Owen. Next time we’re on a mission together, you’ll be on watch rotation like the rest of us.”
When Jesse took up his post by the French doors, Owen prepared for bed and stretched out on the couch. He roused briefly when Brody took over the watch three hours later. Thirty minutes before Owen planned to call room service, Jesse exited the second bedroom.
“Shower’s free, Owen.”
“Thanks.” He rose and grabbed his bag. Ten minutes later, he exited the room dressed in jeans, a polo shirt, and hiking boots. “Time to call in the breakfast order. Any preferences?”
Brody shook his head. “We’re not picky. The rest of the team will arrive in thirty minutes.”
Owen called room service and placed a large order which included more coffee and Gigi’s hot tea. By the time the rest of the Texas team arrived, room service had been delivered.
He set aside Gigi’s tea, yogurt, and granola along with the blueberries he’d requested for her. While the Texas team filled their plates, Owen knocked on Gigi’s door. “Breakfast is here.”
“Be right out.”
A moment later, she walked into the living room and straight into his arms. “Good morning, sweetheart,” he murmured. “How did you sleep?”
“Not bad. Took me a while to doze off, though.”
Owen kissed her lightly, aware of their audience. “The temperature is pleasant outside. Would you be interested in breakfast on the balcony with me?”
She smiled. “A breakfast date? What a perfect way to start the day.”
He chuckled. “Go on to the balcony. I’ll bring our food and drinks out in a minute.”
After greeting the Texas team, Gigi went outside while Owen located a tray. He hoped this small respite would give her pleasant memories to dwell on in the coming days.
“We’ll check out and head to the clinic in thirty minutes,” Brody said.
With a nod, Owen carried the loaded tray outside and set it on the low table in front of an outdoor couch.
“The morning is so peaceful that I feel like we’re alone in our own universe although the rest of your team is in the suite.”
Private, too, but peaceful was a good bonus since the next few days would be filled with chaos and stress. He sat beside her and handed Gigi her breakfast.
They ate in silence, enjoying the sunrise together. Afterward, Owen wrapped his arm around Gigi’s shoulders and tucked her close to his side.
“Is something on your mind, Owen?”
More than one thing. One of them was of utmost interest to the woman who owned his heart. “I talked to your father last night.”
She turned toward him. “That was fast. What did he say?”
“Quite a bit.” His lips curved. “Most of our conversation went along the lines of why did it take me so long to make my move, and if I hurt you, he’d make me sorry I was ever born.”
Gigi groaned. “Oh, man. I can’t believe he said that.”
“I can. If we’re blessed with a daughter, I’ll be worse than your father.”
“What does that mean?”
“Your father threatened with words. If any man hurts our daughter, he’ll deal with my fists.”
She rolled her eyes. “Once a Marine, always a Marine. So, does that mean you’ll be greeting our daughter’s date with a gun on your hip the first time you meet him?”
And every time the boy picked up his daughter as a pointed reminder of the consequences of hurting his child. “Count on it.”
“What if we have only boys?”
“I’ll teach them to treat women like I treat their mother.”
“Teach them to carry handkerchiefs in their pockets.” She rested her head against his shoulder. “I like that habit of yours.”
“Mrs. Grady drummed it into our heads from the time we were in elementary school. According to her, gentlemen always keep one on hand for the women in their life.”
“Were Mom and Dad supportive of our relationship?”
“I have their blessing.”
Her breath caught. “Blessing? We’re not engaged, Owen.”
“Yet.” He kissed her. “As soon as I have a ring for you, I’ll remedy that. You will be kind to me and say yes, right?”
“You’ll find out when you pop the question.”
“Have a heart, G. Remember, men have fragile egos. We can’t handle much rejection.”
She laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
A knock sounded behind them.
Owen stood and held out his hand to Gigi. “Time to go.”
“Thanks for the breakfast date. I enjoyed my time with you.”
“We’ll have many more dates in our future.” He picked up the tray and walked inside the suite with Gigi trailing behind him. “I’ll get your bag in a minute.”
“Thanks, Owen.