by Laura Acton
Crystal Hall – Men’s Dressing Room – 3:30 p.m.
Dan, Blaze, Winds, and Trey were all dressed and ready as Jim struggled with his tie, still not satisfied with the way it laid. His frustration showed openly, and when the door to the room opened, he turned to his father whom he glimpsed in the mirror. “Dad, I can’t get this right.”
Gerald Shea grinned. “What, no introduction? Where are your manners?”
“Oh, Gerry, leave Jamie alone,” Helen bustled into the room and to her son. “Let me do that for you.” Her deft hands made short work of tying the bowtie impeccably the first time. She stepped back and beamed at her boy.
Winds nudged Blondie as he whispered, “Jamie?” Both snickered softly but straightened up immediately when Jim began to introduce his parents.
“Mom, Dad, this is Trey Cheverton, my current paramedic partner.”
Trey shook hands. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shea, Dr. Shea.”
Dan and Winds shared a look as both mouthed, ‘Doctor?’ Jim never shared that part about his mother.
Continuing, Jim said, “Captain Donald Blain, he goes by Blaze, my former CO. And his second in command, Master Warrant Officer Nathan Simons, call him Winds, he doesn’t answer to Nathan.” Jim chuckled as his dad’s face showed his amusement at the names.
“Honored to make your acquaintance. Jim is the best medic I ever worked with,” Blaze said.
Winds extended a hand to Jim’s parents. “Happy to finally meet both of you. I second Blaze’s comments. Special Forces loss is Toronto’s gain.”
Patch patted Dan’s back. “And this is Constable Daniel Broderick.”
Helen beamed. “You are the one Jamie is always worried about.” She placed an affectionate hand on his cheek. “Thank you for saving my son. You are a godsend.”
“Jim saved me as many times or more, ma’am.”
Dropping her hand, she moved in closer and whispered, “Perhaps you can persuade him to return to university and become a pediatric cardiologist. I always dreamed of him and I working side by side.”
Tongue-tied and not sure how to respond, Jim’s father came to Dan’s rescue. “Helen, please. Jim is doing what gives him satisfaction, and he is happy which is our main objective.” Though he turned to Jim with a huge grin and added, “But I would love it if you moved back to Vancouver and worked as a medic there once you and Heather have babies.”
Bustling in, Bram came to a stop. “Sorry, I’m late. Kellie had to put a false hem in the pants. Apparently, I’m not quite as tall as Mason.”
Jim smiled. “Appreciate you doing this last minute.”
Bram stuck out his hand. “Hi, I’m Bram DeHaven. I work with Dan.”
Shaking hands, Gerald said, “I’m Jim’s dad, Gerald and this is my wife, Helen. A pleasure to meet you.”
Turning to their son, Helen said, “We’ll leave you to finish getting ready.” She hugged and kissed him then waited for her husband to do the same.
After they left, Blaze arched a brow. “We know your dad is an accountant, but you never told us your mother is a doctor. Why didn’t you tell us?”
Winds dropped into a seat. “Guess Blondie’s not the only one with secrets.”
Jim laughed. “I didn’t keep any secret. Mom dropped out of fourth-year med school when she became pregnant. Technically, I have an older brother, though he only lived a month. He was born with a congenital heart defect. After he died, she lost the desire to be a surgeon. When I came along, she wanted to be a stay at home mom.
“Shortly before Blondie and Brody joined the unit she returned to complete her medical degree. Over the last eight years, she completed her schooling, internship, and did her residency in pediatric cardiology. She is now working on her fellowship at one of the leading children’s hospitals.”
“Jamie?” Trey snorted. “Can’t wait to tell the guys.”
Jim rolled his eyes. “Only my mother gets away with calling me Jamie. Spread it around, and you’ll pay. I’m well versed in seeking ice-cold revenge. Isn’t that right, Dan?”
“Absolutely, Jamie.” Dan ducked as the right shoe Jim chucked at him sailed over his head. Seeing Jim with the left one primed and ready, Dan raised his hands up in surrender. “You win, Jim.”
Crystal Hall – Reception Room – 10:30 p.m.
