Page 73 of Forever Fickle

“I’m tired,” she admitted, smiling. “Never thought I would say this, but I sleep so much better when you are here.”

“Me too, Tink. I can’t wait to see you. We’ve got two months and then I can hold you again.”

“I’ll be waiting for you at the airport,” she promised. “How are things there? You sound so stressed, honey.”

“I am,” Jace admitted. “I miss my friends and we’ve got some new guys here that just don’t fit in yet. I’m trying, we all are, but the bond just isn’t there yet. I mean, when we go up? I never doubted that Valkyrie, Reaper, or Thumper would have my back… but now I’ve got Houdini assigned to me – and I just don’t trust him yet.”

“Has something happened?”

“No… well, yes,” Jace muttered. “The guy certainly earned his name. He disappears when he’s supposed to stay at my side. I keep telling him, but Houdini, Vapor, Ghost, and Sparky…”

“Where do they get these dumb names?” Karen laughed easily.

“Assigned for a reason, babe…” His voice was full of frustration and disgust.

“You need something to bring the team together,” she offered encouragingly. “I’m trying to figure out something for the class myself, so I understand when you can see the division. It’s hard, hurts sometimes, but you are the most wonderful person – and I know you can bring them all together, Jace.”

“I appreciate the advice and the vote of confidence,” he said openly – and she could picture his smile.

“It’s easy. You are so outgoing, charming, and I know that you’ll find a way.”

“Thank you, Tink,” he replied and hesitated. “I don’t plan on being here long enough though. I’ve got two years left and then I’m coming home.”

“That’s a long time – and you need people you can count as friends around you.”

“I need you,” he urged tenderly.

“And I’ll be waiting,” she replied – and heard his frustrated groan.

“Shoot… my card is almost up. I’m going to have to go, but I will call you again as soon as I can.”

“Why don’t we plan on next Sunday or in two weeks? I don’t want you to run out of calling cards.”

“I’ve got to hear your voice, Karen…”

The soft, sweet tenderness she heard in his voice was telling and she dragged in a ragged breath. How had her world existed before meeting him?

“I love you so much, Jace.”

“I’m coming home to you. I’m going to spend every day of my life making you happy and want you to feel loved, because I think you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Hey… that was my line, honey…” she breathed tearfully, trying to lighten the conversation.

“We can argue about it in person over a turkey leg,” he countered thickly.

“Deal.”

“Love you, Tink…”

“I love you, too.”

* * *

Karen satat the table at Dixie’s café on Saturday afternoon, smiling at her friends, treasuring this meet-up. It was just like before she’d met Jace. She was sitting across from Dixie, Glory… and now Sophie. The four women sat there talking, just needing to draw comfort and find happiness where they could.

“Lee is working on his plane today with Hunter,” Dixie smiled, shaking her head – only to see Glory hesitate, before putting her head down in her hands.

“Should I leave now?” Glory asked, rubbing her stomach. “I mean, I love my man but by golly – he shouldn’t be touching those planes.”

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