“I'm good,” Lance says, bouncing. “How are you?”
“I’m going to be just fine,” I tell him, my words stopping when Lindsey comes into view. She's wearing her ACUs, but still, she's so beautiful. “Lindsey . . .”
“Aaron,” Lindsey replies, reaching out toward the camera. “I . . . we were so worried.”
“It's okay,” I reassure her. “Here, check it out.”
I stand up, turning around and pulling my ACU pants leg up. I can't wear a combat boot on that leg yet. I'm using a running shoe for now, and the docs are due to change my covering after this, so the bandage is off. The stitches are still bright red, but nowhere near as ugly as they were four days ago. “See? Still there. I'm just glad I didn't get shot in the butt. I don't want to drop trou on a military network.”
Lindsey laughs and waves her hand as I turn around and sit down, getting used to putting most of my weight on my left leg to move right now. “You'd love to drop trou if your son wasn't here.”
“You got me,” I admit, smiling. “Um . . . I guess this means people know?”
“We know,” someone says off camera, and Pete Lemmon comes into view. “Don't worry about stuff on this end, Aaron. She'll be taken care of. Lance and your new baby too. Your class ring too. You really should keep better track of that thing. It’s like what, a thousand bucks to replace? You just keep your ass safe over there, okay?”
I swallow and nod, unable to express my feelings. Finally, the only words needed come to my mind. “Go Devils.”
“Damn right. I'm gonna give you a few family minutes. I know how MWR are tight asses on time. Party hard.”
Pete leaves, and Lindsey whispers in Lance's ear. “Daddy?”
“Yes, buddy?” I ask, leaning into the computer.
“Are you a hero?” Lance asks. “People say you're a hero.”
I shake my head. I've heard the whispers myself the past few days, and I can't believe that people are saying this about me. “Lance, a hero is just a person who is as scared as anyone else, but he still somehow manages to do his job, and a little bit of luck falls his way. I'm lucky, and I'll let you in on a secret. When I was fighting, I had only two thoughts—you and Mommy.”
Lance looks confused, but Lindsey gives him a squeeze and whispers in his ear. He nods, then looks back at the camera. “I love you, Daddy!”
“I love you too, buddy. And Lindsey?”
“Yes?” Lindsey asks, her eyes shining with what I'm sure are held back tears. I'm feeling the same way, honestly.
“When I get back stateside . . . there's a question or two I want to ask you. I'd like to ask now, but over a video link just isn't the right time to do it.”
Lindsey nods, smiling. “If it's the question I'm thinking of, I already know my answer. I'll make you a deal. You keep that question safe and sound, and I'll be there for you when you get back. After all, I'm your combat support, right?”
I smile, nodding. “Damn right. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
We wrap up our call, the last few minutes filled with mundane updates on Lance's time in daycare and Lindsey's work, but when the call finishes, I'm feeling refreshed. I get up and grab my crutches. I'm still on a limited movement profile, but I’m surprised when Lieutenant Colonel Kierney comes in the room. He's picked up a few stitches himself in his face, and he's going to have a nice scar when he gets back stateside. “Sir?”
“Relax, Lieutenant. How's your leg?” he asks. We leave the computer room—I don't want to delay anyone else's morale call home—and make our way toward my 'office'. “The doctors say you were an idiot.”
“Just stupid enough to make me Infantry, sir. How's Captain Stephens?” I ask, and Kierney's smile makes me grin. “He's gonna make it?”
“Got word right before seeing you. He's comfortable in Germany right now, and probably driving the hospital staff nuts already. He's got some long-term stuff that'll mean he's rotating home early, but he's going to be able to return to duty when the battalion rotates back to Drum,” the Colonel says. “Actually, I came because of a few things I've found out.”
“Yeah . . . I figured someone would come to talk to me about Lindsey if they know back at Bragg,” I reply, not backing away at all. “Am I busted?”
“Busted for what?” Kierney asks. “All that happened at Bragg, but you got your new evaluation reports. Now, I’m putting a counseling statement in your file. From what I've heard, she's been barred from re-enlisting, so there are consequences. But, I also have some good news for you as well.”