Kelly suddenly panicked. Luke was leaving already? She’d assumed that they’d have the entire day to spend together. But now she wanted to cry.
Jake was staring at Kelly with obvious concern.
Luke began saying his farewells to Jake, as he shook his hand.
“I’ll be seeing you later. Kelly,” Jake said softly. He hesitated, before turning away. “There’s something I’d like to talk with you about sometime–no hurry, though. Maybe in the next few weeks–when you can find the time?”
Although she was slightly curious about what Jake had to say to her, Kelly was just too upset at the realization that Luke was leaving, to acknowledge Jake’s request with more than an agreeable nod of her head.
Stepping down from the planked pier, Jake strolled away silently, making his way along another path.
Reaching for her hand, Luke stared at Kelly wordlessly. And then he yanked her into his arms. “This will be the way I’ll always be remembering you, Kel,” he whispered softly into her ear, “in this beautiful place, where all that I’m thinking about it how much I want you.”
The tears were falling down her face. She hadn’t even had time to consider their future–everything with Luke had happened so fast.
“I wish we had more time,” Luke groaned, nearly echoing her thoughts.
“I thought that we did,” Kelly sobbed softly. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d have to leave so soon?”
“Aw, babe,” Luke said tenderly, cupping her chin and staring into her eyes. “I just didn’t want to ruin our day.”
Luke continued to hold her tightly in his arms–wiping away her tears–patiently awaiting her acceptance.
Finally taking in a long, deep breath, Kelly gave Luke a wobbly smile as she reached for his hand.
They took a final look around at their surroundings.
“Someday,” he whispered softly, as he gazed at her reassuringly, “we’ll come back here, Kel, and finish what we started–okay?”
“Okay,” she answered quietly.
Luke tugged at her hand and led her up the pathway to the road.
****
It’d about killed Luke to leave Crystal Rock–and Kelly.
Luke’s friend, Alex, long ago dubbed Hawk, was silent as he pulled his truck into a parking space, on base in Madison, six hours later. “I’m surprised that Mel didn’t come along with you today,” Luke said. Hawk’s girlfriend usually drew out her goodbyes until the last moment.
Hawk slanted him a side-glance, before twisting the key in the ignition and shutting down the engine. He settled back into his seat. “Took you long enough to notice, Eagle Eye,” he said, pocketing his key.
Luke had a sixth sense in the air, and his tattoo had only helped solidify the tag name he’d earned by the members of his team. “I’ve been a little distracted.”
“I’ll bet.” Hawk rolled his eyes. “Mel couldn’t get any more time off–she had to get back to work today. That’s why I decided to go visit my parents last night in Hayward, after I dropped you off in Crystal Rock. But seriously, Luke, how’s this gonna play out? She’s hot, I’ll give ya that, but this Kelly’s a little young for you–ain’t she?”
Luke hesitated, but slowly he shook his head no, as he gave his friend a rueful grin. “She’s always been the one, man. I don’t think that there’s ever been anyone else for me.”
Hawk looked taken aback.
“And don’t let those looks of hers fool you. She’s so damn smart, it’s scary. The thing that I don’t understand, is what she sees in me.”
The expression in Hawk’s eyes seemed to soften, as he stared back at Luke. Suddenly, Hawk yanked him into his arms and slapped him fiercely on the back. “That’s all I needed to know, man. It’s about time you knew what it was like, having to deal with the love of a good woman.”
Luke laughed. “Yeah. I have a feeling you’re all gonna be giving me a hard time about it from now on. I can’t believe I actually promised her that I’d write.”
Hawk blinked. And then he began to laugh. “I’ve never even sent Mel a postcard. Let’s just see if we can get you hooked up to video conferencing on your computer. That’s the way to go.”
“I keep on forgetting I have a camera.”
Hawk rolled his eyes. “What’s the use of having technology, if you don’t ever bother to use it? Especially with the serious skills–you had to have had–to get this far?”
“Hey–there’s just never been anyone I wanted to see, while I was talking to them before.”
Hawk snorted.
