Chapter 52

Just want to put the disclaimer out there that I don't know a lot about Nashville and have never been. It'd definitely on my travel list though. I am doing some research when it comes to fun or known things in the city and will try to keep it as real as possible. And some things are just me lol. Thanks for the continued support on my story. Knowing you all are enjoying this and actually reading it motivates me to continue writing. I'm hoping to wrap up this vacation segment but also lead us back to the job and hunting down Roman. Enjoy this next chapter.

Mandy drove the Hayes family into downtown Nashville for an early lunch. It was almost eleven in the morning and Mandy had something planned for about one in the afternoon. As they drove into town, Mandy answered questions and gave out little bits about her favorites. Mandy decided to take them to Jack's Bar-B-Que restaurant. What better way to start their stay in Nashville than try some gold old fashion barbeque food? Mandy parked the truck, and everyone got out. Mandy grabbed leashes for the dogs. The kids took hold of the leashes while Mandy and Jason walked behind them.

"So, you grew up here?" Jason asked as he slipped his hand into hers.

"Yeah, sometimes Dad would come out here to the Navy base and train but my Mom didn't always like being away from home. I had school here and sometimes on weekends or holidays we'd go out to Virginia Beach to see my Dad," Mandy said.

"Seems like a fun place with endless things to do," Jason observed.

"Oh yeah," Mandy chuckled. "The house is just on the outskirts. Little more peaceful and secluded from the world. You guys will love it."

They reached the entrance of the restaurant and walked in letting the hostess know they wanted a table outside so the dogs could be with them. The weather was sunny and the temperature rising as the sun peaked.

"Is this the best barbeque of Nashville?" Jason asked as he looked over the menu.

"It's definitely up there. The best would be my Mom's which I'm sure you'll have the pleasure of trying. My parents are already at the house and I'm sure my Mom is preparing a feast for us tonight," Mandy answered.

Everyone ordered their meals and the four of them talked about what they wanted to do with their last week off. The kids were excited to see what Mandy had in store for them.

"Gonna tell me what you have planned right now?" Jason asked as they walked out after eating.

"Haven't you learned that I'm not going to give it up?" Mandy laughed as Jason brought her closer and kissed her. "Kissing me isn't gonna work either."

"Who said I was trying to persuade you? Maybe I just wanted to kiss you," Jason smirked as Mandy shook her head.

Everyone loaded back into the truck and Mandy started driving them again. Mandy navigated through the streets until she reached an area that had a bunch of other vehicles. She pulled up to someone who had a clip board and gave her name. The man told her where to drive to and Mandy proceeded.

"What's going on?" Jason asked looking around at the other cars and American flags everywhere.

"It's the homecoming parade active military members," Mandy replied.

Jason looked around again and saw guys in uniforms talking and in fatigues. He could see people from all the different military branches were there.

"They do a welcome home parade every so often for all the soldiers coming back home. I thought you deserved to be a part of it," Mandy smiled softly.

Jason didn't know what to say. He'd been doing this job for a long time and coming home was always a struggle. Looking at Mandy right now though, it was different this time around. They were both adjusting to being stateside again and supporting each other in every way they could. His breath hitched and eyes teared up just a little seeing Mandy go to the lengths she went to make coming home worth it all. He leaned over and pulled her in for kiss.

"No one's ever really done this for me," Jason said. "I mean, back in my early days Alana would come to the big homecomings on base but this is different."

"I know you think you're just a SEAL and that Bravo one and Jason Hayes can't co-exist, but they can. You deserve to be appreciated," Mandy said squeezing his hand.

Jason looked at her in surprise once again of how well she knew him. He loved her for it. He loved her, he repeated in his head. Sure, some would say he's crazy for falling in love so quickly, but he knew this was something that had been building over the years of knowing Mandy. They had one week of paradise left and he was going to show her just how much he loved her before they went back to reality.

The line they were in started to move and Mandy started driving. As they went down the parade route, Jason looked out and all the people lined up along the way. They were waving hands and flags as they drove by. It felt nice to be appreciated and see people cared. He smiled looking around. The job he and Mandy did asked for a lot, but it left him with some peace that it was worth it to see the smiles of those back home they fought for.

Mandy turned off the main road onto what looked to be long driveway. No house was visible from the road since there was so many tall old trees in the area. Mandy pulled up to the gated driveway's code entry box. She entered her code, and the gates began to open. She drove down the driveway.

"Woah," Emma and Mikey gasped seeing the house come into view.

"Home sweet home," Mandy smiled taking in everyone's reactions.

The house in front of them, if that's what you could call it, looked like some majestic storybook castle. The driveway led to an open concrete space area and a little further out was a small pond with a fountain. The home had brick and stonework all over the front.

