Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
No matter where he is in the world, one thing is certain. He’ll be taking my heart with him, even if he doesn’t know it.
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
Chad
“So I think this is the part where I tell you if you hurt my sister, I’ll kill you.”
I snort, my eyes completely focused on my wife across the table as she visits with Shayne and Cassie.
My wife.
I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear those words when referring to Faith, but I’m damn glad I do.
“This is a little surprising, Chad, even for you.” When I look his way, he continues, “Not that I’m knocking it, really. I’m just surprised. The last time we talked about Faith, you kept insisting you two were only friends. You didn’t want to drag a relationship around with you while you did your job, wherever that would take you.”
“I know what I said,” I counter with a little extra irritation. “But I don’t know, man. I just… love her.” I tell her regularly, but I don’t think she understands the true extent of it.
“And I get that too. It’s funny how much your life changes when you find love.”
I glance his way, even though I know his line of sight is exactly where mine was moments ago. Well, not exactly. He’s looking at Shayne, the softest smile playing on his lips. “Have you two set a date?”
He nods. “We actually just decided on the plane ride over here. You’ve got seven months to complete your deployment and get your ass back home. I’m not doing this without you by my side.”
A lump forms in my throat. “I’d be honored.”
He looks my way and holds my gaze for a few seconds before replying, “It wouldn’t be right without you, so get your time off request in now.”
Chuckling, I reply, “Yes, sir.”
“Sir. I like that,” he retorts. We held the same rank until I relocated to California, and I’ve never called him sir.
“Don’t get used to it. I technically outrank you now,” I tease with a grin.
“Semantics,” he says with a casual wave of his hand.
Before I can reply, I watch as the two moms—mine and Faith’s—approach her. She stands up and listens to whatever they’re saying before looking my way. There’s a hint of uncertainty in her gorgeous green eyes, and I don’t like it. Quickly, I stand and head their way.
“What’s up?” I ask, my hand wrapping around her waist and drawing her against my side.
“We were just telling Faith it’s time for you two to retreat to your hotel room,” my mom announces, a mischievous look on her face.
“And I told them it wasn’t necessary,” Faith quickly adds. “You’re leaving tomorrow. This is the last night with your family before you go.” There’s no missing the sadness in her voice. It reaches into my soul and squeezes.
“It’s very necessary. You two are just starting your lives together, and it should be celebrated,” her mom, Beth, states with a slight blush.
My cock jumps eagerly in my pants at the thought of celebrating.
Just as I open my mouth, my mom says, “We’re going sightseeing. We’d love to check out this beautiful small town where you’ll both be making your home for a while.” She turns to Faith, takes her hand in hers, and adds, “We want you two to have one night together before my son leaves. You both deserve that much. We’ll be ready in the morning to accompany you to the base for the family farewell.” My mom’s eyes fill with tears, which she blinks away. “Until then, we don’t want to see either of you.”
“That’s right,” Beth chimes in. “Go. Enjoy your night together. Who knows, maybe we’ll get a grandbaby out of it.”
That seems to perk my mom up right away. “Oh! Wouldn’t that be something?” she gushes, making Faith blush even more.
“All right, that’s enough. I’m going to take my wife up to our hotel room and spend the evening with her,” I state, taking her hand in mine and giving it a squeeze. “Let’s all meet down in the lobby at 0500. That’ll give us time to get you all checked in on the base and to the gathering point.”
“Sounds good,” my dad states.
It takes us a few minutes to say our goodbyes to everyone, but as soon as we do, I’m ushering my wife toward the elevator. I allow her to push the Call button, mostly because my hands are occupied. I have one wrapped around her right one and the other on her waist. My fingers dance across the material of her dress, needing to feel connected to her.
Anchored to her.
The moment we step inside the car, and she presses the button for our floor, the air turns thick with desire. A heavy hum races through my veins as I turn to face her. Slowly, I back her against the wall, pinning her in place. Her eyes darken with need, her breath quickening. She licks her lips, a simple action that causes my cock to harden fully.