by Debby Giusti
Not enough time.
“We’ve got a bomb!” Jamison screamed into the radio he had grabbed from McGrunner as he ran into the terminal. “Clear the area. Stop the brigade.”
“Sir, you’re breaking up,” the message came back. “Repeat all after—”
Static. Squelch.
Jamison shouted the orders again and again.
The large clock on the wall continued its countdown.
Ten...nine...eight...
His heart pounded. His throat went dry.
“Fan through the crowd.” He motioned to the military police gathered around him. “Herd the people out of the building.”
The giant double doors opened.
The brigade stood in formation ready to march forward on command. A sea of American flags fluttered. Screams of joy erupted from the crowd around him.
Jamison’s gaze turned to the dais.
The general stood at the microphone. Mrs. Logan was next to him. Her eyes were on Jamison, begging for information.
He nodded, and the relief on her face told him she understood her daughter was safe. What she didn’t know was that she and everyone else in the terminal were in danger.
Jamison had to find the bomb before it detonated, before the terminal exploded, before more people died.
Glancing down, he spied something under the platform where Mrs. Logan and the general stood. Something the same color as the flower petal he had found on the pavement in the training area.
All around him throngs of people strained to see their returning loved ones. Please, Lord.
He pushed through the crowd, weaving his way forward, surrounded by the groundswell of excitement and the thump of the band’s rousing military march pounding in his ears.
Seven...six...
Nearing the platform, he focused on the bucket containing yellow roses. His fingers closed around the handle. He pulled the container forward and peered down into the water, seeing a bundle of wires wrapped in plastic and taped to the bottom of the container.
Five...
The wall clock counted down the seconds.
Bucket in hand, he raced toward the side exit behind the dais.
Four...
Needing to clear the building, he willed his legs to move faster.
Three...
He pushed on the door. Drums pounded out a cadence. The cheering reached a fever pitch as the soldiers began to march into the central area.
No time.
The tarmac lay before him.
Two...
Pulling in an even breath, he started to wind like a coiled spring, just as he had done throwing the discus in high school. Shoulders balanced. Weight even. He circled, building momentum.
One...
Release.
The bucket left his hand.
The band played. Men marched. The crowd cheered.
The bomb flew through the air and exploded over the tarmac.
Jamison gasped for air and clutched his side. He turned, needing to go back inside, not sure he could find the strength.
“Oh, Jamison.” Michele’s voice. She wasn’t running away, she was running toward him.
“You saved my life. You saved everyone’s life. I...I...”
He held up his hand to stop her. The last thing he needed was false hope.
“It’s my job, Michele. It’s what I do. I love you more than anything, more than life itself, but I have to be true to who I am. That’s the only way I can look myself in the eye each day. I’ve got to make a contribution in this life, and I’m making a difference in the military.”
She stopped, her arms still outstretched. She had been through so much today. Her face was scraped and smudged with dirt, but the look he saw in her eyes filled him with encouragement.
“Oh, Jamison, I was thinking only of my own needs before and not what we could be together. You built your life on a firm foundation of God and military and knew what was right and what was wrong. It took me longer to find out what’s important. ‘God first’ is what Lance always told me. I understand that now. God first and the man I love second. I know it’s the same for you—that you need to follow God’s path for your life, regardless of whether or not I approve.”
She stepped closer, her arms inviting him. “The man I love is you, Jamison. I want to keep on loving you forever.”
He stepped into her sweet embrace.
Those in the terminal were oblivious to what had happened as cheers of joy and patriotic strains from the band mixed with the revelry of the soldiers who had been gone so long and were once again in the arms of their loved ones.
On the tarmac, Jamison lowered his lips to Michele’s, knowing the negative voice from his past had been silenced. He was a new man, a better man, a triumphant man because, in spite of all the mistakes he had made in life, Michele had come back to him.
“Welcome home,” he whispered as he kissed her again and again and again.
EPILOGUE
Michele was giddy with excitement.
“What time is Jamison picking you up, dear?” her mother called from the kitchen.
“Six-fifteen.”
Her father came down the steps, looking a bit more rested after two weeks of block leave. He had lost weight in Afghanistan and his hair had grayed, but his smile was as wide as ever and his eyes were beginning to twinkle again. The war and the stress of command had taken its toll on him, just as his deployment had been hard on the family he had left behind.
Stepping into the hallway, Roberta stared up at her husband and smiled. “Did you have a good nap, dear?”
“You’re making me feel like an old man, Roberta.”
She laughed playfully, and Michele realized there was nothing old about either of them or the love they had for each other.
