Engines roared through the stillness of the early evening as a pair of trucks rolled into the serene suburban driveway. The porch lights stretched shadows across the gravel, and the golden glow of the lantern offered a slight warmth against the cool air of November.

As John stepped out of his truck first before adjusting the front of his uniform jacket out of habit. His polished black shoes hit the concrete. Behind him, Gabby shut her door, tossing John a sidelong glance as they made their way toward the house.

She beat him to the door and unlocked it with ease and they stepped inside. Warmth met them—both in temperature and energy. He can hear the laughter echoed from the living room. Probably Danny since John guessed by her loud laugh or a slight loud giggle.

The first thing they step away from the entrance corridor into the living room was Danny sitting on the couch, eyes locked on the small screen of her smartphone, her legs tucked up and one sock-covered foot wiggling idly in the air.

"—no, Cam, that's too much blush. She's not auditioning for Bridgerton," Danny was saying with a laugh, waving her hand toward the screen. "Blend it down like you showed me last time."

John slowed his steps, his gaze narrowing with suspicion at the name.

"Cam?" he repeated under his breath.

Danny's eyes flicked up—then widened with comic exaggeration when she saw him.

"Nope!" she blurted, snatching the phone to her chest with both hands like it was top secret intel. "You, sir, are not allowed to see your date yet."

His brows lifted. "What?"

Gabby smirked beside him, arms crossed after she passed him before turning to look at him. "My rules. He doesn't get to see Charlie until she walks down the stairs. That's what makes it special."

Danny nodded. "Big reveal moment. Emotional punch. Maybe even a tear. Soap says you're a softie deep down."

John scoffed and took a step closer toward the couch. "She's on the bloody phone, not floating down a royal staircase."

"Doesn't matter." Danny stretched one leg out in warning. "You take another step, I'm throwing this pillow like it's a grenade."

Gabby let out a sharp laugh.

John tilted his head toward Danny, unimpressed. "You know, you're dramatic, right?"

"For a reason," Danny quipped.

"Let me see just a peek—"

"No!" both women chorused.

John huffed and crossed his arms, eyeing the phone that Danny now held half-hidden beneath the throw blanket. "You got to be kidding me."

"Sorry, old man," Danny chirped, eyes twinkling. "But this is how we make memories. You don't get to see her until it's time. That's how these things go. Trust the process, Captain."

Gabby raised an eyebrow, playful and smug. "And maybe take a seat before you pace a hole in the rug."

John sighed heavily like the weight of the universe had dropped on his shoulders, but he relented—settling into the armchair across from them. His knee bounced once, betraying his nerves, even if his face stayed unreadable.

Danny grinned slyly. "Aww, look at him. He's anxious."

"I'm not," John grunted, eyes locked on the staircase like it might give him answers early.

"Sure," Gabby murmured. "Totally calm."

"And composed," Danny added.

He ignored them both, but his lips twitched—just barely.

"By the way, I didn't know you were hiding a Bond suit under all that tactical grit," Danny added with a grin. "Looking good."

John raised an eyebrow at her but didn't bite.

"Yeah," Gabby chimed in while heading to the kitchen to get something to drink. "He's like the kind of man who pays taxes early and breaks hearts late."

"Alright, knock it off lasses," John grumbled, though the corner of his mouth tugged upward.

"Aw, c'mon, you clean up real good. We never get to see the Captain in boyfriend mode." Danny teased.

"Was that suppose to be a compliment?" John asked incredulously.

Danny shrugged. "Totally."

"You know, Soap is the mastermind behind this," Gabby said as she stepped out of the kitchen and took a seat beside Danny, holding a cold bottle of water. "So, he gets his first dib on the stage one day to share with the world how he brought you two together."

John rolled his eyes, still smiling. "We really lettin' MacTavish narrate now?"

"Oh, yeah. He wanted too." Gabby said before unscrewing the bottle cap and took a big gulp.

"Where are the lads?" John asked, mentioning about the men.

"They are crashing at Soap's place," Danny answered for him. "And we, women, are suppose to keep you busy."

"Is that so?" John said, almost half smiling.

"Affirmative."

"Cam's been up there for an hour and half since she wanted to make your girl look pretty and hoping to knock your socks off." Gabby commented. "I did my small part on her hair until you called me to do your 'special' favor. Don't worry, Charlie doesn't know yet."

"Special favor?" Danny asked, curious and smiled more.

Gabby side eyed at Danny and gave her the 'look' before shaking her head. Mouthing her a word of, 'no no'.

"No what?"

Gabby sighed. "Danica, now's not the time to ruin this special moment."

"But, I wanna know what you mean by special favor?" Danny almost whined.

"Trust me, you don't wanna know."

John almost chuckled, shaking a head before moving his eyes toward the staircase before them. "Can't I just go up there and knock? I won't open the door..."

"Don't even think about it!" Danny immediately moved and sat up straight.

"And if I do?" John dared her, arching his eyebrow. He was still smirking.

