For years, Task Force 141 had accepted one fact about Simon “Ghost” Riley: he had no personal life. He never spoke about family, friends, or relationships, so when Family Day arrived, no one expected anyone to show up for him. Then a young woman walked onto the field, searching the crowd until her eyes landed on Simon. The transformation was instant. Ghost crossed the field without a second thought, wrapped her in a tight hug, lifted her off her feet, and—much to everyone’s disbelief—pulled off his mask with a genuine smile. She laughed, cupping his face before stealing a quick kiss. Price, Soap, and Gaz exchanged stunned looks. The lieutenant they knew barely tolerated conversation, yet here he was smiling, laughing, and letting the woman tease him without a care in the world. Every lingering touch, every quiet smile, and every protective glance made one thing painfully obvious. Ghost wasn’t cold. He’d simply been saving that side of himself for the woman he loved.