Page 26

NINETEEN

GAGE

“Top,” I stand before Master Sergeant Romano, waiting with a sinking feeling in my stomach.

I’m not ready to go back.

“Gunny, you look good. I got your clearance paperwork in from the docs.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

“I’m getting married today.” I blurt it out and I know it’s unprofessional as fuck, but I’m looking for anything that will stall the inevitable.

Romano’s eyes widen in surprise. “Close the door and take a seat.”

I close the door and take a deep breath before I turn around and take a seat in the chair in front of his desk. “Sir.”

“Cut the bullshit, Gage. You... getting married? Is it your kid’s mom?” Romano leans back in his chair, waiting for me to answer.

“No. Hell fucking no. I’ve got court in a few days to deal with that situation.” Thank God for that too. Hopefully, with Ale being my wife, it will all go over smoothly with the judge.

“Well, don’t leave me in suspense, fucker. Who is she? Wait,” he pauses. “This isn’t a Di Marco situation, is it?”

I let out a laugh. I will never forget the Di Marco situation. After a ninety-six, Di Marco came back on base married to a stripper named Ivana, saying he was in love.

“Nah, nothing like that.”

“Well, then enlighten me. For a guy I’ve known for four years and have never even heard you breathe a word about settling down, forgive me for being confused.” Romano stares at me, and I decide to just lay it all out.

“It’s the woman I hired to take care of Zoe. Alejandra. She’s…” Amazing. Beautiful. Everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman and more.

“...everything.” The word slips out, and I instantly regret it. I feel my cheeks warm with embarrassment, and I shift uncomfortably in the chair. Romano’s eyes narrow as he watches me closely, the familiar look of skepticism forming on his face.

“Are you sure about this, Gage?” he asks, his voice losing some of its usual edge but still laced with a hint of concern. "Look, I’m all for you settling down and being happy but your nanny? You know this isn’t the same as some quick fling, right? This is serious.”

I run a hand through my hair, trying to collect my thoughts. I should’ve expected this, but I wasn’t ready for Romano’s probing. All I know is that I need her. I need her more than I need to breathe. Ale makes me feel a little less broken. She makes me feel .

“I know, man. Trust me. I didn’t expect any of this to happen, but.

.. things just... fell into place.” I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees, trying to make him understand.

“Alejandra is great with Zoe. The moment I saw her interact with my daughter, I knew she was something special. She’s not just some.

.. woman I hired to babysit. Alejandra is smart and compassionate, and she gets me.

She understands what I’m going through. The whole fucking mess with Zoe’s birth mom and the custody shit.

She’s been my rock these last few months, and I—I need her. ”

Romano’s gaze softens, and I can tell he’s trying to make sense of it all. It’s probably a lot for him to take in. Hell, it’s a lot for me to take in too, but the thought of Alejandra in my life, officially, makes everything feel just... right. Even if I wasn’t expecting it to happen like this.

“You sure you’re not rushing this?” He asks, his tone quieter now, less like a senior staff NCO and more like a concerned friend. “I mean, I get that things regarding Zoe are complicated, but marriage is a hell of a commitment, Gage. It’s not something you just jump into because of a kid.”

I nod, knowing deep down he’s right. But it’s not just about Zoe, is it?

It’s about me too. It’s about wanting someone in my corner who doesn’t look at me like a failure.

Someone who sees me for who I am, all the flaws and mistakes included, but still wants to stand by me.

Someone who can make me laugh when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

That’s Alejandra.

“I know,” I admit, my voice lowering, almost like I’m confessing something.

“But I’m tired, Romano. Tired of fucking up.

Tired of pretending like I don’t need someone.

I’ve tried to do this alone for so long, but I can’t keep doing it.

I need her, man. I don’t know if that makes sense, but I need her more than I’ve needed anyone in a long time.

The idea of a quick fuck to fill the need just feels wrong.

When I look at her, all I see is someone I want to grow old with. ”

Romano takes a long breath, his eyes still locked on me.

