JOHN

She was primped, she'd changed her clothes twice, her hairstyle and her shoes at least ten fucking times and she was looking in the mirror again. You know that look. I had to be damn careful what came outta my mouth next.

"I'm fat," she groaned.

There it was; the words no man can respond to correctly. But I tried. "Riles, baby, sweetheart. You're not fat; you're pregnant. Getting very pregnant and you look wonderful. Maybe we should start going downstairs. Terry and Bridgid will be here soon."

What did I do? I thought I handled that well! But damn, the glare I got could stop a fucking clock! "What?"

"You saying it's going to take me a hour to get downstairs? You saying I'm too fat to move fast enough?"

Oh, Jesus. This is gonna be a very, very long drive!

TERRY

If those two only knew what was going to happen today, maybe they'd simmer down. Take one over protective bloke; add one hormonal sheila, fold and mix. What do you get? Anything but good travel companions. Bridgid and I looked at each other and she shrugged. I knew she was trying to tell me something without saying it. Will we be like that in a few years? Shit, I hope not. I mean it's obvious they are so in love with each other, but the nit picking was as close to unbearable as you could get.

Bridgid has been quiet, looking out of the window for miles and I hope she's not having second thoughts. I gave in to the feelings I have for her and believe me, I don't think I could take the let down. Not again.

She just smiled at me. Bloody hell, it makes my heart skip beats when she looks at me like that. The feel of her hand slipping along my thigh made the banter from the back seat vanish for a few moments.

I think we're stopping. Good thing, I could use a quick stretch.

RILEY

What am I doing? No one knows how much I love John. Maybe that's the problem. I love him so much I feel safe enough to be a bitch, feel safe enough to know that he'll put up with me. And here's the rub, even as I'm doing it, I know I don't want to argue. I actually don't even care about the things I'm fighting about.

My frustration level had been through the roof for months. I've been horrible. Just horrible. At first I blamed him for being overprotective, and sometimes he is. I forced him to see a psychiatrist. Why the hell did I do that? John isn't emotionally unstable…I am. But whatever is happening during his meetings with Siggie has been dredging up uncomfortable crap for him; I can see it in his eyes.

Now he doesn't go too far with the vigilance over my health and safety…now he's replaced that obsession with some secret thing he does on his laptop. Every time I see him, he's on that damn computer and he won't tell me what he's doing!

There, see why he drives me crazy?

"You too warm, baby?"

I turned a glare. What I just said about him not being so overprotective? There he goes again. "I am fine, John. Cripe." I groaned. "Terry, can we please stop. I need a restroom."

"Again?"

Is Terry an idiot too? "Yes, again," I hissed. Went to the restroom, splashed cold water on my face…yes I was hot. Maybe I should have asked Terry to turn on the air conditioner. Maybe I should apologize to John. But when I walked toward the car, there was my loving husband…smoking a fucking cigarette! Hey! If I can't smoke, neither can he. I turned and climbed into the back seat of Jack and Nat's car. Sat and huffed. John crawled in from the other side and I pushed my way back out.

In Terry's car I started to cry. Dammit! What's wrong with me? More Chinese Fire Drill action as Terry and B shuffled positions. Terry beside me in the back and Bridgid driving, pulling out before John could change his mind and try to join me.

"What the fuck, gamer? What's wrong?"

"I'm horrible! I'm fat! I'm mean! I'm - "

"Alrighty then. Let's get to the point, love," Terry sighed and hugged me tight.

"I've been so awful, one of these days he's going to just walk away from me and never, ever come back," I sobbed.

"Hush. Enough. Ain't happening. Riles."

"Why? I'd leave if he was this nasty."

"No, you wouldn't. And neither will he. Bloody hell, you and John are indestructible. Eternal. Forever. Stuck with each other 'til death do you part."

Yeah, well maybe one of these days we'll just kill each other and end the misery. My tears accelerated, soaking my face and Terry's shirt. I missed John! Why wasn't he with me now? Do pregnant women become psychotic? Schizophrenic? Lose great portions of their I.Q.?

