Carrie tempered the kiss, and pulled away, she slid off Jackie’s body and stretched out by her side, pillowing her head on her breast.
“That was fantastic, and utterly beautiful.” Jackie stroked Carrie’s hair, while she caught her breath. “I’m sorry I ever doubted this. I love you so much.”
Snuggling closer, Carrie kissed the top of her breast, just over her heart. “I love you, too, sweetheart. I think I’ve always thought about you like this, even during those years we were at school.”
“Can I tell you something?” Jackie pushed herself up on her elbow and rolled over to face Carrie. At her nod she continued. “That’s the first time I’ve ever experienced someone loving me with their mouth. Nobody has ever done that to me, not my first girlfriend, and certainly not Dave. I can’t believe it was so intense, it felt as if you were a part of my very being. I thought I was going to explode with the joy you gave me.”
Pride filled Carrie as she watched Jackie’s face redden. “It was my pleasure, honey, and I’m glad I was your first.” Carrie rose and kissed her on the lips. “I’m hopefully going to be your last.”
Jackie felt a well of emotion build inside her, and could only nod her head. She held Carrie close and kissed her. They needed to get back downstairs, but Jackie wasn’t ready to let Carrie go, her eyes became heavy, and she succumbed to the afterglow. With Carrie in her arms, she wasn’t afraid of the flashbacks or nightmares. Carrie gave her the strength she needed to fight anything that came their way.
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Chapter Nineteen
Everyone gathered in the kitchen the next morning. Carrie and Jackie were in the doghouse, as they had both fallen asleep after making love, and had only woken up when Jess knocked on the door a few hours later.
Carrie couldn’t keep her eyes off Jackie. They were both wearing polo shirts, with the collars adjusted to hide the marks they had made on each other’s necks.
Carrie placed a mug in front of Jackie and kissed her cheek. “What are the plans for today? I need to call my insurance company and get them out to look at the house.”
“Shopping for you, Rich, and Chas. I bet the boys could do with new laptops to help them with their school work.” Jackie turned to look at them.
“I can’t let you do that,” Carrie interjected. “I have some money I can use to replace whatever they need.”
Jackie covered her hand with her own. “Let me help. You can pay me back once the insurance is settled.”
Carrie’s lower lip trembled and she fell into Jackie’s arms, her head resting against her shoulder. “Thank you, and I promise I will.”
The sound of the phone ringing from inside Carrie’s pocket jolted them back to reality.
“Hello…Yes, this is Carrie Spencer.” Her muscles squeezed together as the person spoke. “It’s the police,” she mouthed to Jackie. “Sorry, could you repeat that?” She picked her mug up and took a sip, but choked on the mouthful, spraying it over the table. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Her anger rose to boiling point. “Yeah, I’ll tell her. Please keep me informed.”
Jackie moved to her side and put her arm around her. “What the hell was that about?”
“That was the police telling me that Toni will be up in front of the court first thing on Monday morning to plead. They’re remanding her until then. She’s apparently been advised to plead not guilty, by means of diminished responsibility. The bitch is claiming insanity!”
Jackie shook her head. “What…How…Isn’t there tests that she needs to pass before they can decide that?”
“Yes, and they take months. This won’t be going to trial for a long time. However, at least she is going to be locked up until then.” She flung her arms in the air and stormed off. “Fucking diminished responsibility! What a fucking joke!”
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Chapter Twenty
6 months later
Shuffling her feet, Jackie ran her finger around the hardened, starched collar of her white uniform shirt. In front of her was the State Room in Windsor Castle. Several military portraits hung on the wood panelled wall at the far end of the room. The doorway she was standing in, was also made of wood, yet, it was so large, an elephant could fit through it. The luxury carpet compressed under her feet. She thought it strange that it had cream and blue flower motifs running through it, with gold highlighting their outlines. What the rich do. A noise came from behind, drawing her attention. As she turned, she noticed a long line of people waiting behind her. Most of the men were in morning suits, the full top hat and tails effect, yet, their hats were not allowed to be worn, as they were meeting the Queen. She was sure they would wear them for the pictures afterward. The domed uniform headwear she wore to the ceremony was in Carrie’s care until after the ceremony.
“Deep breaths, darling, remember the breathing techniques you learned at the centre.” Carrie stepped up to her side and brushed her hand over the back of the brown dress uniform jacket.
