Storm (Special Forces: Operation Alpha): A Linear Tactical Series Novel
Page 21
Marilyn fumbled for the door handle. She needed to keep herself under control. If he didn’t want to get married, that was okay. She’d known that was a possibility.
But still, it hurt.
“Dude, we talked about this months ago. You’re digging yourself a deeper hole,” Trigger said to Noah. “Just do it. She doesn’t need perfect, she needs you.”
Marilyn had no idea what they were talking about. She finally got the door handle to work and escaped the SUV. She only got a few steps before Noah was in front of her.
“Gorgeous, wait. This isn’t what you think.”
All his Army friends were surrounding them since the other car had pulled up, too. She didn’t want to make a scene. She loved him too much, respected him too much for that.
“You don’t want to get married. I understand. And you’re right, we can talk about it later.”
She wasn’t sure exactly what she had expected from him, but him swinging her up into his arms wasn’t it.
Heading down toward the beach rather than the hotel room wasn’t it, either.
Setting her down so she could see words that had been spelled out in hibiscus flowers in the sand certainly wasn’t it.
I love you. Will you mar—
Noah shook his head. “That was as far as we got before Lexi showed up screaming about you being trapped.”
She spun to face him in shock. “What?”
A shriek from the other side of the beach stopped Noah from answering. All the women were coming back out from their spa treatments. They saw the flowers in the sand and all the men. It only took them a second to figure out what was going on.
“Oh my gosh,” one of them—Wavy, maybe?—said. “Is Noah proposing? Wait. You’ve got to finish spelling it out first, you guys! Come on, girls.”
The women rushed in to help. Noah covered Marilyn’s eyes so all she could hear was everyone rushing around her.
“What are you doing, you crazy man?” she whispered, leaning toward him. She couldn’t have wiped the smile off her face if she’d tried.
She felt his lips at her ears. “Giving you what you deserve, gorgeous. And, ahem, what your daughter demanded. Although I don’t have any butterflies, which I’m sure I’ll hear about later.”
He had talked to the kids. Evidently gotten their advice. They wanted this as much as she did.
He let go of her eyes a few seconds later.
They’d run out of flowers, so the last few letters were much smaller than the rest.
It was still the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.
Noah laughed. “I’m obviously not good with romance, gorgeous. I’m sorry.”
“You’re good with me.” She reached up and cupped his cheeks. “That’s the only thing that matters.”
“Get down on one knee, moron!” one of the guys yelled.
“Somebody’s recording this for the kids, right?” someone else called.
“I didn’t plan to do this with an audience, but I don’t care.” Noah got down on one knee and took her hand. “I don’t know what other words to say beside these… I can’t live without you. Marry me. You, the kids, me. We’re meant to be a family.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?”
He slid the ring on her finger. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in all my life. Will you marry me, gorgeous?”
She looked at him and knew what she had known all along. Her forever started with him.
“Yes.”
They’d almost been late to the wedding.
Noah would’ve never lived that one down, regardless of the fact that nearly everyone had taken their significant others off yesterday afternoon to be with them. To hold them close.
They’d all—especially the men here today that he’d served with in the Special Forces—learned the hard way over the course of their lives that no one was promised tomorrow. Celebrating today was always the best option.
Yesterday hadn’t ended in tragedy, but it easily could’ve.
Once they were back in the room, he and Marilyn video-chatted with the kids, showing Eva the ring and the footage from the proposal. Marilyn had laughingly scolded them for keeping a secret from her so well. And then they’d promised to bring the kids back to this very island someday.
After they hung up, Noah put Marilyn in their oversized shower and washed—and kissed—every inch of her body. He had forever with this woman, he just hoped that would be enough time.
As soon as they got back to Risk Peak, they were going to start planning their wedding. She could have as big or small of one as she wanted, and that Eva would allow. Noah’s only request was going to be that it happen as soon as possible. That their forever would start as soon as possible.
The bride in today’s wedding wore a bandage around her ankle but didn’t look any less beautiful because of it. The ocean made a beautiful backdrop as the sun set behind them.
Noah knew Annie and Zac were getting married here on an island to give themselves a distinct new beginning, different from the wedding that had occurred a dozen years ago.
Tragedy had led these two together, but from that tragedy, a beautiful future had been born.
The same could be said for him and Marilyn.
“Every day you’re in my life, I realize how blessed I am.” Zac’s voice was clear and loud as he said the vows he’d written. “You are the second-chance I didn’t deserve but will forever be grateful for. You are my strength. My heart. My future. And I will never take you for granted.”