Dan leaned back in his chair captivated observing Lexa dance as he reflected on the wedding. The happy couple wrote their vows, and Jim caused a chuckle followed by an ah when he said he fell in love with his bride the moment she wrote Dantastic on the nurse’s board, knowing she was his beauty of life and possessed an angel’s heart full of light, laughter, and love. Jim’s vow acknowledged the impact Brody had on each one of them.
Heather’s vows spoke of Jim being a compassionate man, willing to put his life on the line to make the world a better place and to protect innocents. The ceremony was short and sweet, and Heather carried a bouquet of gloxinia flowers, forget-me-nots, and baby’s breath which Lexa said represented love at first sight, true love, and long-lasting love.
Glancing around the reception room, decorated in cream and blues, he gazed at the azure accent lighting focused on the champagne cream draping on the walls, which added a splash of color. The tables were covered with light blue satin fabric, with jewel-blue linens which matched the cummerbunds and bow ties the groomsmen wore and the bridesmaid’s dresses.
A wooden dance floor occupied the center of the vast room, and a massive multi-level crystal chandelier hung above it. Smaller candelabrum hung over each of the eight-person tables. Classic, stylish, and yet simple. Dan thought back to Lexa’s comment almost a year ago at Darby Dock when they dealt with the cake knife-wielding bridezillas. She didn’t want a huge wedding. Would she consider Heather and Jim’s simple and elegant affair excessive?
Heather included sparkling apple juice and other non-alcoholic beverages for those who chose not to consume alcohol. Since the team was on shift at seven tomorrow, Dan only drank one glass of champagne while toasting the newlyweds. As best man, he decided to go with a heartfelt toast drawing on some of the sayings Brody used to share with him at sunrise. He ended his speech with, ‘Beauty is the light in your souls which is sparked anew each sunrise. May your love grow and shine as bright as each new day.’
When the party started, he took up a position at a table where his team and unit rotated in and out as they enjoyed dancing. He had fun engaging in conversations with anyone who stopped by and declined all offers to dance. Jen, Kellie, and Boss’ date, Christiana, vouched for him when he told the women their feet were safer if he didn’t.
Drawn out of his musing by a lilting voice, Dan focused on Loki and Leann. Those two spent most of the evening in each other’s company. Lexa nudging Loki to give Leann a new year’s kiss essentially lead to this date of sorts. She seemed pleasant, but Dan didn’t think she was quite Loki’s type.
“Your mother still does your laundry? I don’t believe it. You are a TRF officer, and you still live at home with your mom. Are you a mama’s boy?” Leann giggled.
Loki set his tea down, somewhat perturbed at the dig. “Actually, she lives with me. When my former stepfather divorced her, she had nowhere to go. I bought a house specifically so she could live with me. She’s my ma, and I’ll always take care of her. She deserves the best.”
Leann laid a hand on his arm. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by my words. It is only surprising. I’m glad she has a son like you.” Leann glanced around, hiding her true feelings to be polite. She wanted nothing to do with a man who put his mother before her. She spotted one of the single doctors and rose. “Excuse me, I’m going to make the rounds now.”
When she left, Loki turned to Dan. “She’s on the selfish side. I don’t think Ma would like her.”
Dan raised his glass. “To our moms, may we find women they admire.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Smiling, Loki clinked glasses with Dan and finished the tea. He checked the time. “Bram, Jon, and Boss have alr
eady left. Are you going home soon?”
“Yeah. Lexa roped me into one dance though, part of my penance for spitting alcohol on her last night.”
Loki laughed as he rose. “I would’ve thought that song would be penance enough. I’m heading home … five a.m. comes early.”
“Almost forgot to tell you, Jon canceled workout. He told me before he and Jen left he wants us there by six thirty though.”
“Awesome, one more hour of sleep. I’m gonna tell our hosts goodnight. Catch ya tomorrow.”
Dan waved to Loki, and a few minutes later he stood as Lexa approached. “Loki left.”
“I know. The next song is a waltz. You ready?” Lexa smiled. She had been waiting for the team to leave before they danced. Jim and Heather understood they would not stay for the full time given Alpha Team had work tomorrow, but the guys stayed longer than she anticipated. She hid her yawn as she tilted her head toward the dancing area.
