Heroes Never Die Read Online Free

certainly more appealing than the empty apartment waiting for him, but he didn’t want to intrude.
    “C’mon, Brian,” Stephanie coaxed.  “Daddy loves to treat.”
    “Besides,” her dad added, “I’m anxious to hear how the two of you met.  I’m sure it’s quite a story.”
    “And loads of fun,” Brian agreed, accepting the invitation.
    At Stephanie’s request, she and her dad met Brian at one of her favorite places in the District, a quaint German restaurant.  The bustling, lantern-lit restaurant had a cozy old-world atmosphere, and when the patrons were mellow with beer, they lifted their antique steins and sang along with the piano man.
    The beer was served, and the trio took turns toasting the warm occasion.  The General offered a toast to their guest.  He commended Brian on being an outstanding surgeon and wished him a successful career.  Brian went next by lifting his stein toward the General.  He told the General that he was a leader he was proud to follow.  Stephanie followed by thanking her dad for putting her through college.
    While the trio waited for their meal, they drank another round.  Brian told the General how he met Stephanie.  Then they began to tell stories about each other, and the mood became festive with silly hilarity.  Bursts of laughter filled the room.  When the meal came to a close, Stephanie excused herself from the table.  Brian stood when she rose from her chair.  When she returned, both men stood over her like honorable gentlemen dueling for her love.  She kissed her dad’s cheek.  “I’ve had a wonderful time.  Thank you, Daddy.”
    “Yes,” Brian agreed.  “I’ve had a great time, too.”
    Stephanie’s dad was obviously pleased.  “You’re both very welcome.  I’m looking forward to doing this again soon.”
    “I’ll treat the next time,” Brian volunteered.
    “Now’s our chance to go to that very expensive restaurant, Dad,” Stephanie teased.  She was glad that her dad had invited Brian.  Brian had gone out of his way to meet her, and there was nothing she liked more than old-fashioned chivalry.  Besides, he made her feel vivacious and full of life, and she was sorry the evening was nearing its end.
    The trio took their time as they strolled toward their cars.  The fresh evening air was invigorating, and Stephanie didn’t want the night to slip away without tasting every exciting moment of it.  Even the sidewalks bustled with curious sightseers anxious to view the grand monuments at night.  The Capitol, richly robed in American history, commanded an awesome reverence from all who journeyed to look upon her.
    The trio reached Brian’s car first.  Stephanie was hoping that Brian would find the courage to ask her out in front of her dad, but that would be much too awkward, even for him.  She considered dropping in on her dad at Walter Reed and then pretending to accidentally run into Brian, but he was much too smart for games.  He would just have to be the one to make the first move.
    Brian reached out to shake the General’s hand.  “Thanks again for the wonderful evening.”  Then he turned to Stephanie and gently lifted her chin.  “May I call you tomorrow?” he asked with a deep, tender voice.
    “Sure,” she softly replied, feeling the first sparks of love.  “I’ll be home.”
    Brian kissed his finger and playfully tapped it to her nose.  He told her goodnight and climbed into his car.
    Stephanie’s dad pulled her close and gave her a one-armed hug.  They watched Brian drive away.  “So, Daddy, what do you think of Brian?”
    Her dad grinned.  “I think Cupid is on the warpath.”
    “C’mon Dad,” she coaxed.  “Tell me what you really think.”
    He tried to give her his honest opinion.  “I like Brian.  He has towering standards, he’s dependable, straightforward, and he’s one hell of a good surgeon.”
    Stephanie beamed.  Brian had met her dad’s approval.  “I’m glad you like Brian.  I