NATALIE

It looked as though we were heading out again, poor pregnant Riley needing another rest stop, but suddenly she changed directions and got into our car. I turned to smile just as John climbed in beside her. Oh goodie, company, I thought, but Riles huffed and left again, zipping herself into the other car without a word.

"Alrighty then," I said as we finally pulled out behind Terry. "So," I continued my conversation with Jack. "Are you sure you can't join me?"

"Ah, my little dear, I wish I could but at that time, I'll be handling the classroom portion of the training. It will be impossible."

I turned to explain to John. "My agent has arranged a showing of my Maine photos in Los Angeles in six weeks and unfortunately, Jack can't come for the opening."

"Great. Love your work, Nat. But Jack," John leaned forward, laying a hand on Jack's shoulder. "I'm telling you man, go. Just do it. Trust me, you're better off going than not. Just a suggestion from one battered husband to a future battered husband."

Jack chuckled and I turned a glare. "So, I see Siggie's helping you immensely."

"Could've fucking fooled me."

I felt so bad for him. "Ah, John. This is the process. It brings up all the bad stuff and makes you filter through it. Why do you think I spent all those months freezing alone in the gazebo? I knew I wasn't going to be good company to anyone. Jack was a brave man, sitting there in the cold and just letting me ignore him."

"I was only waiting, Natalie. I'd have waited forever for you."

Jack could melt my heart and half of me wanted to be alone there with him, but John felt like talking. He was suffering. I could see it in his eyes.

"What I don't get is why none of the shit making me nuts has anything to do with Riles? I mean yeah, I'm scared. I don't even want think about losing another baby and seeing her struggle again. But this crap Siggie's digging up is mostly about my mom. She died when I was a kid."

"Ah, brother," Jack sighed. "I do understand. My own sainted mother passed away when I was young as well."

John was silent, so I reached back and laid a hand on his knee. "This will work out, John. It'll pass. I promise."

He finally looked up. "You know I love you, Nat."

"I love you too."

Jack's shoulders straightened and I removed my hand from my past lover to give it to my fiancé. Jack smiled.

BRIDGID

Talk about a lonely ride. After Terry moved to the back seat with Riley, I felt like a third wheel. It's okay though. I understand why he did it. I just sat quiet and thought while they talked.

Anyway, the moment we entered Beaufort I felt that old tingle. I'll never forget a single second of the time I spent here no matter how hard I try. After we were given our Parris Island base pass at the gate, I sat forward in my seat to see if the old swamp was still the same. Nothing changed. The dead tree stumps stuck out of the marsh all seemed to point back toward the gate as if they were trying to say…go, leave while you still have the chance. Truth is, once you pass through these gates as a recruit, you're never the same person again. What was I like before I came here? Would I be the same hard ass, unemotional bitch that I am if not for the corps? That wasn't a tear I wiped away, it was sweat.

We passed by the perfectly manicured Peatross parade deck to get to the Osprey Inn where we'd be staying. It's a base hotel for transients who are just spending a few days and don't need to be billeted into a barracks. We had to check in and be back to the deck by thirteen hundred hours. The ceremony would only take an hour and then we'd be on our own with Lachlan. I know I haven't known him long, but I was so proud of him, as if he were my own brother and in a way now…he was.

The only time I interrupted Terry and Riley was to point them in the direction of the Osprey Inn. Jack and Nat with the other half of the Biebe clan were right behind us and I was relegated to be the guide since I'm the one who'd lived here for a while.

I still wasn't talking much, just got us all checked. Terry and I didn't have much time to talk because we had to get ready for the graduation ceremony. Believe me taking a shower at Parris Island is like sitting in a steam bath. You never seem to get dry. Everyone was wearing the blue tee shirts that supported Lachlan's third battalion, L Company, but as tradition would have it, I had to be in uniform. Good lord, I was going to have recruits falling all over themselves to salute. They're all new and nervous. It's kind of endearing.

Everything passed so fast and the next thing I knew, we were all walking to the bleachers on the parade deck.

"You ready for this, B." Terry was holding my hand as he whispered to me. I could hear Jack and Nat talking to each other behind us, but there didn't seem to be much conversation between John and Riley.