"Cam gave me a permission to tackle you if you tried to sneak upstairs," Danny grinned wider, cracking her knuckles with exaggerated flair. "Said I'd be doing the Lord's work."

Gabby snickered loud, and it was her turn to shake her head. "John, that chica can fight dirty."

"Oh? You sure you're up to that?" John teased.

"Try me. I've taken down Soap during drills. I'm not scared to go full linebacker on you, old man," Danny declared confidently. "Ask Soap, he was still limping when it rained on us that day."

"Thou shalt not interrupt women in glam mode," Gabby chimed, raising a finger like he was delivering a sermon. "Especially we, women, in the 141 group. That's sacred ground and all boys know this."

"Really?" John looked at Gabby, unamused as if he was the only one who isn't 'aware' of this rule.

"Dead serious. We enjoy taking our time to look pretty while men should learn patience and y'all will get a reward." She said last and gave him a wink.

John sighed. "Fine. I'll wait."

"Captain, trust me. You'll be speechless when she comes downstairs because Cam has a talent for transforming your girlfriend into a princess. Believe me."

Girlfriend. John thought fondly. She was... but time ticks by and she will become more than my missus.

"Won't argue that," he added nonchalantly.

Just as he was about to lean against the seat, there was loud steps from upstairs coming from above level. Cam came rushing in from the hallway—red hair tied up, wrapped in her soft lounge joggers and a loose off-the-shoulder long dark green sleeve shirt. She stopped the second she saw John and beamed, breathless.

"Alright! Eyes on the stairs and mouths shut for thirty seconds—" she called, clapping her hands. "She's coming down!"

Gabby sat up straighter, and Danny silently squeal as she opened her mouth, big smile known.

When John instinctively stood tall again, hand brushing down the front of his uniform jacket and turned around when his eyes met Cam. His heart was about to pick up more beats.

The whole room settled into a hush and they heard the soft creak coming from the U-step stairs.

Cam had a wide grin when she met her father's glance before stepping to the side to give space for Charlie to be revealed.

He held his breath, his wintry eyes almost lightened (and wide) when he noticed her dress flowed like warm snowfall—soft blush tulle layered beneath a sheer overlay sewn with delicate ivory floral appliqués. The bodice fit her frame like it was sewn by angels, hugging her waist before blooming into a gentle princess skirt that beam under the light.

Her sunny hair was swept into a braided updo pinned elegantly at the nape of her neck, tendrils framing her face. The pearled hairpins sparkled like frost against her strands. Teardrop earrings swayed with movements, catching the light with each step of her heels under the gown, soft, vintage pieces that shimmered like tiny constellations.

Her makeup was soft with rosy-like blush on her cheeks. Her lashes were curled and her eyes lined just right to deepen the milk-chocolate pupils of her gaze. A rose petal lipstick or a gloss known on her lips. She was moving down the stairs carefully, fingers of her nails matching her dress, grazing while holding on the stair dark and wooden rails. A small tiara was known on the crown of her head as it has small pieces of diamonds known of three.

The moment her eyes met John, she smiled.

There she is.

Everything about her, the dress, the glow, the smile playing at the corners of her pink lips, undid him. The same way she did when they first met at the park in person. Only now, it wasn't lust stirring in his chest.

It was awe and admiration.

He wanted to pull her close, bury his face into the crook of her neck, and remind himself she was his—and no one else, but him.

Everyone else faded away in his view when Charlie reached the last step and glanced at him.

He just stood there.

Bloody hell... that's my girl.

Her eyes twinkled, and her smile grew sheepish, almost timid. She glanced down briefly before meeting him again, her cheeks flushed as John moved closer until they were standing face to face. He opened his mouth to say something, to tell her how beautiful she looked until a voice rang out like a siren cutting through fog.

"Captain Price, I know you want to kiss her," Gabby said and began smirking, holding up a hand like a referee about to blow a whistle.

Everyone paused. Even Charlie looked toward her, blinking.

"...but please, have mercy on us poor souls since you forget that we're far too emotionally fragile to witness that kind of rated R action in 4K," she quipped, gesturing at herself, then at Danny.

Charlie dropped her jaw before catching herself to breathe.

In return, Cam groaned and covered her face with her hands. Both of her cheeks began to warm her blood since the image 'now' starting to play on about her father making 'the move' on Charlie.

"You have to say that, Gabby?"

"What? I mean—look at her!" She said before turning her attention to John. "She's glowing, Cam. I mean, if he kiss her now, he might combust. Or worse, start something that ends with a very awkward walk back upstairs and a lot of noise complaints."

Charlie flushed, stunned for a split second before her hand flying to cover her mouth.

John just stared at Gabby with a sign of barely contained patience.

"Are you done, Knocks?"

She held up both hands in surrender. "Just sayin', don't go unleashing the full daddy dom mode in front of us, okay?"

John exhaled slowly, clearly fighting off a smirk while glancing at Charlie, who was now pink in the face before the loudmouthed Scotsman.

"Right," John muttered, his voice was low and amused. "You done cock-blockin', or should I wait for a commercial break too?"

