Chapter 55

Well season 5 has premiered. I've got a mixed review about it all. Loved seeing the action back. Wasn't happy with Naima introducing Eva to Jason (although that scene was literally a second long & as far as I can see the actress hasn't been back on set since lol). I feel like everyone is still kind of all over and it seems like we'll have a theme of distrust and reflection coming up. Boy, we're starting an op in North Korea and that's pretty exciting. Looking forward to Jessica directing 5x03 as well. She's been pretty active on a lot of SEAL Team related posts and with the main cast (dare I hope of something more?). Anyways, thank you for the continued support. I do apologize for the delays in posting. Between life and keeping up on shows, things are crazy lol. I have a new fan Instagram page for the show: bravost_fan, come follow! Enjoy a new chapter! UPDATE! DAVE DROPPED SOME BIG SPOILERS! MANDY!

It was Tuesday morning now in Nashville. They had been in Nashville for a couple of days and been exploring everything. Mandy had taken them to the lake and enjoyed time on the water. The guys enjoyed some fishing while the girls enjoyed the sun. Things were light and fun. Friday was the big barn party, so in between everyone pitched in helping with one thing or another.

Mandy was in bed and slowly coming to conscious. She was on her side but didn't feel Jason curled around her. She opened her eyes to look at the time and saw it was 9:30 in the morning, which was a little later than normal. She turned around reaching out towards Jason only to find that side of the bed empty and cold. She lifted her head and looked around the room. It was quiet and just her in the room. She fell back against the pillows and closed her eyes, willing herself to get up. A few minutes later she heard someone in the hallway and then her door opened. The person came in, closed the door, and paused.

"Good morning," Jason said smiling.

Mandy opened her eyes and looked towards him, "Would've been better if you were in bed."

Jason chuckled as he walked over and put the tray of food down on the side table. He crawled into bed with Mandy and kissed her. Both letting out sighs of relaxation.

"I brought breakfast. Does that make up for not being in bed with you?" Jason asked as Mandy curled up on his shoulder and threw an arm around his waist.

"I smell bacon, so yes," Mandy mumbled as Jason laughed.

"Good to know it doesn't take much to please you," Jason replied stroking her back. "Now let's get up and eat," Jason said getting Mandy to sit up in bed.

"Why?" Mandy groaned as she sat up against the headboard.

"Because we have plans," Jason said bringing the tray of food over.

"We do?" Mandy asked confused.

"Since we've been back stateside, I haven't taken you out on a proper date," Jason said stealing a piece of bacon.

"Leave my bacon alone," Mandy slapped his hand away. "You mean the J-Bad mess hall didn't count as a proper date? I enjoyed it."

"It was nice, wasn't it? Nothing like a date in the middle of a warzone. It's very us I suppose," Jason laughed.

"What are we doing?" Mandy asked.

"Eat, get ready and you'll see," Jason smirked.

"Seriously? You know I'll get it out of you," Mandy narrowed her eyes.

"You can try but I won't cave," Jason said leaning in for a kiss. "Neither will anyone else."

"Who knew Jason Hayes was such a romantic sap," Mandy smiled.

"Don't go telling everyone though," Jason replied. "I got a reputation to protect."

"Okay then," Mandy conceived.

"Okay? That's it?" Jason asked shocked.

"Yep," Mandy shrugged. "I have another surprise up my sleeve too."

"You always gotta one up me," Jason shook his head.

"It keeps you on your toes and leaves room for improvement," Mandy smirked as Jason moved the tray to give her a proper good morning.

Jason was the one driving one of the ATVs on the property. They were driving towards one of her Dad's garages. Her Dad loved old cars and had a little collection of them. They were some of his prized collections.

"My Dad actually gave you permission to take one of his babies?" Mandy asked as they approached a large garage.

"What can I say? Everyone loves the Hayes charms," Jason smirked as he took her hand and walked into the side door of the garage. "Wow," Jason said as the lights game on and he saw the collection.

"I know right," Mandy sighed looking at the beautiful vehicles. "What are we taking?"

"1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz," Jason said walking up to the red convertible. "Wow, that's a beauty."

"Should I leave you alone with it?" Mandy chuckled.

"Actually, could you give us a few minutes," Jason replied with a straight face making Mandy laugh again. "Come on, my lady," Jason said opening the door for her.

"And they say chivalry is dead," Mandy said. "Are you really not gonna tell me what we're doing today?"

"Yes," Jason said sitting in the driver seat. "Just enjoy Mandy," Jason added as he started the car and it rumbled to life.

"Fine," Mandy sighed dramatically as they pulled outside, and the sun hit her face.

