was especially closed off after his sister’s accident. I know she must have been hurt more than he lets on and that he carries a lot of what happened on his shoulders, although none of us knows why. If John wanted to share, he would, so we respect his privacy.”
“Any advice on how to open him up?”
“Do you know how to climb?” She chuckled.
“No, but I’d be willing to learn.”
“Look, Sloane, it’s baby steps with John. Enjoy the moments when he opens up, and at those times really show who you are, so you break through that barrier. It will take time, but he will see who you are and will let his guard down with you more. All the men married very strong women, so there is something to be said for that. Sometimes they may need a little push to see what’s right in front of them.”
I stood, feeling a little better inside, and asked Savi if she needed any help.
By mid-afternoon, the cabin looked inviting and ready for company. We made our way back up to the main house and wandered into the kitchen to help make dinner. Savi suggested that I pitch in, as it would be a good way to keep my mind busy.
An entire “cow” and a bushel of potatoes later, we started to fill the table with tonight’s dinner. I noticed Dell, who was also one of the Green Berets, was extra quiet this evening. Savannah said they often hung around while dinner was made, but tonight it was more than that. Something seemed off. I wished Frank was there so I could ask him. As I was setting the last platter of meat on the table, a strange noise blew over the roof of the house. Savannah froze, and her glance flew to Abigail, who had the same expression.
“What is that?” I asked, curious to know why the mood had suddenly changed in the room.
“It’s the chopper.” Abigail moved to the window and pulled back the curtain. “It’s back early.”
Savannah dropped the forks on the table and rushed toward the front door where Dell was already waiting.
“What’s going on, Dell?” Savannah opened the door, only to have Dell close it on her.
“Let’s just give them a minute.”
“So, they are back.” Savi looked over at me and hesitated. “Dell, we have an agreement when they are back on US soil, you can tell me if they’re okay or not.”
“They are okay.”
Savannah’s shoulders sagged inward with relief, and she didn’t press further. Instead, she came over and stood next to me as if to offer me comfort in unknown territory.
One by one, the men entered the house. Their clean gear didn’t go unnoticed, but their stressed expressions sent a chill up my spine.
Cole immediately made a beeline for Savannah, and a fully tattooed man granted me a halfhearted smile.
“You must be Sloane. I’m Mike,” he pointed to himself, “and that’s Keith. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too.” Before I said anything else, he disappeared upstairs.
“Hey,” John appeared, “change in plans.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” He glanced over my shoulder to someone before he brought his eyes back to mine. “I’m going to change out of my gear, then I’ll meet you at the table.”
Cole slapped Dell on the shoulder, giving him a thanks and let him know they’d be down to dinner in a few minutes.
Fifteen minutes later, the team joined us at the hastily reset table. Before the men had even settled, Mark had two steaks on his plate and was reaching for the potatoes. He looked over, catching my amusement.
“I’m eating for two. Mia isn’t here tonight.”
I grinned at him, but it slipped when Cole sat at the head of the table. The tension was as thick as the steaks in front of us. John was the last one to join us and sat next to me. His warm hand reached over and squeezed my leg as a silent hello. I covered his fingers and returned the gesture.
“All right, boys,” Abigail spoke first, “there’s no strangers at this table. Out with it.”
Keith cleared his throat and pointed his fork in John’s direction. “Shouldn’t the hero speak first?”
“Luck,” John corrected.
“You can call it luck,” Mike’s voice boomed across the table, “but that luck saved your brothers.”
Keith waited for John to speak, but when he didn’t seem to want to elaborate, Keith picked up the story.
“We were getting into position to rappel down when John suddenly shouted at us to stop. With North Rock screaming