The men in the chairs, some of them part of Linear Tactical, many of them former or current military, could appreciate Zac’s words. The women next to them were their very lives. And Marilyn was definitely his.
He caught Trigger’s eye as the man slipped his arm around Di’s shoulder. Gillian was his life, too. A chance at happiness they both never considered they’d get, but would always be thankful for.
“Marry me, gorgeous,” Noah whispered into her hair.
She held up her left hand a couple of inches from where it rested on his thigh, showing him the ring. “You can’t get rid of me now.”
He lifted her palm to his mouth and kissed it. “I sure hope not.”
*****
Thank you for reading STORM.
If you’re new to the Linear Tactical series but want more, start with CYCLONE—Zac and Annie’s story!
He’d protect her from any threat… But what if the biggest threat is him?
Click HERE for Cyclone (available in Kindle Unlimited!)
- OR -
If you already love the Linear Tactical series, you won’t want to miss REDWOOD, the long awaited story of Gavin and Lexi (plus more of Zac & Annie’s wedding)!
She has secrets. He’ll show her they’re not her only option any more.
Click HERE for Redwood
The Linear Tactical Series
Protective alpha heroes who’ll face down any danger for the women they love. Binge the series today!
CYCLONE
He’d protect her from any threat…
But what if the biggest threat is him?
EAGLE
He’s fighting for what’s right.
She’s fighting just to survive…
SHAMROCK
Every mission has a price.
He never meant for her to pay it.
ANGEL
Even angels have their demons.
GHOST
Sometimes the dead don’t stay that way.
SHADOW
Dragging an innocent into his war was never part of the plan.
ECHO
The deepest scars are often the ones that can’t be seen.
PHOENIX
You have to burn before you can rise.
BABY
Don’t let the name fool you.
STORM
Noah & Marilyn
(Susan Stoker Special Forces world crossover)
REDWOOD
Gavin & Lexi
Coming soon
SCOUT
Wyatt & Nadine
Coming soon
BLAZE
Kendrick & Neoma
Coming soon
FOREVER
Ethan & Jess
Coming soon
Linear Tactical: military alpha heroes who will face down any danger for the women they love
Acknowledgments
I was thrilled to be a part of Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World with this book. Susan’s ability to write so prolifically has been something I’ve admired for a long time. A special thanks to her for sharing her world and characters with me.
Another special thanks my alpha readers: Susan Greenbank, Denise Hendrickson, and Marci Mathers. And to my ARC emergency proofers: Marilize, Tesh, Dee, Susan, Lynne, Sophie, Diana, Jo, Aimee, Sharon—you were lifesavers. Thank you.
Much appreciation to Silvia at Silvia’s Reading Corner for her edits. And for working with my ridiculous schedule for this book.
Huge shout out to Deranged Doctor Designs who not only created this amazing cover, but have crafted ALL the Linear Tactical covers. My covers are gorgeous—truly some of the finest out there—and it’s because of you. Thank you.
For those of you who are finding me for the first time, I hope you’ll go back and read the Linear Tactical books. I dare say, if you liked this book, you won’t be disappointed with them. For those of you who’ve been with me for a while…it’s time for Gavin to get his Happily Ever After. Lexi’s just the woman to give it to him. See you there.
Love is the greatest adventure,
Janie
Also by Janie Crouch
LINEAR TACTICAL SERIES (series ongoing)
Cyclone
Eagle
Shamrock
Angel
Ghost
Shadow
Echo
Phoenix
Baby
Storm
Redwood
Scout
Blaze
Forever
INSTINCT SERIES (series complete)
Primal Instinct
Critical Instinct
Survival Instinct
THE RISK SERIES (series complete)
Calculated Risk
Security Risk
Constant Risk
Risk Everything
OMEGA SECTOR: CRITICAL RESPONSE (series complete)
Special Forces Savior
Fully Committed
Armored Attraction
Man of Action
Overwhelming Force
Battle Tested
OMEGA SECTOR: UNDER SIEGE (series complete)
Daddy Defender
Protector’s Instinct
Cease Fire
Major Crimes
Armed Response
In the Lawman’s Protection
OMEGA SECTOR SERIES (series complete)
Infiltration
Countermeasures
Untraceable
Leverage
About the Author
"Passion that leaps right off the page." - Romantic Times Book Reviews
USA TODAY bestselling author Janie Crouch writes what she loves to read: passionate romantic suspense. She is a winner and/or finalist of multiple romance literary awards including the Golden Quill Award for Best Romantic Suspense, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the RITA© Award by the Romance Writers of America.
