He hoped Terra’s grandfather, the previous land commissioner, wasn’t planning to use this party for political gain as he started raising funds to campaign for higher political aspirations, but Jack couldn’t help that it felt political to him. The raising up or fortifying of a political base, at least. Certainly, nothing was wrong with that—it was just the way of things.

That didn’t mean Jack had to like it.

He hadn’t been watching Terra, but when his gaze slid over her way again, he caught her watching him. Maybe their gazes collided at the right moment. Her smile brightened, and she waved him over. He excused himself and left Aunt Nadine with her friend Josey and headed for Terra’s small group.

Her closest friends.

“Guys, you remember Jack, don’t you?” she asked. “He’s a detective for the sheriff’s department now.”

Jack shook Alex’s hand, and then Erin’s.

“It’s good to see you were able to make it to the party,” Jack said.

He’d never been good in a crowd, but he would make this work.

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Erin said. “Mom still lives in town. In fact, she’s at the party too. This gave me a great excuse to get away for the weekend, and, well, we’re going to see the memorial early next week too.” Erin smiled at Alex and then Terra.

Terra quirked a grin. “As if you need an excuse to come see your mom.”

Alex crossed his arms. The guy seemed to have completely clammed up since Jack arrived. Owen approached the group and, tilting his cup, shook ice into his mouth and chewed.

A man marched forward as if on a collision course—and Jack’s reflexes kicked in. He mentally braced himself as the guy almost knocked Owen over when he grabbed him in a bear hug.

Owen’s smile brightened as he turned. “Guys, here’s somebody I want you to meet. My longtime Army buddy, Leif Morrisey. We’ve been through a lot together. Leif saved my life.”

Jack studied Leif, who was a little older than Owen and also a little taller at about six foot. Everyone appeared mesmerized by Owen’s life-saving friend.

“As soon as I learned about Owen’s big welcome, I made sure to head this direction during my furlough.”

Jack rubbed his chin. “What did you do in the Army?”

Leif disarmed him with his smile. “Warrant officer. Helicopter pilot and Owen’s gunner.”

He elbowed Owen, and they laughed like they shared a private joke.

Leif and Owen told stories from their experiences. Owen shared about his helicopter going down, caught in a spin, and how he and a few others had jumped out and landed in a lake before the crash. “Not usually advised, but in that particular situation, it saved our lives.”