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Storm (Special Forces: Operation Alpha): A Linear Tactical Series Novel

Page 21

by Janie Crouch


  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)

 

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