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The general’s gaze drifted to Jace’s chest now, where a massive array of multi-colored bars were stacked in rows and columns above his shiny Airborne lapel pin. Multiple oak leaf clusters and metal stars were pinned to some of the ribbons, meaning he’d been awarded that particular medal or commendation more than once.
As a Sergeant Major, Jace wasn’t even an officer. Yet he still had more medals, ribbons, and awards pinned over his heart than any other person in the entire officer’s ball.
Anyone except for General Burke, of course.
“So you need him for a few missions of your own, I suppose?” the general quipped.
“A couple, yeah,” I smiled back.
“I’m assuming they’re no less dangerous.”
The man’s soft eyes and kind face made me chuckle. “Depends on how much longer he makes me wait. I’ve loved this man since he threw rocks at me. And now he’s throwing grenades atotherpeople, which of course makes me a little jealous.”
General Burke’s face broke into a broad, white-toothed grin. He let out a long, gruff laugh that sounded far younger than his seventy-five years.
“She’s a keeper, this one,” he told Jace.
“Don’t I know it.”
The old man’s smile eventually faded, his laughter turning into something a bit more serious.
“You’re finally ready to start that family, are you son?”
The general directed the question at Jace this time, not me. He nodded respectfully and squeezed my hand.
“Yes sir. We’ve been putting everything off for a long time now. Even the wedding.” He looked back at me lovingly. “But that one I couldn’t wait on any longer,” Jace said. “I’ve kept this poor woman waiting long enough.”
The general stared at Jace for what seemed like a very long time, studying him up and down. Somewhere in the background the music changed to something slow and melodic and very, very old.
“Well I can’t say I blame you,” the man finally replied. He turned to face me, and his expression softened. “And if we’ve kept him much too long, it’s only because of his value. Rocks and grenades aside, your husband has been of incredible service to his country. Well beyond most.”
I smiled sweetly and nodded.
“You’ll never truly know the full scope of the things he’s done,” the general went on, “but know that I’ve never commanded a man more brave, more loyal, and more unwavering than this one.”
Rising, he patted Jace on the shoulder before dropping his napkin to the table.
“One thing I have to insist upon however,” he smiled, “before you run off to start an all new life?”
The general extended an open palm my way. I took it happily.
“Is that you indulge this old soldier in a dance.”
