Loved by a Soldier: A Military Romance Collection

by Alison Mello

  Derrick stumbles into the spare room with the pool table. He hopes shooting some balls for a while will get his mind off her. Turning the stereo up loud, swallowing a mouthful of his beer, and taking a cue off of the wall, he stands and stares blindly at the scattered balls. He remembers how she felt when he bought it. She didn’t want him to get the table because it’s another way he can have his friends over, but he didn’t care. He works hard for his money and he pays all the bills, so he is going to do what he wants whether she likes it or not.

  He tried hard to make her happy, or at least he thought so, but apparently she wasn’t. He gave her everything she wanted, even if she did make good money with her photography hobby. She hates it when he calls it a hobby. He knows she has some money saved somewhere, but if she’s smart she won’t take it out. Any kind of transactions will leave a trail and he doesn’t think she is that stupid. Anyhow, if he hires the detective, she will eventually be found, no matter where she is hiding.

  After racking the balls he finishes the rest of his beer, chalks his cue, and bends over the edge of the table. He closes one eye to get a decent focus; he’s had so much to drink the balls are blurry. He breaks with enough force it sounds as if a gun went off, making him smile. Derrick walks around the table observing each possible shot, but something feels off. Something is missing. Music. He needs different music. Something with a better beat to it.

  For the next few hours he listens to reggae and rap, bobbing his head, getting drunker and playing pool. The more he drinks the more shots he misses, but he doesn’t care. By the time he crashes on the soft leather couch he doesn’t care about much of anything. Except finding Trinity.

  ***

  Trinity

  Trinity thinks about the past few hours—how comfortable she felt when out with Gates. She’s beginning to think it will all be okay, but she refuses to get her hopes up too much. She learned the hard way to not do that.

  Lying in bed, she listens to the rain that started shortly after they got home. Sheeba is lying on the floor beside the bed. She tried to jump up on the bed with Trinity, but she doesn’t want Sheeba to get used to that. Sheeba isn’t supposed to be her dog anyhow, but for some reason she instantly became attached to Trinity. She can hear Sheeba whimpering softly, hoping to get her way and Trinity smiles.

  “Listen to you down there, you little beggar. Shhh, be quiet. I have to sleep, too.”

  Trinity tosses and turns for an hour because she can’t stop thinking. So many things are going through her mind. Is Gates still awake? What is he thinking? What is Derrick thinking? Is he planning to find her? She has plenty of money in her bank account, but is unable to get to it. That bugs her, too. She thinks about making a withdrawal when she goes to church, but will that be a way for Derrick to find her? She should probably ask Gates. She doesn’t have a good feeling about it, and she’s scared to do anything without thinking it through first. She feels bad she told him she doesn’t have money, but in a way she doesn’t since she can’t get to it.

  Finally, her brain tires and her eyes stay closed. The steady sound of the rain helps Trinity relax, and Sheeba has long since stopped whining and fallen asleep. Maybe her dreams will be good to her. Maybe she’ll wake up to a sunny day, both literally and figuratively.

  ***

  Gates

  Gates isn’t having an easy time going to sleep, and wonders if Trinity is similarly afflicted. He looks at his alarm clock and sees it is 1:17 in the morning. The sight of that doesn’t put a smile on his face. He has too many things on his mind; that’s his main problem. He has to mentally sort out stuff he isn’t comfortable talking about with Trinity. His attraction to her is on his mind and affecting his thought process. He is struggling with her being here. If he had known she was so attractive, he wouldn’t have put himself in this situation. But he did tell Howard he would help. He just had no idea Trinity was so beautiful and would make his senses go crazy.

  She is certainly a lady; he clearly sees that. He will not in any way treat her otherwise. He thinks about their dinner conversation concerning her Christian faith. He admires that she opened up to him and held on to her beliefs. A lot of people are cautious when discussing religion, but she was honest. He also respects her for telling him she felt stuck in the house, which reminds him he offered her the use of the car. He surprised himself with that one. He hopes he didn’t make the wrong decision, but will trust she has good judgement.

  He can’t help thinking about a friend he hasn’t talked to in years, an old Seal buddy Gates served with. The things they went through together were horrendous. Gates tries not to think about those experiences—too many painful, bad memories. He doesn’t know why Tommy came to mind, but maybe he should try to get in touch with him. He will have to check his contacts to see if Tommy’s info is still there. He never did understand why they lost touch.

  He rolls onto his stomach and tries to fall asleep. It doesn’t take long, but tonight the nightmares pay him a visit. It has been a long time since he’s been through that kind of pain.

  The explosions wouldn’t stop and the ringing in his ears was getting louder, but even with all of that he couldn’t get the screaming to go away. The sound of one of the men on his team shouting for help was constant, but he couldn’t find him. Where was he?

  Looking around the edge of a deserted building, all he could see was more destruction and horror. The dark skies were lit up from fires that engulfed most of the buildings in the small town. Cars were lying on their side or left in the middle of the road, some of them on fire. As he searched for any sign of a sniper, he saw a child run across the street with something in his arms. What was the kid carrying? He didn’t know, but in this world it could be a bomb. The kid disappeared, and Gates took the chance to run along the side of what was left of the concrete wall he had been hiding behind. Running across the alley he took another chance of being shot at, but he had to find his friend, his fellow Seal.