Suddenly becoming serious, Luke stared at Hawk grimly. “But it probably won’t be happening where we’re going. I’ve already heard our communication’s gonna be limited.”
Hawk sighed, staring sightlessly through the windshield of the truck. They were quiet for several more minutes as they both turned their attention on the airfield.
“Ready?” Luke finally asked, yanking at the handle of the truck.
“Ready,” Hawk answered. Shoving open his own door, he strolled around the truck and helped Luke pull out the luggage from the bed of the pickup.
There was a great deal of activity on the landing field today. Silently, they watched as the wheels of a sleek-lined jet began picking up speed, gaining momentum, and taking off smoothly into flight.
Luke frowned. “A bomber?” he asked, grimly. “F-22 Raptor?”
Hawk nodded. “Supposedly, the kinks are gettin’ ironed out. Beautiful, ain’t it?”
“Nothing like it,” Luke agreed. He and Hawk stood staring as a single airman exited the jet.
But then Luke grinned–he wasn’t going to let anything ruin this weekend. He had a sneaking suspicion he knew why that raptor was here, though. “Well, there’s almost nothing like it, anyway.”
Hawk began to laugh as he jiggled his brows.
CHAPTER
SIX
Three months later
Luke was on his way back to the states. He was actually coming home for a weekend of leave in a couple more weeks–Kelly could barely contain her excitement. Her luggage was packed, and she took one final glance around her bedroom to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. After spending the summer here in Crystal Rock, she was returning to Madison, and meeting Luke at her new apartment that she’d rented for her final year at Wisconsin. Wasn’t it crazy–he’d done his basic training in the same town where she went to college? Unfortunately, Luke had already shipped out overseas when she’d first begun to attend school.
She’d already said her goodbyes to her family earlier that day, and now her mom and dad were both at work. She was the only remaining sibling who still preferred living at home–at least when she wasn’t going to school.
Five hours later, she was pulling into the parking space belonging to the brand new apartment she’d rented. The one-bedroom apartment had come unfurnished, so she’d purchased the basics new. Between her on and off again career as a model, and the part-time job she’d had as a bookkeeper for Callahan Construction, Kelly had accumulated a tidy little nest egg over the past ten years. A brand new bedroom set, a couch and TV, along with a small kitchen table and refrigerator, were all supposed to be delivered this afternoon.
It didn’t take long to get the remainder of her luggage unloaded from the car. Soon, the delivery people showed up and, within a couple of hours, her bed was set up and her new furnishings were positioned to her satisfaction. Tomorrow, she’d hit the department stores, along with a few of the second-hand stores she’d noticed downtown.
When her cell phone rang, she was elated when she recognized the caller. “Luke!”
As she listened to what he had to say, the look on her face transformed from joy to disbelief, and finally to unadulterated sorrow.
“I’m sorry, babe. You gotta know how much I wanna be with you,” he was whispering softly.
“I…oh, Luke.”
“I’ve been ordered back to Iraq. Something’s up and it’s big.” There was a long hesit
ation before Luke spoke again. “I don’t know if I should let you in on this–but since we haven’t been told what’s going on, anyway, I’ll give you a hint–think terrorists, and about what’s been big in the news lately.”
Kelly drew in a deep, unsteady breath.
Luke continued, “Everyone’s been called up–not just me.” There was a pause. “Kel?” Luke was apparently waiting for her to reply.
“I…understand.”
“Damn–I wish I could see you. When do you get your computer and wireless set up?”
“Tomorrow.”
Luke hesitated. “I was afraid to tell you this, babe, but where I’m going, I won’t be able to access my computer.”
Suddenly, Kelly was overcome by a feeling of dread.
“Not just because we’ll be in an isolated location, but because we won’t be allowed any communications, at all.” After another hesitation, Luke said softly, “Maybe for months, Kel–and I might be shipping off tonight.”
Their conversation veered off into a different direction–Luke asked about her mom and dad, as well as the rest of the family. But all the while Kelly’s panic was building–the thought of Luke overseas, in what was apparently a sensitive situation–involved in a dangerous mission–it was all beginning to scare the hell out of her.