They drove down the private road that led to the main road. Once on, Mandy tilted her head back and soaked up the sun. Jason glanced over and smiled while grabbing her hand with his free one. It was peaceful as the sun hit them and the wind blew.

"I thought this was a date?" Mandy asked looking at the classic car show they'd pulled up to.

"It is. You like old cars and so do I," Jason said with his famous Hayes charm.

Mandy gave him a look before smiling, "You know me too well. Using my Dad's car to look cool too."

"I am cool," Jason confidently said.

"Uh-huh, whatever helps you sleep at night," Mandy laughed as Jason helped her out of the car.

Mandy had on ankle high country boots, mid leg shorts, topped off with a knotted Bravo team shirt she stole from Jason's bag. She had her classic aviator glasses on with her hair half up. Jason couldn't help bud admire her. This was the most down to earth he'd ever seen her, and he couldn't keep his hands off her. Jason had some cargo shorts and one of his regular t-shirts on. He too had his aviator glasses on with a flyers ball cap.

"Nice shirt. I used to have one just like it," Jason joked as he put a hand around her waist and stated walking her to the cars.

"Thank you, got from the Hayes thrift shop," Mandy replied back easily as they walked by some beautiful cars. "We should take your convertible for a spin back home."

"Maybe we should," Jason said thinking about the car. It brought back memories of Alana, but he was moving forward and wanted to create new ones with Mandy.

They casually strolled through the lot of cars. Stopping to admire different ones and talk with the people around them. It was light and fun. Mandy surprised Jason a little with a few facts about the cars. She loved learning and soaked up everything. Mandy said she cherished all the time she could get with her Dad while he was on teams, especially after her first experience of a close call.

"Okay, time for our next stop," Jason announced as he started pulling Mandy back towards their car.

"And that would be?" Mandy tried again.

"The Jack Daniel's Distillery," Jason admitted laughing at Mandy's shocked look.

"Trying to get me drunk?" Mandy smiled.

"Nah, your choice of drink is a good gin and tonic or tequila," Jason replied back.

"True, but I don't mind a good whisky either," Mandy said. "Jason Hayes is quite the planner. You do this for all your dates?"

"Nah just for my CIA girlfriends," Jason smiled.

"And how many of those have you had," Mandy arched an eyebrow.

"Oh, just the one is enough for me," Jason smirked as Mandy playfully slapped his arm.

"One team leader is enough for me as well," Mandy added.

After a fun afternoon at the distillery, Jason was pulling them up to the General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise to finish off the night. Dinner and some entertainment to close out the night sounded perfect to both of them.

"So, how was our first date?" Jason asked right after their dinner arrived.

"Well," Mandy breathed out dramatically. "Gotta say, I'm impressed Master Chief. Never been wined and dined like this before."

"Really? Those other guys have no idea what they're missing," Jason replied as he took a sip of his drink. "You deserve the world."

"So do you," Mandy answered back. "It was perfect," Mandy smiled as she reached over to squeeze her hand. "Think you might even get lucky and another date."

"Mission success," Jason smiled back. "So, what's you're surprise?"

"Nothing gets past you," Mandy rolled her eyes.

"When it comes to you? No," Jason smirked.

"Since this date was so good," Mandy began. "Tomorrow the team is all coming in for the rest of our stay here in vacation."

"Wait what?" Jason asked surprised.

"I figured since we all had the time off, I'd fly them all in. They should all be in by noon the latest tomorrow. You all deserve some relaxation," Mandy said.

Jason got up to give her a kiss on her lips, "You're amazing, you know that?"

"Yeah?" Mandy breathed out looking at Jason with a little vulnerability.

"Yes," Jason said confidently before giving her a kiss and then sitting back down.

"Everyone can have some fun tomorrow and Thursday followed by the big bash come Friday. We all fly back home Saturday night," Mandy said as they resumed dinner.

"And you say I'm the control freak," Jason laughed.

"Okay, we both like a plan of attack," Mandy argued back.

"Fine, I agree," Jason joked as they continued on with dinner.

After dinner, they walked around the boat to the different entertainment available. They listened to the comedian on deck for a little while before heading up to the top where the live entertainment was. As they got up there, they could hear music playing and there was a beautiful view of city as well as the surrounding area.

Both went towards the railing with Mandy leaning on it and Jason behind her. Mandy started pointing out various places and facts she'd learned growing up. They laughed as both told each other stories from growing up and fun times on the job.

Suddenly the music changed, and Barry Manilow's song "Mandy" came on. Jason took Mandy and spun her around to drag her to the dance floor. Mandy rolled her eyes and complained about how cheesy he was being. Jason pulled her close and sang the chorus into Mandy's ear while Mandy relaxed in his arms and smiled softly. In that moment, both knew in their minds that they'd fallen for each other hard. There wasn't any room to fail in this and they both knew together they would fight to keep what they had strong.