“Erica Grayson called,” Roberta informed him. “Curtis, Yolanda’s sister and the children are having dinner with the Graysons tonight. Spur-of-the-moment, but she asked if we wanted to join them.”
Her father nodded. “Whatever you want to do is fine with me.”
“I told her yes.”
Stan laughed and winked at Michele. “Then it’s already decided. Maybe we can run by the hospital first. Paul
Rossi’s spending all his time with Alice. They’re hoping she’ll be released in a day or two.”
“That’s wonderful news.” Michele checked her makeup in the hall mirror. “I baked cookies. Why don’t you take some to the hospital? The Hughes children might like some, too.”
“Where are you and Jamison going tonight?” her father asked, watching as she refreshed her lipstick.
“He’s taking me to dinner at the club, but he’s been a bit secretive.” Michele knew her cheeks were flushed with excitement. She felt like a high school girl on her way to the prom.
Moving to stand next to her husband, Roberta smiled as if she, too, had a secret.
Michele glanced at her mother. “Do you know anything about what Jamison has planned?”
“Why, no, dear.”
“I don’t believe you, Mother.” Michele laughed, feeling even giddier as the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” Stanley opened the door and extended his hand to Jamison. “Good to see you, son. Michele said you two are going to the club tonight.”
“Yes, sir.” Jamison accepted the colonel’s handshake and stepped inside.
Dressed in a dark suit and a red tie, he looked better than any prom date, and Michele had to remind herself to breathe. His white shirt was starched and as bright as the smile that lit up his face when he saw her standing in the hallway.
“You look beautiful,” he said, sounding somewhat breathless himself.
“Thank you.” She stepped into his arms and kissed his cheek. “And you look handsome in your new suit.”
“What time are your reservations?” Roberta asked.
“Six-thirty, ma’am.”
“We’d better be going.” Michele reached for her purse. “Mother and Dad are having dinner with Curtis Hug
hes and his sister-in-law and children this evening.”
“How are the children?”
“Adjusting. Curtis is optimistic about the future. I heard the MP who was injured has improved, as well.”
“Yes, ma’am. He should make a full recovery.”
“What about you, Jamison? Did you see the doctor?”
“The wound’s almost healed.”
Roberta smiled. “I’m so glad.”
Stanley held the door open. “We don’t want to hold the kids up, Roberta.”
Michele laughed as she hugged her mother and dad.
Accepting Jamison’s outstretched hand, she walked with him to his car. The ride to the club took less than ten minutes. When they stepped into the foyer, Michele turned toward the main dining room.
Jamison caught her arm and pointed her in the opposite direction. “Our reservations are for the Lincoln Room.”
“Really?” The room, decorated in dark mahogany, was a favorite of hers and usually reserved for small, private functions.
Jamison placed his hand on her back and guided her through the outer reception area. “I wanted to do something special.”
Opening the door to the private room, Jamison bowed with a flourish and invited her into the dignified parlor. In front of the mammoth fireplace, a round table, draped in a linen cloth, was set for two with fine china and silver and lit candles.
Instead of a blazing fire this summer day, the hearth contained a huge bouquet of flowers more gorgeous than Michele had ever seen. Carnations and gladiolas and lilies and baby’s breath and daisies mixed with roses—red and white and coral—into an exquisite arrangement that made her want to cry as well as laugh with joy.
“Flowers are important to a woman,” Jamison stated matter-of-factly. He raised his brow and kissed her lips. “Which I learned almost too late.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist and ushered her toward the table, where he reached for a rectangular box and placed it in her hand.
Her heart pounded, and her mouth went dry. She couldn’t talk, even if she had known what to say. So many emotions mixed through her, all good.
“Open it,” he prodded, his eyes twinkling.
She lifted the top and smiled, seeing the Cross My Heart necklace.
“I found it in the training area near a yellow rose petal that led me back to you.” Jamison’s voice was suddenly husky, no doubt with his remembering all they had been through. “I replaced the chain with something more sturdy.”
“It’s beautiful, Jamison.” The new chain would last a lifetime.
“Before we sit down, there’s something else I want to show you.”
She waited as he dug in his pocket. Her heart fluttered like a butterfly, searching for a place to land. The look on his face was full of expectation and added to the tingle of excitement that teased her neck and sent delicious waves of energy scurrying along her spine.
Time stood still as he pulled forth a small box. His strong fingers reached for the object, hidden inside, that he held up for her to see. A beautiful solitaire diamond ring. The radiant stone sparkled in the candlelight and reflected the love she saw in his eyes.
“Michele, I’m asking you to be my wife. It won’t always be candlelight and roses, but if you’ll have me as your husband, I promise to honor you and cherish you and love you all the days of my life.”