“Luke–I love you.” The words suddenly burst out. “I always have, you know.”
The silence stretched out on the other end of the line.
She heard Luke suck in a deep breath–it sounded like a huge sigh of relief. His voice was cracking when he whispered softly, “I love you too, Kel.”
When she shut off her phone a few minutes later, her face was filled with tears. Luke had given her the worst possible news, along with the best–he wasn’t coming to see her—but for the first time ever, he’d finally admitted that he loved her. Running into the bedroom, Kelly jumped onto the bed and buried her face into the pillow.
****
A few weeks later, when Kelly heard the news about the bombs being dropped to contain the terrorists in Kobani, she knew right away why Luke had been sent back to Iraq.
She waited to hear from Luke. But as time went by and she didn’t–not only was she growing increasingly concerned, but she was battling depression daily. The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, and finally, she was graduating from the University of Wisconsin.
Although she’d managed to hold herself together, because of her intense focus on her studies, she hadn’t wanted to consider the future.
If nothing was wrong, why hadn’t Luke been in touch with her? And there was no one she could turn to–she knew none of his friends. Luke had given her a number to call on base, if an emergency came up. But as far as Luke was concerned, they weren’t allowed to give out any personal information, she’d been informed.
Kelly had had a couple of job offers in the Madison area. But not wanting to give up on planning a future with Luke, Kelly had decided to return to Crystal Rock and go back to work at Callahan Construction for a while. Modeling was always an option–although she was doubtful that the clients would want her–she was looking kind of haggard these days.
But here it was, graduation day on a beautiful day in May, and Kelly’s entire family had driven down from Crystal Rock to watch her graduate.
“You look like shit, Sis.” Dan was staring at Kelly with obvious concern. “I’ve never seen you look so tired.”
The rest of the family had left campus for the restaurant, where they were planning on celebrating with Kelly. Kelly and Dan were following a path outdoors through the scenic campus, heading to the parking lot. Dan had stayed behind to wait and drive Kelly to the restaurant, since she’d had several friends and professors she’d wanted to say her final farewells to.
“Gee, thanks, Dan.”
He hesitated. “Kel–I’ve got something to tell you.”
Kelly froze. “Luke? Did you find him?”
Slowly, Dan shook his head up and down. When Kelly began to ask more, Dan held his hand up and stopped her. “Let me get this out. Since he’s still affiliated with the FBI, Jake Loughlin got a hold of one of his contacts. And Jake discovered Luke’s hurt, Kel–pretty bad, from what I’ve heard.”
Kelly moaned, “Oh, no. That’s just what I was afraid of.” She stared at Dan intently. “Where is he? When can I see him?”
“Aww, sweetie–that’s the thing–Luke doesn’t want to see you.”
Kelly was stunned. It must’ve shown on her face, because Dan pulled her immediately into his arms. Suddenly, she broke down, and began to cry, with gulping heart-wrenching sobs.
Dan awkwardly patted her on the back, attempting to comfort her.
When she finally found the strength to stop crying, her voice was breaking when she asked, “Why, Dan–why doesn’t Luke want to see me?”
He drew away from her, laying his hands over her shoulders as his eyes met hers. “That’s the thing, Kel–I think that he just doesn’t want you to see him. Supposedly, he’s kind of a mess.” He hesitated. “Let’s just sit down for a minute.” Dan steered her over to a concrete bench, located alongside the pathway.
Once they were seated, Dan stared into her eyes for a long hard moment. “Nearly fifty percent of his body has burns, Kel. But apparently, he’s doin’ alright now. They managed to stop any infection from setting in.” At first she was horrified, but then she was relieved, until Dan continued, “But that’s not the worst of it.” Dan took in a deep breath. “I’d better just spit this out–he’s lost a leg, Kel.”
Kelly gasped. “But, Dan–what’s going to happen with his flying? Being a pilot’s meant the world to Luke. He’s been so proud of that–more than anything.”