After a wonderful day date, the two came back home at night to continue the fun in bed. Both were happily tired and wrapped in each other and the sheets. The sun was peeking through the blinds, and both were in a halfway state of sleep. They were enjoying each other's naked bodies against each other. Last night had been different and they both knew it. As they both laid in bed enjoying the peaceful moment, banging could be heard suddenly at the door.

"Wake up lovebirds," Troy shouted as Haley giggled.

"Yeah, wake up lovebirds," Haley repeated.

"Mmmm, too comfortable," Mandy moaned as she turned around to put her head in the crook of Jason's neck.

"I agree but you said the team is coming in today. As much as I want to stay in bed all day, I'm kind of excited to hang out with the guys in this amazing place," Jason said letting his hand rub up and down Mandy's naked back.

"Are you saying you're sick of me?" Mandy asked lifting her head up to look at him.

Jason quickly flipped them over and kissed her, "Never."

After breakfast, everyone was hanging around just chilling until the rest of the team came. The buzzer for someone at the gate went off and Mandy's Dad went to check and let them in. The dogs were alert and ready at the door. Mandy got up to head outside with Jason following. They stood outside as the cars came down the driveway. Mandy smiled at the awestruck looks the team members had as they got out of the cars.

"First, the good liquor, then a jet, now a mansion," Sonny commented loudly. "What else are you hiding from us Ms. Ellis?"

"Oh, so much," Mandy answered mysteriously but with a smile. "Glad you all could make it," Mandy said to the team.

"Aunt Mandy!" Jameelah yelled running up to hug her.

"Hey secret spy in training," Mandy laughed.

"Thanks so much for inviting us," Naima said. "The house is beautiful."

"You guys deserve a vacation," Mandy said as she walked them all in and the dogs circled in between everyone.

"Cerberus," Mandy commanded. "Cerb, this is Gunner and Sarge," she introduced. "You guys want some treats," Mandy asked as all three sat at attention with wagging tails. "Come on."

"You really did lose your dog Brock," Sonny laughed as all three followed Mandy into the kitchen.

"Oh, so nice to see you all again," Susan said coming in to greet everyone with a welcoming hug. "Come, come, I have food ready. You all just relax the next few days."

"She's an amazing cook," Jason complimented.

"Oh, it's nothing," Susan waved off.

"Hello everyone," Jack greeted cell phone in hand. "Jason, Mandy around?"

"She's in the kitchen," Jason said seeing a glimpse of something in Jack's eyes. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, we'll let you know later," Jack replied. "You all enjoy your stay," Jack said grabbing Mandy from the kitchen and walking towards his office.

"Wow, she wasn't kidding that she'd never have to work," Sonny said looking out into the backyard.

"Someone has been living it up for the last week and a half," Ray smirked.

"There's a ranch and a lake nearby too," Jason said. "How'd she even organize all this?"

"Oh, Mandy asked her Mom and I for help," Jessica said entering the room with Haley behind her and Troy at her side.

"Nice to see you all again, under better circumstances," Troy greeted.

"Sorry, I'm Jessica. Mandy's best friend. It's nice to meet Bravo team. I've heard so much about you," Jessica said.

"Good things I hope," Clay smiled.

"And who are you?" Sonny asked looking at Haley who darted towards Jason.

"This is Haley. Mandy's god daughter," Jason said. "Haley, this is Ray, Clay, Sonny, Brock, Trent, Lisa, Blackburn, and of course Full Metal."

"You're Full Metal?" Haley's eyes went wide as she walked towards him. "Aunt Mandy says you're definitely made of metal if history serves right," she said making the team laugh.

"Of course, I'm made of metal. Would your aunt ever lie to you?" Full Metal said kneeling down in front of her.

Haley shook her head no and then saw Jameelah standing by Jameelah.

"I'm Haley, what's your name?" Haley introduced herself with a hand out to shake.

"Jameelah," she replied to shaking Haley's hand.

"Since when do you do handshakes?" Ray asked.

"Aunt Mandy says a strong but firm handshake is key," both girls said at the same time. They looked at each other and then giggled.

"Let's go in the back yard and play with the dogs," Haley said grabbing Jameelah' s hand. "Is that your brother? He can come too."

The kids went outside, and Emma and Mikey tagged along to supervise. The adults all spent time together in the kitchen and living room area talking or eating. Everyone started to relax once they realized how down to earth Mandy's family was. Jason looked around and smiled seeing his family enjoying themselves. He then looked down towards the office wondering what was coming. He hoped nothing would bring down easy going atmosphere they had going. With everyone here though, he knew they'd make it through whatever storm came their way.