Zachary grinned and said, "I'm finally tying the knot when I get back. We wanted to do it sooner, but missions kept messing things up."
Theo nodded, getting the picture.
After a beat, he asked, "Why'd you go after Brian against orders? You know how risky that was, right?"
Zachary's face darkened a bit. He clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes.
Taking a deep breath, he said, "I wasn't sure, but I couldn't take the chance. Brian, that guy's ruthless and always gets even. The last thing he said to me was, 'I'll remember you.' That made me realize everyone around me could be in danger. So, I had to take him out, no matter what."
Theo sighed and patted Zachary's shoulder. "Zach, I would've done the same."
Their eyes met, and they saw the resolve and trust in each other's gaze.
At that moment, the barriers between them seemed to disappear, leaving only the camaraderie of fighting side by side.
It was almost dawn, but Seraphina was unusually excited because Zachary's plane was due to arrive in an hour.
After work, she was picked up by Indigo, and they drove through the night towards the military airport in an SUV.
Seraphina's heart was in her throat the entire way.
She stared out the window, muttering, "Why aren't we there yet? I hope Zachary's okay."
Ten minutes before the plane landed, Theo called ahead to request a wheelchair.
Zachary, knowing Seraphina might come to meet him, asked for a cane instead to avoid worrying her about a potential leg injury.
Theo complied.
In the airport lounge, Seraphina paced anxiously, and Indigo gently reassured her, "Seraphina, don't worry. Zachary will be here soon."
Theo and some team members, along with Aaron, were the first to come out.
Zachary followed slowly, leaning on a cane, with team members carefully watching over him.
As soon as Seraphina saw him, she ran over and hugged him tightly.
With a tearful voice, she poured out her worries and longing, "You're finally back. I missed you so much."
Zachary put an arm around her shoulder and gently patted her. "Seraphina, don't be afraid. It's all over now."
Theo then explained Zachary's leg injury to Seraphina in a comforting tone, "Don't worry, his leg injury isn't serious. He just needs some rest."
His words finally put Seraphina's mind at ease.
She also noticed the looks from Theo and the others, clearly recognizing her as Zachary's fiancée.
Seraphina blushed slightly and lowered her head shyly.
"When you two get married, make sure to invite us," Theo teased with a smile.
Seraphina looked up, her eyes shining with happiness. "Of course, you all have to come to our wedding."
With that, Theo and the team left.
Seraphina watched them go, feeling grateful.
She turned to Zachary, her eyes full of concern.
She noticed a scar on his brow, standing out on his handsome face.
Seraphina gently touched the scar, her voice choked with emotion, "Does it hurt?"
Her fingers lightly traced his skin, filled with endless tenderness and care.
Zachary looked into her worried eyes, feeling a warm surge in his heart.
He held her hand and smiled, shaking his head. "It doesn't hurt anymore. It's much better now."
His gaze drifted to her stomach, and Seraphina followed his eyes, understanding what he was thinking.
She smiled shyly and said softly, "I'm not pregnant." Her face flushed again.
Zachary was momentarily stunned, then laughed, "Haha, I see. Honestly, I was hoping we could enjoy some time together first. I'm not ready to be a dad just yet."
Seraphina nodded, leaning on his shoulder. "I feel the same way."
Just then, Indigo and Gregory walked in, seeing Zachary with a cane.
Indigo immediately asked with concern, "Zachary, how's your leg? Should we go to the hospital?"
Zachary felt a warmth in his heart seeing Indigo's worry.
He smiled and reassured her, "Mom, I'm fine. Don't worry. I'll go to the hospital tomorrow."
Indigo felt a bit relieved and turned to Seraphina, "Seraphina, why don't you stay at our place tonight? You can help take care of Zachary. I really can't stop worrying about him."
Seraphina nodded, "Sure, Mrs. Lopez. I'd love to take care of Zachary. I have so much to talk to him about."
With Seraphina's help, Zachary got into the car. They didn't speak much, but their hands remained tightly clasped.
Seraphina rested her head on Zachary's shoulder, their cheeks touching.
"Are you tired?" Zachary asked softly.
Seraphina shook her head slightly, "Not tired. It's comfortable leaning on you."
When they arrived at the Lopez home, Zachary went to his room.
Gregory smiled, "Zachary, it's great to have you back. We've always kept this room ready for you."
Zachary smiled, "Thanks, Mr. Lopez. There's no place like home."
A servant quickly brought a table full of snacks. Indigo smiled, "You must be hungry after your journey. Have something to eat before you rest."
Zachary smiled, "Thanks, Mom. I am a bit hungry."
Seraphina echoed, "Thank you, Mrs. Lopez."
Under the soft lights, Seraphina looked at Zachary with deep affection, "Zachary, you know, I love you more and more. Everything about you is perfect for me."
Zachary held her hand tightly, "Me too. Since I met you, I've changed a lot."
Looking into her eyes, Zachary apologized, "This mission worried you. You've lost weight."
Seraphina shook her head, "I'm fine. As long as you're safe."
Zachary vowed seriously, "Don't worry. I'll try to stay by your side from now on."
Back in the room, Seraphina looked at the large bed and shyly asked, "With your leg, can you take a bath?"
Zachary looked at his casted leg helplessly, "I can't bathe, but I can manage to clean myself."
"Do you need my help?" Seraphina blushed.
Zachary's eyes sparkled, "If you're willing, I could use your help."
Seraphina nodded.
After helping Zachary clean his upper body, he wouldn't let her help further. Seraphina was puzzled, "Why?"
Zachary turned his head, "I'll handle the rest myself."
Seraphina had to comply.
Later, Zachary came out in a black robe. Despite his leg, he sat upright on the couch.
Seraphina's face reddened slightly.
She then shyly went to bathe, coming out in a white nightgown Indigo had given her, her hair draped over her shoulders.
It was already 3 AM, but Seraphina wasn't sleepy. "Zachary, let's go to bed."
Zachary eagerly walked to her, sat on the bed, and reached out, "Come here."
Seraphina obediently sat beside him. As Zachary hugged her, she whispered, "Experts online say you shouldn't move too much. Your leg needs to heal."
"I promise not to move that part," Zachary said hoarsely.