The Soldier's Holiday Vow

by Jillian Hart

  “I need to know if you want that, too.” Hawk’s plea warmed the rain and chased the sting from the wind. “If there’s any possibility, any at all. I have to know.”

  She was breaking apart, the reasons why she couldn’t love Hawk crumbling into dust. She had no shields left, no safeguards, no way to stop loving him. Love was a risk, for anyone, anytime. She knew the cost of loving a soldier. The endless worry. The sacrifice. The hardship. But was Hawk worth it?

  The answer stood in front of her, a man of noble strength she could not live without. One word filled her mind, without doubt, without condition. “Yes.”

  “Yes?” Uncertainty turned to joy. His eyes twinkled, his grin flashed, dimples dug deep as instead of hugging her, which she expected, or doing something like punching his fist into the air, he went down on one knee. “Then I have another question for you. It’s one I’ve been rehearsing most of the night, on the flight and during the drive here. September, will you marry me?”

  “Marry you?” She went weak. The blood drained from her face. Her legs turned to rubber.

  He rose, taking her into his arms, offering her the security of his chest and the shelter of his arms. His lips brushed her temple in light, tender kisses. Each one a silent promise, a promise no words could do justice to.

  “I love you so much, Hawk.” It was terrifying to think of opening her heart fully again, but a smart woman learned from the lessons in her life. “Yes. I would love to be your wife. On one condition.”

  “What? Name it.”

  “That we don’t waste a moment of the time we have together.” She adored Hawk. The power of her feelings terrified her, but she was certain of her choice. “No long engagements. No big wedding to plan. No putting off what we want to do.”

  “I like the sound of that.” He pulled a ring from his pocket and cradled her left hand in his. The platinum band glided over her finger. The square-cut sapphire surrounded by diamonds glowed. “Maybe we can start planning on our next date.”

  “Date?” She felt full to the brim and overflowing with love and hope. She couldn’t think what he was talking about. “You just said you were being deployed—”

  “I’m dropping out of the Rangers for you.”

  “No, Hawk. I’m not asking you to give up the job you love.”

  “I love you more, sunshine.” He brushed the damp hair away from her face, his touch affectionate and comforting. “You have been hurt enough. I don’t want to put you through that again. I talked to my commanding officer and since you’ve agreed to marry me, I’m going to stay. I will be helping with training right here at Fort Lewis.”

  “And that would make you happy?”

  “Happier than I can imagine. That’s what I want to do for you, September. To live for you. I promise you this. I will do my best for you every day of my life. You are my light.”

  “And you are mine.” Never had she felt so blessed. She had received the best Christmas gift—one of true, everlasting love. She was a girl who could believe in dreams again, because she was holding one in her arms. Her amazing husband-to-be drew her tightly against him and covered her mouth with his. Their kiss was triumphant. As if heaven thought so, too, the wind gusted and the rain turned to snow.

  Epilogue

  One year later

  The lights of the Christmas tree blinked cheerfully in front of the big picture window. September Hawkins, with her arms wrapped around a gigantic bowl of popcorn, froze in the middle of the kitchen. Every once in a while it still hit her. The wonderful man sitting on her couch was her husband. They were looking forward to their first anniversary next month, and she still couldn’t believe it was real. Her life was a dream come true.

  “Hey, sunshine.” Hawk looked up from his half-finished string of popcorn. “Good thing you’ve got a fresh batch there. My bowl is mysteriously empty.”

  “I wonder how that could have happened.” She was crossing the room without realizing it, drawn closer to him with a love that would never end. Bing Crosby was serenading them in the background, a pile of presents gleamed and glinted beneath the live Christmas tree and outside the window the lit stars were joined by a small family of lighted reindeer. “You eat everything that isn’t nailed down.”

  “It’s a fault of mine. Just add it to the list.” Grinning, he set down his work and rose to help her. “You should not be carrying anything.”