Now that none of their team were present, Dan gripped Lexa’s hand as they strolled between the guest tables. Lexa glanced down and back up at Dan’s face. The possessive gesture was not lost on her, but she didn’t quite comprehend her reaction … she didn’t pull away as she would’ve with any other man.
As the music started, Dan put one hand on her waist as he lifted their entwined hands. He had a surprise for Lexa. While at home during the holiday, he spent time in his mother’s sitting room, just the two of them, and he asked her to teach him to waltz. His mom’s face lit with glee at his request, and they practiced for at least an hour each day for four days.
When he began to glide across the polished wood, Lexa’s eyes rounded and her golden-flecked gaze fixated on his eyes displaying her awe. He gave her a wow smile. “I learned for you.”
Lexa’s jaw dropped open even further as Dan elegantly waltzed her around the room. “How? When?”
“My mom. Over Christmas holiday.”
Beaming, Lexa couldn’t believe a man would do anything like this for her. The little angel on her shoulder whispered, “Dan isn’t just any man.”
Blaze and Winds watched Blondie from the bar, astonished by the grace of the kid’s movements. Lifting a glass high, Blaze said, “To new beginnings.”
Winds clicked glasses. “To me winning the bet that Blondie marries before Mason.” Both confirmed bachelors and best friends heartily laughed as they observed the newlyweds, and Blondie and Lexa enjoying the beauty of life.
When I See You Again
74
January 2
Dan’s Truck – 6:10 a.m.
Driving to TRF headquarters was strange. Even when he was a uniformed constable before joining the army, he relied on his legs and public transport to move around in his off time. His Ducati was the first motorized vehicle he owned, but now he possessed the truck he and Brody rented after graduating from Special Forces training.
Now when he drove to work, he could reminisce about Brody. After shift, he would be able to tell Brody the good and bad of his day. It felt so right to talk to him in this truck, and though he would never admit to anyone, Brody’s presence surrounded him in here … almost as if he rode shotgun. Glancing at the passenger seat, for the briefest second Dan swore Brody sat there grinning at him like a loon.
The thought warmed him as a shiver went down his spine. Dan shook himself. I better be careful. If the department shrink gets wind of me visualizing and conversing with my dead brother, I might find myself out of a job. That thought made him laugh. He had no trouble controlling his emotions and misdirecting psychologists. He recognized the techniques they utilized, mostly due to the extensive anti-interrogation training to become a Guardian Unit operator.
As he approached the TRF parking area, Dan grinned. Yesterday had been a fun day with Jim’s wedding. The first of the guys to be married. He wondered if Blaze and Winds would ever marry, both professed to be confirmed bachelors, but Brody used to challenge them, telling them they had not met the right woman … their beauty.
His thoughts changed as he pulled into the lot. He was raring to go again. Rested and in top-notch shape, Jon would have no reason to put him on light duty based on the twelve days they had before their week break.
TRF HQ – Parking Lot – 6:15 a.m.
Dan parked next to Lexa’s vehicle. She was already here and waiting for him. After turning off his truck, he grabbed his go bag from the passenger seat and hopped out.
“Morning, Dan.” She eyed the blue truck again, smiling as she recalled Dan’s happy expression when he told her about Brody’s remarkable gift last night when they left the wedding reception at the same time.
“Morning, Lexa. Anyone else here yet?” Dan grinned at her.
“We’re the first. We beat Boss here.”
Dan chuckled. “That’s hard to do.” Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he closed his door. He met her at the rear of the vehicles and leaned on his tailgate.
Agreeing, Lexa reached into the back of her jeep and offered a paper coffee cup to Dan. “I had enough time to grab us Timmy’s. Hot, strong, and black … the way you like your coffee on cold days.”
“Thanks. Sure is cold this morning, but at least it isn’t overcast or raining.”
“Yeah. That would’ve dampened your plans.” Lexa picked up her steaming double-double and took a sip.
The next member of the team to arrive was Boss. He pulled in and spotted Dan and Lexa standing outside chatting. He exited with a smile and as he approached them said, “Good morning Lexa, Dan. The doors locked or are you enjoying standing out here in the cold?”
Lexa handed Boss a coffee. “Just waiting to see who comes in last for the first shift of the new year.”