"You grew up here?" Emma asked as Mandy parked the car.

"Yeah," Mandy chuckled. "We have a ton of land here. There are some barns with horses and cattle too. Wait until you see the pool and backyard. The property runs into a small lake as well. Come on."

Jason looked around. Mandy wasn't kidding when she said upon first view of the place it was overwhelming. For a minute he wondered if he was right for Mandy but almost like she knew what he was thinking, she appeared and gave him a knowing look.

"Whatever you're thinking stop," Mandy said giving Jason a quick kiss. "You've known me all these years and never knew about this part of my life. I'm not some diva. I'm more of a tequila dive bar kind of girl," Mandy added making them both think about Mexico when they went undercover at the club trying to take down Doza.

"Bet there are some fun tequila dive bars around here," Jason smirked. "Maybe I should take you out on an official date."

"You better," Mandy said giving him another kiss. "Alright, here we go," Mandy said getting out of the car.

Mandy and the Hayes family all got out and started grabbing their luggage. Suddenly the front door opened and two people walked out. An older man and woman walked over to them reaching to help.

"Rose and Victor, stop it," Mandy insisted. "We are perfectly capable of grabbing our own things. Guys, this is Rose and Victor. They manage the property for us when we're not around. This is Emma, Mikey, and Jason."

"Hello, so nice to finally meet you all," Rose said as they walked to the front door. "Nice to have you home sweetheart."

"It's been too long," Victor said giving Mandy a look. "Yes, I know. Work and saving the world."

"Well, I'm here now. Who is here?" Mandy asked.

"Just your parents so far," Rose said. "Y'all go catch up in the kitchen. Victor and I will get everything else arranged."

Mandy led them through the high vaulted foyer. In front of them was a double star way that led to the upstairs. Everything looked elegant but with a touch of home as well. There were pictures of family and friends mixed with art on the wall. They could hear the dogs' paws against the hard wood floor. They walked into the open kitchen that had a breakfast bar stretch across the edge of the kitchen space that then led into a family room. The family room had a high ceiling as well with windows looking into the backyard. There were doors that lead out onto the backyard pool and patio area as well.

"Mom," Mandy called walking into the kitchen.

"Oh, you made it," Susan said wiping her hands on a towel and coming over to give everyone a hug. "And you must be Emma," she said wrapping a surprised Emma into her arms. "Welcome to our little place called home."

"I'd say it's more than little," Emma joked making Susan laugh.

"It's beautiful," Jason complimented.

"Thank you dear, just wait til you explore it all. I remember when we first brough Mandy here. She was weary of us and always got lost," Susan said.

"Lot of good hiding places," Mandy replied leaning against the counter. "Come, I'll give you guys the tour," Mandy said grabbing Jason's hand.

She took them through the house and showed them their rooms and where they'd be staying too. Mandy suggested they hang pool side since dinner would be at home tonight.

"You never told me you were a princess," Jason joked pulling Mandy close to him while they settled in their room.

"You, of all people, know I'm anything but a princess," Mandy said putting her hands around his neck.

"That's right. You're a kicking ass, taking names princess," Jason smirked as he turned them towards the bed.

"You keep teasing me, you might not see my new bikini I bought back in New York," Mandy said as her knees hit the bed and they both fell on to it.

"Forget the bikini, covers up too much," Jason said kissing her neck making Mandy laugh.

Mandy, Jason, and the kids were all hanging around the pool. The weather was warm, and the sun was shining. The dogs were playing in and out of the water as well. It was relaxing and felt like nothing else existed in the world. Mandy was taking a break from the pool on one of the patio chairs drinking some lemonade her Mom had brought out. Jason had just gotten out of the pool and Mandy openly ogled him through her sunglasses as he walked towards her as water ran down him.

"See something you like, Agent Ellis," Jason smirked as he came to sit down on the chair she was lounging on.

"Of course, Master Chief," Mandy flirted back as Jason leaned in for a kiss.

"Mikey wasn't kidding that you two are constantly making out," Emma said walking back on to the patio.

"Well, we are on vacation," Mandy replied. "Might as well enjoy the alone time while we can."

"Do you have the whole week planned out?" Emma asked.

"No, but since I'm home we have some fun things to do. We're hosting the barn party on Friday," Mandy replied.

"Barn party?" Emma asked confused.

"We have this big barn on the property. We invite a bunch of people over including the who's who of Nashville. Music, dancing, on the spot performances by the famous. In general, just a fun time," Mandy said. "As for the rest of the week, we can do whatever you guys want. We have four wheelers, horses, or go around town and check it out."

"Sounds like a lot of fun. What do you mean famous?" Emma asked.