"I'm so ready, Ter. Boy, are they in for a surprise."

Jack seemed to hear that word.

"Is there a naval base nearby?" he asked

"In Charleston," I turned and answered. "Would you be interested in seeing a carrier, Captain?"

He glanced down at Nat and looked my way again. "Perhaps another time, Bridgid. If it could be arranged."

"It could."

There were a lot of people filing onto the bleachers and we found where the third battalion families were seated. We managed to sit in tier and I began to tell everyone what would occur.

"The marine corps band will give us a show first." Just as I said it, the major stepped onto the parade deck. Goosebumps rose on my neck as the band began to play and the base commandant welcomed everyone to the ceremony over and above the music, then the color guard brought old glory to the center of the deck and they played the national anthem. God, they were beautiful.

..ladies and gentleman may I present your first battalion marines...second battalion marines…third battalion marines...fourth battalion...

"There's Lach's battalion. Can anyone see him?" I had to stand up. I was so excited. You'd swear this was my graduation!

The ceremony was short. They marched in their full regalia across the parade deck and after some short drills; the commanding general of the base gave the order to dismiss the troops. I know I was on my feet shouting OOORRRAHHH with them. We were all on our feet melting into the sea of green clad men and woman to search for Lachlan. It was amazing hearing the families as they found their boys and girls. A mother would whoop and then cry after finding her marine. A father would grab his son's hand with pride or cuddle his daughter close just swelling with sharing the emotion, the dignity that came with the accomplishments made.

It was Riley who spotted him first, or I should say he spotted her first. She was hard to miss under the circumstances. I stood back as she hugged him. John didn't hold anything back. Jack gave a more dignified handshake to the man, but they shared an embrace as well. I swear Nat was crying. I waited behind Terry and after he and Lach embraced I finally stood in front of Lach. He snapped to, saluted and I saluted back.

"At ease, Corporal," I said with my tongue in my cheek. "Congratulations!"

"Congratulations to you too, love…er I mean Major." He reached out to hug me.

"Shhh, Lachlan. No one knows."

"Knows what?" Riley chimed in. "What?"

"You'll see, Gamer." Terry ruffled her hair. That was kind of funny.

TERRY

We almost let the cat out of the bag. Riley was relentless with questions about what the big secret was and she got Nat into the act. Jack and John didn't really seem to care too much. That's a bloke for you.

Lach was now on liberty and we headed back toward the Osprey, but we had to make one little stop. The base chapel was on the way and Bridgid grinned at me as we turned the group up the walkway toward it.

"You have to be kidding. We're going to church?" Riley asked.

"We are, love," Lachlan answered her.

As we went through the doors of the chapel, Bridgid handed bouquets to Nat and Riley. She took up hers and I reckon that's when it set in.

"We're going to a wedding?" Nat asked.

"Uh huh."

"Who's getting married," she added, a wicked sparkle in her eyes.

Both B and I answered in unison. "We are."

John looked dumbfounded. "You have to be fucking kidding."

Bridgid giggled and it seemed to be contagious to Nat and Riley. "No. We're not kidding and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sharing the duty of giving me away…with Jack. I'd be honored."

"As would I, Miss Bridgid." Jack put on the formal airs and he offered his elbow. She raised her other arm for John to take.

"I'm sorry we didn't get to have a hen's night Nat, Riley, but I'd never be able to do this without you attending. I guess I should ask if you'll be my bridesmaids...maids of honor..matrons…whatever!" she was so excited.

I took this moment to talk to John and explained to him that Bridgid wanted him to give her away with Jack. He found it amusing that Jack reminded her of a younger version of her father, but she felt a kinship with John. I'm glad they were friends and for her, I'd give up my best man. Lachlan would take that job. He earned it.

The chaplain was waiting and a few of the men from Lach's battalion showed up to support, including his mate, Walsh. We didn't tell B that she would get her arse tanned by a sword. I reckon she probably knew. It was a tradition after all.

