then he cross-examined you for every last detail. But if you were having problems, he listened and waited for you to take the lead. Clay was tempted to confide in his brother, but he worried Emma wouldn't like him sharing this. Trent continued to sit quietly without pressuring Clay either way.

Looking up and down the plane, Clay checked to see if anyone could overhear their conversation. "You can't tell anyone else about this, alright?"

"My lips are sealed."

"No, seriously, Emma will kill me if everyone hears about this." Clay gave Trent a hard stare to emphasize how important silence on this was.

"I won't say anything, I promise. Want me to pinky swear?" He held up his hand with his little finger stuck out.

Clay let out a quiet snort. "Ha ha. You learn that from Jameelah?"

"No, your fiancé taught it to me." Grinning, Trent quirked an eyebrow at Clay. "I took her to pick up a gift for Jason's birthday once, and she made me swear not to tell what it was."

Something about Emma teaching Trent to pinky swear convinced Clay to share his worries. "Okay so Emma, we, uh, she found a lump in her breast. She's going to the doctor today to have it checked out."

Trent's smile faded from his face.

Clay leaned back against the wall again. "I want us to get home so I can call her and find out what happened."

They both were silent, letting Clay's words sink in. Trent rubbed his beard slowly. "This isn't my area of medical expertise, obviously, but I do know there are other things it could be besides cancer."

"They mention that in passing during combat medic training?"

"No, my ex-wife had…" Trent shook his head in disbelief he was sharing this. "She had lumpy breasts, okay. It had nothing to do with having breast cancer. That's just the way they were."

"Emma doesn't have—"

"I'm going to stop you right there. While I am aware Emma is an adult and you two are in a serious relationship, which I support as a good thing, I have known her since she was twelve years old, and I do not want to hear any description of her physical attributes or how familiar you are with them."

Clay rolled his eyes. "Fine, let's call this an isolated incident then."

"Fair enough. I still don't think you should jump to the worst-case scenario though. There are other things it could be and getting yourself anxious before there's anything to be anxious about isn't good." Trent rested a hand on Clay's shoulder. "I don't mean to belittle your concerns. I just want you to hold off tying yourself in knots, alright?"

"I guess, but I am worried, and going out for drinks isn't a priority for me right now."

Standing, Trent gave Clay's shoulder a squeeze. "Understood. I'll fend off Sonny for you, but promise me you won't spend the whole flight dwelling on this."

Clay looked up to meet Trent's gaze. "I'll try."

"Good." Trent nodded and started to walk away, but then turned back to his younger teammate. "And Clay, I'm here whatever happens."