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“If we ever have another wartime situation while I’m enlisted, there’s no telling where I’ll be, so it’s really important to me that you understand and know what you’re getting into. I have a duty to serve my country, and I take that seriously, but if it ever gets too much for you, promise to talk to me. I can’t lose you. There’s nothing I can do short term, but long term—”
“Shut it!” I lift one of our linked hands to his lips and pinch. “I’ve been in love with you since I was twelve years old. You want to know why I never dated anyone seriously in high school or college? Because I compared everyone to you. No one stood a chance.
“Yeah, we have the loser list. It was my way of trying to move on. But what no one knows, not even Quinn, is that I’ve researched, studied, and memorized the life of a navy wife. Even when I thought I couldn’t have you. Let’s not forget, I’ll miss your birthday, too, while you’re away. When you’re deployed, it’s going to be lonely, it’s going to be hell, and I’ll probably cry a lot. BUT I’LL STILL HAVE YOU!”
I take in a deep breath, and his hands tighten. Then I exhale, ready to say more, but he sits up quickly, wrapping my arms around my back and burying his face directly over my heart.
“Now who’s the one saying mushy things?” he mutters then waits a second before speaking again. “Promise me, if it ever gets scary or too much, you talk to me. We’ll work through it.”
I nod and whisper, “Promise.”
Quinn: Warn Bryce now. He’s going home. I need you for a few hours alone! By the way- waiting in arrivals.
I bite my lip and glance sideways after reading Quinn’s text. Bryce reaches for my hand, reads the message, and blows out breath.
We pick up our luggage and walk out to see Quinn in the ‘no parking’ lane, talking to a police officer. When we get closer, I recognize him as Trevor, an old friend of Nate and Bryce’s from high school.
As soon as he sees Bryce, his smile goes wide, and he eagerly reaches to shake hands, slapping Bryce on the back. They talk for a few minutes before Trevor notices me, and his eyes grow wide in recognition.
“Devon Harris?” he asks.
I nod and grin.
“Jesus, look at you. When did you grow up? Last time I saw you was the graduation party your parents threw for the seniors. What was that—four years ago?” His gaze rakes up and down my body, and Bryce goes still beside me.
“Something like that. How are you, Trevor?”
“Great. I’ve been a cop in Nashville for almost a year. Much different situation on this side of the law.” He turns to Bryce, his face lit with humor. “Randolph, man, remember that time we were picked up partying behind that old farmhouse senior year? You were hooked up with Missy Higgins then, right?
I can’t stop the squeak that falls out of my mouth. It’s stupid, but at the mere mention of Bryce with another girl, a knot pits in my stomach.
The air around us stills as Bryce’s back grows straighter. Trevor notices immediately and looks between us.
“Did I say something wrong?”
Bryce immediately clasps my hand and kisses my ring finger, making a statement. Trevor’s eyes dart between my face and Bryce’s lips.
“Devon’s my fiancée. Not sure we need to rehash high school, especially shit that never happened. Someone may have been with Missy, but it sure wasn’t me.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? You’re marrying Nate’s little sister?”
His stunned voice comes out in a high tone, and Quinn tries to hold back but fails. Her small giggle turns into a loud laugh until she starts snorting. She drops her head, so her hair covers her face, but her shoulders continue to jiggle.
One look at Bryce, and his expression transforms from annoyed to pleased. His lips twitch slightly until he speaks. “Yeah, you could
put it that way. Technically, she’s Nate’s younger sister, but I prefer to refer to her as mine.”
Trevor looks among all of us with a confused expression. “Wow.”
“Why is that so hard to believe?” Bryce asks.
Trevor’s eyes dart to me then lower to the ground. He shuffles his feet before answering. “Don’t mean to be a dick, but I heard you had a kid and fiancée in Knoxville.”
All amusement ends. Bryce swallows hard and looks at me before speaking. “You heard wrong.” He doesn’t elaborate further but loads our bags in the trunk.
“Sorry, man, didn’t mean to—”
“No worries. Now you know.” He holds his hand out for Quinn to give him the keys and then opens the front and back door for us to get in.