For a moment, I’m not sure if he’s going to give me shit or offer some words of wisdom.

Instead, he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “I get it,” he says, and I can tell he’s not just saying it to placate me.

“But don’t fuck this up, Gage. Don’t drag her into your shit if you’re not ready to really commit.

You don’t get to play games with her heart just because you’re in a rough spot. She deserves better than that.”

“I know that,” I reply, my voice firm. “I’m not going to hurt her. I wouldn’t. I swear to you, Romano, this is real. I’m doing this because I want to. Because I need to. Because she’s the one. I... I can’t keep going back to the way things were. I’m done with that.”

There’s a silence that hangs between us before Romano finally uncrosses his arms and leans forward. “Alright. Then do it. Don’t screw it up.”

I nod, the realization of his words settling in. There’s no going back now, no matter how scared I feel. Alejandra and I are already knee-deep in this. I don’t know how the hell it’ll work, but I’m going to give it my all. She deserves that. Zoe deserves her. Hell, I deserve her too.

I glance at the clock on Romano’s wall and realize just how much time has passed. My heart races as the thought of getting to the courthouse sets in. “I need to go. I told her we’re getting married this afternoon.”

Romano stands up as I make to leave, but he stops me with one last piece of advice. “Gage, I know you’ve been through hell, but if you’re doing this, you better be all in. No half-assing it. Don’t let her down. I’ll call you to talk about what’s going on with where you’ll be on Monday.”

“I won’t,” I promise.

I turn to leave, my hand on the doorknob, and Romano calls after me.

“Oh, and Gage?”

I glance over my shoulder.

“Don’t fuck it up,” he repeats, and this time, there’s a hint of a grin on his face.

I smirk back, nodding once before stepping out of his office. The burden of everything sits in my chest, but this time, it feels different. This time, I feel like I’m doing something right. Something real.

I’m walking into a new chapter of my life, and there’s no going back now.

The courthouse is sterile. Cold, almost clinical.

Very much like the medical facility, and I hate it.

There’s a stillness in the air that makes me feel like I’m not supposed to be here.

But here we are. Alejandra stands beside me, and Zoe, in her arms, her tiny hand wrapped around Alejandra’s finger, stares up at me with wide, very awake eyes.

She’s wearing a little dress, the one Alejandra picked out, and a pair of tiny white shoes that seem a little too big for her feet.

I can’t stop staring at her, at my daughter, and the pressure of the moment presses on me like a vise.

This wasn’t how I envisioned my life going. Hell, I don’t think anyone does. But this—this feels right.

I kind of did everything ass-backwards. I had a kid and now I’m getting married.

And it’s not even to her mother.

The clerk calls us up, her voice almost muffled behind the thick glass that separates us from the rest of the courthouse.

Alejandra squeezes my hand, the pressure of her touch grounding me.

Her warmth is the only thing that keeps me steady, because, deep down, my mind is a mess of chaos.

I know I’m ready for this, but my head keeps fucking with me.

What if I’m not a good enough husband? What if I’m a shitty father?

I haven’t been ready for anything in a long time. But, somehow, Alejandra makes me feel like I’m capable of something more.

Of being someone better.

Zoe groans in Alejandra's arms and I look down at her, speaking in a gentle voice. “What do you think, baby girl? Are you ready for Daddy to make it official?”

The little whimper she makes brings a smile to my face. I’m going to take that as a yes. I didn’t think I could ever have a moment like this. A family. A life that felt real. But here we are, standing at the edge of something that could be beautiful if I don’t fuck it up.

“Are you ready?” Alejandra whispers to me as she stands again, her eyes searching mine.

I can’t tell her how much I’m freaking out.

How much I’m terrified that maybe I’m not good enough for her.

For either of them. Maybe I’m asking too much of her, of us, of this entire thing.

But when I look at her—when I look at Zoe—I know I need to remind myself that it’s all for them.

“Yeah,” I answer, my voice thick. “I’m ready.”