The ceremony was a blur. I swear all I heard was ...I now pronounce you husband and wife ...you may kiss your bride Mister Thorne. I kissed her alright. All I could think of was getting her back to the hotel and celebrating the way newlyweds do. All night!

"I love you, Mrs. Thorne."

"I love you, Mr. Thorne."

I grabbed her hand and we walked under the arch of swords the men held up. When we passed beneath the last pair Lachlan slapped her arse with the broad side of his sword.

"Ooorrrahhh!" he barked like a proper marine. I could see him look toward Jack and he added a "Go Navy!" to the end of it all. Smartass.

Now, I have a wife...and she's perfect.

LACHLAN

I must be the only bloke in history to share his military graduation with a wedding. I was chuffed to do it. It was hard to keep the secret. Being Thorne's best man was a hell of an honor and maybe someday I'll return the favor. Never know. I might get lucky one day.

We had another surprise at the mess hall. Walshie's sister showed up. He never told me she was so fine. I didn't want to neglect my family, but I couldn't take my eyes off of Katie Walsh. Give me strength. I finally got my head out of my arse and sat down next to Riley.

"You reckon Marine Corps tucker cuts it?"

"It's not bad. Think I could meet the chef?"

I couldn't help but laugh. If she only knew! "I reckon I could arrange it. How're things going for you, love?"

"Ah well, you know. John is John and I'm feeling...fat."

"You look beautiful." I know my eyes drifted to Katie when she sat next to her brother. "By the way. I don't reckon Walshie and his sister have any plans for his leave. You think they could drop by the Inn on their way to New Hampshire? I'd really like for them to see it. I've talked about it to Walshie a lot. Told him what a bonzer place it was."

She didn't even have to think. Riley said yes. It meant I could get to know Katie better. I hope her brother doesn't mind. I wonder if Thorne would be my best man. What made me think of that?

TERRY

It sounds a little strange to me, calling someone my wife again. For all the big plans we had, this wedding was over so quick my head was still spinning. I couldn't take my eyes off of her during the dinner. Maybe it was the uniform. Here was my bride, dressed in red, white and two shades of blue and you know what? I'm fucking proud of her. She stood differently wearing her dress blues. I wondered what some of the ribbons on her blouse were for. Odds are they were not for needlepoint or pitching a tent. It was kind of amusing to me in a way. I mean that was no bloody Girl Scout uniform; she'd been through pretty much the same thing as Lachlan and then some. My wife is a Major, fuck's sake. If I were still in the service I'd be eye to eye with her. She may not be able to cook, but she could put a bullet into a coin at two hundred yards. What the hell have I gotten myself into?

We left the dinner a little early and everyone understood. When we got back to our quarters, I wondered if I should carry her over the threshold.

"Don't reckon I've ever kissed an officer before."

"Yes you have. Many times. I'd be in trouble if anyone saw us out here, you know. NJP." I could tell she was teasing me.

"Then by all means, we should go inside."

She unlocked the door and I said to myself…fuck it. I swept her up off the ground and backed us both into the room. We were kissing again when I set her down on the floor and one of us kicked the door closed.

I touched one of the ribbons on her blouse. "What is this for?"

"Embassy duty," she replied. I touched another one and asked again.

"Desert Storm."

"And this?" I touched a spot on her face where she'd covered a small wound with some makeup.

She smiled and drew my hand down from it. "I survived a terrorist attack."

Terrorist attack? Was she fucking kidding? I couldn't tell but I didn't care at that point. However she got the wound didn't matter. She'd tell me when she was ready. As for the uniform ...there's something to be said about a woman wearing one. She looks a hell of a lot better out of it, though. We spent our honeymoon night in a barracks on a flea infested base in the middle of a salt marsh in South Carolina, USA. As strange as all that may seem, it was the bloody best sex I ever had. Why? Because I was more in love with this woman than any other, ever.

I held her hand up to examine the new wedding band. "Qui audet adipiscitur...mon amour." I'll translate for you. Who dares wins ... my love. It was engraved inside of her ring.

"Semper Fi...my love." Semper fidelus…always faithful. It's engraved inside of my ring.

Ooo-fucking-rrahh!