“How can I relax, when I’m going to be first?” Her breathing was so laboured that she was worried she would hyperventilate. “Apparently, as the recipient of a VC, I outrank everyone, and must go first.”
Carrie brushed an imaginary piece of lint from the other shoulder. “You know how rare it is for the Queen to award this medal. She also had to personally approve it, which should tell you how important this is.”
Jackie’s gaze travelled the length of Carrie’s body while she nodded her head. Carrie was dressed in a midnight-blue dress that fell over one of her shoulders, down the length of her body, finishing at her knees. A fascinator of the same colour was affixed to her hair, and sat at an angle. The contrast between the dark and light colour of her hair fit beautifully.
“You look amazing, love.”
Carrie smiled as she tugged lightly on the Sam Browne belt that ran diagonally across her chest and around her hips. “Thank you, you look beautiful and handsome, all in one. It’s hard to find an apt description, you simply blow me away. I know you were worried about wearing your skirt, and would’ve liked to have worn the brown trousers, but wearing the skirt shows people what you’ve endured, survived, and overcome, all while doing your duty. Be proud and stand tall, sweetheart.”
Locking eyes, Jackie drew strength from Carrie. Everything she’d endured and survived since the start of her career had led to this moment. Rolling her head, her shoulders straightened, and her posture changed. “I’ve got this.” The conviction in her voice rang strong and clear.
“Good, I had better return to General Pearce and the children. We’ll see you straight afterwards, and if you find a moment where you need me, we’re sat right at the front on the left hand side.”
A distinguished gentleman dressed in the royal blue dress uniform of the Navy stepped to their side. “You need to take your seat. Her Majesty is on her way.”
Kissing Jackie’s cheek and squeezing her hand one final time, Carrie quickly scurried away.
“Sorry, my nerves are all over the place today.” Jackie explained looking at the older man.
An encouraging smile spread across his face. “Lieutenant Colonel Holmes, you have nothing to be afraid of. From the dossier I read on you, when the Queen asked for my counsel on your award, you’ve been in worse situations than this.” He walked behind her. “May I adjust your jacket?” Jackie nodded. “You’re a credit to your regiment, and if I were serving at your side, there would be no other person I’d want to have my back.” He pulled the back of her jacket down to straighten it out under the Sam Browne. “So, stand tall and do the Yeomanry proud.”
A soft smile appeared as her thoughts went to the men in her battalion. They were not just her brothers at arms, they were her family.
The Navy officer stepped away as a trumpet fanfare rang through the hall in front of them. The Queen stepped onto the dais at the end of the chamber, raising her a few inches off the floor, the sides and front adorned by gold tassels, and covered in a
red carpet. She was dressed in a sky blue dress, elegantly accompanied by a diamond and sapphire brooch, and short jacket in the same colour as the dress. Her security escort, consisting of two Royal Beefeaters, and two soldiers from the Royal Gurkha Regiment, moved into position behind her.
“Get ready,” the Navy officer whispered as he marched proudly into the room.
Taking a deep breath to centre herself, she kept her eyes straight forward, locking onto a royal portrait of the Duke of Wellington. Let’s make them all proud of me.
Once the horns stopped blowing, the Navy officer spoke, his voice deep and booming. “For showing disregard for her own safety, and for extreme devotion to her duty in the presence of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Jackie Holmes is awarded the Victoria Cross.”
A tap on her shoulder told her it was time to slowly step forward. Her arms straight by her side, she had to fight not to swing them up and down and march to the mark indicated on the floor. Keeping her head up and her eyes straight ahead, she caught a brief glimpse of her family, before sharply turning to her left and halting in front of the Queen. She bowed deeply, holding it for a few seconds before standing upright. Protocol was to curtsey, but Jackie had been given special dispensation. I’d like to see any of these guys trying to curtsey properly while wearing a prosthetic.
As she began to affix the new medal onto Jackie’s bar, the Queen quietly spoke, congratulating her on such an illustrious career, and commiserating on the sacrifice of her leg. The smaller woman before her smiled, and Jackie returned it. Her mouth was dry and her tongue tied into the biggest of all knots.
Thankfully, the Queen nodded once her medal was attached to the front of the bar where her other medals were affixed. They shook hands, before she bowed again, then straightened and took three steps back, turned to the side and walked slowly out of the room.
