CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX
(part four)

“Sorry, I don’t really get it.”

“There’s always a ton of map work for the LC to do. The intelligence center makes a bundle on them, so they want her to work on them. It’s an easy excuse to tell brass. Plus brass has put priority on a couple areas of the world. Can’t really go to war if you don’t know how to get there.”

“What if people need you? You can’t stay here just because of me!”

“If the team needs to go, they have to go,” MJ said. “Family is the most important factor to the well-being of any military team. That’s what the LC says, but I think it’s something her Dad used to say.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll be by your side the entire trial,” MJ said. “We’ll also have a team member –  Margaret will be there when she’s not doing translations – to help us with getting food and stuff like that.”

“Oh.”

“You don’t sound happy.”

“I’m… I… “ Her eyes welled with tears. “Thanks. I don’t know how to thank Alex. What should I do?”

“Get through this stupid thing,” MJ said. “That’s what she said. Ready for a light breakfast? A car’s coming for us around at 0740.”

“A car? You’ve taken care of everything.”

“That’s what husbands are for,” MJ said. “Speaking of which, are you going to wear your diamond?”

“Oh, I forgot,” Honey said. “I usually just wear my band to work.”

“I know.” MJ slipped the ring on her finger. Their eyes caught and he smiled. “I think Jill and Katy are eating with us. Shall we?”

Honey smiled. She wheeled behind him as he opened the door. They found Sam waiting for them in the hall. Sam followed Honey through the house. At the dining room, they found the family assembled. Valerie and Jacob were deep in conversation at the far end of the table. Sandy, Aden and his kids took one side of the table. With Katy wrapped in a pink cotton blanket on her lap, Jill sat across from Sandy and Aden and next to Jacob.

“What? Why is everyone here?” Honey asked.

“We couldn’t send you off by yourself!” Delphie said. “Val? Sandy? Can you help me carry?”

MJ helped Honey to the table then sat next to her. Leaning over, he kissed her cheek.

“You’re not alone anymore,” MJ whispered. “You have all of these people who love you.”

Honey sniffled back her tears. Valerie came in carrying a plate of eggs and sausage. Sandy carried in a plate of her special blueberry muffins. Sam came in with a pot of coffee and a pitcher of water. Delphie came in with a bowl of yogurt, fresh fruit, and a smaller plate of banana muffins.

“Sandy made these for you, Honey,” Delphie said. “They shouldn’t make you sick.”

Without ceremony, everyone began filling their plates. Valerie laughed as a groggy Mike wandered in from upstairs. Jill leaned over to promise Honey she would be at the trail as soon as school was out. As Honey looked from face to face, she saw the laughter and love in their eyes. They weren’t going to do this hard thing for her. But they would be there every step of the way.

And that was all that mattered.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…