Page 108 of Forever Fickle

“Definitely…” she smiled, looking up into his warm eyes, her heart surging as she caught a glimpse of forever.

CHAPTER28

HOT CAKES

Jace was an utter mess.

He stood there at the airport gate with Karen, holding her closely, unable to speak. The last two days, he had never smiled so much, felt so much indescribable joy and love for another human being, nor did he understand how much it would hurt to let her go.

They had spent last night in each other’s arms, holding each other, and he’d broken down crying as she held him. He was beyond terrified and felt incredibly insecure at this moment.

He didn’t know what a relationship was – and he sure had no clue how to maintain a marriage, except love her with everything he was and remain steadfast by her side… only his duty was about to yank him clear across the world, placing him directly in a war zone.

He could die.

That thought had never crossed his mind before – but it was sure crossing it now! Zigzagging wildly, and the abject fear sounded like a scream from the depths of his soul, just thinking about never holding her hand or kissing Karen again.

Jace could die out there – like Lieutenant Greene had.

He could be shot down, killed, or severely injured… and it would leave Karen a widow. What if there was a baby? Neither of them had imagined they would get married this weekend. He’d intended to propose during the holiday, not the first second he saw her… and it just kinda slipped out.

Marrying Karen had been the best decision he’d ever made in his life – and the scariest.

What if she got tired of waiting for him?

What if the separation was too much?

He was scared to tell anyone that they’d gotten married because he was terrified that she would decide that she could find happiness elsewhere. She was the strongest, most independent woman he’d ever met… and while she didn’t need him?

He needed her – with everything in his soul.

They were at DFW and had landed thirty minutes ago, but she wasn’t leaving his side yet. She never said a word, just wrapping her arms around his midsection, holding him close, as he waited for his connecting flight.

“I love you,” he breathed, kissing the top of her hair, and pressing his cheek against those chestnut curls he adored.

She didn’t answer, only nodding, as she buried her face against him. He felt her tremble and knew she was trying to be brave.

Flight 1204 to Heathrow will be departing in twenty minutes. Please make your way to gate 25 located in the ‘D’ terminal. We will begin boarding momentarily. Active duty, those needing assistance, and passengers with children, please come forward to board…

“I love you,” he repeated, kissing her again as tears stung his eyes. He couldn’t believe he was having to leave already… and this all just felt like a beautiful dream.

… And he told her that, suddenly afraid and needing to say the words aloud to Karen. He wanted to see her beautiful eyes, tell her he loved her, and promise that he was coming home… because he was scared.

“Karen, my beloved Tinkerbell, can you look at me?” he urged thickly and felt her jerk her head back down, pressing it against his chest and shaking her head ‘no’…

“Baby, I’m going to have to go soon, and I want to look at that beautiful smile,” he breathed painfully, feeling like his entire being was aching with an indescribable pain.

“I love you,” he urged, turning her face up towards him, only to see tears streaming down her cheeks and the broken, lonely look of longing in her breathtaking eyes.

“I love you so much and I am coming home as quick as I can. Do you hear me? We are going to make this work…” he said brokenly, barely holding back a sob, as he wiped his face, almost angry that he was having to say goodbye.

“I’m coming home,” he promised. “I’m going to make love to my wife, bring her breakfast in bed, and then make love to her some more, just so she knows how much I need her in my world…”

“She knows, Jace,” Karen whispered, clutching at him, before leaning up on her tip-toes to kiss him with a ferocity that was staggering. He met her kiss for kiss, needing to show her how strongly he felt, and heard the announcement again.

Flight 1204 to Heathrow is currently boarding and we are trying to make the headwind before a storm. All rows please make your way to the gate with your ticket in hand, so we can board quickly.

Jace cursed, kissing her one more time.

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