by D. C. Stone
Samantha smiled and the sight of her dancing eyes and happiness caused something in his chest to shift, as it always seemed to do when she did that. He decided right then and there that his new mission in life would be to keep that smile on her face for the rest of their lives.
The snort sounded again, originating from Charlie. He cocked his head. “Seriously, Charlie, what’s up?” he asked.
She grinned wide. “I have a few theories but I can’t seem to make a decision.”
He glanced around the circle, trying to see if anyone could give him a hint. Everyone looked as bemused as he felt, with the exception of his two teammates.
Very suspicious.
He narrowed his eyes as Sam let out another giggle next to him.
“What are these theories?” he asked, wondering if he’d regret playing along.
Charlie’s lips twitched again. “Could it have come from you tripping over something?”
“What?” he asked, lost.
She tilted her head to the side. “Nah, that can’t be it. You’re the most sure-footed guy I know.” She tapped her chin, then held up the same finger. “Did you try drugs at some point?” Almost before the question was out of her mouth, she shook her head. “Nah, that can’t be it either.”
“For fuck’s sake, Charlie,” he started, but she talked over him.
“Maybe fall into a wall?”
Sam giggled again.
He opened his mouth, ready to shut this down but once again, Charlie talked over him.
“No, no, that can’t be it. Maybe,” she said and sat up straighter, held that same damn finger in the air, and took a deep breath. And he knew. He cut a glare at his two teammates who were doing their best to avoid his gaze. “Maybe you bent over wearing your flight suit and just so happened to split the suit right up the back on a laundry day and thus, had no underwear on beneath. That has to be it!”
“Damn it, Sig,” he barked, just as the man in question fell from his chair howling with laughter. Others joined in on the action, all having apparently been having a conversation about how he’d obtained his team nickname.
Across the fire, he met a gaze so similar to his that it still startled him. Cooper laughed along with everyone else and some of the strain around his eyes had eased. Warmth suffused his chest, and along with the sound of his family and friends laughing, the sight of his healing dog by his future wife’s side, and her safe and sound beside him, all was right in his world, for he was finally home.
The End
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