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We all had.
She squeezed my hand as the minister led us into prayer, and the ache in my heart started to fade, if only for a little while.
And minutes later, as the casket was lowered into the ground, we all saluted in unison, the six of us still proud to have served such a great country.
Proud to be a Marine.
We remained in position, never moving as the flag covering his casket was ceremoniously folded, finally presented to Justin’s mother.
The sounds of the six-gun salute almost broke me, but I stood firm, respectful to the end.
But there were tears in my eyes.
Tears of anger and of relief.
Tears of joy.
I’d been given a second chance when so many others hadn’t. How dare I try to fuck it up.
How dare I…
Semper fi.
* * *
“Where are we going?” Chasity asked quietly, her fingers entwined in mine as Apollo nuzzled against her from the backseat.
“There’s one more thing I wanted to do before I can put the past behind me.”
Two days had passed since the funeral, not nearly enough time to heal, but enough to know that I was ready to move on.
“Then I’m right here.”
Her lilting voice sent a shower of emotions through me. “I love you, Chasity. God knows I’m not perfect, but I will be the best man I can be for you.”
As she leaned her head on my shoulder, I tried to take a deep breath. “You already are. You’re kind and honest, loving and fiercely protective.”
“Uh-huh. What else?”
“You’re arrogant and pigheaded, determined and gruff, but I’ve grown fond of both sides.”
I had to laugh. “We shall see with time.”
“Does that mean you want me around for the long haul?” she teased.
As I glanced in her direction, once again I loved the playful side to her. “Baby. If you ever try and get away from me, you won’t like what happens.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Trust me, sweetheart. Just trust me.”
“I do. With my life.”
As her subdued tone returned, I slowed down, making a final turn onto the gravel entrance. My heart was heavy, but it was something I needed to do, maybe to release some of the last demons I held deep inside.
I’d done enough soul searching to realize that I couldn’t bring Belle back, but I would absorb some of her free spirit. I pulled into a parking space, taking a deep breath before cutting the engine. “I’ve decided to work on the sanctuary with Phoenix and Wren. Maybe we can make it something special. Maybe I’ll even paint a few things for the various rooms. Who knows.”
“I think that’s wonderful.”