She smiles softly, and it feels like everything is falling into place. Even though the courthouse is cold and impersonal, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is right here, right now, in this little bubble we’ve created together.

The clerk calls us forward, and we walk to the counter, where a woman at a computer is waiting for us. She doesn’t look up when we approach. It’s all business for her.

But for me, this moment is anything but business.

“You both need to sign here, please,” the clerk says, sliding the paperwork across the counter.

I glance at Alejandra, and she’s already reaching for the pen. Her hand shakes slightly, and I can see the nerves in her eyes. But she doesn’t let them show. Not for me. Not for Zoe.

I place my hand over hers before she can sign. She looks up at me, eyes wide, searching my face for something.

“I don’t want to just sign the paper,” I say, my voice low, my heart pounding. “I want this to be real, Alejandra. I need you to know that. I need you to know I’m all in and I’m not going anywhere.”

Her breath catches in her throat, and she slowly nods. “I know,” she whispers, and it’s the softest sound I’ve ever heard, but the words carry more weight than anything I’ve ever said.

She signs the paper, and I follow suit, my hands shaking as I write my name next to hers. This isn’t some casual gesture. It’s not a formality. This is my life. This is us. And when I sign my name, I’m giving everything I have to her and Zoe.

The woman behind the counter checks our IDs and stamps the paperwork with a finality that makes my chest tighten.

“Congratulations, you’re officially married,” she says, though there’s no joy in her voice, no excitement. Just another transaction. But for us, it feels like a beginning. “Do you need copies?”

Alejandra’s eyes meet mine, and for a brief second, time feels like it stops. The world falls away, and it’s just her, me, and Zoe. The gravity of it hits me all at once, and I swallow hard to keep from saying something fucking stupid.

Married . Gage Donovan III is married. And to the most beautiful woman in the world. Fuck, I'm a lucky son of a bitch.

“Sir?” The clerk interrupts our moment and I’m only slightly annoyed.

“Yes,” I clear my throat. “Can we have two copies, please?" I take out my debit card and slide it through the machine. My gaze shifts over to Ale and my heart wants to jump out of my chest. She’s whispering to Zoe, giving her soft kisses on her forehead and if it isn’t the most maternal thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

I need my wife in our bed, underneath me, and getting filled with our next child.

I’ve been so damn afraid of this moment. Of everything that could go wrong. Of fucking it all up. But when I look at Alejandra—when I look at her and Zoe—I see my future. I see what I’ve been searching for.

“I love you,” I say, there’s no point in hiding it anymore.

Alejandra’s eyes glisten with unshed tears, and her smile is soft but real. “I love you too, Gage.”

I feel like I can breathe again. The fear that’s been holding me hostage for so long starts to fade. Maybe I’m not ready for all of this. Maybe I’m not perfect. But I know one thing for sure: this is where I’m supposed to be.

With her.

With Zoe.

The clerk hands us the papers, and we make our way out of the courthouse. The sun is high, and it’s hot as shit in the parking lot, the air is thick but not uncomfortable. I’m holding Alejandra’s hand, and Zoe is resting against her chest, her little eyes fluttering as she drifts off to sleep.

I stop walking for a moment, taking in the sight of them.

Alejandra, with Zoe in her arms, looking like a mother, like a wife, like everything I’ve ever needed.

I’ve spent so much of my life running, avoiding the things that scared me.

But now, here they are—my family. The people who will always be my home.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask again, even though I already know the answer.

Alejandra smiles softly, looking down at Zoe, then back up at me. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

And that, right there, is enough to make everything feel like it’s finally falling into place. No matter what happens next, I have them. I have her . And that’s all I need.

I kiss her forehead, the taste of her skin sweeter than anything I’ve ever known, and as we walk to the truck, I realize that this moment—this is the beginning of everything.

The beginning of a life I never thought I’d have. And the beginning of a love I never thought I’d find.

“I can’t wait to get you home, put Zoe to bed and fuck my wife. ”