Page 141 of My All American Girl

I winked. “I know.”

Dean led me out of the apartment and back to his truck. The late evening air was cool and crisp, carrying the promise of a beautiful night. I slid into the passenger seat, anxious to get the celebration started.

The Fly Trap was already buzzing with energy when we arrived. I spotted Kylee and a few others from our group huddled around a large table near the back. Their laughter echoed through the bar as we made our way over to them.

“Hey!” Kylee shouted as she saw us. “You two took your sweet time.”

“We had something important to discuss,” Dean replied smoothly, causing a round of knowing chuckles to rise from our friends. I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks but shook it off when Dean wrapped an arm around me.

“Ryker!” Jude shouted from behind the bar.

“I better give him a hand,” Dean said, dropping a quick kiss on my lips.

Dean hopped behind the bar to help out with the rush brought on by the recent graduation. The place quickly transformed into a lively party as more and more graduates streamed in. Apparently, my invitation to a few friends had turned into a bit of blowout.

“Sarah, this is incredible!”

I grinned, feeling the energy of the room. “It’s only going to get better!” I climbed up on a chair. “Hey, everyone!”

About half the crowd looked my way.

“We like the Air Force, Air Force can party, Party hardy Party hardy all night long!”

The chant filled the bar. We started another round with Dean and Jude joining in, his voice strong and clear.

I sat down at the table with my friends, surprised with two pitchers Dean delivered. He dropped a kiss on the top of my head. “Congratulations,” he said.

“Thank you.” I grinned.

The jukebox was fired up. Music blasted through the bar. We all talked about our futures in the Air Force and what came next. The stories ranged from those who were eager to build a career, to those who wanted to travel the world, to those who simply needed a steady paycheck. We had been through rigorous training together and earned our wings. We were more than just colleagues now. We were family. I hoped we would see each other again, but it was a big Air Force and an even bigger world.

As the night wore on, the bar grew rowdier. People were dancing, singing along to their favorite songs and challenging each other to rounds of pool. The air was filled with laughter and good spirits. Dean and I took turns disappearing behind the bar to help Jude whenever we could, mixing drinks with fast hands and quicker smiles.

It was past midnight when things started winding down. The bar was starting to empty out as people stumbled home or found corners to pass out in. My core group of friends was still hanging out. But I wasn’t ready to end the party just yet. Dean had been so busy that we didn’t get to spend much time together.

I pulled Dean out onto the dance floor. We swayed without a care in the world, bold and self-assured, just like how I approached everything in life. I was a little buzzed, but he was stone cold sober. His hands on my hips made me feel like I was right where I belonged, even though the rest of my life felt like a blank canvas. I had put in for my top choices, but I knew it was up to the Air Force to decide where I was sent.

Now that I’d graduated from the UPT program, there was no telling where I’d end up. The Air Force could transfer me anywhere. I was ready for whatever adventure awaited on the horizon. I felt unstoppable.

“I need to get a fresh keg,” Dean said, swatting my ass. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Hurry back,” I called out.

I danced with Kylee and a few other friends. I caught Dean leaning against the bar, watching me with a look that made my heart skip a beat. Our eyes locked, and I gave him a devil-may-care grin, remembering what it was like seeing him for the first time when I graduated from the Air Force Academy.

If I had only known back then where that moment would lead us. A year later, another graduation, and here we were once again. Instead of me ogling him from afar, it was the other way around.

I made my way over to him, weaving through the tables and chairs. When I reached him, he pulled me into his arms. I leaned into his embrace. “Having fun?” he asked, his voice a low rumble in my ear.

“The best,” I replied, resting my head on his shoulder. “This is perfect.”

He kissed the top of my head. “I’m so proud of you, Sarah. You’ve come so far.”

I looked up at him, my heart full. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Dean. You’ve been my rock.”

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “We make a pretty good team, don’t we?”

“The best,” I agreed, pulling him down for a kiss.