Semper Mine (Sons of War #1)(65)

There’s no way Katya could ever leave this behind, and I’m doubting my visit.

Which I hate.

Riley stops Petr’s Range Rover in front of the valet at the country club. Already, the scene appears festive, with decorations spilling out of the club and crowds of people lining up for the sleigh rides or Christmas maze.

We get out. The air smells like peppermint and cinnamon.

Uncertain what I’m doing here, or how Katya might react when I see her, I am determined to live up to my name of Iceman and stay calm. I’m enjoying my vacation so far. Tons of food, sleep and great company … even if there’s nothing between us, I’m capable of appreciating the break.

“I haven’t been home for the holidays for three years,” Riley says. His eyes are glowing as he takes in the scene. “I didn’t realize how much I missed all this shit.”

“None of my holidays were anything like this,” Carson says. His arm is wrapped around a tall brunette model I vaguely recall from a magazine. They’ve been inseparable all day.

“I don’t think the Khavs live the way we do,” Riley comments wryly. “Hey, Sawyer, did Petr show you the ammo depot?”

“No,” I respond, perking up. “Is it huge?”

“Have him take you.” He laughs. I’m not sure why. I can easily believe that Petr and his father both are into weapons.

We head inside, which can only be described as cheerful chaos. People mill, decorations cover every surface, and the scents of food are thick in the air.

It’s got Katya written all over it. Exuberant, bright, overwhelming. I’m better fitted to the austere, less-is-more approach of the military than the colorful fantasyland around me.

Not that I don’t like it. It has the effect I’m sure she wanted. I relax despite the crowd and sensory overload. There’s glitter and brightness everywhere I turn. It’s uplifting, happy.

Riley goes one way while Carson and his girl go another. I follow the scent of baked goods to a catered room filled with pies, cookies and homemade bread. I ate a huge breakfast a few hours ago, when I woke up midmorning, and snag a couple of cookies, unable to resist the pull of real food.

There’s a punch fountain on one table and a cocoa fountain on another. No booze, given the youthful crowd, and I settle for a bottle of water. Once I’ve gotten my bearings, I pull out my cell and text her a message I’m sure will get a reaction. Whether it’s good or bad or even if she’ll respond, I don’t know.

Where are you? Pushing send, I tuck the phone away and make my way through the sweets again, picking out pieces here and there.

My phone vibrates, and I check it.

Petting zoo.

She responded. That’s something. I return to the lobby, where there are candy canes acting as poles that have arrows pointing to all the different rooms. I follow the one towards the children’s section. It’s loud and even more over the top than the rest of the club.

“Captain Mathis!”

I turn at the child’s voice to see little Jacob headed towards me, followed by Jenna and Morgan. Jacob is digging something out of his pocket. I’m hoping it’s not a spider.

“You came!” Jenna exclaims. She’s absolutely adorable dressed as an elf, cute enough that even I crouch to give her a hug.

All three of them hug me. They smell like food and peppermint, a scent I will always associate with Katya and camp.

“I have one more left,” Jacob says, handing me a handcrafted arachnid. “It’s a Christmas spider.”

“I see that,” I say. The white spider is covered in green and red glitter. “Did you make it here?”

“He brought it from home.” Jenna answers for him. “Look, I have one, too.” She proudly points to the spider pin on her hat.

“Me, too,” Morgan adds and shows me the one she has on her jacket.

“You have to wear yours. We’re a team,” Jacob says firmly.

I laugh, not expecting to have left such an impression on them. I pin the spider to the collar of my long-sleeved polo.

“What did you bring us?” Jenna asks.

“Nothing, sweetheart. Not this time,” I reply, smiling.

“Will you next time?”

“From Iraq?” I ask skeptically. “What do you want?”

“A camel,” Morgan replies instantly.

“Desert spider,” says Jacob.

“Maybe …” Jenna is thinking hard. “A pyramid. A little one.”

“Those might be a little bit much,” a woman says from behind them. “I heard a lot about you, Captain Mathis. I’m Morgan and Jacob’s mother, Teresa.”

I stand to shake her hand.

“They had quite the time at camp this summer.”

“They’re good kids,” I reply, smiling.

“Jacob’s talked about nothing but becoming a Marine like Captain Mathis when he grows up. You helped them through a rough patch. I appreciate it.” She smiles at her kids.

“It’s my pleasure,” I respond.

“Are you coming back next summer?” Jenna asks, large eyes on me expectantly. “You can sneak us bacon.”

“More bacon, more laps,” I remind her.

She sighs.

“I’m okay with that,” Jacob says. “As long as you’re there.”