Page 39 of The Fragile Ones

“What are you all doing here?”

“It’s your birthday!” said Chad, as he greeted her with Cisco at his side.

“It’s not my birthday until Friday.”

“That doesn’t stop us,” said her uncle.

“Wow…you all hid in here waiting,” she laughed, her heart racing.

“We had spies at the department that let us know when you left,” said McGaven, standing next to his girlfriend Denise.

“Of course,” Katie smiled. “John…that sneak.”

“He’s on his way,” said McGaven.

Katie was pleased to see her sergeant from the army, Nick, and his brother James and girlfriend Nadine. Nick cut through the crowd as everyone moved to the kitchen with food to be barbecued outside. Even in fall, there was nothing quite as tasty as food tossed onto the barbecue and then enjoying it indoors.

“Hey, Scotty. Happy Birthday,” he said, giving her a peck on the cheek.

“I’m so glad you could be here. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Well, things are going well,” he said.

“So great to hear.” Her sergeant had been honorably discharged after he lost his leg, and he had returned to the area looking for his estranged brother. Katie had helped to reunite them—they were a family now.

The rest of the guests funneled down the hallway with Katie following.

“Oh, wait,” said her uncle.

“That’s right,” replied McGaven.

“There’s one more surprise. Well, it’s actually a big surprise.”

“A big, big surprise.”

“Will you two stop it,” she said. “I don’t need any more surprises.”

“Maybe we’ll take it back.”

“Okay, tell me,” she said.

“Keep your eyes forward and march,” said a female voice.

Katie turned in surprise to see her friend Elizabeth Cromwell—a tall, thin brunette she had been in boot camp with, standing in the doorway of her guest room. “Lizzy!” she cried with joy.

“Yep, it’s me,” replied her friend. “Katie, you look awesome! Well, maybe not the torn shirt…”

The women hugged.

“How did you get here? Why are you here?” said Katie.

“Well, I was transferred to Monterey Presidio at the Defense Language Institute. And I had a week off before I begin my new assignment to visit you.”

“But how?”

“Well, Sarge had a bit to do with that.”

“I figured. Oh, it’s so great to see you.”