Nick chuckled and sipped the coffee as his eyes turned to the bicycle rack, finding no bikes. He also didn’t see Dan’s Ducati and wondered if Dan took a cab or if perhaps Lexa gave him a ride. If he did not ride his bike on a clear, but cold day like this, it might indicate he was not quite up to par yet.
Although last night at Jim’s and Heather’s wedding Dan appeared well, the weeks leading up to their holiday break had been rather hard on Dan physically. Perhaps he still requires light duty. “Dan, are you feeling okay?”
“Yes. I’m one hundred percent ready. No reason for restricted duty, Boss,” Dan said as he caught Nick glancing at the rack and read questioning in his eyes. He didn’t provide an explanation for his method of arrival since he wanted to wait until everyone arrived before he shared his news.
Almost like a train, Jon, Bram, and Loki pulled into the parking lot. Ray arrived as the others parked. In short order, everyone converged on them, accepting the coffees Lexa provided as they cheerfully greeted each other.
Noticing Dan’s lack of transportation, Jon eyed Dan critically. “Where’s your bike, Dan?”
“At home.”
Loki studied Dan. He appeared well rested, but Dan’s masks often hid reality from them. He trod carefully with humor. “Dantastic didn’t ride his bicycle on such a beautiful day. Aliens must’ve abducted the real Dan.”
“I’m not an alien, Loki.” He chuckled at the thought and clarified as he noted Jon’s scrutiny, “All healed and ready to go as you all witnessed yesterday.”
Nothing appeared off as Bram peered at Dan. In fact, Dan seemed rather happy, and a glint lit his eyes. “Did you jog today?”
“No, I drove.” A lopsided grin which reflected in his sapphire eyes graced his face.
“Your Ducati was delivered?” Ray scanned the area searching for Dan’s red motorcycle which Loki coveted. Recalling the delivery of the bike from CFB Borden, where Dan met with JAG officers regarding court-martials of several men, had been delayed he wondered what Dan drove today.
Jon realized Dan leaned on a truck he had never seen in the lot. “About damned time you finally came to your senses and bought a vehicle.”
“Not exactly.” Everyone stared as Dan’s grin grew.
Loki gaped at the awesome four-wheel drive truck. “What do yo
u mean? Did you borrow the truck from Blaze or Winds?”
“No. It’s mine, but I didn’t buy it.”
Making the same assumption Lexa did when Dan told her he owned the vehicle, Nick said, “Your parents, gave you some gift there, Dan.”
“The general gave you this?” Jon’s eyes widened in surprise.
Bram smiled. Now that is one way to show you care. Not the best, but it is a start for William. The man is undoubtedly trying to reconnect with his son.
Fingers skimming the side of the bed, as he had done with the Ducati, Loki smiled, happy Dan didn’t need to buy one from Gina’s husband’s, brother-in-law’s cousin’s father’s used car lot. “This is awesome. We won’t be worried about you riding home in all the crappy weather. Did you select what you wanted or did they stick a red bow on the hood in the driveway?”
Ray shook his head. “Dan’s parents had no idea he was coming.”
“This is not a gift from my parents.” Dan waited for a beat as the puzzled expressions showed. “Brody gave me this truck.”
“How the hell did Brody give you a truck?” Jon blurted out.
“Brody’s special.” Dan beamed as the words warmed his heart.
The bright smiling lighting up Dan made Nick chuckle. “I can tell there is a story here. Why don’t we go inside, where it is warm, and you can tell us all the whole story?”
Dan nodded. He was getting a bit cold standing out here, and he was not about to let himself catch a cold and chance getting put on light duty.
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 6:30 a.m.
The team claimed their regular seats as they peered at Dan expectantly. Dan rarely talked about Brody, and they were all curious but never pried.
Dan set his coffee down and toyed with his phone. Winds helped him make copies of Brody’s CDs, transfer the files to his laptop and phone, and create a compilation of selected items he wanted to share with the team.
“Brody, my brother, was one-of-a-kind. We met at a time when we both needed a friend, and we clicked. We helped each other through basic training. After we went to advanced training to become MPs, we ended up assigned to the same bases. We knocked around for a few years before we headed off for Special Forces to fulfill Brody’s dream.