by Ally James
Sara shook her head. “No, of course not. We’ve both made references to doing stuff together in the future, but that’s it.”
Appearing perplexed, Chloe asked, “But didn’t you say that you two were closer than ever?”
Propping her face in her hands, Sara nodded. “Yeah, we are. I know it’s weird, but he’s like my boyfriend. Actually, he’s the best one I’ve ever had. I know, I know, that’s sad considering we haven’t so much as held hands. But he’s so attentive, thoughtful, and he even worries about me. I’m not used to that. The last time I had the flu, all my family could harp on was how it would affect them. Yet when I had a cold last month, he reminded me to take my medicine and asked how I was feeling every single time we talked. He even urged me to see a doctor—heck, he even threatened to make the appointment for me if I wasn’t better in a few days.”
“He sounds too good to be true,” Chloe said lightly, but she heard the note of uncertainty in her voice.
“Don’t you think I’ve told myself the same thing a million times? I keep waiting for my rose-colored glasses to fog up, but that hasn’t happened. Don’t get me wrong, he’s human and has days that he’s a little moody. But I’d be worried if he didn’t. He’ll even warn me when he’s had a rough one and is not feeling that social. He doesn’t try to make me believe that he’s perfect, but he also never takes it out on me.”
“Well, there’s no sense in sitting around waiting for him to bring it up. Why don’t you come out and ask him to visit you? This isn’t the dark ages where the little woman waits on the man to handle everything.” She pointed to where Sara’s phone was sitting on the table. “Go ahead and text him now while I’m here for moral support. You need to know where you stand anyway. I don’t want to sound negative, but I find it a little concerning that he hasn’t already tried to make plans. I question whether he might already have someone at home waiting for him.”
“That’s not it at all,” Sara said firmly.
Chloe gave her a look full of sympathy. “Sweetie, you may be too close to the situation to be objective. To a lot of people, this whole situation would sound a tad suspicious. I mean, I could be wrong and he might be one of those people who does everything at the last minute.” Then she lowered her voice and murmured, “Or there may be a Mrs. Gabe.”
“You’re wrong,” Sara argued, wishing Chloe wasn’t so forthright. Or you could have kept your big mouth shut.
Despite her denials, Chloe was like a dog with a bone. She simply would not let go of her suspicion about Gabe. Which made Sara feel like crap, since she could quite easily put the whole thing to rest. But in order to prove his innocence, she’d have to admit her guilt, which she hadn’t counted on. Yet even though her cousin wasn’t likely to ever meet Gabe, Sara still didn’t want her to have a bad opinion of him. She tried once more to change the subject to no avail. Finally, after Chloe mentioned Gabe possibly lying not only about his marital status but about his location as well, she found herself blurting out in exasperation, “For God’s sake, he thinks I’m coming to Alaska at the end of the month. Chloe, he bought me a plane ticket weeks ago.”
Chloe was temporarily at a loss for words. That certainly shut her up. “But why did you say you hadn’t made plans if you have?”
Sara stared at her cousin, surprised by what she considered a dumb question. “You, of all people, have to understand I can’t go. Kaylee started first grade a few months ago and she’s having a tough time adjusting. Plus, Mom is just beginning to get around better after spraining her ankle.”
Chloe settled back on her seat before crossing her arms over her chest. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t you have a brother and a sister-in-law? Not to mention the fact that your mother could easily take care of herself. You’re a member of the family, Sara, not their servant.”
“You just don’t understand,” she said defensively. “You’re an only child and both of your parents are still alive. You’re free to do whatever you want to, but not all of us are that lucky.”
“What a cop-out.” Chloe laughed. “You’ve done nothing but talk about this amazing man that fate practically tossed at your feet. Yet now that he’s not going to be thousands of miles away in another freaking country, you’re terrified. I thought you cared about him. But it sounds as if you’ve just been playing games.”
