GUNNER
Nick and Holden are completely knocked out on the plane. We’ve never rushed so fast to get anywhere since we left the service. Sophie hasn’t been able to relax despite us leaving the villa less than thirty minutes after she got the call.
I get up and walk to her. She’s just been rolling her phone in her hand as if she’s waiting for another message. I sit next to her and take her hands in mine. Roman makes some adjustments so he can take care of the necessary shit, and we can focus on Miles.
Sophie swallows, opens her mouth, then shakes her head. Her eyes water, and she slumps down, covering her face with her hands. I wrap my arm around her and pull her close. A hug won’t fix this shit, and I know that.
But I don’t know what else I can offer. Sophie holds onto my shirt and presses her face to my neck. I kiss her temple and massage the back of her neck. “We’re going to be there soon.”
“We should have left days ago.” She whimpers. “He’s been sick, and I’ve just been having fun.”
“Sweets, we both know he wouldn’t have it any other way. Miles loves you and wants you to take advantage of every opportunity.” I comfort her.
She ends up crying herself to sleep. I keep rubbing her back until Roman sits across from us. “Gunner?”
“We’re going right to the hospital, right? I don’t think she’ll be able to focus on anything else until she sees him.” I answer.
Roman nods and rubs his jaw. “We’re going to have to share Miles’ job until he’s better. Which means Sophie is going to have more on her plate.”
“It’ll be good for her. She’ll have something else to focus on.” I agree, dragging my fingers through her hair.
Sophie adjusts on me, cuddling close. I want to fix things for her, to do anything to stop her tears. I kiss the top of her head and rub her shoulders. I fucking hate this.
“I’m sure things will get better. Miles is getting the best possible care.” Roman rubs his jaw. His eyes focus out the window, and he clears his throat. “He survived war; we all did. Some sickness isn’t going to take him out.”
“I fucking hate waiting,” I grumble. “Why haven’t we gotten teleportation mastered?”
Roman chuckles and shakes his head. “Sorry, we don’t live in the Star Trek universe.”
I try to hide my smile. We get through the rest of the flight, rush through customs – as fast as five almost zombies can – and then pile into a town car to get to the hospital. Sophie got maybe two hours of sleep, and I can tell she’s on edge. Her fingers drum on her knee, and she keeps biting her lip.
Holden takes her hand, rubbing with his thumb while I call work to let them know to reroute all calls for Miles to our voicemails. Sasha pushes back more than I expect.
“So, that means you all are back? We’ve been so lonely at the office without you.”
“Yes. We have to see to some personal matters. Please focus on this specifically. It’s a priority.”
“Yes, sir.” She agrees. I hear her take a breath and know she’s about to continue, so I hang up.
I rub my forehead and push down my temper. We need a new fucking secretary. One that isn’t trying to shove her nose in our asses to get more than a wink or a short conversation. But that’s a thought for another time. One I can talk with Nick about. Maybe we can start interviews for her position. Sasha can’t be that hard to replace, right?
When we get to the hospital, Sophie flips a switch. She’s gone from anxious and shaking to stalking across the tile, her heels clicking as she walks with purpose—a woman on a mission. Roman smiles slightly, but we follow her without question.
“Miles Langston, please.”
“Oh, um … well.” The woman looks back at us, then Sophia leans towards her, claiming her focus.
“Miles. Langston. I was called by a doctor and told it was urgent.”
“Right. Of course.” The woman types on the computer then writes down a room number.
Sophie waves it at us, and we follow her to the elevator. She makes a few text messages, then starts walking out the elevator door before it’s fully open. I’m in awe of her. She’s commanding and impossible to ignore.
She turns into a room and I decide to wait outside. She deserves some private time with her father. They have a short conversation, then one of the nurses notices us. She exhales and points at the four of us. “If you’re visiting, you should go in. We don’t like people in the hallway.”
“Sure.” Holden nods.
The four of us file into the room. It’s private, and Sophie has drawn the curtain so she and Miles have some privacy. But it doesn’t stop me from hearing how upset she is.
“You told me not to worry, Dad. That’s not fair.” She hisses. “I could have been here. We could have all been here and made sure you got some actual rest without straining your heart and-”
“Honey, if I thought it was this bad ….” He takes a long breath. “I would have told you.”
“What happened?” Her voice softened. “Daddy …”
A long pause and I look at Nick. He shakes his head once. He doesn’t have a clue, but honestly, we’ve gotten minimal information. How were we supposed to know at all? It was easier in combat. Back then, we could tell how the other person was with their tone, their body language. That was all.
Now, despite living together and staying close, we live our own lives … we’ve all changed.