Page 49 of SEAL's Angel
Chapter 11
Dawn crawled out of the tent just as Jake and Rafe were having a heated conversation at the campfire. The scent of coffee made her mouth water, and she hoped that they weren’t arguing over her again.
“Good morning. Is something wrong?” she asked and they turned to look at her.
“Unfortunately, our CO needs us back in Virginia today. We have a flight out at noon.”
Dawn wanted to have a hissy fit like Cindy, instead, she poured a cup of coffee and sat next to Jake. “Doesn’t this happen all the time?”
“Yes, but it’s different when you’re sitting at home doing nothing.”
“And it happens every damn time I come for a visit. I don’t think I’ve had a full week here in the last three years,” Rafe grumbled.
“I think you’re right, but it’s not like we don’t understand. I’m happy we had the time we did. The kids will be disappointed but we’ll make it up to them.”
“Or you could come to Virginia and we could take them camping there.” Jake grinned.
It wasn’t a bad idea either. Even before these last few days, Dawn had been considering visiting Rafe and Meghan over the holidays.
After she finished her coffee, she woke Chase and Cindy. Then fed them some granola as the guys packed up. This was the first time that living close to Bristlecone State Park was a curse. The short drive back to her house was quiet, there wasn’t even the normal chattering from Cindy.
After getting the Jeep unloaded and everything put away, Rafe gave Cindy and Dawn a hug and shook Chase’s hand, promising that he and Meghan would visit soon. After a nod in Jake’s direction he told him he’d meet him in the car.
“I wish you didn’t have to go, Jake,” Cindy said and stood on tiptoes to give him a kiss goodbye.
“Me either, peanut. But maybe I can come for another visit soon. Would you like that?” Jake met Dawn’s eyes as he asked and she nodded.
“That would be great,” Cindy explained.
“How about you, Chase? Would you be okay with that?”
“Yes, and then I can see how your basketball moves compare to Uncle Rafe’s.”
“You’ve got a deal,” Jake said and shook Chase’s hand.
“C’mon, Cindy, Mom and Jake are going to say goodbye, and I don’t want to see the kissing.”
Dawn giggled. Her son was growing up way too fast.
“He’s right, angel. There will be kissing but not nearly enough.”
“I agree,” Dawn said as she stepped into his embrace. “I’m going to miss you, SBA.”
“Me too,” Jake said before slanting his mouth over hers.
His kiss was fierce, filled with urgency and passion. When he released her, it took her a moment to catch her breath.
“You made my toes curl.” Dawn drew her hand over the side of his face and along his chin. They’d crossed a bridge yesterday, and she wasn’t ready for him to leave.
“I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t have to go—”
Dawn put her a finger over his warm lips and shook her head. “It’s your job. I understand that, I always have. Please be careful.”
“Always, angel.”
“Will you be able to call me before you leave?” Dawn willed herself not to cry as she watched him pick up his pack.
“I don’t know when we’re leaving, but I promise I’ll say goodbye before we go dark.”
