Page 131 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"But Travis and Cash decided that the toy store wasn't good enough."
"Blane, what the hell are you talking about?What are those guys up to?"
Blane laughed out loud."Relax.They're not doing anything crazy.All I mean is that they came up on a recon mission yesterday to scout out if the toy store had enough good bears for you to choose from.They decided it didn't, so they drove over to Bozeman instead.Apparently, there's a store over there where they sell handmade bears."Blane shook his head before meeting Emmett's eye."Sorry, I'm not saying anything."
Emmett laughed."It's okay.I'm with you; I think they're going overboard."
"Well, don't even think about trying to talk them out of it.They've locked on to this, and they're not going to be happy until you end up with the perfect bear, okay?They'll consider it a failed mission otherwise."
"Fair enough.So what are we doing?Are we meeting everyone here and riding over to Bozeman together?"
"That's the plan.I figured we'd have enough room for everyone if I drive and Cash brings his Suburban.That work for you?"
Emmett held his hands up."At this point, I'm considering myself an observer on this mission."
Blane chuckled."That'll work until we get there.But when it comes to choosing the bear, you take point, and you're out there on your own.We'll have your back, but that's all we can do."
Emmett had to laugh."Here they come."
He looked through the windshield to see Travis, Trip, Ace, Deacon, and Cash walk out of the front entrance.
He had to squeeze his eyes shut for a moment.They'd all been a team for years in the Navy, but a lot of years had gone by since then.He'd come straight back here.The rest of them had done whatever they did, but the bond still remained as strong.Every single one of them was here for him today, to do something as crazy as buying a teddy bear.
Blane punched his shoulder gently."I know.I couldn't believe it either when Mav said he wanted to come."
Emmett did a double take.It was true.Mav was right there with the others, standing a little behind them.That was why he hadn't spotted him the first time.
"Jesus Christ, Blane.You're gonna have to keep me laughing this afternoon, or I might just cry."
Blane gave his shoulder a shake."You got it, bud.I'll have your back, same as always."
When they arrived in Bozeman, Emmett could only watch as Cash's Suburban double-parked in front of the toy store and Deacon jumped out.
Blane laughed beside him when Deacon removed two parking cones from the spaces directly outside the door.
Emmett shook his head."I knew he sometimes pulled that shit in town, but I didn't think he'd get away with it over here in Bozeman."
Travis laughed in the back seat."He's buddies with the sheriff over here, and you know what he's like.He took his part in this mission seriously."
Emmett turned in his seat as best he could."And what's your part?"he asked.
Travis chuckled."You know me, I'm here to bring the laughs.And to make sure you choose a happy-looking bear."
Emmett buried his face in his hands."For fuck's sake, guys, a happy-looking bear?"
Trip, who was sitting next to Travis in the back, leaned forward between the front seats."Yeah, happy—and healthy.That's what you’ve got me for."
Emmett could only laugh while Blane pulled the truck forward into the spot right outside the toy store door.
Once they were all out on the sidewalk, he stared around at his friends."Guys, I know this must seem like a dumb thing to do."
"Whoa."Cash held his hand up."Not dumb, far from it.Right, guys?"
The others all nodded and grinned at him.Ace gestured toward the store."We should probably get in there and get on with it.I'll warn you now that these guys have opinions."
"Oh shit," said Emmett.
"You can say that again," said Mav."If you're not going to buy the woman a ring, then it needs to be a damn good bear."
