by Alex Howell
Raina was amazed at how heartfelt Mason’s words were. She could hardly believe it was the same person that was speaking to her. He went from being like a total ice berg that she needed to constantly warm up, to him being all warm and touchy feely all of a sudden. She hated to have to admit it, but the sudden shift was almost enough to throw her off balance.
And what he did next surprised her more than anything else that she was prepared to consider. He reached into the drawer on the nightstand, and right next to the customary Gideon’s Bible that many hotels still insisted on providing, he pulled out a nondescript, little black box.
Holding it up to Raina in the light, he told her, “And I have something else I want to talk about…”
Seeing it, Raina gasped, “Oh Mason…”
Still holding the box Mason joked, “Don’t ‘oh Mason’ me yet. I haven’t opened it…. For all you know it could be a box of rocks.”
Raina gave Mason a pleasant but incredulous look however, making him acknowledge, “Or not…”
He then opened the box and showed her that the only rock therein was the huge and expensive diamond that was attached to a solid gold ring. With tears welling up in her eyes, Raina again expressed, “Oh Mason… It’s beautiful.”
Feeling pure love coursing through his veins, Mason looked into her eyes, and with a tear of his own beginning to form on what was usually a rather unexpressive face, he told her, “Raina… I don’t want to lose you…. I have to have you.”
Mason then paused before continuing, “I want to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me. Raina…. Will you marry me?”
Raina was so overcome with emotion that she was literally speechless. The pause made Mason a little nervous, and it made him consider the possibility that she might say no. Was she not ready for this big of a step after all?
But Raina didn’t disappoint him. After she gained some semblance of control over her emotions, she threw her arms around him and shouted for pure joy, “Mason William Walker! Of course! Of course, I’ll marry you!”
Epilogue
Finding a Lasting Peace
Three months later back at onyx HQ in Baltimore
Kyle looked at the two empty seats next to him and then glanced over to Mathew Benton, Marshal Oliver, and Chris Bradley respectively, and informed them, “I don’t think they’re going to show up.” The “they” that Kyle Garrison was referring to were Mason and Raina who had been out for the past few months on a much-needed vacation.
Mathew Benton always quick to speak up in his friends’ defense, suggested, “Oh come on, Mason and Raina will be here. They probably just got held up in traffic or something.”
As Kyle looked on incredulously, Benton again reiterated, Look… I’m sure they will be here. Just give them some time.”
At which Kyle snorted, “Right, more likely the two love birds are just too busy holding hands and necking to pay any of us regular Joe Schmoe bozos any heed.”
Marshal Oliver seated at a nearby desk, filing an official report, was not really appreciating Kyle too much at that moment, prompting him to look over to Kyle and growl, “Hey! Who are you calling a bozo son?! Speak for yourself buddy!”
Kyle was struggling to think of a witty comeback for Marshal, but his efforts were thankfully terminated when the door to the conference room swung open, heralding Mason and Raina’s arrival. Mason and Raina, new sun tan and all, stepped into the room, and without saying a word took their seats at the table.
As everyone turned and stared at them, Mason finally broke the silence by asking, “Alright—do you guys have any updates for me?”
Marshal Oliver muttered, “Already filed the report Mace…”
Kyle then glared at them as he laughed, “Maybe it’s you that should update us Mason. It’s about time you two showed up.”
Mason was amazed at how much more assertive Kyle Garrison was becoming. When he first met him, he was a skittish, awkward young man, and while he was still incredibly awkward much of the time, he could tell that his confidence had increased tremendously.
Nevertheless, the task of debriefing Mason and Raina was wisely delegated to Marshal Oliver who handing over his official report to Mason explained its contents in full. Marshal described how General Fanelli and his fanatic followers had all been rounded up, arrested and put in prison.
Mason was a little bit surprised at how fast things had transpired, inquired as much, asking Kyle, “Really? Fanelli was tried, convicted and sentenced in just a few months’ time?”
To this, Marshal Oliver offered the explanation, “Military courts tend to work a whole lot faster than civilian ones.”
After providing the details of General Fanelli’s arrest, Marshal Oliver then informed the group that all of the known vials of lethal virus had finally been recovered and destroyed. Without anything else to cover, the meeting was about to come to a close. But before they could wrap it up, Marshal Oliver had one more announcement to make.
He informed them, “Oh and just one more thing guys. I received word just this morning that the President would like to have a personal meeting with us.”
Raina asked, “The President—Verne Landers himself?”
Marshal laughed, “Well it certainly ain’t the Easter Bunny sweet heart! Yeah Landers apparently would like to talk with us as soon as possible.”
DC, THE NEXT MORNING AT A PRIVATE CEREMONY IN THE ROSE GARDEN. Mason and the whole Onyx team were assembled in front of the President, participating in a private ceremony in recognition of their heroism in the line of duty. No media or much of anyone else was notified for this incognito event so as to keep the covers of these unsung heroes from being blown.
