Page 66 of Small Town Sash

"Sounds tempting," a chuckle escaped him. "But it's not just about seeing your pretty face, Hadley. It's hearing your laugh, feeling your hand in mine?—"

"And we'll have all that when you visit." She cut him off before the somberness could settle between them again. "Or when I come to the base. We'll plan trips, explore new places together, and turn the distance into an adventure."

He looked at her then, really looked at her, his gaze softening. "You really believe we can do this?"

"Believe it?" She leaned closer, her peach-colored skin almost glowing under the moonlight. "I'm counting on it. Because what we have? It's worth every mile."

The corner of his mouth lifted into a half-smile. "You're one of a kind, Hadley Wilder."

"That's the idea."

His heart swelled as he saw the resolve set in her features. "All right," he said finally, the word loaded with promise. "Let's be those lovebirds who conquer the long-distance thing."

"Lovebirds?" Hadley raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "That's dangerously close to cutesy couple territory."

"Maybe I'm feeling dangerously optimistic," he shot back, and this time, his smile was full and genuine.

"Optimistic, huh?" She nudged him gently. "I could get used to that."

Braden's lips met Hadley's with tenderness. She melted into the kiss, his heart thudding against his ribs like it was trying to keep pace with the flickering streetlights overhead.

"Did you know that otters hold hands when they sleep?" Hadley asked, her head resting on his shoulder.

"So they don't drift apart," Braden added, wrapping an arm around her. "Kinda like us."

"Except we have phones. And vehicles."

"True. Modern-day otters, that's us."

They laughed, the sound mingling with the distant hum of the town. Time slipped by unnoticed, the minutes stretching out like taffy as they savored each other's company.

Eventually, it was time to head home. Hand in hand, they meandered back toward Hadley's place, neither willing to mention the impending goodbye.

"Hey, Hadley?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for being there for me today."

"Anytime, Sergeant."

The promise hung between them, light and hopeful. They reached her doorstep, lingering in the doorway.

"See you soon?" Braden's voice was soft, almost hesitant.

"Count on it," she replied, standing on tiptoes to plant a quick kiss on his lips.

"Good night, Hadley."

"Night, Braden."

With one last squeeze of her hand, he turned and walked away. Even though it was the hardest thing he ever did, he knew it was only temporary. When two people cared for each other as much as they did, it was worth the fight to make it work. As he headed back to his air base, his heart was full yet aching, already counting the days until he saw her again.

Epilogue

One Year Later

Sunlight streamed in through the half-open blinds, casting stripes of gold across the crisply made bed. Hadley stretched, her black hair fanning out on the pillow like a dark halo. She blinked sleep from her blue eyes and turned to find Braden's side of the bed empty, the sheets cool.

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