Sara felt the blood drain out of her face as each of Chloe’s accusations hit her like arrows to the heart. “I—no, that’s not it. I do like him—more than that, in fact. I’m absolutely crazy for him. But I didn’t want to lose him—so I said I’d go visit him when he got home. It . . . seemed so far away then. I thought there was a good chance we either wouldn’t still be talking, or I’d be able to find a way to put it off for a while—until later. But—”
“Later is now,” Chloe finished for her. Her cousin ran a hand through her hair, releasing a long sigh. “Sara, what are you going to do? It’s not the money so much as the expectations you’ve given this man. He’s sure enough of his feelings to not only invite you to visit but to pay for it as well. I don’t know exactly what your conversations consist of, but I don’t think they’re just a lot of dirty talk. Although I hope you’ve tossed some of that in,” she joked before looking serious once more. “I know you call each other endearments, you’ve admitted that. Not many men would do that unless they were invested in more ways than a simple flirtation.”
“I think we passed that a while back,” Sara whispered as she stared down at her drink. “I’m scared, Chloe, because it all seems to be happening so fast now. My family doesn’t even know he exists. I mean, they are aware that I talk to someone a lot, but considering I haven’t been on a date, they’re not overly curious about him. Can you imagine what their reactions would be if I suddenly announced I was going to Alaska to see a soldier that I’ve never met before?”
“You’re a grown woman, Sara, you don’t need their permission,” Chloe pointed out. “I agree that you should have leveled with them a while ago. Then after the shock wore off, you could have all made arrangements for everything to be covered while you were gone. Instead, you have, what, two weeks before you’re due to leave?”
“Pretty much,” she mumbled. “And he’s so calm about the whole thing. As if it’s never entered his mind that I might not come.”
“Sara,” Chloe said firmly, then waited until she made eye contact. “You either have to tell him or your family. This is only going to get worse if you wait. If you care about him and want to keep him in your life, then level with him.”
“But I’ll lose him.” Sara uttered the words that terrified her the most.
“Maybe.” Chloe nodded once, not bothering to sugarcoat it. “But it’s your only hope. With every day that passes, you’re digging a bigger hole. Put on your big-girl panties and do some damage control before it’s too late.”
Chapter Twelve
A crowded airport had never felt so good, Gabe thought as he looked around Charlotte Douglas International. He’d been flying for the better part of two days now. Actually, three if you considered all the time changes. This last leg had taken him from New York to his destination in North Carolina. Despite all the risks he’d taken in the line of duty, the one he was embarking on now somehow struck him as the biggest. I shouldn’t have listened to Jason. Yet the other man had made sense. How could he expect a woman he’d never met to travel to Alaska to visit him? The scenario was probably described in every article out there as what not to do. When he’d mentioned their plans to his friend, he immediately pointed out how risky that must sound to Sara’s family and friends. Then he asked if he’d be comfortable with his own daughter taking a trip to meet a stranger if he had kids. Hell no, had been his immediate response. So he managed to alter his plans to part ways with his group in New York. Jason would be on hand to ensure that everything went smoothly on the last legs of their flight. Normally he’d be expected to be on hand for the w
hole welcome home celebration, but his boss had been willing to accommodate his request.
With Sara’s trip to Alaska fast approaching, this was really the only way he could come to her first. He even managed to book a seat home on her flight, so they’d be traveling together. He debated letting her know he was coming, but he knew how nervous she’d get. She still insisted on having a few minutes’ notice before they FaceTimed so she could “look presentable.” She joked about scaring him away with her messy hair and lack of makeup. But to him, she didn’t need any of that. She had a natural beauty that the cosmetic companies made a fortune trying to sell women. He told her that very thing, but she’d brushed his compliment aside, saying something about looking as pale as Casper the Friendly Ghost. She wasn’t comfortable with praise; he’d noticed that pretty early on. He thought it pleased her, but more often than not, she made a joke at her own expense. It was a strangely endearing show of insecurity. Most of the women he’d been out with were the opposite. Confidence could be attractive, but when it bordered on conceit . . . not so much. She might insist on brushing her hair and touching up her makeup, but he was really glad she didn’t show up for their video dates wearing a damned prom dress. When the weather was cooler, she usually had on either jeans or gym clothes, and if it was warmer, it was the sundresses. Those were his personal favorite because they showcased her feminine curves.
