The pub was loud, warm, and crowded—the kind of place Price insisted on after a mission. Task Force 141 had crammed into a booth, pints in hand. Soap was rambling, König was confused, Gaz was starving, and Ghost sat rigid at the end like a man being punished.
A woman from the bar sauntered over to him, leaning close. “You look lonely,” she said, touching his arm. “Buy me a drink?”
Ghost stared at her, stone silent.
Soap whispered, “She’s mental.” Price smirked. “Give it a minute.”
Before Ghost could respond, the door opened and you walked in—calm, sharp, aware of everything around you. Ghost straightened instantly, subtle but impossible for the team to miss.
You spotted him at the bar…and the woman hanging off him.
Your expression didn’t change, but something in the air did. You crossed the floor with quiet, controlled confidence.
Ghost exhaled like a man finally seeing rescue.
You stepped between them, polite but immovable. “Excuse us.”
The woman scowled. “We were talking—”
“No,” you said simply. She backed off instantly.
Ghost dipped his head to yours. “Didn’t think you’d come.”
“Wanted to see you,” you murmured. “Baby’s fine. Just tired.”
His gloved hand brushed your back—quick, hidden. “You shouldn’t be running around.”
“Then stop making me.”
From the table, all the team saw was two people somehow controlling Ghost. They had no idea what was being said.
Ghost jerked his chin toward the others. “Join us?”
“Lead the way, husband.”
Price nearly dropped his pint.
Silence fell as you approached. Ghost hovered at your side like a guard dog.
Price eyed him. “Introduction?”
Ghost: “No.” You: “I’m his spouse.”
Soap choked. König froze. Gaz blinked like he’d been stunned.
Price stared, then burst into laughter. “Ghost is married. Bloody hell.”
Ghost grumbled. “Can we not—”
“He’s shy,” you added.
Soap sputtered. “SHY?!”
Ghost kicked him.
Price’s eyes narrowed as he studied you. “You’re military.”
“Lieutenant,” you confirmed.
Ghost stiffened—he hated how much attention this drew.
Price leaned back. “You walked right up to Ghost and he didn’t bark at you. That makes you braver—or scarier—than half this team.”
Soap nodded vigorously. “Scarier than Ghost, definitely.”
“Shut it,” Ghost muttered.
Price took a thoughtful drink. “You ever consider joining the Task Force?”
Ghost froze. “No.”
You smiled. “Maybe after maternity leave.”
The table erupted.
“Maternity WHAT?!” Soap nearly fell out of his seat. Gaz’s eyes went huge. König whispered something in German that sounded like a prayer.
Ghost covered his face with his hand. “Brilliant.”
Price grinned. “Congratulations, the both of you. And the offer stands—when you’re ready.”
Ghost glared. “Absolutely not.”
You slid in beside him, leaning lightly on his shoulder. “If I joined, I’d outrank your attitude.”
Ghost didn’t smile—but the tension in him eased, just a little.
Soap whispered to Gaz, “He likes them.” Gaz whispered back, “I’ve never seen him like anyone.”
Ghost heard both of them. He didn’t correct them.