“Morning, big guy. You make a wonderful pillow.” The rumble of his laughter made her smile.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. How are you? Sore?”
“I’m good.”
“Meghan...”
“Okay, maybe a little sore but in a wonderful way.”
“Better. I always want the truth, sweetheart, good or bad. We’ll always get through it together whatever it is.”
“I promise, truth always. And since we’re being truthful, I really need to use the bathroom followed by a cup of coffee.”
Rafe chuckled. “Your wish is my command. I’ll go start the coffee.”
Grabbing a shower while she was in the bathroom, she met him in the kitchen in one of his Navy t-shirts she’d stolen from one of his drawers.
He had the coffee poured and ready when she walked in and was already sitting in the nook watching the birds through the window. Adding the cream and sugar to her mug, she went to sit at the table when he pulled her onto his lap.
“Good morning, Spitfire. You look good enough to eat.”
“Umm, I think we went there already.”
“I guess we did,” Rafe said with a chuckle. She loved this side of him, so lighthearted. His chiseled features looked softer somehow.
In the shower, she’d thought about how to bring it up, about her job, their future, but she was also still a little afraid that just because he loved her didn’t mean they both wanted the same thing.
Cuddled against him while sipping her coffee, was like something out of one of her dreams. But it also made her hesitate about bringing up the future.
“What’s wrong? I felt you get tense.”
“Nothing is wrong. I just…”
“Remember, Spitfire, you can tell me anything. I’m yours, you’re mine. It’s how it works.”
Taking his words to heart, she put her mug down on the table. “Remember when you asked me about my job?”
“Yeah.”
“I turned down the promotion. Actually, I quit.” She waited a few seconds to see his response, but he was perfectly still, calm, just waiting for her to continue. “I’m going to write a book about what happened in Afghanistan. I thought I might be able to do it in Norfolk…” Her voice trailed off. He was quiet at first, and her old insecurities crept back in, then he tilted her chin up and she met his eyes.
“Does that mean you’ll move in with me? Or do I have to compete with Chrissy?”
“You. You. Always you. I was praying you’d be okay with this. Chrissy was my backup plan although she didn’t know it. I haven’t told anyone. I wanted to make sure you’d be okay with this first.”
“I’m better than okay. I’m thrilled. I’d been wondering how we were going to make this work with you in DC. I figured we’d be doing a lot of driving back and forth. But are you sure? I know journalism was your dream.”
“It was, but after everything that happened, I realized that it wasn’t what I really wanted, and I will still write. I figure I could get a job on a local paper or start a blog or something.”
“I’ll support whatever you decide. I just hope whatever it is means we can stay together.”
“Always, Rafe. Always.”
Epilogue
The next day, Rafe drove them up to DC to clean out Meghan’s apartment. It was only a little furnished studio, and there wasn’t that much stuff to pack up. Mostly pictures and books. When they were finished, she dropped the keys off with the landlord and then they headed home. Meghan liked the sound of that. Her apartment had never felt like home, just a place to stay on the way to somewhere else. And now she had her somewhere else.
After going back and forth about it, they decided to have a small party on Friday. Rafe invited his team, including Captain Knox, and Meghan invited Chrissy. It would be pizza and beer and give Meghan a chance to thank Rafe’s team for everything they did.
“Do I look all right?”
“Sweetheart, you’re beautiful.”
“You’re not even looking at me.”
“But you’re always beautiful. Even when you look like a grape.” It was a good thing he ducked or the pillow she’d tossed would have hit him in the face. “Hey, was that necessary?”
“Yes. It was. I’m serious. I’m nervous about meeting your team. I want to make the right impression.”
“You already did.”
“How is that possible?”
“Because you make me happy. That’s enough for them.”
“Dammit, Rafe. I love you.”
“Just don’t throw any more pillows.” They were both still laughing when the doorbell rang. Chrissy was the first to arrive followed by Ryan and Murph. Rafe did the introductions and Meghan handed out the beers.
Captain Knox and Jake were next, the only one missing was Cam. They were just about to start serving the pizza figuring something held him up when the doorbell rang.
“Hey, Cam. I was starting to think you were going to stand us up.”
“Nope, just had to make a side trip. I hope you don’t mind that I brought a date.”
“Halo?”
“Nope, me.” Miranda Stanhope stepped out from behind Cam. Rafe shouldn’t have been surprised considering how they’d been during her rescue, and he couldn’t have been happier. He hoped Cam realized that dating a senator’s daughter was going to be a little more complicated than the women he usually dated.
“It’s great to see you, Miranda. I’m glad you’re doing well. C’mon in. Everyone else is already here.”
Rafe rejoined Meghan where she sat on the couch. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her close and listened to all the bits of conversations going on around them. Life was good, he had his friends and the woman he loved by his side. It just didn’t get better than that.
The End
About the Author
Lynne St. James is the author of eighteen books in romantic suspense, contemporary and new adult romance. She lives in the mostly sunny state of Florida with her husband, an eighty-five-pound, fluffy, Dalmatian-mutt horse-dog, a small Yorkie-poo, and an orange tabby named Pumpkin who rules them all.
When Lynne’s not writing stories about second chances and conquering adversity with happily ever afters, she’s drinking coffee, and reading or crocheting.
