Libby stands proudly in front of the mirror, squinting at her new dress, smoothing it over her hips with her palms.
“I think you missed a spot,” Cass interrupts, grinning.
“What? Are you serious?”
I punch him on the shoulder, hard enough to make a difference.
“No, I was kidding!” he objects. “On a related note, I would like to file a complaint.”
“Jeez, don’t mess with me,” she fusses, scowling.
I hold her from behind, trapping her hands in mine, forcing her to stand still against me for just a moment. I can feel her heartbeat through her back, fluttering like a caged bird.
“It’s going to be fine,” I assure her.
Her eyes meet mine in the mirror.
“You know? It’s going to be weird.”
She’s probably right. No point in arguing with her.
Cass gets her bag into the Jeep and we all climb in like some kind of field trip. The sun is bright, but clouds are hanging low in the west, promising a change in the weather later today.
It’s not a long drive. We make it in silence and pass the guard station.
I see the door open as we pull into the driveway and I yank the emergency brake, cutting the engine so that Cass and I can scramble to attention before Colonel Warner gets to the driveway.
Libby scrambles from the back seat, leaping to greet him with her arms out.
“Liberty Jane!” he proclaims, scooping her up in a crushing embrace.
Cass and I pretend not to watch, but of course we do. We remain at attention, eyes fixed to the horizon. She kicks her heels delightedly. He swings her in a half circle before setting her down.
Liberty Jane. I love that name.
His demeanor changes completely as he approaches us. We snap automatic salutes, pausing until he completes his before dropping our arms.
“At ease,” he commands us.
Tension fills the air as he walks back and forth in front of us, his jaw clenched.
“Didn’t think I would be running into you boys today,” he says.
“Yes, sir.”
“Anything to report?”
“Daddy,” Libby interrupts, reaching out to slip her hand into his. “I have a lot to tell you.”
Colonel Warner pauses, then drops his gaze to smile at her. He would have every right to make today very difficult for us, but clearly he is choosing not to.
“Boys,” he says instead of goodbye as he follows Liberty into the house.
Liberty Jane. I’m going to have to remember to call her that.
“Jesus,” Cass sighs when he is out of earshot. “That was stressful.”