Page 78 of Ranger's Rise

I’m proud and smile. “Good. It ran perfect, but I’ll be doing Officer Aerial Control Training so they understand better.”

She nods. “They’ll need it to keep the Teams riding safe and effective. They’re crazy with how they run now, but the chopper will make them all better and safer.” Fucking women.

“You’re too smart to be hanging out with me,lo’u alofa. I didn’t get that until after Ops ran.”

She leans over the table and kisses my cheek. “I’m glad you got it. When are you off?”

I think about my list for the day. “Not until late. The As Flight Training got moved to later and I’m meeting Cort in the simulator for training after.”

She nods. “Good. I’ve been wanting to see how the classes are doing at the shop, but it’s been busy. This will give me time and get it off my mind.”

“Love that you flow easy with the schedule changes.”

She’s finished with her lunch and I know my time is up. “So do you. It will slow down and we’ll be looking for shit to do. I don’t mind waiting for it. I need to go. I’ll see you at home. Oh, we’re moving this weekend. Or the Prospects are moving us. You need to get with Cowboy for decorating or I can do it tomorrow in between classes.”

I stand when she does. “I’ll talk to the Cowboys but want your input so you get what you want.”

“Do that today and I’ll get with them tomorrow. I’m not much for decorating, but they know it.”

We’re a match made in heaven. “I will. Love you,lo’u alofa.”

“Love you too, Ranger. See you at home.”She’s gone and I head to Web’s. Amos is making lunch. I’m fucking starving.

I’m smiling when I walk in. I missed the little guys this weekend. Jacques sees me and moves fast. His chair isn’t stopping him from doing the messenger run they all seem to have. “Boss.”

I bend so I can see his face. “Jacques, you’re fast in the chair. I’m glad you can keep up with your brothers. They run everywhere.”

Maddox comes closer and waits with his head down. “Nager, Boss.” He’s cute.

“Tomorrow, we’re swimming tomorrow after dinner.”

He looks up, his smile lights his pale little face. “Nager, Tuesday.” The Tuesday comes out with his gurgle sound, but he said it.”

“Yep, we’re swimming on Tuesday at the As building.”

Amal laughs. “Alphabet soup building.”

Amos cracks up. “I like that. Alphabet soup. The Bs are here next week. It really is like alphabet soup.”

Allen laughs. “Yeah, Boss. Web’s alphabet boys.”

He’s got us all laughing. I take Maddox’ hand and walk him to the table then take Roman from Amal so he can eat. Amos tells me they’re moving Wednesday and the boys get excited throwing words out to show it. Rostya even tries, but it comes out like gibberish.

Amos hugs him. “You’re moving too, Rostya. You’ll like your new house. It has a room with toys for you and your brothers.”

Maddox looks up. “Toys?”

Asa gets up and runs. I swing my head and hope Amos explains. “Ball,” Marco says.

“Right, Marco. The ball is a toy. I helped shop and got music, balloons, models and little windmills you have to build. They’re solar too and will power your phones.”

“Nager?” Jacques makes me laugh.

“The alphabet soup building is in your backyard, Jacques. Web has a small pool on the patio for you and the Rs so you can exercise. Patcher will take you in the morning when the others train.” Amos tells him. His gurgled cheer has the boys cheering.

Amal comes in with matchbox trucks, cars and bikes. He puts one in front of all the little boys and gives me one for Roman. “For you, birthday. I shop for you. The party is after moving, with Ant Irma and Rex and Brothers Daniel and Ajhil.”

Amos is touched. He clears his throat. “That’s nice of you, Amal. They like their new toys. You made them happy.”