He touched her face, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Why wouldn’t it? My God, woman, there isn’t anyone more deserving of being loved than you. I want to be the one loving you like this every day for the rest of my life. I want you to marry me, Leisl Craig. Be my bride,” he said, but the question was in his eyes.
“Oh, Jason.” She kissed him. “Are we crazy? We haven’t known each other that long.”
“So what? When you know, you know. Baby, I know. You’re the one. You’re my girl. Please say yes. I’m an injured man. Have pity,” he smiled.
She laughed, and then, leaning down, kissed his face all over before landing once again on his lips. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, Jason.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist, burying his nose in her neck. “Thank God. You’ve made me the happiest man alive, babe.”
“We need to tell your parents,” she said.
“Tomorrow. We’ll tell them tomorrow. Right now, I just need twenty minutes and then I’m going to let you have your way with me again.”
Three days passed in bliss. Doc and Leisl made the announcement to his parents with his sister, brother, sister-in-law, and the rest of the Gordon clan present. His best friend Jeff welcomed Leisl to the family adding, “Congratulations. About time old Charlie Brown found his little redhaired gal.”
Tess Gordon’s restaurant catered the house party and Leisl met everyone. They ate, laughed, danced. It was exactly how she thought families should be and now, they would be her family as well. Her heart was full near bursting and she wasn’t sure she had any more room left.
A van pulled in to the driveway and two men in uniform got out.
Leisl tugged Doc’s sleeve. “Jason,” she pointed.
He patted her hand, getting up.
Dread filled her gut and Leisl watched as the men approached, saluting him. They spoke quietly. Jason reached into his pocket and handed something over to the first soldier. That one turned, going back to the van, sliding the door open, and crawling inside.
Leisl went to Jason. “What is it? Do you have to go again?”
Doc pulled her into his arms, kissing the worry line between her eyes. “No. They’re just dropping off a little present for you.”
She relaxed in his arms and smiled. “A present? What could you possibly get me that I don’t already have? I’m marrying the love of my life.”
He grinned. “Well, I’m glad to hear you say that, but I happen to know I’m not actually your first love.”
“What do you mean?”
A bark interrupted them. Leisl’s head whipped around and her heart pounded. Another bark came from the crate being set down on the ground. The soldier hopped out of the van and opened the kennel door. A hesitant white paw stepped out followed by three more. The beige dog with big brown eyes looked around. When he saw Leisl, he ran at full speed straight into her arms.
“Pooch! Oh my gosh, Pooch!” Leisl dropped to the ground, trying to hug the dog who jumped all over her licking her face, barking and whining with joy.
Jason swiped at a tear and laughed. The dog stopped kissing Leisl and turned his attention to Doc, licking his hand and jumping up on him excitedly before returning to her.
“My baby,” she said, accepting slobbery dog kisses through tears of joy. “I’ve missed you so much. Hey, what’s this? You’re wearing a bowtie?” She looked at the bowtie noticing a small box attached. “What’s this?”
“Looks like he brought you something,” said Doc.
“Jason, what have you done?” Leisl worked to remove the box from the string hanging off Pooch’s tie. “Aw, Pooch, you look so handsome. What has Jason wrangled you into?”
Doc dropped to his knees. “Here, let me help,” he said, yanking the box free from the string. The dog licked his hand. He turned to Leisl. “Everything has been perfect these past few days, but there were a few things missing. Like this guy,” he said, scratching the dog’s ears, and this,” he said, handing her the box.
Leisl eyed the blue box placed gently in her hand, then opened it. Inside, on a bed of blue velvet, was an engagement ring. Platinum with a pear-shaped diamond. It was both striking and simple, exactly the kind of ring she would’ve picked out herself. “Oh, Jason, it’s so pretty.”
“I know I already asked, and just to remind you, you already said yes so no backing out now, but I wanted to make it official.” He pulled the ring out of the box and took her hand, working around the arm sling. “Leisl, in front of all my family, friends, and Pooch, will you please, please, marry me, making me the happiest, luckiest man in the world?”
“You’re too much, Jason. Yes. Yes. Yes!”
Doc slid the ring on her finger and kissed her thoroughly to a round of applause. Breathless, they pulled apart only to be licked by Pooch.
“I think he approves,” she said.
“Thank goodness. Since he’s your family, I figured I needed his blessing. Plus, I hated that you had to leave him behind. I know it broke your heart so Dad helped, and my buddy, Tex. He’s been in quarantine the last few days, but he’s all clear now.”
Leisl hugged and kissed her man. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened in my life, Jason Gordon.”
He cupped her face, staring into her eyes. “And you’re the best thing that’s happened in mine. I love you, baby. So, so much.”
“I love you too. You’re my family now.”
Pooch barked, happy, and sat at their feet.
Around them, Doc’s family lifted their glasses in salute. “To the happy couple!”
