Page 118 of Forever Fickle

I’m missing you tonight and can’t sleep. I’m supposed to be resting and have a briefing in the morning, but I miss my sweet girl tucked under my arm.

It’s nights like these that make me glad I’m getting out of the Air Force, and we’ll just figure out a future together somehow. If Flyboys doesn’t have a position when it comes time, maybe I can see about doing something else.

I can’t imagine a day without flight, but I also can’t see voluntarily leaving you repeatedly for the sake of a job ever again.

When I said that I was coming home? I meant it. You are my home.

I wish I could see your smile right now. Maybe I will go see if my cell phone has any battery left and watch our wedding video again. I miss you so much.

Love,

Jace

* * *

Sighing heavily,he went to go lay down again knowing he would need to take each day one at a time. If he focused on the smaller things, maybe it would make time pass a little faster… because right now, it seemed almost overwhelming.

CHAPTER32

KAREN

Five months later…

“Okay everyone,on the relays today? Let’s have some fun with it.” she called out in excitement. “Watch your fingers on the scooters, please. We don’t want any injuries… and when you get to the end of the race? The basketballs go in the basket, not at the other team. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Mrs. Sorensen…” the class droned on obediently, making her smile.

It was beautiful out, the sun was shining, and the bluebonnets were in bloom in the distance. She promised the children that if everyone participated in class, promised to have a good time, and made an effort to become friends with their fellow students, then they would have a field day, complete with a picnic lunch and activities.

… And it worked!

Jace was supposed to be flying in late tonight or tomorrow. He was trying to get his flight moved around, flying into Tyler instead of DFW, but that involved changing several things and she was hoping to hear from him soon. He said he would call from Heathrow to let her know what his schedule looked like… but she had yet to hear from him.

“Alrighty! Blue team… line up…” Karen hollered, blowing her whistle, as the wind whipped at her pants in the parking lot.

Her baggy slacks were perfect, giving her a chance to run around and play with the children, while still looking somewhat professional. She was wearing a vest that reminded her of a referee shirt, with black and white stripes.

“Red team, you are right behind them. Green and yellow teams, line up, and get ready to race!”

She clapped her hands loudly and gave a sharp whistle.

“Line up teams, or we are going to run out of time…” she warned. “If the bell rings, we’ve got to go back inside.”

Several grumbles were heard – but not as many as expected. Instead, the students stood there, looking behind her, and Karen turned around, expecting to see something wild in the parking lot like a horse, sheep, or a stray cow that might have gotten free… but instead?

It was the best sight in the world.

“Need another referee, Mrs. Sorensen?” Jace asked, grinning, and standing beside Alpo, who waved innocently and was smiling.

“Jace! Oh, my goodness,” she whispered, running towards him, and throwing her arms around his neck. “You’re here! You’re really here!”

Alpo stepped forward, giving the two of them a few minutes.

Karen kissed Jace tenderly, feeling him pick her up off the ground, spinning her around in the air, before he put her down on her feet, kissing her again.

“Blue team… on my mark,” Alpo began, holding up his hand. “Mark!”

Karen looked over and saw Alpo frowning.

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