As soon as she was out of sight, she let her shoulders relax and her posture loosen up. Staring down at the medals, the deep burgundy ribbon stood out against the brown of her uniform. Reverently, she took it in her fingers, surprised at how heavy it was, but then again, it was made from bronze. The cross, with a superimposed lion and crown in the centre, had two simple words below it: ‘For Valour’. A single tear slipped from her right eye as the words sunk in. Unlike so many others, she had survived her injuries, and was able to receive her medal in person; most only had theirs awarded posthumously, and a family member had had to collect it for them.
Be thankful for every day, live and love life, and all the people you hold dearly.
•••
Two hours of standing for photographs and interviews, caused her stump to ache. Even though the prosthetic was made of titanium, it weighed heavy afterwards, and caused her to limp slightly. Being kept away from her family for that time also made her unhappy, the one thing she wanted to do was celebrate with them.
A body landed against her, and Carrie’s Chanel perfume filled her nose, causing her to hug her harder.
“You’re amazing and I love you so much.” Carrie pulled back, bending closer to look at her medal. “Wow, the bronze is so dark, it’s almost black.”
Jackie nodded. Looking up, she saw the children standing to the side with General Pearce. Opening her arms, she invited them to join them. She was soon mobbed by all four of them, who squeezed Carrie out of the way to hug her together.
“We’re so proud of you, Mum,” Ben mumbled into her ear.
“I’m pretty damn amazed at all four of you. I love you all beyond belief, and I always will.” Jackie kissed each of them on the cheek.
Taking Carrie’s hand in her own she led them through a gigantic stone archway and out into the inner courtyard. The large path and driveway was coated with cream gravel, and a lush large area of grass filled the middle and lined the sides near the castle walls.
Stepping out into the bright sunshine, Jackie wrapped her arm around Carrie’s waist and hugged her tightly to her side. “There is only one other thing that could make this day perfect.” She led Carrie out onto the grass. “There is something more important than any of my medals—my family.” Her gaze fell on the four children, as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the small red velvet jewellery box. “If I was able to kneel, I would.”
Carrie’s hand went to her mouth as she stared down at the object in Carrie’s hand. “Oh my God!”
“I love you, Carrie Spencer, with every fibre of my being, heart, body, and soul.” Flipping the lid open, she held it out. “Would you do me the biggest honour in the world and become my wife?”
Carrie rushed into her arms, smothering her face with small kisses. Stepping back, she nodded.
“Louder, the people in the back want to hear,” Ben taunted from where they stood a few feet away.
Jackie’s heart beat erratically in her chest, even though she had seen her nod, she wanted the verbal confirmation as well.
“Yes! Yes, a million times over.” Carrie jumped into Jackie’s arms and kissed her again.
They were suddenly jumped on by their children, and forced to pull apart as they rejoiced as one.
Removing the solitaire ring from the box, she took Carrie’s hand and placed it on her finger, and leaned down to kiss it.
“I love you, so much, Jackie Holmes.” Tears of happiness slipped down Carrie’s cheeks.
Reaching out, Jackie wiped them away with her thumb and gently kissed her lips. The children still huddled around them offered them a protective shield from prying eyes. “I promise to love you and the boys forever, and to always be by your side…Forever and always, my darling.” Forever and always.
The End
Author Bio:
Ronni Meyrick was born in Brighton, England, but now lives in rural Oxfordshire with her wife, Kay. An avid reader from a young age, Ronni could always be found with her head in a book. She loves to cook, and discovering new recipes, and is a coffee addict, forever trying new brands and blends. She also enjoys photography, and can often be found with her camera in hand.
Ronni has a keen interest in the ancient world, studying Greek, Roman and Norse mythology, and Egyptology. (She knows she’s a bit of a geek!) She used to play the trumpet and drums in a youth group, and still enjoys watching marching bands. She loves rugby with a passion, and is an avid Wales supporter.
Ronni’s family play a very important part in her life, and she enjoys holidays back at home with them in Brighton whenever she can.
Ronni Meyrick is her pen name, which she devised to honour her father, who was named Ronald, with the Meyrick part coming from an old family name. Her parents are English and Welsh, and, as any rugby fan knows, that is quite a conflict when the Six Nation’s Rugby Tournament comes around.
The urge to write a book came to Ronni three years ago, while she was caring for her wife. She hasn’t stopped since, and has just finished writing her eighth book.
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Wicked Publishing authors:
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