Gabe stopped by the restroom before slowly making his way to the baggage claim. He’d learned years ago not to be in a rush to collect his luggage. It was better to arrive later and miss everyone tackling each other over a generic black suitcase. He’d shipped most of his things from Iraq to his neighbor’s house. It was much easier traveling with just a carry-on. Although in this instance, that hadn’t worked out, since the overhead compartments had been full. It was a pain in the ass, but he hadn’t argued. He was too distracted by the woman he’d soon be surprising in person. Luckily, he had her address, since he’d insisted on buying her plane ticket. She’d argued and said she would pay him back, but he wouldn’t take her money. After all, she was flying over three thousand miles to visit.
He’d have to go to the base for some post-deployment protocol, but he’d have several weeks before he returned to his regular schedule. He often wondered if that was necessarily a good thing. The military felt like it was the least they could do after separating you from your loved ones for long months. Yet reintegration was always a challenge, and from personal experience, he found it went better the sooner he got back on his normal routine. Otherwise, he had too much time to dwell on everything he’d experienced while he was gone. He could see a few weeks to take care of all the shit that had piled up while you were away. But post-deployment leaves could easily run for a month. Most of the soldiers he knew were going stir-crazy before it was over.
Gabe easily snagged his green duffle bag and looked around until he spotted the sign for the car rentals. He’d reserved one with a GPS, since he wasn’t about to attempt to find his way around without one. He figured he’d pick up his car then go see her. He’d slept a good portion of the trip, so he wasn’t too tired. Plus, he couldn’t imagine being this close to Sara and waiting another day to see her. He only hoped that showing up unannounced wouldn’t scare the hell out of her. In his mind, after her initial shock wore off, she’d be thrilled by the visit. Every stalker probably thinks the same thing.
He would have never guessed in a million years that he’d begin his deployment single and end it damn near head over heels for a woman he’d never laid eyes on in person. He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms. To smell her skin and hear her laughter. Even though they video chatted often, it still wasn’t the same as being in the same room together. Several months back, she started mailing him a card every week. And in one of those, she sprayed her perfume. He must have sniffed that damned thing a dozen times a day. It seemed to fit her so well. It was light and sweet, with a hint of something sexy. In a word, intoxicating. Like a sap, he’d kept every letter she’d ever sent. He’d read through them all again during his flight. Now they were safely put away in a large manila envelope.
Sara had turned what were usually endlessly long months into some of the best moments he’d ever experienced. He was almost sad when his time was over because he’d gotten so used to their routine. But he was also excited about starting what he hoped was a new chapter with her. It wouldn’t be easy, he knew that. They were strangers that knew each other better than a lot of married couples. Since there hadn’t been the complication of sex thrown into the mix, they’d actually communicated with words instead of jumping into bed, then finding out how the other liked their coffee. Hell, he didn’t think he’d ever been this well acquainted with anyone he’d dated in the past. Might explain why he was still single. For a man as level-headed and cautious as he’d always been, this was a huge leap of faith. She might not know it, but the fact that he was here spoke volumes about his feelings for her.
He opened the door to his midsized SUV and tossed his bag into the passenger seat. In less than an hour he’d be with her. He only hoped it was the dawn of a new beginning and not his first true heartbreak. He’d never been so nervous over meeting a woman before.
* * *
• • •
Sara was tired and irritated. It had been one of those weeks. Kaylee had been unusually uncooperative, and her mother, who was staying with them until her broken furnace was repaired, hadn’t been much better. Which unfortunately coincided with the start of Nicole and Chris’s vacation. They were leaving for Mexico with some friends tomorrow afternoon, but until then, they were all home and annoying the hell out of her. She’d been beyond grateful when Nicole had announced she was going shopping. Her sister-in-law had probably planned to enjoy a few hours of alone time, but her mother had jumped at the chance to go to the mall. She hadn’t missed the beseeching look Nicole had thrown Chris, and even though he acted dumb, she was sure he’d picked up on the hidden plea to accompany them. It had gotten even more amusing when their mother attempted to talk Kaylee into going as well. Sara was certain Nicole couldn’t imagine a worse hell than shopping with her mother-in-law and five-year-old daughter. But Kaylee had taken a page from her father’s book and said no.
