“That’s what I’m saying.”
Camel pushed a hand over his head and blew out a breath. “Okay, I did not see that one coming. Should I have seen it?”
“Dunno. You’re the sniper. You know all about sneaking up on things, so you tell me.”
Camel shook his head back and forth slowly. “You didn’t say you loved her last night. You said it was intense and emotional. And while Bailey may worry about Kayla like she’s twelve instead of twenty-three, I think she’s an adult and if she wants to shack up with you, then it’s not up to me to stop her. But marriage? That’s pretty intense, dude.”
“I know it is. But you can’t deny that her becoming my dependent would open up a lot of opportunities for her and Ana both. She struggles to pay for Ana’s doctor visits. Wouldn’t be a problem once we marry. Ana would be covered and we could get her into daycare. Their lives would both be more stable in a family unit.”
“I’m not disliking this option, just so you know. But I can’t guarantee that Bailey will like it. She likes you, but she loves her sister. And the two of them have been through so much together. She wants the best for Kayla, and she wants her to be happy.”
“I’ll make her happy. But getting married is the right way to protect them both, and you know it. The sooner, the better.”
“What does Kayla think? Or haven’t you told her all this yet?”
“She knows and she agrees.”
“Gotta admit that I’m surprised you thought of it. I mean marriage. That’s a serious step.”
There was no reason to tell Camel how it’d really happened. “I know. But it feels right.”
“So you love her?”
He hesitated. He didn’t know how to label what he felt for Kayla yet. It was more than friendship. More than lust. But how did you know when it was love? “Honestly, I don’t know what to call it. But Kayla and Ana are important to me. I want their happiness, and I want them safe from bastards like Dal Gentry and James Dunn.”
Camel nodded. “Okay. Good enough for me. Maybe not quite good enough for Bailey, but I’ll bring her around. When are you doing this?”
“Tomorrow. Eleven-fifteen at the courthouse. Kayla will have a dependent ID before the day’s out.”
Camel’s eyes narrowed. “How long have you two been planning this?”
“We applied for the license on Monday.”
Camel whistled. “Maybe we’d better not tell Bailey that. And hope she doesn’t Google how to get married in Maryland.” He shook his head. “I could wish that Kayla had come to me after she got the threat last week, but I honestly couldn’t come up with a better strategy than this. Bailey might not be thrilled, but it’s a solid plan.”
“Will you and Bailey come tomorrow? I know Kayla wants her sister there, even if she hasn’t told her what’s happening yet.”
“Yeah, we’ll be there. I’ll make sure she realizes this is the best solution.”
“What’s the best solution?” Adam “Blade” Garrison asked.
Camel jerked his chin toward Neo. “Neo here’s getting married to Bailey’s little sister.”
Blade’s expression said it all. “No shit? Congrats, dude. When’s the big day?”
“Uh, tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Whoa. Why wasn’t I invited?”
“Invited to what?” Dirty asked as he strolled over to see what they were discussing.
Neo sighed. Then he stood up and called out, “Attention, SEALs.”
All eyes focused on him.
“I’m marrying Kayla Jones tomorrow at the courthouse at eleven-fifteen.”
Everybody started talking at once. Neo whistled to quiet them down. Then he continued.
“We needed to do it quick because of the danger to her and Ana, so that’s why no traditional wedding or plans for inviting everyone. Though Kayla’s idea of a real wedding involves Money and Ella’s view of the Chesapeake and dress uniforms, just so you know. Maybe we’ll have a ceremony later on when everything calms down, but for now we’re going to the courthouse. Now you know.”
Dirty clapped him on the shoulder. “Man, I knew you’d take the plunge someday. Just didn’t expect you to do it before I did. Congrats.”
Everyone came over to shake his hand. Money grinned. “You know you can have a ceremony at mine and Ella’s place whenever you want.”
“Thanks. I know Kayla will appreciate that. She really loves your view.”
Money leaned toward him, voice pitched only for his ears. “I don’t know what’s going on with you and Kayla, if you’re in love or what, but I married Ella to protect her—and look how that turned out. The big L, man.” Money mimed getting stabbed in the heart. “She got me when I didn’t even know I could be got. That’s how it goes. I really hope that’s how it goes for you too. If it hasn’t already, I mean.”
“Thanks, Money.”
“Anytime, dude.”
Alex “Ghost” Bishop, recently promoted from lieutenant colonel to full-bird, strode into the room. Everyone snapped to attention. “At ease, men. What’s going on? I heard the cheering at the other end of the hall.”
“Neo’s getting married tomorrow, sir,” Dane “Viking” Erikson said. “He just sprung it on us.”
Ghost’s eyebrows lifted. “Congrats, sailor,” he said as he offered a hand.
Neo shook it. The colonel had a firm grip. Neo didn’t know the colonel’s whole story, but if it was anything like General Mendez’s—also recently promoted—there were depths to the man they’d never know. Surprising depths, probably.
“Thank you, sir.”
“I can only assume this decision happened fast since you haven’t informed command of the impending change in your status.”
“Yes, sir.” He’d known he was going to have to tell them, but he hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Too many other things to worry about right now.
Ghost’s gaze slid over the room. “I’m also assuming something out of the ordinary is going on that’s made this wedding a priority. Care to tell me what it is?”
Neo didn’t really think it was a request. And he didn’t have
