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“How long have you been flying?” asked Harlow, gripping the leather of the seat. She squeezed so hard her knuckles turned white.
“Honey, let go of the leather before you hurt yourself,” smiled Savannah. “I’ve been flying longer than you’ve been alive. Try to enjoy it. Don’t think about the machine. Think about what you’re seeing. Look at that gorgeous country down there.” Harlow nodded but couldn’t bring herself to look down.
“How long have you known Nate?”
“Since he was born. I was there when he came into this world,” she smiled. “Most of us are related in some way, but even if we’re not blood-related, we’re still family. You’ll see how special Belle Fleur is.”
“Belle Fleur?”
“It’s the land where we all live. My husband, Raphael Robicheaux, and all his siblings and parents own the land. It’s thousands of acres, and his father was kind enough to make it a safe community for all these men.”
“I don’t understand. Are they all in danger?”
“Honey, they were all elite soldiers, sailors, and airmen. They were the men that the government sent in to do their worst. They’ve made enemies around the world, and I’m afraid, even at home. Keeping them protected and out of the spotlight is important. But even with all of that, they started their own security agency and weapons development center. They work diligently to protect those that can’t protect themselves.” Harlow looked toward the back, seeing Nate and the others with their heads together.
“Like me. Nate is protecting me. That’s all he’s doing,” she whispered with a tear in her eyes.
“Oh, honey. He’s not just protecting you. You’re going to have to trust me in this. Whatever Nate told you as it relates to his feelings for you is the truth. I can see it. I can feel it. Because I’ve been a part of that with my husband.”
“But that seems so ridiculous. I mean, he was chasing the man that was trying to rape and beat me, make me his slave. He saved me, and I appreciate that, but how could he possibly have feelings for me in that moment?”
“Let me ask you a question. Did he send you on your way and wave bye-bye?”
“No,” she frowned. “He gave me some money and told me to text a number when I dropped off his car. So, I did, and he texted back and said he wanted to help me.”
“That’s right. He wanted to help you because he cared for you. He could have called any of those men back there or any one of dozens of men back home. But he didn’t. He’s active duty, Harlow. He risked his life to make sure you were safe in that cottage.”
Harlow looked back again, smiling at Nate. He looked up, grinning at her with a wink, and she felt the fluttering in her stomach.
“He kissed me,” she whispered.
“And?”
“And it was the best kiss I’ve ever had in my entire life,” she smiled. “I haven’t had a lot of experience, but I’ve had enough to know how special it was. I know I have feelings for him, but I was worried it was because he saved me.”
“You saved him, too,” smiled Savannah.
“But I’m still being chased, or he is, or we both are. What kind of life could we possibly have?”
“The best kind of life. Trust me in this, Harlow. When you spend time with everyone and everything at Belle Fleur, you’re going to realize what an amazing community of supporters we have and just how special each person is. You can have an amazing life if you’re brave enough to take it.”
“Did you, I mean, were you in the same situation as me?”
“Not exactly, but somewhat. I was a pilot in the Air Force and was being forced out. I was shot down, and Rafe and his friends, family, came to get me. I have loved that man like I never thought possible, Harlow. If you believe you feel the same for Nate, don’t let it go. Love like this only happens once.” She laughed to herself, shaking her head. “Twice if you’re Skull or Miller.”
“I don’t understand,” frowned Harlow.
“You will. Just trust me. Embrace this.”
“It’s just that Nate seems really intense. I mean, he talked about things in the future and was really open about his feelings. I’ve never been around a man like that.” Savannah laughed, shaking her head.
“Oh, sweetie. These men move really fast. I mean, supersonic fast. I’m going to give you some advice that was given to me. The younger wives have some different advice, but this really helped me.
“These men, these men protect so fiercely, so devoutly it’s all-consuming. And they love the same way. All-consuming. It’s remarkable to watch and a blessing to be a part of it. If you want my advice, don’t question anything. Just let yourself feel. These are special men, and if you don’t mind me saying so, it will sound a bit conceited on our part, but it takes special women to be with them. The women you’re going to meet are the most amazing, special women in the world.
“We have teams of engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers, therapists, artists, musicians, scientists, historians…”
“And pilots,” smiled Harlow.
