“Ignoring the sarge’s orders was never wise,” Bull said.

“And I didn’t. When I visited your cabin, he learned I was pursuing a doctorate and started calling me ‘doc’ then and there. I objected.” Zachary gave them a wry smile. “He ignored me.”

Caz’s snort of sympathy made them all laugh.

“So you were still studying for your degree when you dragged us out to the woods to chat?” Bull asked.

“Now, Bull, we went out to the woods to work. Or walk,” Zachary said mildly. “If a few words happened to get spoken, that was entirely at your discretion.”

Even Hawk grinned. Because it was that same ever-so-reasonable tone that had gotten each one of them to wander out to help the doc with whatever he needed assistance with—and had them spilling their guts. Maybe because they knew he’d listen with an open heart and mind.

“You were damn good at it,” Hawk said.

“I’d had some experience. My father was a psychologist. We discussed various therapies around the dinner table, and I’d read all of his books long before I enlisted.” Zachary smiled slightly. “My mother volunteered in pediatric units in the hospital, which meant her only child did too.”

No wonder four messed-up foster kids hadn’t been able to out-maneuver him. And Gabe had to admit that he’d tried more than once.

Bull spoke for everyone. “However you came by the experience and wisdom, you did good, Grayson. Thanks.”

“It was my very great pleasure to lend a hand now and then.” Grayson looked at them all, his gaze direct and honest. “You’ve grown into men the first sergeant would be proud of.”

Blinking hard at the burn in his eyes, Gabe glanced at his brothers. Yeah, he wasn’t the only one.

“Jessica, it’s time we were headed to the B&B,” Grayson said.

“No!” Aric scowled at him. “Sophia stays here.”

When Hawk cleared his throat with the same intonation the sarge had used as a warning, Gabe almost laughed.

Aric’s lower lip poked out in a pout, but then he politely asked Grayson, “Can Sophia stay, please?”

Grayson’s eyes were alight with laugher, but none showed in his voice. “Sophia needs a bath and bed. May she come and visit you tomorrow?”

Aric considered. “’Kay.”

As Grayson and his family took off, the rest of them began to pack up.

Gabe took Audrey’s hand. His beautiful, pregnant woman had held up until now, but she was obviously flagging. “Might I send you home with JJ and Regan? I need to make sure the last stragglers leave without any fights.”

“Oh, please.” Audrey snickered. “You’d love it if there was a brawl.”

She knew him well. “Busted. Last year’s fight was a lot of fun.”

Laughing, Bull slapped a hand on his shoulder. “Hawk, Caz, and I’ll stay too. Just in case.”