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I had no idea what in the world they were talking about, but I knew the deal I’d made with Jace. I’d come to the officer’s ball, all primped up and hanging off his very nice arm, and for the rest of the trip I’d be free. I could spend the next week or more hopping puddle-jumpers or taking boats to other islands. I could explore Kauai, Lanai, Maui… literally wherever the wind took me.
“I promise I’ll be ready for tomorrow,” I conceded finally, looking back at Jace. “Anything I should know about being your wife?”
The last word put a smile on his face. A good one, at that.
“Only that it’s been hard, being away from each other all this time.” His eyes narrowed pointedly. “My CO could barely believe it when I first told him I was married. But when I told him it was to my childhood sweetheart, I could see him soften up a little.”
“That’s how he did it too,” I guessed.
Jace nodded. “His wife’s name is Meredith. They’ve been married for more than fifty years.”
“Damn.”
“My reaction exactly,” Jace replied. “But that’s what I mean when I tell you the guy is old school. He’s all about adherence to tradition. Loyalty and respect.”
“He’s also expecting you to charm the pants off him,” added Aurelius with a chuckle. He nodded toward Jace. “This guy has talked you up so much, you’ll practically need to be Superwoman.”
Jace glanced back at his friends and frowned. “Don’t listen to either of them,” he said dismissively. “Just follow my lead and everything will be fine.”
The music changed, and a new song came on. Bells and horns preceded Perry Como telling us it was Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas.
“You mentioned you wanted something from your CO,” I said. “Something specific.”
“Yes. That’s the whole point of the night.”
“Mind letting me in on what it is?” I smirked. “As your wife, I feel like I have the right to—”
“I wantout.”
My brow furrowed. “Out?”
“Yes,” Merrick took over. “We’re all getting out, actually. My contract is up in a few months, and I’m not renewing it. And Aurelius already has his own exit plan.”
Aurelius nodded in agreement. “Everything you see here is temporary,” he said, looking around. “But the place we’re already building together, up in the mountains outside of Denver?” His face lit up with new satisfaction. “Nowthat’spermanent.”
“You’re all moving to Colorado?”
My question was met by more nodding and crossing of arms. I could see there was still a lot I didn’t know.
“We’ve got plans together,” Jace said. “A new partnership. The three of us have already done more than most, when it comes to our service. We’ve put in our time. We’re looking to start something new.”
“Somethingours,” Merrick agreed. “Something—”
Three quick knocks turned our attention in the direction of the door. Aurelius made his way over and peered through the peephole.
“Shit. It’sthem.”
I blinked, even as the other two groaned. “Who?”
“The neighbors.”
I still didn’t get it. “Zach and Annie?” I said, adding a chuckle. “What’s wrong with that? They’re harmless.”
“Yeah, right.”
“No, seriously,” I said. “Why wouldn’t you—”
“There are still a handful of people on the base that aren’t buying the idea of me being married,” Jace said quickly. “We’re pretty sure our neighbors are among them.”