Danny collapsed onto Gabby's shoulder, squeaking out, "Oh my God, this is the best night I've ever—" yet, she was still laughing but tears was known in her right eye. "That was the best inside joke you came up with Gabby."

She grinned wide, proud of himself. "Glad I could bring relief to the room before Captain McThirsty here starts a scandal in my house."

John rolled his eyes, then turned to Charlie. "Ignore her."

Charlie tried not to smile and giggle. Which made him exhaled slowly and turned his glance back at Gabby. "You always know how to ruin a moment like Soap?"

"I didn't ruin it. I narrated it," Gabby defended.

"My thoughts exactly, Dad," Cam commented back, which she knew earlier ago.

Charlie then smiled under her blush. He reached out and took her small hand as it covered her small hand gently. John leaned in and kissed her forehead.

"You're beautiful," he said, half in whisper in his husky tone.

She smiled back.

"You're not bad yourself. You look... wow." She exhaled when she stepped back and looked at him over. "I've never seen you in it before. You're more attractive than I imagined."

John smirked back. "Careful, love. I'll start thinkin' I should wear it more often..."

"Okay, too cozy!" Cam said finally, her cheeks still warm and she needed them to move on. "Dad, don't think you're escaping this!" She pulled out her smartphone. "Picture. Smile."

He looked back to her and arched his brows. "Is it necessary?"

"Now. Please?"

John sighed, but obeyed. He positioned Charlie beside him. She leaned into him, her hand resting over his chest. His arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close.

Cam snapped the photo. Danny raised his phone, catching one too, and Gabby joined in.

John let out a hearty chuckle as he shook his head faintly.

"Never thought I'd be posing with my missus in a house full of elite operators," he said close to Charlie and she giggled back at his dry response.

"They just wanted to keep as a memory," she said it back to him and look up.

"A keepsake," he looked back down to her, and with a smile. He gave her a quick kiss.

"Aww! That was a perfect shot I got before you kissed her!" Gabby said excitedly.

Charlie looked back to Gabby and smiled big. "Do you mind if you send me those photos?"

"Doing it right now," Gabby beamed as she was already tapping her screen and sending it away to her contact (since she had added Charlie on her contact book when she arrived earlier).

"Alright, come on, we're going to be late." John said, as he took her hand and she nodded.

Keeping her close, they head toward the front door while the women followed behind like a group of proud, nosy siblings seeing off the golden couple. Just as John reached for the handle, a sudden shout cut through.

"Wait! Charlie!"

Cam pushed through the crowd, nearly tripping over Danny's foot as she stumbled forward with something small in her hand she pulled it out from her pocket.

John turned, brows raised when Cam came up beside Charlie. "You forget something?"

She glanced between them and said, "Yeah, Soap wanted me to give her this. He saw it yesterday while we were out and he thought of Charlie of this one."

She opened her hand.

A delicate corsage. Soft blush roses wrapped in ivory silk ribbon, the petals kissed with gold shimmer, matching the floral appliqués on her dress almost too perfectly.

Her mouth parted, stunned. "Oh, Cam..."

Cam smiled and she handed it to John instead of Charlie. "Do the honors, Dad."

John looked at the corsage, then at Cam—part surprise, part gratitude. When he took it from her, and looked at Charlie as she lifted her wrist with a sincere smile. John fastened the ribbon gently, making sure it rested perfectly against her skin.

"There," he said, brushing a thumb over her knuckles once he was done. "Now you're perfect."

Charlie's lips tightened, and her eyes nearly filled with tears as the emotion was evident behind her lashes. In that moment, she realized she had never experienced the feeling of being accepted by a group of strangers she had gotten to know in just under five months. They already liked her and wanted her to feel welcome.

"Thank you," she said softly, looking at John, Cam, and the women, "all of you."

Can swiftly wipe her eye with the back of her hand, which brought a smile on both Gabby and Danny. John chuckled in return and reached for the doorknob again before opening it. Charlie waved her hand to the women behind her.

"Bring her back home in one piece, Captain!" Gabby added with a smirk.

"You break curfew, I'm callin' Laswell!" Cam teased.

John sighed and led Charlie through the doorway, their fingers entwined in his larger hand as they exited and the door shut behind them. When he led her down the steps towards his truck parked. He held the passenger door open for her and she smiled, touched by his chivalrous gesture. He assisted her as she got in, then moved to the driver's seat and turned on the engine. He looked at her and his lips quirked.

"Are you ready, Miss Daniels?" His voice was a low rumble.

Charlie buckled her seatbelt before looking at him. She grinned and her heart was beating wildly.

"Yes."

He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.

"My girl," he spoke quietly before bringing it to his lips, he kissed her knuckles before moving above, which his beard tickled as she giggled breathlessly. John glanced at her before showing off his crooked smile.

Her smile widened back, revealing her dimples.

John leaned forward, propping his elbow on the console, and kissed her. When he broke apart, his lips within his beard touched her forehead and she let out a soft gasp. He gave her a half-smile, putting the truck in gear and pulling away from the house.