Page 116 of Forever Fickle

You are sincerely the best man I’ve ever met – and I love your protective nature. I am lucky to have you at my side as my spouse.

Love always,

Tink

CHAPTER31

HOT CAKES

Jace staredat the computer screen, seeing Karen’s signature on the screen as Tink and knew it was for his benefit. At first, he was furious that Jana had emailed Karen to push him around, but he also knew she was right too.

Jana had forwarded Karen’s email to him – still upset.

* * *

Jace,

I just want a friend who has my back like Karen has yours – that’s all.She’s not even budging and supporting your stubbornness with zero consideration! The Sorensen Front is strong with you two… nauseatingly so!

Is it so wrong to want someone to talk to? A friend who’s lonely too?

I mean, I’m not looking to date someone thousands of miles away… and it sure wouldn’t be someone exactly like my brother. Barf. Puhhhlease no.

Just a friend – but whatever.

I just figured if he had a career or was clean cut he might be a decent person, but I can go back to seeing who’s on Tinder, or down at the pub…

Oh, and I mailed you something for Christmas, dork.

Karen told me you were stuck and couldn’t get leave to come home. I’m sorry. We miss you (even though I’m mad right now) and hope you have a Merry Christmas, Jace.

Love,

Jana

* * *

“What are you frowning about?Did you get bad news?”

X-Ray sat down at the cubical next to him, logging in on the computer without a second thought. Jace sat there, thinking, and staring at the screen, barely acknowledging the other man.

“I had to tell my wife that I couldn’t come home until May… and then I only got a few days approved,” Jace said quietly – to see X-Ray start slightly and look at him.

“I had no idea you’d gotten married,” the man smiled. “Congratulations, Hot Cakes.”

“Thanks,” Jace replied. “It’s not common knowledge and was kind of a spur of the moment thing while I was home, but we are very happy. I just hate that it’s going to be several months before I see her again.”

“I get it,” X-Ray nodded. “But at least you are going home to see her, you know?”

“Where are you from?”

“Truthfully?” X-Ray chuckled, shaking his head. “The curb…”

“What do you mean?” Jace grinned. “Nobody’s from ‘the curb’. Where’s your home, dude?”

“Here. My home ishere, just like everyone else in this sad unit,” he said, smiling. “But I’m from southern Louisiana originally. Cajun-boy, born and bred…”

“You aren’t going home for Christmas?”

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