Page 87 of Jay Bird

The deck door opened behind him, and Bear stepped outside to join him at the railing.

For a moment, neither said anything.

Then Bear nodded toward the beach. “That’s a whole new side of Jay Bird.”

Derek chuckled. “You’re telling me.”

“I’ve seen him with the kids before. He’s good with them, but...” Bear watched Jay Bird set Lily down before the little girl immediately took off again. “That’s different.”

“It is,” Derek agreed.

Bear smiled. “Good for him.”

They watched quietly for another moment.

Derek could see Willow and Jay Bird talking now. Even from this distance, there was an ease between them that hadn’t existed a week ago.

“Thank God you all finally settling down,” Derek muttered.

Bear glanced at him. “Why’s that?”

“Because I signed up to command two SEAL teams. Somehow I ended up becoming a fucking relationship therapist.”

Bear laughed. “I don’t remember seeing that billet listed anywhere.”

“Neither do I.”

“Maybe it comes with the rank.”

“Then I’m requesting a demotion.”

Bear laughed harder before lifting his beer. “So should we start calling you Commander Cupid?”

Derek slowly turned his head.

Bear was grinning.

“Don’t ever fucking call me that again.”

That only made Bear laugh harder.

Derek tried holding the glare for another second before giving up and laughing with him.

“Asshole.”

“I was just trying out your new call sign, Commander.”

“Keep it up, and I’ll find something really unpleasant for you to do Monday morning.”

“Threatening your men because you’re uncomfortable with your natural gift for romance seems like an abuse of power.”

“Fuck off.”

Bear grinned and took a drink. Then his expression gradually sobered.

“Anything else from Tink?”

His own amusement disappeared. “Not yet. Tink’s still working it.”