"Like whoever is hot in country will be there if they're in town," Mandy laughed seeing Emma get excited. "Figured, the guys got to meet their sports heroes so maybe we should through some music fame in there. My Mom's firm helps a lot of these guys out from time to time. They're pretty chill but know how to have a good time."

"This is the best summer ever," Emma said getting up and hugging Mandy as she went to get in the pool with Mikey.

"The surprises just keep coming," Jason smiled. "Should I be worried you're gonna leave me for Sonny since you're such a country girl."

"Nah, you're a cowboy in your own way," Mandy smiled back.

Susan was wrapping up her dinner cooking as everyone was upstairs changing after being poolside. She was humming around the kitchen. Susan was happy to have her daughter home, especially with Jason. It had been a while since she'd seen her daughter at ease and enjoying life. It seemed like Jason was the same as well. It had also been a while since everyone had been under one roof together for more than twenty-four or forty-eight hours. She loved her husband and daughter and what they did not just for the country but the world, but sometimes she was greedy and wanted them all to herself.

"Do you need any help?" Emma asked walking into the kitchen nervously.

"Oh no, sweetheart. Take a seat. Want a drink?" Susan smiled.

"That lemonade was pretty good," Emma replied sitting on one of the chairs at the breakfast bar.

"Coming right up," Susan smiled. "So, how are liking your vacation so far?"

"Good. It feels nice to relax and let go for a little bit," Emma said letting out a breath. "Seems like it's doing wonders for my Dad too."

"I know what you mean," Susan said putting the lemonade glass in front of Emma. "Jack has gotten better over time making time outside of work, but Mandy can be another story sometimes."

Emma chuckled, "I know what you mean. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dad but sometimes it's hard coming in second. He's been trying since my Mom died though. He was pretty lost before but after Mom…. it seemed like whatever anchor my Mom gave him was gone. At the same time, Mandy always seems to get through to him."

"She has a way of taking care of everyone else first but not herself. She may not be our daughter by blood, but I always say she got that from my husband. Being team leader is tough and quite the burden to carry," Susan added.

"What made him leave the teams?" Emma asked.

"Well, Mandy was about to graduate college and came home to tell us she had a job offer from the agency. God, my blood ran cold when she told us, and we got into a pretty big fight. My poor husband was stuck in the middle trying to be peace maker. I think that's when he decided to step back from teams and go down a different route. He figured working with the agency he could keep a better eye on her cuz she's his baby girl," Susan answered.

"So, what you're saying is that I should tell my Dad I'm joining the dangerous line of work in order for him to step down," Emma concluded.

"Let's not go that far. At least your father and my daughter have each other. What is it they always say? All in, all the time. Maybe the two finally see that it's not all just about the job," Susan replied.

"He's different with her. I mean, at the end with my Mom he tried to let her in, but it was too late," Emma continued. "Maybe it's cuz they're in the same line of work and there aren't any walls of what they can or can't say to each other. They both seem like they challenge each other."

"Oh, I bet they do," Susan chuckled. "Now you are family regardless so whatever you or your brother need, we'll be here," she declared making Emma smile.

"Sounds good," Emma agreed easily loving the feeling of belonging to a family. It had been a while since she felt that way.

"Something smells delicious," Jack said walking into the kitchen and giving Susan a kiss.

"Away," Susan chided, slapping his hand away.

"Oh, that smells amazing," Mandy said walking in as well and going to get a taste.

"Both of you," Susan exclaimed. "See, told you they're one in the same," Susan said pointing her spatula at Emma who chuckled.

Before anyone could say anything, the front door could be heard opening and the dogs barking their way to the front. Someone could be heard laughing and feet could be heard running to the kitchen.

"The party's here," a young girl exclaimed making her presence known in the kitchen.

"Well then let's get this party started!" Mandy exclaimed back as she swept the young girl into her arms.

The little girl wrapped her hands around Mandy's neck and squeezed tightly. She pulled back and started rambling on quickly to Mandy. Jason watched Mandy and how attentive she was to the little girl. Looking at the girl, he had a hunch who she was. He was impressed at how it seemed Mandy was able to keep up with the rambling and respond back with answers.

"Hales, did you take a breath," a woman's voice said coming in followed by Troy.

"Jessica," Mandy breathed as the two women embraced. "Guys, this is Jessica, my best friend and her daughter Haley. Troy is her husband," Mandy introduced to the Hayes family.

"You must be Master Chief Hayes," Jessica said approaching Jason and hugging him. "You're pretty good looking."

"Um, thank you?" Jason laughed.

"I have so many stories to tell you," Jessica said with a look of mischief.

"Can't wait," Jason smirked back as Mandy shook her head.

"Alright, everyone settle down cuz dinner is ready," Susan declared as she started herding them towards the table.