Where to find Lynne:
Email: [email protected]
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Books by Lynne St. James
Beyond Valor
A Soldier’s Gift, Book 1
A Soldier’s Forever, Book 2
A Soldier’s Triumph, Book 3
A Soldier’s Protection, Book 4
A Soldier’s Pledge, Book 5
A Soldier’s Destiny (Previously Guarding Aurora), Book 6 (re-release soon)
A Soldier’s Temptation (Previously Protecting Ariana), Book 7 (re-release soon)
A Soldier’s Homecoming, Book 8 (TBD)
A Soldier’s Redemption, Book 9 (TBD)
Black Eagle Team
SEAL’s Spitfire: Special Forces: Operation Alpha, Book 1
Raining Chaos
Taming Chaos
Seducing Wrath
Music under the Mistletoe – A Raining Chaos Christmas (Novella)
Tempting Flame
Anamchara
Embracing Her Desires
Embracing Her Surrender
Embracing Her Love
The Vampires of Eternity
Twice Bitten Not Shy
Twice Bitten to Paradise
Twice Bitten and Bewitched
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As you know, this book included at least one character from Susan Stoker’s books. To check out more, see below.
Delta Force Heroes Series
Rescuing Rayne (FREE!)
Rescuing Aimee (novella)
Rescuing Emily
Rescuing Harley
Marrying Emily
Rescuing Kassie
Rescuing Bryn
Rescuing Casey
Rescuing Sadie
Rescuing Wendy
Rescuing Mary
Rescuing Macie (April 2019)
Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series
Justice for Mackenzie (FREE!)
Justice for Mickie
Justice for Corrie
Justice for Laine (novella)
Shelter for Elizabeth
Justice for Boone
Shelter for Adeline
Shelter for Sophie
Justice for Erin
Justice for Milena
Shelter for Blythe
Justice for Hope
Shelter for Quinn
Shelter for Koren (July 2019)
Shelter for Penelope (Oct 2019)
SEAL of Protection Series
Protecting Caroline (FREE!)
Protecting Alabama
Protecting Fiona
Marrying Caroline (novella)
Protecting Summer
Protecting Cheyenne
Protecting Jessyka
Protecting Julie (novella)
Protecting Melody
Protecting the Future
Protecting Kiera (novella)
Protecting Dakota
SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series
Securing Caite
Securing Brenae (novella) (April 2019)
Securing Sidney (May 2019)
Securing Piper (Sept 2019)
Securing Zoey (TBA)
Securing Avery (TBA)
Securing Kalee (TBA)
New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Texas. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.
If you enjoyed this book, or any book, please consider leaving a review. It’s appreciated by authors more than you’ll know.
www.stokeraces.com
www.AcesPress.com
[email protected]
There are many more books in this fan fiction world than listed here, for an up-to-date list go to www.AcesPress.com
You can also visit our Amazon page at:
http://www.amazon.com/author/operationalpha
Special Forces: Operation Alpha World
Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold
Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey
Shauna Allen: Defending Danielle
Shauna Allen: Rescuing Rebekah
Shauna Allen: Saving Scarlett
Shauna Allen: Saving Grace
Brynne Asher: Blackburn
Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine
Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei
Julia Bright: Rescuing Amy
Victoria Bright: Surviving Savage
Victoria Bright: Going Ghost
Victoria Bright: Jostling Joker
Cara Carnes: Protecting Mari
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Barbie
Kendra Mei Chailyn : Pitbull
Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth
Melissa Kay Clarke: Safeguarding Miley
Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven
Samantha A. Cole: Cheating the Devil
Sue Coletta: Hacked
Melissa Combs: Gallant
KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina
Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah
Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery
Jordan Dane: Fiona’s Salvation
Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia
Riley Edwards: Redeeming Violet
Riley Edwards, Recovering Ivy
Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Erin
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Suzie
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Brielle
Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska
Casey Hagen: Shielding Harlow
Casey Hagen: Shielding Josie
Casey Hagen: Shielding Blair
Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie
Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Savannah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Stephanie
Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Fighting for Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Defending Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Summer Breeze
Silver James: Rescue Moon
Silver James: SEAL Moon
Silver James: Assassin’s Moon
Silver James: Under the Assassin’s Moon
Becca Jameson: Saving Sofia
Kate Kinsley: Protecting Ava
Heather Long: Securing Arizona
Heather Long: Guarding Gertrude
Heather Long: Protecting Pilar
Heather Long: Covering Coco
Gennita Low: No Protection
Kirsten Lynn: Joining Forces for Jesse
Margaret Madigan: Bang for the Buck
Margaret Madigan: Buck the System
Margaret Madigan: Jungle Buck
Margaret Madigan: December Chill
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Baby
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Bride
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Twin
KD Michaels: Saving Laura
KD Michaels: Protecting Shane
KD Michaels: Avenging Angels
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound 2
Wren Michaels: Shadow of Doubt
Wren Michaels: Shift of Fate
Wren Michaels: Steeling His Heart
Kat Mizera: Protecting Bobbi
Mary B Moore: Force Protection
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Butterfly
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Goddess
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Vixen
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Heartbeat
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Beauty
MJ Nightingale: Betting on Benny
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Secrets
Sarah O’Rourke: Saving Liberty
Debra Parmley: Protecting Pippa
Lainey Reese: Protecting New York
Jenika Snow: Protecting Lily
Jen Talty: Burning Desire
Jen Talty: Burning Kiss
Jen Talty: Burning Skies
Jen Talty: Burning Lies
Jen Talty: Burning Heart
Megan Vernon: Protecting Us
Megan Vernon: Protecting Earth
Fire and Police: Operation Alpha World
KaLyn Cooper: Justice for Gwen
Aspen Drake: Sheltering Emma
SEAL's Spitfire (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Black Eagle Book 1) Page 17