Janie has lived in Germany (due to her husband's job as support for the U.S. Military) for the past five years, with her hubby and four teenagers. When she's not listening to the voices in her head—and even when she is—she enjoys engaging in all sorts of crazy adventures (200-mile relay races; Ironman Triathlons, treks to Mt. Everest Base Camp) traveling, and movies of all kinds.
Her favorite quote: "Life is a daring adventure or nothing." ~ Helen Keller.
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
Christie Adams: Charity’s Heart
Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold
Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey
Brynne Asher: Blackburn
Linzi Baxter: Unlocking Dreams
Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine
Alice Bello: Shadowing Milly
Heather Blair: Rescue Me
Anna Blakely: Rescuing Gracelynn
Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei
Cara Carnes: Protecting Mari
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast
Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth
Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven
Sue Coletta: Hacked
Melissa Combs: Gallant
Anne Conley: Redemption for Misty
KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina
Janie Crouch: Storm
Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah
Sarah Curtis: Securing the Odds
Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery
Tarina Deaton: Found in the Lost
Aspen Drake, Intense
KL Donn: Unraveling Love
Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia
PJ Fiala: Defending Sophie
Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria
Michele Gwynn: Rescuing Emma
Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska
Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie
Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah
Kris Jacen, Be With Me
Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor
Silver James: Rescue Moon
Becca Jameson: Saving Sofia
Kate Kinsley: Protecting Ava
Heather Long: Securing Arizona
Gennita Low: No Protection
Kirsten Lynn: Joining Forces for Jesse
Margaret Madigan: Bang for the Buck
Kimberly McGath: The Predecessor
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Baby
KD Michaels: Saving Laura
Lynn Michaels, Rescuing Kyle
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound
Kat Mizera: Protecting Bobbi
Keira Montclair, Wolf and the Wild Scots
Mary B Moore: Force Protection
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Butterfly
Angela Nicole: Protecting the Donna
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Beauty
Sarah O’Rourke: Saving Liberty
Victoria Paige: Reclaiming Izabel
Anne L. Parks: Mason
Debra Parmley: Protecting Pippa
Lainey Reese: Protecting New York
TL Reeve and Michele Ryan: Extracting Mateo
Elena M. Reyes: Keeping Ava
Angela Rush: Charlotte
Rose Smith: Saving Satin
Jenika Snow: Protecting Lily
Lynne St. James: SEAL’s Spitfire
Dee Stewart: Conner
Harley Stone: Rescuing Mercy
Jen Talty: Burning Desire
Reina Torres, Rescuing Hi’ilani
Savvi V: Loving Lex
Megan Vernon: Protecting Us
Rachel Young: Because of Marissa
Delta Team Three Series
Lori Ryan: Nori’s Delta
Becca Jameson: Destiny’s Delta
Lynne St James, Gwen’s Delta
Elle James: Ivy’s Delta
Riley Edwards, Hope’s Delta
Police and Fire: Operation Alpha World
Freya Barker: Burning for Autumn
B.P. Beth: Scott
Jane Blythe: Salvaging Marigold
Julia Bright, Justice for Amber
Anna Brooks, Guarding Georgia
KaLyn Cooper: Justice for Gwen
Aspen Drake: Sheltering Emma
Deanndra Hall: Shelter for Sharla
Barb Han: Kace
EM Hayes: Gambling for Ashleigh
CM Steele: Guarding Hope
Reina Torres: Jus
tice for Sloane
Aubree Valentine, Justice for Danielle
Maddie Wade: Finding English
Stacey Wilk: Stage Fright
Laine Vess: Justice for Lauren
Tarpley VFD Series
Silver James, Fighting for Elena
Deanndra Hall, Fighting for Carly
Haven Rose, Fighting for Calliope
MJ Nightingale, Fighting for Jemma
TL Reeve, Fighting for Brittney
Nicole Flockton, Fighting for Nadia
As you know, this book included at least one character from Susan Stoker’s books. To check out more, see below.
SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series
Securing Caite
Securing Brenae (novella)
Securing Sidney
Securing Piper
Securing Zoey
Securing Avery
Securing Kalee
Securing Jane (Feb 2021)
Delta Team Two Series
Shielding Gillian
Shielding Kinley
Shielding Aspen (Oct 2020)
Shielding Jayme (Jan 2020)
Shielding Riley (Jan 2021)
Shielding Devyn (May 2021)
Shielding Ember (Sept 2021)
Shielding Sierra (TBA)
SEAL Team Hawaii Series
Finding Elodie (Apr 2021)
Finding Lexie (Aug 2021)
Finding Kenna (Oct 2021)
Finding Monica (TBA)
Finding Carly (TBA)
Finding Ashlyn (TBA)