Quinn’s Battle (Team KOA Bravo #4)

Epilogue

Quinn looked around Ohana’s, a little overwhelmed by the number of people already here, all of them prepping to celebrate Thanksgiving. They were starting a new tradition, courtesy of the five retired SEALs who owned the bar and their significant others, by having a big feast here for anyone who could make it.

Quinn wasn’t shy about taking his cues from Dahlia. He jumped into action whenever she summoned him, happy to just be the manual labor. No one had asked him to bring or make anything. Move tables, shuffle chairs, hang up decorations, those tasks played to his strengths.

Being content was strange. And wonderful. Life with Dahlia was busy and bright and everything he needed. His work with Hawk and the Brotherhood Protectors was just getting rolling. He and the guys had only been officially on board for a few weeks. They’d started coordinating with others in the area, including the new K9 unit Hank Patterson was spearheading.

His life had changed more in the past three months than it had since he joined the Navy.

For starters, his SEAL days were over. That life had strengthened him, molded him, and would be part of him forever, but he didn’t miss the teams. He looked around the bar, eyeing his three closest friends. Damn, they’d all come a long way in a short time.

If anyone had told him six months ago that he’d be retiring in Hawaii at forty, he would’ve laughed his ass off. A not so small part of him had always expected to die in combat. He was the guy with no one back home waiting for his return. Sure, he’d prepared for retirement, but to actually be living it was unexpected.

And absolutely incredible.

So being here in a quirky neighborhood bar was one of those rare ideal outcomes. A dream come true, though he’d been too scared to dream it himself. He’d had to rely on the clearer vision of his friends to get here. Had to rely on Dahlia’s faith in him to even begin believing that this could be his life. Standing here with the guys, he was in awe of how well things had turned out.

“You’re looking way too serious for a man about to feast,” Dahlia said, sliding her arms around his waist. “Want to talk about it?”

She was always urging him to open up. The more he did, the easier it was. At least with her. And he preferred her methods of persuasion over Bowie’s.

He grinned. “It doesn’t quite seem real,” he admitted. He ran his fingertip across the fringe of her dark bangs. Her eyes constantly intrigued him, especially when they glowed with happiness like they did right now.

“Trust me, sailor, I’m real.” She winked.

He brushed his lips over her cheek. “And I’m damn thankful for it.”

“Good answer.” Her smile shot straight to his heart.

Over the past four weeks, they had celebrated his new outlook on relationships. He was having fun finding creative variations on the rope theme. Yesterday, he’d started shopping around, enduring the alternating teasing and support from the guys. They could joke all they wanted. Tomorrow, instead of any kind of rope, his anniversary gift for Dahlia would be an engagement ring. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when he popped the question. The diamond solitaire in the platinum band was one beautiful symbol that they were tied together.

It definitely felt too good to be true, standing here safe and loved and about to feast on some of the best food the island had to offer.

“What else do we need to set up?” he asked her.

Dahlia and her girlfriends had taken the lead when it came to the menu for this big Thanksgiving dinner.

“I think we’re under control.” She turned him around so they could admire the result of the combined efforts of his friends and hers, and the new friends they’d made.

She squeezed his waist. “You Navy guys know how to put the family in ohana.”

He wasn’t sure how to respond. Until her, family had been an elusive concept for him. “We’re not all Navy anymore,” he reminded her. He’d invited Drayton and Boo and the other K9 teams who had served in other military branches and specialties.

Based on the warm reception for the men and their canine partners, it seemed like he’d made the right call.

“I’d really hoped Castle would be here,” he murmured in her ear.

He’d invited their former CO out for the holiday too. And kept it a secret from the guys. He heard a car pull up, quickly followed by a cheer from several folks, and he waited, but it was Hawk arriving with more food.

“Food is here!” Carter slapped his shoulder as he rushed by. Quinn followed, ready to help his buddies.

“Do we need more?” he wondered aloud.

“Hell yeah,” Bowie declared. “Hawk brought the main courses.”

With a laugh, they all helped their new boss unload the van. The air was filled with the savory scents of roasted turkey, pork, and beef from the ranch.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” Hawk said. “Looks like you’re ready to serve the whole town.”

“The more the merrier,” Flint said. “Will you stay?”

Emery sidled up beside him. “We’d love to have you.”

“We’ll swing back by later,” Hawk promised. “I hear the best desserts are here.”

“Hold that thought!” Moana called out. She motioned to Bowie and they disappeared into the kitchen. A moment later, they came out, each of them carrying a couple of pies. “From our feast to yours,” Bowie said. “Apple and pumpkin.”

Hawk beamed. “When I show up with these, I’ll be a hero for sure. Thanks.”

He spoke with a few more people and then headed back to the ranch, making sure everyone knew they were welcome to stop by anytime over the holiday weekend.

“Moana’s singing later with Waylen, so come on back,” Bowie said, hugging her close. “Tell the others. We’ve obviously got the room.”

“I’ll pass it along,” Hawk promised.

“If we’re not sacked out from a food coma,” Waylen called out from the other side of the bar.

“Karaoke then,” Bowie said. “Trust us, the entertainment will be amazing.”

Someone turned on the jukebox while they ate. There were so many dishes that were new alongside traditional favorites Quinn recognized. He stuffed himself as much on the food as the companionship and conversation. Everywhere he looked people were smiling and happy.

Couples and friends and partners had all come together as family for the day. Quinn considered it a miracle and another lesson in his continuing education on the concept.

The karaoke was going strong and Quinn was behind the bar helping Dahlia mix up another pitcher of tropical sangria when she froze, her gaze on the parking lot.

“Trouble?” He followed her gaze.

“Not really.” But she frowned. “Last count we were all here,” she said. “And that is not a ranch vehicle.”

“Rideshare tags in the window,” he said. The back door opened and he recognized their late arrival. “Castle,” he said.

She gave him a nudge. “Go.”

He shook his head. “Watch.”

With his arm around her shoulders, he watched Castle walk in, enjoying the shock and pleasure on the faces of Bowie, Flint, and Carter. As much as he wanted to be the first one to say aloha, it was a hell of a lot of fun to stand back and watch the surprise roll through his pals.

They rushed the man, hugging him and slapping his back.

Then Quinn got the surprise as Lane, Waylen, Kian, Raider, and Harlan, the proud owners of Ohana, welcomed Castle as well.

“Does he know everyone?” Dahlia asked.

“Probably most if they were on the teams,” Quinn admitted. “Be right back.” He joined in, shaking the man’s hand. “You made it.”

“Thanks for the invite,” Castle said. “I’ve been here five minutes and I see why you didn’t want to come back.”

“Hope you’re hungry,” Carter said, taking his suitcase.

“And thirsty,” Flint pushed a beer into his hand.

Dahlia walked up with drinks for the rest of them. “A toast!” she shouted, gaining everyone’s attention.

Everyone stood, raising a glass to the man who’d sent them here to save them. The man who’d cleaned up the SEAL team mess and restored order.

“To Castle!” Carter called out, and the entire party echoed him.

And then the festivities rolled on, as stories were shared and new memories made. It was home, Quinn realized as he danced with Dahlia while Moana and Waylen sang and stars filled the night sky. A home filled with family and light and hope for the days to come.