Dan’s expression was tender as he stared at his sister. “Oh, Sis. Have I ever told you how proud I am of you?”
Although her mind was focused on Luke, she managed to stare at Dan for a moment in confusion.
“Most women wouldn’t be thinking about the man, first thing, and how he was gonna survive outside of the Air Force–since he’d been planning on making it his career. They’d be wondering about how they were gonna be able to handle the guy’s appearance, if he’s disfigured. And the fact that he’s missing a leg…? Well–the average woman wouldn’t wanna be tied down to a man like that.”
“I’ll never be that kind of a woman, Dan,” she said fiercely. “I don’t care what Luke looks like, I just want him.”
“That’s exactly why I’m so proud of you.” Dan took in a deep breath. “So here’s where you’re gonna have to trust me, Sis. Luke’s in a V.A. hospital in D.C. I’m heading out tomorrow to see him.” Kelly began to speak, but Luke cut her off. “And no. You can’t go with me. Somehow, I have to talk some sense into the guy. He hasn’t been a good patient, Kel.”
“What about your job?” After relocating from New York, Dan worked as a journalist for the Chicago Tribune.
“No problem–I’ve got some vacation time coming. But meanwhile, I’ve got an assignment for you. I’ve never doubted that Luke loves you.” He gave her a sheepish smile. “In fact, I think that I might’ve been the first one to notice. But you need to think about the future–and make some decisions. Think about what your life would be like with Luke, and the way he is right now. But also be sure to think about what life would be like without him.”
Kelly stared grimly at Dan, as she slowly nodded her agreement.
“Either way, I’ll be bringing him back to Crystal Rock, since Jake Loughlin has offered to help. Luke’s on medication, he’ll need plastic surgery–and most importantly, he’ll require rigorous therapy and a prosthesis to walk again. All of this, he’s apparently fighting.”
When Kelly sat up taller, looking determined, Dan nodded his approval.
CHAPTER
SEVEN
Luke hiked himself up in his bed, staring out through the hospital window. Visions of Hawk’s last few seconds on earth, amidst the shooting and explosions, had been haunting Luk
e from the moment he’d finally regained consciousness, feeling defeated and broken.
He frowned with irritation, glancing at the numerous scars from the healing burns on his arms, before staring down glumly at his missing limb.
Why had Hawk been the one to be taken? Having recently become engaged to his girlfriend, Melinda, not to mention promoted to Captain, Hawk had been one of the most gifted pilots Luke had ever known. It sucked–Hawk hadn’t even been killed in the air.
The nursed peeked into his room. “You have a visitor, Lieutenant–or, so, I’ve been told. Someone by the name of Callahan?”
Kelly? How in the hell had she found him? He scowled at the nurse. “Send her away,” he ordered, harshly.
“It’s not a her–it’s a him,” she answered, most definitely undaunted by his tone. “And I brought him along, cause I thought that you needed some company.”
At that moment, Dan Callahan peeked into the room over the nurse’s shoulder.
“I told you that I didn’t want to see anyone,” Luke said, glaring at Dan first, and then at the nurse.
“Well–that’s just too damned bad.” Dan turned to the nurse with a wink. “That’s okay–I think I can handle him from here.”
She grinned, backing out from the room. “Well–good luck with that–the lieutenant here hasn’t been the best of patients.”
“Yeah, I can only imagine,” Dan answered dryly.
Luke snorted.
Dan softly closed the door behind the nurse. Stepping over to the bed, he stared down at Luke with apparent concern. “Okay, Luke–you’re gonna listen to me, and listen to me good…”
****
After turning over the keys for her apartment to the landlord, Kelly was driving home from Madison to Crystal Rock, with the remainder of her belongings stashed in the trunk of the car. She was finding it difficult not to be depressed about the fact that Luke didn’t want to see her. But at least he was alive. Kelly closed her eyes, sighing with relief for about the hundredth time that day. She’d been trying for months to pry out even a single tidbit of information about Luke from the closed mouths of the government hierarchy.
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