The July sun beat down on Soap’s backyard, turning the lawn into a vibrant, sun-drenched sea of laughter, the scent of charred burgers, and the unmistakable chaos of a military get-together. You sat in the shade of a massive oak tree on a striped picnic blanket, the weight of their one year old, Lily, keeping them grounded. Lily was currently fascinated by a blade of grass, her chubby fingers clutching it like it was the most precious treasure in the world.

A few feet away, sitting in a heavy-duty camping chair, was Simon. The terrifying, masked Lieutenant Ghost the man who struck fear into the hearts of cartel bosses and rogue operators alike was currently wearing a floral pink sun hat tied under his massive chin. Cradled against his broad, tactical-vest-free chest was a few months old Chloe, who was fast asleep, her tiny head tucked right under his chin.

Simon’s massive, scarred hand gently supported her entire back, his thumb rhythmically stroking her tiny shoulder blade. He was completely frozen, terrified of waking her, glaring warning daggers at anyone who dared get within ten feet of his sleeping child.

Soap walked over, a pair of tongs in one hand and a cold drink in the other, grinning ear to ear. He looked at Simon, then down at Chloe, and chuckled. "Look at the grim reaper over here" Soap teased, leaning against a nearby tree. "Hey, LT, you want a burger, or are you just gonna sit there and pet the potato?"