President Landers awarded each of them the Presidential medal of freedom—placing one around Mason’s neck first, as he told him in his blunt fashion, “Your bravery is much appreciated Mr. Walker. I wish I could do more for you. But the circumstances of your profession necessitate that we keep this ceremony as brief as possible.”
Mason thanked him, “Thank you sir. I appreciate it.”
Landers then placed a medal around Raina’s neck and remarked, “And I hear that you are getting married young lady?”
Raina—who was well in her late 30’s at the time—chuckled a bit at the idea of being called a “young lady” but considering that Verne Landers was in his late 80’s, she certainly was young compared to him.
Landers a bit confused by her laughter, commented on her mirth, and with a grin asked, “Do I detect laughter? But marriage isn’t anything to laugh at.”
Seeking to turn the whole thing into a big joke, she looked at Mason and remarked, “It is when you’re marrying this guy.”
Mason quipped sarcastically, “Thanks a lot Raina.”
Landers then proceeded to give medals to everyone assembled. By the time he got to Kyle, the poor kid was practically speechless as he nervously stammered, “It’s a great honor. I—I will never forget it. Thank you, sir.”
After the festivities were complete, President Landers was ready to dismiss them, but Mason had one further request.
“President Landers sir?” Mason inquired.
Landers turned toward him and adjusted his glasses, “Yes—what is it?”
Mason cleared his throat, “There is one more essential member of our team that we are failing to acknowledge.”
Landers glancing at everyone assembled, for a moment thought that maybe he had forgotten someone. But seeing that everyone was decked out with medals he remarked, “Umm—it seems everyone is accounted for.”
Mason shook his head, “No sir. The bravest one of us all—Tessa Rogers, couldn’t be here with us today. But she deserves this recognition more than any of us.”
ONE MONTH LATER AT DC’S CENTRAL PARK. Mason and Raina are standing in the middle of the park in front of a statue of a Hawk. It’s stands about 5 feet tall, and is made out of brilliant white marble. The hawk looks sternly ahead with its wings outstretched as if it were about to take ra
pid, determined flight.
On a plaque below the statue are inscribed the words, “In remembrance of Hawkeye, who gave her life to save the world”.
As Raina looked on, Mason put his hand on the bird’s head and remarked, “I knew you would never turn to the bad side Tessa. I never lost my faith in you. Rest well my friend. You earned it. Rest well.”
Prologue
Making Preparations
Early June, Baltimore Maryland
Raina was in deep thought as she made her way down one of the many nature trails offered by Sherwood State Park in Baltimore Maryland. It was a scene of true beauty with radiant rays of sunshine pouring through the trees and flowers bl0oming on every corner. One of which, Clara Walker who was walking just a little way ahead of Raina, stopped to pick up as she exclaimed, “Oh, it’s so beautiful!”
Raina half jogged to get herself up the trail to Clara’s position as she asked, “Watcha got there, kid?”
Clara holding the flower up as if it were some sort of prized possession informed her, “It’s a magnolia!”
Raina stepping over to look at the flower in the light echoed, “A Magnolia?”
Clara nodded, “Yeah—my mom really liked….”
She trailed off in mid-sentence as she realized that she was speaking about her mother as if she actually knew her. In reality, since her mom died when Clara was just a baby, she was someone that she had never got the chance to know. Just about everything she knew about her deceased mother had been handed down to her from the memories of her father; Mason Walker.
Thinking as much, she automatically corrected herself, “I mean uh…. My dad has always told me that my mom really like magnolia flowers.”
Raina was glad that Clara and her father held on to their memories of the their dearly departed matriarch, but at the same time it made her feel incredibly inadequate. And as her and Clara’s father Mason’s wedding day approached, these feelings of inadequacy at times like this, were even more intense.
A potent swirl of thoughts and feelings threatened to well up in Raina’s mind, but she pushed it aside as she forced a smile, and staring down at the flower remarked, “Aww—that’s so sweet. I always loved these flowers too.”
Raina then watched as Clara picked up a few more and put them together in here hands like a bouquet. She was amazed at how easily this young woman fluctuated from being a wise and mature adult—wise behind her years—to being almost childlike in her nature, picking flowers on the side of the road.
Looking at the flowers she clasped in her hand, she asked, “What are you going to do with all those flowers Clara?”
Clara sighed, “Well—it’s kind of a tradition. Every summer around this time I go with my dad to mom’s grave and place some magnolias on it.”
‘There it is again…’
Raina thought to herself. She hated the feeling of having to compete with a dead woman, yet at the same time she couldn’t help but feel that way. The specter of Bree Walker hung over everything that she did with Mason and his daughter Clara.
As they continued on down the nature trail together, Raina decided to confront the issue head on remarking, “Your mother seems like she was a great woman Clara.”
Clara nodded, “Yeah…”
Raina against her better, more reserved judgement suddenly felt compelled to ask, “Clara—do you think your mom would like me?”
Raina felt bad for even asking such a question, it was an unfair estimation for her to put on Clara’s young shoulders, and in her very next breath she was about to tell her just to forget she asked it. But before Clara could even answer, or Raina could change the subject—Raina’s attune senses ever alert, picked up on rapid movement behind them and out of the corner of her eye caught sight of a cyclist bearing right down on .