  “As if the popcorn bowl is too heavy. Really. You are overprotective, Hawk.” She didn’t mind that when he took the bowl from her, he took the time to give her a kiss. His hand settled on her gently swollen midsection. “I’m fine. You are just using this as an excuse to come snuggle me.”

  “I’ll use any excuse I can get.” To prove it, he dispensed with the bowl and wrapped both arms around her. “We have to take advantage of the time we have left. Three more months and we won’t be alone anymore.”

  “I can’t wait to hold Little Timothy Frank Hawkins for the first time.”

  “Neither can I.”

  Happy, September wrapped her arms around Hawk’s neck. Hawk had kept his promise to her. His vow to make her happy. To live his life for her. Her world was one of light and love, of joy and fulfillment. What a beautiful year she’d had first as his fiancée, as his bride and then his wife. Soon, they would be starting a new chapter of their marriage together—parenthood. Already their nursery was taking shape. Good thing the town house had three bedrooms. It would accommodate them for several more years before they had to upsize. For now, this place was just right. Full of love, filled with happiness and hope.

  To think she had almost missed this opportunity, this life. It was hard to believe now she had once been too afraid to love him. She would have missed out on the greatest year of her life. And the best, she knew, was yet to come.

  “Mistletoe.” Hawk’s lips grazed her cheek. “I felt it was my duty and obligation to hang it up while you were making the popcorn. After all, we have to start our own traditions.”

  “Yes, we do,” she agreed. “Traditions are very important.”

  His kiss was sweet perfection, as their every kiss had been and always would be.

  Life is beautiful, she thought, grateful to God for her blessings. The Lord’s gentle grace had brought her through the darkness of her grief to this beautiful new beginning.

  Dear Reader,

  You may remember Hawk from A Soldier for Keeps. When I was writing that book, I fell in love with the tall, dark and silent soldier. I know he was searching for the Lord’s leading, and I wondered if he had found his way. As I began writing Hawk’s story, I fell even more in love with this faithful, solid, good-to-the-core man. I admire the choices he makes with his life and the tender way he falls in love with the heroine, September Stevens. September is a woman who is wrestling with grief, and who is struggling with her faith. I hope you are encouraged by her story, and that you enjoy watching how God leads September and Hawk to hope and everlasting love.

  Thank you so much for choosing The Soldier’s Holiday Vow.

  Wishing you the best of blessings this Christmas season,

  QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  At the beginning of the story, how would you describe September’s character? What are her weaknesses and her strengths? How is the mine she’s fallen into metaphoric?

  What is September’s reaction when she first sees Hawk? What does this tell you about her? How is Hawk characterized through her perspective?

  In the beginning of the story, September feels as if loss has changed the woman she used to be. Have you ever felt that way? Explain.

  What is behind Hawk’s decision to bring September flowers, a pizza and his mission to help her out? What does this say about him?

  Why is it painful for September to see Hawk? How does this change throughout the story? Why does it change?

  Why does Hawk feel that he is too tough and too scarred for love? How do these feelings change?

  How does September rebuild her faith? How does God
lead her through her fears? Have you ever struggled with similar issues?

  September believes that friendship is the only kind of love she can count on. How is this belief challenged through the book? How is God’s leading evident?

  What role does September’s love for causes and fund-raising play in the story?

  When does Hawk realize he is in love with September?

  What do you think are the important themes? How do they relate to the Christmas season?

  What do you like most about September and Hawk as a couple? How do you know they are meant for each other?

  How would you describe September’s faith journey? How are her and Hawk’s faiths strengthened through the story?

  September believes that if she opens her heart she will be too vulnerable, and that’s too great of a risk to take. What changes her mind? What does she learn about love and life?

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-4514-7

  THE SOLDIER’S HOLIDAY VOW

  Copyright © 2009 by Jill Strickler

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.

  ® and TM are trademarks of Steeple Hill Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.

  www.SteepleHill.com