Page 14 of Fighting Temptation (Men of Honor 1)
I shake my head, “It isn’t your fault. It was my decision and I don’t regret it; I’m glad he knows.” I look at the ferry then back at her, “I miss him so much already.”
We’re hugging and crying again when Cooper comes and wraps his arms around both of us. I’m so thankful they’re here and I’m not alone.
We stand there for few minutes, wrapped in Coop’s arms before he says, “Come on, I’ll take you girls out for breakfast.”
I turn back to the ferry one last time and see it far off in the distance.
“He’ll come back Julia. Trust me,” Coop says as he walks between Kayla and I, wrapping an arm around each of us.
I nod and start walking to what feels like a new life for me, one that doesn’t seem whole, one without Jaxson.
Five years later…
“Can I get you something to drink Miss?” I look up at the flight attendant as she puts her hand tenderly on my shoulder. She’s been very attentive and I’m sure it’s because she can tell I’m a total wreck, even though I’ve been trying to hide it.
“A rum and 7-up please,” I say quietly. Right now anything with alcohol would be welcome to try and calm my rattled nerves.
“Let me know if I can get you anything else,” she smiles kindly.
I shakily make my drink and take a hefty sip, hoping this will calm the fear coursing through me. Laying my head back, I close my eyes and think back to my phone conversation with Kayla that happened less than 10 hours ago.
I had just walked in the door from getting groceries when my cell phone started ringing. Putting the bags on the table I pull my cell out of my purse, smiling at the picture of Kayla and I on the screen. I answer while heading back to the car, “Hey Kayla, can I call you back in a few minutes? I’m just bringing groceries in.”
There’s a few seconds of silence.
“Julia,” Kayla whispers fearfully and I can tell she’s crying. I freeze in my place.
“Kayla? Are you ok? What is it, what’s wrong?”
“I’m so sorry Julia, it’s Jaxson, something’s happened.”
Instantly my legs give out and I drop to my knees in front of my house.
“No!” I whisper brokenly.
“Julia, listen, he’s alive but I think he’s hurt pretty bad,” I can hear the worry in her voice.
“What’s happened? Where is he?”
“I don’t know much and Coop is gonna kill me when he finds out I’m telling you. The only reason I know is because I was with him when he got the phone call last night. He must be Jaxson’s emergency contact. All Coop knew was that Jaxson was on a rescue mission that went bad. He was captured with two others from his team. They were held prisoner and, before you ask, I have no idea where or how long. He’s at a hospital in Germany. It sounded like he was in rough shape but I don’t know how bad it is. Cooper left at six this morning to go see him. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner but Jaxson wanted this kept from you and I had to make sure Coop was gone before I told you. I think you have a right to know.”
I sit stunned, trying to absorb everything Kayla has just told me. With my heart racing, I place a hand to my stomach feeling like I’m going to be sick.
“I’m going. I need to see him Kayla. I don’t care if he wants me there or not.”
She lets out a heavy breath, “I was afraid you were going to say that. I’ve already looked at flight options for you and there’s one that leaves in 6 hours. Do you think you can make that? The next one isn’t for a few days.”
“Yes. Can you book me please?” I rush into the house and start throwing things in my suitcase.
“I’m booking it as we speak. I’ll be there soon to help you pack then I’ll drive you to the airport.”
I love this girl so much, I don’t know what I would do without her. “Thanks Kayla, for everything. I’ll try to smooth things over with Coop for you when I get there.”
“You’re welcome, and don’t worry about Cooper, I’ll deal with him. He’s gonna be spittin’ mad but he’ll forgive me eventually. You deserve to know.”
After that she gives me my flight info and tells me how much I owe. I wince knowing I’ll have to spend a hefty portion of my savings but I don’t care. Jaxson is worth every penny.
Oh God please let him be ok.
I get pulled back to the present when the elderly gentlemen next to me asks a question.
“Are you going to Germany for business or pleasure sugar?” he winks giving me a flirtatious grin. I try to return a smile but don’t have much luck.
“Neither actually. I’m going to visit a friend who’s in the hospital there.”
He must see the worry on my face because his flirtatious demeanor changes. Looking at me somberly he surprises me when he asks, “A soldier?”
“Close, a Navy Seal. How did you know?”
“I’m an ex-Marine. I’ve had to visit a few of my men in Germany a time or two.” His expression darkens for a moment, “How bad is he? Never mind, that was rude of me to ask.”
“It’s alright. Actually I’m not sure how bad he is. I haven’t talked to him, he doesn’t even know I’m coming.”
He lets out a low whistle then tries to lighten the mood. “If he’s a Seal he must have a pretty big ego,” he chuckles and this time I do smile back.
“Sometimes, but he’s a real good guy, the best I’ve ever known,” I swallow past the lump in my throat.
“This fellow seems like a little more than a friend,” he says questioningly.
“It’s complicated,” I shrug feeling uncomfortable.
“Love can be complicated, I agree with that.”
Not sure what how to respond I nod then lay my head back feeling tired. Talking about Jaxson being in the Navy reminds me of his graduation. I smile as I let myself remember that day.