With no time to spare, she grabbed Clara by the arm and jerked her to the side of the road as she shouted, “Look out!”
Sure enough, a man on a bike came careening right by them, just inches away from a collision. The cyclist who had been too distracted looking at the health and fit-bit apps on his watch, barely even saw them as he shouted a contrite, “Sorry!” before rapidly cycling on down the trail.
Clara realizing the disaster that had been averted, clutched onto Raina’s arm as she exclaimed, “You just saved my life!”
Raina laughed dryly, “Well—I don’t know about saving your life, but I certainly saved you and your father some hospital bills.”
She then looked down the trail as the cyclist disappeared out of sight and shook her head, “Wow… people really don’t pay attention to what they’re doing anymore...”
In the excitement, Raina had almost forgot the question she had just asked, but Clara didn’t forget.
Picking up right where they had left off, Clara informed her, “Hey… anyway you were wondering if my mom would like you… Because of stuff just like this…. My mom would love you Raina…”
Raina hated to admit it, but Clara’s assertion that her mother would approve meant a lot. And as she rolled the idea over in her mind, it was all she could do to keep from crying at the thought of it.
She tried hard to keep her composure as Clara continued, “She would immediately realize you have the best of intentions for both me and my father. I don’t think you have anything at all to worry about that.”
As Raina looked at Clara, she admired the girl who once again seemed wise beyond her 19 years. And as they continued down the trail, Clara’s mind was absorbing the moment just as their skin absorbed the radiant rays of sunshine as she remarked, “This is the perfect time for a wedding.”
Raina enamored with Clara’s enthusiasm, chuckled softly, “Oh yeah?”
Clara nodded, “Yeah, it’s going to be wonderful.”
Raina asked, “You like weddings huh?”
Clara smiled, “Yep…big fabulous weddings.”
Like many young women who grew up dreaming of their own day of holy matrimony, Clara did indeed enjoy a good wedding. The few that she had been to in her life had always gave her a kind of vicarious thrill. But the excitement she felt always seemed so fleeting.
Thinking as much, Clara frowned, “It all goes by so fast—the buildup is always so exciting, but it’s over before you know it.”
Raina laughed, “Aww—well there are always weddings to go to somewhere…”
Thinking about the beautiful young woman that Clara was blossoming into, Raina looked at her and added the thought, “Besides, it probably won’t be long before we’re planning your wedding.”
Clara blushing slightly, giggled, “You think so.”
Raina smiled at the sentimentality of the girl before her. It was that same old charming dynamic of the highly intelligent and capable woman Clara had come to be, and yet still fully imbued with a sense of girlish wonder. Despite the hardships and life experience that she had already gleaned, she had not yet become jaded enough by the world to become cynical. It was always this pleasant mixture of logical realism combined with unadulterated idealism that Raina had always found so endearing about her.
Raina continued to ponder these thoughts as they came to a literal fork in the road—as the nature trail they were walking branched off in two directions. Stopping to peer at a trail sign, Raina wondered out loud, “Hmm… Which direction should we go?”
At which Clara warmly put her arm around Raina’s waist as she told her, “It doesn’t matter what road we go down—as long as we go down it together.
1
A Day to Remember
TWO WEEKS LATER AT THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL IN WASHINGTON DC.
Mason Walker was not someone who easily choked, or lost his nerve without reason. He had been through several tours of duty in some of the most dangerous places on Earth. He most certainly knew what it was like to be under pressure and how to excel when the chips were down. But none of his training in the SEALS could prepare him for what he felt as he nervously stood by the side of the altar with the bishop and his t
wo best men; Luke Simon and Mathew Benton.
Today was his wedding day. It was not his first wedding in life, but his second. His first wife Bree had tragically passed away from cancer shortly after he married her, leaving Mason suddenly both a widower and a single father. After the terrible void Bree’s death had left, Mason thought he would never be close to another woman again—let alone remarry.
But then along came Raina. She was a beautiful, assertive, and sometimes headstrong woman. And all three of these qualities would prove crucial in pulling Mason out of the abyss of self-destructive isolation that he had been trapped in. Because when Raina first met Mason after he signed on with Onyx, he was a man with about as much warmth and affection as an iceberg. It was only Raina’s steady and persistent efforts that managed to thaw him out.
After Bree’s death he had been a man steadily drowning in a sea of despair, and he didn’t know just how far into the depths he had plunged until he saw Raina’s hand reaching down to pull him out of it. She reminded him of just what it was that he had been missing in life.
He realized that he owed this incredible woman a lot, and now his biggest fear was somehow messing it all up. And under the glare of the Cathedral’s lighting and the gaze of the many wedding guests, this feeling was intensified a thousand-fold. Even so, Mason had a pretty good poker face, it was only his old friend and comrade in arms Mathew Benton that could see through it.
Interrupting his angst, Benton called over to him, “Hey you alright Mace?”
Mason pulling himself out of his angst filled daydream, turned to Benton and stammered, “Huh? What?”