Her eyes burned and a lump formed in her throat. “Oh, Jamison.” She couldn’t talk for a long moment as she looked at him, seeing the good man, the honorable man, the righteous man he had always been. She had just needed to look beyond her fear to see the possibility of a future together.
Extending her left hand, she smiled as he slipped the ring on her finger. “I would be honored to be your wife,” she said, gazing into his eyes. “I promise to love you and cherish you and go wherever you go for the rest of my life.”
She stepped into his arms, feeling his strength and his gentleness at the same time. They had a lot to learn about each other, but God would give them time, a lifetime together.
Jamison had taught her to live in the present and be grateful for every blessing the Lord provided. Life was a mix of joy and sorrow. Theirs would be no different, but she no longer had to fear God or the future.
“I belong in your arms,” she sighed as he lowered his lips to hers. Jamison kissed her as if he never wanted to let her go, and she knew what they had together was more perfect than any diamond or flower or the fine china or anything else the world might offer in comparison. They had chosen the better portion, the love that would last a lifetime and carry them into eternity. Which is how long she wanted to stay wrapped in his arms.
“How long is eternity?” she asked.
“Not long enough.” And then he kissed her again and again and again.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt of Threat of Darkness by Valerie Hansen!
Dear Reader,
The Colonel’s Daughter is the third book in my Military Investigations series, which features heroes and heroines in the army’s Criminal Investigation Division. Each story stands alone so don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two books. But if you enjoy this story, be sure to read The Officer’s Secret, book 1, and The Captain’s Mission, book 2.
In The Colonel’s Daughter, an army wife has been murdered at Fort Rickman, Georgia, and Special Agent Jamison Steele needs to solve the crime, which puts him face-to-face with Michele Logan, the woman he once loved. Michele left him ten months ago without even saying goodbye, and now she’s back on post and in danger.
Michele and Jamison struggle with mistakes they have both made in the past that must be revealed and healed before they can have a chance at love. Jamison puts his trust in the Lord and relies on a firm foundation of faith to get him through the darkest times. Michele, on the other hand, feels abandoned by the Lord and struggles to make sense of the pain in her past. I hope the Lord is your firm foundation in times of trouble. Our God is a merciful and loving Father who wants the best for His children. Turn to Him in your need, and you will never be disappointed.
I’d love to hear from you. Email me at [email protected] or write me c/o Love Inspired, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279. Visit my website at www.DebbyGiusti.com and blog with me at:
www.seekerville.blogspot.com
www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com
www.crossmyheartprayerteam.blogspot.com
Remember, I’m praying for you!
Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
Questions for Discussion
Jamison talks about the mistakes he has made in his life. Which mistake troubles him the most? Why?
What was the underlying problem between Michele and her mother? Why did they hold on to their pain for so long?
How did each person in Michele’s family react to Lance’s death, and what did Michele learn in the end?
Why was the military important to Jamison?
In hindsight, do you think Michele made the right decision to help with the coastal relief effort or should she have visited her brother?
Have you been to a welcome-home ceremony for returning military? What emotions did you feel seeing the joyful reunions, whether you watched in person or on television? Did this story capture some of the emotions you experienced?
Why did Michele struggle in her faith? Have you ever had a time when your faith faltered? What or who helped you return to the Lord?
Michele keeps a small plaque in her dresser drawer that contains a quote from scripture: “All things work together for good to those who love God.” Romans 8:28. How does that verse apply to this story? Have you found it applies to your life, as well?
Who were the positive role models in Michele’s life? Who were Jamison’s role models? Who has made a difference in your life? Have you been a role model for others?
Why did Michele feel responsible for her brother’s death? What did she need to realize?
Why did the E.R. clerk call Jamison a superhero? What did that reveal about her own life? How did her comment affect Michele?
Military wives are supportive of one another, especially when their husbands are deployed. How was that brought out in this book? Do you have military families in your area that may need help? How can you reach out to them?
What is the turning point in Michele and Jamison’s relationship? When did Michele realize she loved Jamison?
What did you learn from this story?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.
You enjoy a dash of danger. Love Inspired Suspense stories feature strong heroes and heroines whose faith is central in solving mysteries and saving lives.
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ONE
The keening wails echoing down the usually quiet halls of the Serenity Medical Center made the hair on the back of Samantha Rochard’s neck prickle. Every natural instinct told her to flee. Instead, her experience as a registered nurse sent her racing toward the sound of misery.
A doctor, white coat flying behind him, shoved her aside and burst through the curtain into an E.R. exam cubicle. She heard him start to speak. Then, his words were abruptly cut off.