  He could hear him screaming again, and every time Gates thought he was getting closer, he stopped and was still alone. He didn’t understand why he was alone. The other four Seals on the team had disappeared. Were they dead? Were they lost? He didn’t know, but he knew he had to find his buddy and get out of there, and fast. He kept a sharp eye out and kept low as he continued to run, searching behind every crevice, every wall, every obstacle. What he found wouldn’t normally scare him after the horrors he had already seen. He tripped and fell face first into a bloody mess. Scrambling to gain his footing he stood, his eyes bulging as he stared at all four of his comrades. Piled one on top of the other. Blood ran freely onto the ground as he stared at them; their empty eyes pierced his soul. Before he could do anything, before he could see if even one of them was alive, a grenade landed at his feet and his entire world was filled with pain.

  ***

  Trinity

  Saturday morning it’s still raining, putting a damper on doing anything outside the cabin. Trinity can’t believe how much it has rained. She can’t recall seeing this much of it in a long time. Gates takes Sheeba out long enough to do her business, but that’s it.

  After a small breakfast of fruit and toast, they go downstairs for the morning routine. Trinity isn’t as sore as she thought she would be, but she still hurts enough to wince when she starts working on the weight machines. Thankfully, the tenderness works itself out and she doesn’t hurt the entire time. She notices Gates is quiet and reserved. She wonders if he is upset about something and wants to ask, but waits to see if his mood changes.

  Gates rides the stationary bike for five miles and then does a heavy routine on the machines as Sheeba paces around, watching both of them and getting in their way. She only wants to play, but finally gets the idea they aren’t going to give her their full attention so she lies down in a corner.

  Trinity observes Gates as he works out, but doesn’t question him about anything. The intensity on his face almost frightens her, so she stops watching him and focuses on herself.
When they are both finished, he says he is hitting the shower and goes upstairs without another word.

  Through the rest of the afternoon, the rain is relentless; the news report says it should let up by late evening. Trinity hopes so; the mood in the house is dreary enough, especially with Gates’ odd behavior. There isn’t much else to do except watch movies. During a break between shows they call Mattie and Howard to let them know everything is going well. She tells them about her workout and how sore she is, and that she intends to go to church Sunday. They are especially happy to hear that. Then Gates takes time to talk with them.

  Sheeba clings to Trinity on the sofa and Gates tries to act betrayed. Sheeba stays on the sofa, rolling her brown eyes at him as if it is obvious where she should be. Trinity laughs at them both.

  His mood seems to have lightened a bit after talking to Howard and Mattie.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but you seemed somewhat distant this morning. Is something bothering you?”

  She watches his gaze move from the television and fall to the floor. Gates doesn’t say anything for a moment; she thinks maybe he won’t. Then he turns and looks at her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come across in a bad way. I just…” he pauses, then says, “It’s been a while, but for some reason I had a nightmare last night. I didn’t sleep well.”

  Trinity isn’t sure how to respond. She thought he was upset with her. “I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No offense, but I’d rather not.” Gates turns back to the movie.

  Trinity doesn’t want to push the subject or her luck, so she also turns back to watching the movie. She reminds herself they are both learning about each other, and if he ever talks to her about his nightmares it could be a long time coming. She tries to pay attention to the movie, but from time to time glances his way to see whether he is watching the movie or looking at her. She senses he is eyeing her, but doesn’t catch him in the act. She doesn’t want to admit her growing attraction for Gates because of her bad luck with men.

  There isn’t much conversation, even after the movies. It seems the weatherman was wrong because it’s raining harder now than a few hours ago. Neither one of them offers to cook, so they finish up the leftover lasagna, eating quietly. When they are finished, Gates speaks.

  “I’ll take care of the dishes, then I’m going to bed. Again, I’m sorry. Hopefully, I’ll sleep better tonight and will be in a better mood tomorrow.”

  “It’s okay. I understand. I’m tired, so I think I’m going to go to bed too. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, Trinity.”

  Chapter 7

  Sunday morning arrives with a brightness that fills the day, the sun gracing them with its presence. Thankfully, sometime during the night the rain finally stopped. They don’t have a workout scheduled today and Trinity is grateful. She gets out of bed at 6:30, filled with anticipation. She takes Sheeba outside and has some coffee before getting ready for church. Gates wakes up while she’s getting ready; she walks into the kitchen greeting him with a smile.

  “Good morning,” she says when she sees him staring at her, only half awake. “I hope you had a better night’s sleep.”

  “Good morning, uhhh, yeah, much better thank you. I see you’re ready to go.”

  “Yeah, I’m nervous though, but excited at the same time.”

  “Why are you nervous?” he asks, leaning against the counter, sipping his coffee.

  “I don’t know. I guess it’s like going to a new school. I will go in there not knowing anyone, so in a way I’ll feel like an outsider.”