When the door shut behind the two of them, Chris released a loud sigh. “I’ll pay for that later, but it’s worth it for some peace. I swear, Nicole and Mom are driving me crazy. They’re worse than a bunch of kids hyped up on sugar.”
Kaylee walked over and wrapped her arms around Sara’s leg and made a sound similar to her father’s. It seemed they were all relieved to have some quiet time. “I’ve got nothing.” Sara shrugged. “I’d love to say I’m enjoying all this togetherness, but—not so much. Is it just me, or is Mom extra annoying today? I literally cannot get away from her. I resorted to staying in the bathroom because she was trying to organize Kaylee’s toys by size, color, and condition. This was after she arranged the contents of the kitchen cabinets. I don’t know about you, but I’ll certainly sleep better tonight with everything in alphabetical order.”
“She’s trying her best to get into my office and ‘improve my flow.’ Not sure what that would entail, and I don’t intend to find out.” Chris shuddered. “For someone who has been limping around for weeks, she’s certainly spry. She didn’t even think twice about the shopping trip.”
They were still standing in the foyer joking around when the doorbell chimed. All three of them jumped guiltily. “It’s not them. They would have used their key,” Sara whispered.
Chris stepped forward, looking through the peephole. “It’s some guy. First time I can recall being happy to see a salesman.”
“Buy whatever he’s hocking,” Sara smirked as she turned to walk away.
“Um—hello. I’m here to see Sara. Is she available?” Sara froze in place. That voice. No . . . it couldn’t be. He’s on his way home.
Chris was looking over his shoulder, obvious
ly puzzled by the stranger asking for her. She shook her head, trying to communicate her panic to him without putting it into words. It’s not him. There is no way . . . “Could I get your name?” Chris asked, clearly having no clue as to what to do. Men didn’t show up at their door out of the blue asking for her.
Kaylee had gone oddly silent, as if sensing her distress. “Sure, should have led with that. I’m Gabe Randall. Sara isn’t exactly expecting me. I hoped to surprise her.” Can’t breathe, can’t breathe. She was very much afraid she was going to pass out. He’s here—Gabe. My Gabe. Why? How? Oh my God. “You must be Sara’s brother. I’ve heard a lot about you. I thought it might put your mind at ease if you all met me before the trip.”
Even though Gabe couldn’t see her, Chris was openly staring at her now. She had no idea what he’d picked up on there, but what he did next was clearly meant to protect her. “No, I’m her husband. Exactly how do you know my wife?”
“Chris,” she whispered in horror, shaking her head frantically. “No, dear God, don’t tell him that.” Sara moved out of the shadows and shoved past her brother until she was face-to-face with the man who had been the center of her world for the past seven months. For a moment, she could only stare. He was even handsomer in person. Tall, dark, and fit, with eyes that were even more piercing in person. Only instead of the affection she’d gotten used to seeing in them, they were now filled with confusion, anger, and, worst of all, hurt. So much hurt. Oh God. Why is Chris doing this? I can’t believe he’s here. “Gabe.” She choked out his name as she extended a hand toward him.
Yet he simply stood there, with his arms crossed over his chest. “Are you here to talk to my mommy?” Kaylee asked as she moved to Sara’s side. Kaylee, not you too. Sara closed her eyes briefly, knowing the little girl assumed Gabe was someone for Nicole. It wasn’t unusual for clerks from the station to stop by to drop off and pick up mail for Nicole. But her question sounded even more damning in light of Chris’s absurd claim. And Gabe’s now ashen face told her that he thought the worst. This entire fiasco was fast spinning out of control. Considering the damage that her family had already inflicted, she couldn’t risk trying to reason with him in front of them. So she put a hand on his shoulder and nudged him back a few inches so she could step outside and shut the door behind her.
