by Lynette Mae
“I have something I want to ask you.” Jillian turned in her seat to look at Devon directly.
“Sure.”
“Mac and I have made some plans. I’m moving to Tampa.”
“Jill, that’s great! Jessie will be so glad. She likes you, a lot.”
“The feeling is mutual. Who would have thought we’d become such good friends? She has been wonderful throughout my recovery. Even with her own injury and therapy sessions, she always found time to visit. We really bonded.”
“I know. But having you to talk to about the standoff and her own injury was extremely helpful to Jess. She’s grown very fond of you, Jill.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“How would you feel about me being in Tampa?”
“I think it would be wonderful. I mean, if you had asked me that question last year, I would have thought, ‘oh, shit.’ But, now everything’s different...you know. Plus, I happen to know a certain chopper pilot who is head over heels for you.” She winked.
“Well,” Jillian said brightly, “it’s good that you feel that way, because I still have a question for you.”
“I thought that was the question.” Devon laughed. Jillian remained serious, so she refrained from any additional jokes.
“I’m opening a tactical training school. We’ll start with SWAT techniques and defensive tactics, but eventually, I hope to branch out into other private security stuff. I have a while to go on my rehab, but I figure I can start laying the groundwork on the business end right now. Hopefully, I can get the school up and running and oversee the curriculum. In a few more months, I should be able to do some of the lighter training at least.”
“Wow, that’s great, but, you really shouldn’t push it, Jill—”
“I want you to be my lead instructor,” Jillian finished.
Devon stared at her. “Me? Are you sure?”
Jillian nodded emphatically. “Mac and I discussed this. She told me what she saw you do in Beirut, and I’ve seen your work here. You’re a natural, Devon, and there’s no one in the world I would rather have as my lead instructor. Of course, the decision is yours. You can set your own hours to fit into your regular work schedule. Whatever you want. Talk to Jessie and let me know.”
“Talk to me about what?” Jessie asked. She and Mac passed the oversized plastic cups of beer as they took their seats. She nudged Devon. “Did you tell her?”
“No,” Devon said. “I wanted to talk to Mac first, and then Jill asked me about something else.”
Now it was Mac’s turn to ask, “Talk to me about what?” They all laughed.
“Let’s sort this out,” Devon said. “Jillian is moving to Tampa.”
“In with me,” Mac clarified. Jessie let out a squeal and hugged Jillian.
“And, she’s made me a business offer,” Devon went on. “Jillian is going to open a tactical training center and she asked me to be an instructor.”
“I think that would be wonderful, honey,” Jessie said. “Wow.”
Jillian said, “It’s still in the preliminary planning stages, but I think it will work.”
“What did you want to talk to us about?” Mac asked.
“We wanted you two to be the first to know.” Devon grinned at Jessie. “I asked Jessie to marry me.”
Jillian threw her arms around Jessie’s neck. Mac hugged Devon and they all started talking at once. Rapid fire questions about when, where, and how bounced back and forth. Devon held up her hand. “Ladies, let me finish.” She faced Mac. “I would be honored
if you would be my best woman.”
“The honor is mine.” Mac pulled Devon into a bear hug.
“And,” Jessie added, “Jillian, would you stand up with me?” She exchanged a look with Devon and turned back to Jill. “Devon and I would love to have both of you with us on the most important day of our lives.”
The four friends embraced. Jessie and Jillian immediately began excitedly planning the ceremony, while Mac and Devon discussed logistics of moving Jillian to Tampa the following month.
They were interrupted by the house lights darkening for the team introductions. Spotlights danced on the polished court and bounced off the corners of the arena. The crowd kept up a steady murmur while the visitors were introduced. Finally, the announcer boomed, “Starting at forward, the League’s number one draft pick, and captain of the San Francisco Force, number sixty-six, Conner Maguire!” Mac whistled loudly and they all jumped to their feet, screaming wildly, oblivious to the overall tepid response from the Orlando crowd.
“Go Conner!” Devon shouted.
On the way to the team bench Conner stopped at the sideline to give her special guests high-fives. “Watch the scoreboard after the introductions,” she told Devon. Then she waved and ran to join her team. Each member of Orlando’s starting lineup was introduced with theatrical bravado and a flashing light show, much to the crowd’s delight. Devon had to admit the display was impressive.
The crowd settled again following the introductions. The song “Jump” by Van Halen blasted through the speakers, setting the mood for the night. Devon saw Conner look up toward the jumbotron and followed her gaze. The scoreboard lit up with huge letters: She said yes! Congratulations Jessie and Devon!
“Look at that,” Mac said. Jessie flashed a smile that reduced Devon to a puddle.
“Yeah, look at that.” She stared at Jessie, not the scoreboard. Jessie responded with a kiss stopping just short of publicly inappropriate. Devon hugged her, and when she turned back to the court, Conner was beaming in their direction. She gave a thumbs up and Devon waved in return.
“You make a great couple,” Mac said.
“Thanks,” Devon said. “It took you and me a while, but Mac, I think we both finally found where we belong.”
“I believe you’re right. So, you and Jessie, you’re both okay with all the Honeycutt business?”
“Yeah, Jessie had a few nightmares at first, but she’s fine now.”
“And you?” Mac pressed.
“Truthfully Mac? I have never been better. I’ve finally gotten the closure that I’ve needed all these years. As far as me and Jessie, well, it’s better than good.” She felt herself blushing.
“You could drown in her eyes and be happy to go?” Mac suggested. “Yeah.” “Love is a miracle,” Mac said with a touch of awe in her voice. Devon leaned back and let the happiness wash though her.
“That it is, Mac. That it is.”
THE END
About the Author
Lynette Mae grew up in Pennsylvania, the third of six children. She enlisted in the army at nineteen, and after an honorable discharge, found herself in Florida pursuing her dream of a law enforcement career. Although completely challenging and satisfying, being a cop only fueled Lynette’s true passion: Writing. Her life’s rich experiences provide endless ideas for stories and characters that are born out of the truly fascinating places she’s gone and people she’s met along the way. When she’s not working or writing, you can find LM running, weight training, or any number of physical pursuits. For quieter time, she’ll be curled up with a book, or just enjoying the day with her wife and their dogs.
Another Book by Lynette Mae
Faithful Service, Silent Hearts
Faithful Service, Silent Hearts is the story of Devon James, a bright young military officer, dedicated to serving her country. She soon learns that finding love under any circumstances is difficult, but when your love is forbidden by military regulations and a relentless zealot pursues you, it can seem impossible. Following an investigation that destroyed her first lover's career and their relationship, Devon hopes her new assignment will allow her a fresh start.
She is reunited with an old college friend, and together, they form an impressive intelligence team and red-hot couple. When their assignments take them to the war-torn Middle East in the early days of terrorists targeting Americans, then things really get interesting. She returns ho
me a decorated veteran with numerous physical and emotional scars. Devon soon discovers that the battle for her own integrity and faithful service has only begun.
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