  “I’m sure you’ll fit right in with no problems. It’s church; I would like to think you’ll feel welcomed.”

  “I’m sure I will. I’m probably overthinking it like I do a lot of things. I don’t know where to go, exactly, so I guess I’ll go to the one we passed the other day. I think I read on the sign that it’s a Baptist church. I’ll try that one.”

  “You remember how to get to it?”

  Nodding, she replies, “Yeah, I think so.”

  She senses he is still looking at her; when she glances up at him he averts his eyes, like he is caught with his hands in the cookie jar. She smiles because she knows he is checking her out, and it makes her feel good. She finishes her coffee, goes to brush her teeth, then returns and asks him for the keys to the car.

  “Are you certain this is okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m not worried, just come home right after, if you don’t mind. If you want to go somewhere else later we can go together, just to be on the safe side.”

  She thinks about asking him about going to the ATM, but drops it until later.

  “I promise. I’ll see you later, and thank you very much.”

  “You’re welcome. Have a good time.”

  ***

  Gates

  He watches her pull out of the driveway, and Sheeba whines like she already misses her. He looks down at who is supposed to be his dog, and rubs her head as he shakes his.

  “She will only be gone for a little while, girl. She’ll be back. You are supposed to be my dog anyhow, traitor.”

  She looks up at him and wags her tail, letting her tongue fall from the side of her open mouth. Gates laughs at her and asks if she wants to go out. When she hears that word she runs to the door and waits for him. He puts a leash on her because it’s muddy and he doesn’t want it all over her.

  While they are outside, he looks at his surroundings. He sees the same things he has always seen, but in some way they feel different. The same oak, cedar, and dogwood trees are in the back yard, still glistening slightly from the morning dew. The way the sun sparkles off the ripples of the lake seems to be more profound. He suddenly realizes it isn’t his surroundings; it’s his life that feels different. He can’t explain it. It’s baffling, but he has a feeling it may have something to do with the lovely lady who just drove off in his car. He looks at Sheeba, smiles, and welcomes the change.

  ***

  Trinity

  Trinity pulls into the parking lot of the large white church building and turns the motor off. It’s been too long since she’s been able to go to church, and she can feel the excitement coursing through her veins. Closing her eyes, she says a silent prayer thanking Jesus for blessing her with the opportunity to be there. He always knows what’s best for her.

  When she walks into the building, two ushers welcome her with smiles and hand her a pamphlet that describes the morning service. A couple of ladies walk up, introduce themselves, and make her feel at home. They tell her there is coffee in the kitchenette in the corner. She thanks them, and admires the large room where she will be able to hear a sermon for the first time in what feels like ages. Her eyes tear up from the sheer joy of being there and feeling welcome.

  She forgets about the coffee and chooses to sit halfway down the aisle in one of the empty pews. Many have already arrived, standing around chatting as the choir assembles on the large stage behind the pulpit. Her heart pounds; she feels like she’s getting ready to hear a concert. Moments later an older gentleman, she thinks he may be the pastor, stands behind the pulpit, sorting through his Bible and papers.

  Everyone begins to find a seat. The choir stands and waits while a young woman takes her place behind the large, shiny piano and another lady sits behind an organ. She sees a few more people gather behind drums, a guitar and two microphones. Glorious music fills her ears as they play a song Trinity doesn’t know, but it doesn’t matter. She’s in the perfect place and her soul is being filled. She couldn’t be happier.

  The congregation sings along with the next songs, ones she has always loved. “Amazing Grace.” “Take Me as I Am.” “How Great Thou Art.” Tears flow as her heart beams with her love for Jesus. When the music stops, the pastor introduces himself and welcomes everyone in the room.

  He lowers his head and prays; Trinity again gives thanks to God for His blessings.

  Once everyone is seated the pastor begins a s
ermon about what it means to be a Christian in today’s society and how to live daily as a Christian. Part of her feels like he is preaching directly to her, although she knows that can’t be so.

  He speaks about the way society is today. The temptations of the flesh, of money, pride, and envy. He touches on how hard it is to fight those temptations, but when Christians are able to turn away from them and live for Jesus Christ, it pleases Him and rewards are bountiful. He talks more about how Christians will be persecuted, ridiculed and killed in our world, but God is always with us and the gates of Heaven are waiting for us to walk through them.

  When the sermon is over, the choir sings two more songs and the pastor welcomes anyone who needs prayer to walk up front and he will pray with them. With nervous hesitation, she steps out from the pew and walks to the front. She rededicates her life to Jesus and immediately feels more alive than she has in years. She cries joyful tears and even hugs the pastor afterward, surprising him. After the closing prayer, someone taps her shoulder. Trinity turns to see a woman who could easily be her mother.

  “Hey, my name is Gloria Hepstrom. I wanted to welcome you and tell you I’m so glad you are here.”

  Grinning with a joyful heart, she replies, “Thank you, I’m glad I’m here too. I’m Trinity. This is a beautiful church. I can’t believe I was able to find it.”

  “Are you new to the area?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. I just got here a few days ago.”