Meeting Dad

Leaving the dining room, Charlotte and Nate joined the others in the study. Bull began calling her Father up on the video conference so that she could speak with him.

After a few tones, Jeh appeared on the screen. His hair dark jet black with curls like Charlotte's. His eyes gentle while looking upon her.

"Hi, Dad!", she said happily.

"Hello, Sweetheart. How are you doing?", he said with concern in his voice.

She knew he had been informed of all that had happened during the attack. "I am just fine. Not a scratch on me. The team protected me just like we trained for. I could not ask for a better family.", she said with pride.

Jeh then straightened in his chair before speaking. "I have heard we have a new addition to the team.", he said calmly.

Shaking her head yes, she pulled Nate over to stand in front of the screen so her Father could take a look at him.

"Hello, Sir.", Nate said while bowing to Jeh out of respect. He recognized him and though astonished, kept himself from fanboying.

Feeling satisfied with the greeting Jeh replied, "So you are Nate. Bull tells me that you had a bumpy journey getting to where you are now. Glad to have you aboard."

Nate stood up and blushed a bit out of nervousness, "Thank you, sir. I will not let you down."

"Charlotte, what do you think about Nate here?", Jeh asked calmly.

Charlotte smiled as she answered, "He gives me good competition when it comes to shooting. Sharp shooting seems to come natural to him as well."

Jeh nodded his head feeling satisfied with her answer.

"Will you be coming home once this is all done? I wanted to see you before I go back to University.", she asked sweetly.

Jeh smiled at his little girl, "I promise to come home just as soon as the threat is over."

Charlotte beamed and grabbed Nate's arm and tugged on it, "Did you hear that? He is coming home!"

Her excitement made her eyes dance with starlight as if magic were within. Nate looked down upon her with gentleness that could not be measured. The look on his face appeared as if the two were the only people in the room. His soft smile as he looked into her mystical eyes spoke deeply to his feelings for her.

Jeh could see all through the screen and found that the look in Nate's eyes reminded him of the way he would look at her Mother. Any man whom has been in love as deep as himself could see it in another when displayed.

"We will have cake when you return.", Charlotte declared to her Father with the biggest teethy smile.

Nate snapped out of his trance and stepped back to his prior position to continue to observe the call.

"Okay, sweetheart. I picked you up some presents along with a new tote.", he said smiling.

"Yay!!!", she said while making tiny claps with her hands.

"Thank you, Dad!", I can't wait to see you.

"Me too, Sweetheart.", he said before looking over toward Nate. "Nate."

Nate stepped forward in front of the screen once more. "Yes, Sir.", he said respectfully.

"Thank you for watching over my little girl. I know she likes you a lot.", seeing Nate blush made Jeh chuckle a bit. "Don't let her bully you, Son."

Nate looked up with shock on his face. He then relaxed and thanked Jeh before stepping back into his position.

All the guys looked over at Nate with pride.

The call ended once Charlotte and Jeh said their goodbyes.

"I know you all need to prepare for the mission. I am super sleepy and will go take a nap. Do wake me before you go. I need to see you all before you head out.", she said as she looked at each and every one of them.

They all nodded in agreement and she left the room heading for the stairs with Nate in tow.

Once she left the study, Bull and the team finished packing the supplies for what would be needed tonight. Six o'clock would come soon and they needed to be completely ready to head out.

Making her way to her door, Nate entered first and scanned the room before allowing her to enter. He then moved to the bathroom checking it as well.

Once satisfied he turned to face her. She stood by the door blinking very slowly with heavy eyes. Slowly he walked to her and scooped her into his arms making his way to the bed. Placing her on the bed he covered her with a blanket. Turning to walk away, she took hold of his wrist.

"Would you hold me while I sleep? I am nervous about the mission and I don't want to have a nightmare.", she said while looking up at him with her sleepy eyes.

Nate smiled down at her as he moved her hair away from her face and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Yes."

Walking around to the other side of the bed, he climbed in and pulled her close to his chest. Placing his arm behind her head he used his other hand to pat her on the back soothing her worries so she may have a restful sleep. In only moments, he could hear her breath even out as she slept safely in his arms. Before he knew it, Nate fell fast asleep beside her never letting her go.

The hours passed quickly as the two slept deeply in each other's arms. Soon a knock came on the door signaling the time for the mission to begin.

Looking down at the angel in his arms he kissed her forehead. "Time to get up. We need to head downstairs to see them off.", he said quietly as to not jolt her awake.

Charlotte yawned and stretched as she rubbed her face in his shirt. She felt so sleepy but knew she had to get up. "Mmmmm, okay.", she whispered.

Nate helped her sit up and got her out of bed. Making their way downstairs, they met the guys by the door all lined up waiting for their hugs from Charlotte.

As she hugged each of them she began to speak, "I love all of you. You all have to be careful and come back home."

"Don't worry.", Alan advised.

"Yeah, we will be back before you know it.", Seth said.

"You should rest while we are gone, that way the time will seem to go by faster.", Grayson advised.

"Hey, I'm coming back for sure! Tonight we have pizza and french fries!", Axel chimed in.

Bull rolled his eyes as a Father would. "It will all be good. We will see you later as promised. Stay with Nate, no matter what."

Stepping back she looked at them all while nodding her head with agreement.

Swiftly they all picked up the bags they had headed to the waiting van. The mission began just like that.