Page 57 of Forever Fickle

“Really?” she asked, almost perking up.

He fought back a laugh as he realized she didn’t want to say ‘bye’ to him anymore than he did. That made him feel good, understanding that she wanted to be with him despite the fact that she was scared of how powerful and fast this relationship was growing.

“Yeah. You could get in your jammies…”

“My jammies?” she teased, making him chuckle at this playful side to her.

“As I was saying…” he taunted. “You can get in your jammies, throw on a robe, and we’ll be good. I have a t-shirt under my dress uniform, and I can wear the uniform to church tomorrow – if you don’t mind attending with me.”

“Do you have a place in mind?”

“Do you attend one?” he countered softly, feeling curious.

“I do… and I thought maybe we could just go there together.”

“I’m definitely game…” he grinned, feeling inordinately pleased that they thought so much alike sometimes.

He lay there, seeing the first rays of sunlight creeping through the blinds in the distance, and smiled. His heart was so happy, and his soul felt so content just being here with her.

If this is how it was for the rest of the team – Jace suddenly understood why they never looked back after leaving the Air Force.

Jace had surprised himself when he pulled Alpo aside, asking if there were any positions there if he chose not to re-enlist in the future. He had been so scared even saying the words aloud, but the moment it was out of his mouth? He saw Alpo’s understanding smile and felt a sense of peace in his soul.

He could see a future with Karen, and it was alarmingly clear, focused, and beautiful in his mind’s eye. It was easy to picture living in Yonder, working at Flyboys, and seeing Karen every afternoon after school let out.

He could see dinners together, watching television, taking some spins around with the Cessna… and he could see family get togethers in Tyler – and knew what it would be like at his own home where he grew up.

His parents would adore Karen.

She sighed softly and nuzzled her cheek down into his armpit, causing Jace to smile at the way she ‘cuddled’ in her sleep. It was snug on the couch with the two of them, but holding her was probably the best feeling in the world.

“Hey Tinkerbell…” he whispered tenderly, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Would my little pixie like the first shower while I make us some breakfast?”

“Snooze…” she whimpered, nuzzling her face down into his arm further, causing him to laugh.

God, he loved her…

Jace froze at the thought and then couldn’t resist the grin that touched his face and took hold in his heart. He never imagined he would fall for someone, much less feel this strongly… but love?

She gave a shaky sigh, smacked softly, and then buried her face a little deeper against his side.

“I don’t wanna get up from here,” she whispered, cementing the powerful emotions in his heart as he heard her words, her breath tickling him.

“I know,” he breathed, brushing a kiss against the top of her head. “But I want to make sure we have plenty of time to get ready. I might need to borrow an iron for my shirt.”

Jace positively melted seeing her frown and pout against him, chuckling, and hugging her close, as he kissed her tenderly.

“Snooze, Tink…” he breathed, holding her close and tucking her against his chest, lost in the joy that was being close to her.

* * *

An hour later,they were running around like a couple of madmen in joyful chaos. He was standing there in the hallway working on ironing the creases back into his unform shirt in the purple mesh shorts that Karen had loaned him.

His dog tags tinkled gently against his chest as he pressed each crease carefully into place, smiling as Karen ran past him several times back and forth.

She was rushing around trying to pick up things, looking for her shoes, then searching for her purse, before scooting past him once again to blow-dry her hair in the bathroom.

There was a sense of home, a peace that stole into his soul, as he realized again, he could see himself here with her, in this life. His decision was practically made, he just needed to inform his parents and figure out if he had the position at Flyboys or what his next steps would be.

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