Page 63 of Forever Fickle

“C’mere you…” she breathed, holding up her phone above them and felt Jace wrap his arms around her, pulling her closer so they were both in the photograph she was taking.

Clicking it, she laughed as he tickled her ear, brushing his nose against it, and she continued to take a few more photos. The rose petals were everywhere, and the sun was warm on them, with the occasional breeze that kicked up every once in a while.

“I like your idea of paradise,” she smiled, closing her eyes and snuggling up against him as he cradled her.

She could feel his lips brushing against her brow and occasionally, he would drop a kiss on the curve of her ear. She loved how he would hold her close, like he needed to be there, breathing the same air.

“I could hold you for hours and never get tired of it,” he whispered softly. “I know this is a lot, we’ve talked about how it’s only been five or six days, but what would you want in your life… if we had a lifetime together?”

His words, so softly spoken against her ear, made her realize that he really wanted to know and was afraid of her response – or rejection. Could her fickle flyboy be just as insecure as she was when it came to relationships?

“I’ve always wanted to feel secure in my life,” she breathed openly, closing her eyes and letting the peace of the open skies, the breeze, and the security of his arms, carry her away. “There’s something incredibly special knowing that you have someone there for you, backing you up, and supporting you.”

“It’s a heady feeling,” he agreed. “Go on…”

“I always imagined a home full of love, laughter, and warmth…” she whispered, feeling his fingers blend with hers, linking them. “To know you have a haven, a place that feels welcoming…”

“What about children?” he breathed, his voice catching.

“I love children,” she chuckled softly. “That’s why I teach kindergarten. I love their innocent faces, open hearts, and how beautiful they are. I’ve always wanted children, but never imagined having my own.”

“Why?”

“Because I never found the right person and was afraid to look,” she admitted honestly, hearing his breath catch as he leaned close, kissing her cheek.

“And now?” he hesitated, his breath tickling the skin on her cheek. “Do you think that someday I might be the right person for you?”

Karen turned her head in disbelief at the gently spoken words, full of longing, as she looked at him. His eyes searched hers, and she heard his breath catch in his chest as she met his gaze.

“I do,” she whispered tearfully, reaching up to touch his cheek.

He chuckled tearfully, grinning.

“Think you can say that again when the time is right?” he asked shyly, smiling at her. “That sounded utterly incredible, and I could get used to hearing those words from you, Miss Karen Marks.”

She chuckled nervously, not sure if he was asking what he was implying – or just being a complete tease and romantic.

“I suppose I might be persuaded… if the timing was right.”

“That’s not a ‘no’…” he laughed softly, leaning forward to kiss her tenderly. “Maybe I should ask again someday just to be sure I heard that correctly.”

“Perhaps,” she teased.

Karen let out a bark of laughter as Jace picked her up, rolling her over playfully, and reaching over to tickle her midsection, breaking up the intense moments between them.

Part of her was really glad that they’d changed the tone between them because it was so much, so fast, and truthfully, she wasn’t ready to think about what he was suggesting.

I mean, if this intense relationship was fast – even suggesting marriage, children, or more than that was absolute insanity.

She reached for Jace, tickling him, and they continued to play in the sun together like children, kissing and laughing.

* * *

As the sun set,she could feel a slight sunburn on her nose and cheeks as she helped Jace pack his massive duffle bag he had stored at Flyboys. They talked idly about the weather in Afghanistan – and in Massachusetts in November.

“I really want to go visit my family with you,” Jace said, lifting the end of the duffle bag and folding his uniform before setting it down inside. “I want you to meet my family, see where I grew up, and spend the holidays with you.”

“I’d like that,” Karen admitted, trying not to choke up as she realized that despite the fact they were talking about the weather, this was the start of their goodbye.

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