PROLOGUE
Former Lieutenant Colonelin the Army Nursing Corps, Addyson Parker, stood in the rain as she watched them lower her husband’s casket. Her body felt numb despite the winter chill in the air as the priest spoke about her husband’s contributions to his country. None of it mattered as she recalled her last night with Sam before he deployed.
She snuggled into his shoulder, depleted from making love all evening long. Not knowing when they might see each other next, Addyson didn’t want the night to end.
“Have you given any thought to retiring?” he asked her as he rubbed her arm.
“You have three more years. If I retire, it means I’ll be sitting at home, driving myself mad every time you spin up. If we wait until you retire, then I’ll have one year left, and we can decide where we want to live,” she reasoned. “I don’t have to make the decision tonight.
Squeezing her gently, he kissed her forehead. “I’m thinking we try to start a family.”
Addyson grinned as she kissed his chest and propped her elbows on it while she gazed into his eyes. “Didn’t we decide to wait until we both got out?”
“I’ve given it some thought. We’re in a good position financially and you’re retiring. A baby will keep you occupied till I’m home,” he suggested.
Addyson smiled as he kissed her and knocked the condoms on the floor. One night together to create a lifetime of happiness.
Two weeks later, the chaplain showed up at her door.
The shotsfrom the military rifles firing made her jump. Bam. “I’m sorry to inform you…” Bam. “We might start a family…” Bam. A baby will keep you occupied until I come home…”
One tragic mistake took away all her dreams and hope for her future. Addyson vowed never to love again as she dropped the red rose onto his coffin. They might as well have buried her.
CHAPTER 1
Two years later,Addyson walked the halls of the Winters Foundation on Serenity Mountain. As the lead nurse, she checked all the nurses’ stations and ensured everything ran properly.
“Hi Ben, how’s the arm feeling?” she asked.
“Good, Addyson. Doc said he’s glad you caught the issue before it got worse,” Ben informed her.
“Good to hear,” she said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Oh, let me get that for you,” she said to Arthur, who barely balanced on his crutches, let alone picked something up off the floor.
She handed him the pen.
“Thanks, Addyson,” he mumbled.
“Teri, how’s the new patient in 201?” she asked one of her nurses.
“He’s stable, and we’re waiting on PT to evaluate him. I’m low on bedding and can’t reach laundry,” Teri reported.
“I’ll handle it,” Addyson said, making herself a note. “Thanks for letting me know.”
She rounded the corner, and her eyes landed on the one man she avoided at all costs, Liam Miller. With his dark brown hair, green eyes, and easy smile, he disconcerted her.
He turned, scanned the room, caught her staring at him, and smiled. She returned it politely and continued with her duties.
“Ms. Parker,” he called. “May I have a minute with you?”
Addyson froze and turned back around. “What can I help you with today?”
“The men asked me to join them this evening at the service for Lieutenant Merner. Due to the recent rains, Doc and Kassie have limited the number of people on the trails. The community center opened its doors to us for the memorial. My appointment took longer than expected, and the next van won’t leave for another hour. One of the nurses suggested you might give me a ride since you’re staying in town.”
“Oh,” she said, attempting to finagle her way out of taking him. “Did you try Leo or one of his team? I’ve seen them visit you, and you might still catch one of them. I’m not sure what time I’m leaving since I haven’t finished my rounds.”
“You must not have heard. They spun up a few days ago on a mission,” he said, quietly regarding her.