From the Author
Thanks for choosing Loving Leisl, book two in my Green Beret series set inside Susan Stoker’s Special Forces: Operation Alpha world. If you haven’t already, go grab the first book, Rescuing Emma, on KindleUnlimited, and stay tuned for the third book coming Fall 2019, Freeing Fatima.
Want to find out what happens to Eastwood? Then you’ll want to read Secondhand Soldier, book one in my spinoff series, The Men of PATCH-COM. This series will be jam-packed with thrilling action, adventure, hot commandos, and both sweet and sexy romance. Due out also in Fall 2019, you can keep up with me by following me on Amazon, Bookbub, or signing up for my newsletter. Oh, and come follow me on Facebook too. Thanks again for adding me to your library. Don’t forget to leave a review of Loving Leisl and let me know what you thought of Doc and his red haired girl.
Psst, and if you’re a fan of steamy crime, check out my novel series, the Checkpoint, Berlin Detective Series available wide where books are sold.
Books by Bestselling Author Michele E. Gwynn
Special Forces: Operation Alpha Novellas
Rescuing Emma
Loving Leisl
COMING FALL 2019 Freeing Fatima
Checkpoint Novels
Exposed: The Education of Sarah Brown (novel)
The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss (novel)
The Redemption of Joseph Heinz (novel)
The Making of Herman Faust - A Checkpoint Prequel Novella
The Men of PATCH-COM
COMING FALL 2019 Secondhand Soldier
The Harvest Trilogy
Harvest
Hybrids
Census
Angelic Hosts Series
Camael’s Gift
Camael’s Battle
Sophie’s Wish
Coming October 2019, A Legacy Born
Stand Alones
Darkest Communion (Paranormal Romance)
Waiting a Lifetime (Contemporary Romance, Mystical)
Accidentally, On Purpose (Contemporary Romance)
Fractured: 3 Disturbing Tales (Paranormal/Horror)
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From the world of New York Times Bestselling Author Barry Eisler comes a fan fiction novella, John Rain: A Cell in San Antonio by Bestselling Author Michele E. Gwynn
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John Rain has 24 hours to repay a favor...the only way he knows how!
On the run from the Yakuza, Rain reluctantly takes a detour to the Alamo City to take out the son of the leader of an up and coming Mexican drug cartel. The Hands of Death have invaded yakuza territory, and their product is making a killing and endangering the unspoken understanding and often criminal alliance between the yakuza and Japanese government officials.
Juan Narvaez Morales, Jr. is in federal custody. The FBI seek to flip him as an asset but have only 72 hours in which to do so. On his last day in custody, Rain must successfully infiltrate the jail and terminate his target, all within 24 hours, and still make it out alive and undiscovered. This is a fast-paced thriller that will leave you on edge, and as always, cheering for John Rain.
COMING FALL 2019
Freeing Fatima, Green Beret Series Book III, a Special Forces: Operation Alpha Novella
&
Find out what happens to Eastwood in my new series, The Men of PATCH-COM—Book I, Secondhand Soldier, a romantic, military action-adventure series. Wounded, broken, but unwilling to lie down and give up the fight!
Keep up with my New Releases by following me on:
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There are many more books in this fan fiction world than listed here, for an up-to-date list go to www.AcesPress.com
You can also visit our Amazon page at:
http://www.amazon.com/author/operationalpha
Special Forces: Operation Alpha World
Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold
Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey
Shauna Allen: Defending Danielle
Shauna Allen: Rescuing Rebekah
Shauna Allen: Saving Scarlett
Shauna Allen: Saving Grace
Brynne Asher: Blackburn
Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine
Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei
Julia Bright: Rescuing Amy
Victoria Bright: Surviving Savage
Victoria Bright: Going Ghost
Victoria Bright: Jostling Joker
Cara Carnes: Protecting Mari
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Barbie
Kendra Mei Chailyn : Pitbull
Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth
Melissa Kay Clarke: Safeguarding Miley
Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven
Samantha A. Cole: Cheating the Devil
Sue Coletta: Hacked
Melissa Combs: Gallant
KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina
Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah
Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery
Jordan Dane: Fiona’s Salvation
Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia
Riley Edwards: Redeeming Violet
Riley Edwards, Recovering Ivy
Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Erin
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Suzie
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Brielle
Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska
Casey Hagen: Shielding Harlow
Casey Hagen: Shielding Josie
Casey Hagen: Shielding Blair
Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie
Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Savannah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Stephanie
Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Fighting for Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Defending Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Summer Breeze
Silver James: Rescue Moon
Silver James: SEAL Moon
Silver James: Assassin’s Moon
Silver James: Under the Assassin’s Moon
Becca Jameson: Saving Sofia
Kate Kinsley: Protecting Ava
Heather Long: Securing Arizona
Heather Long: Guarding Gertrude
Heather Long: Protecting Pilar
Heather Long: Covering Coco
Gennita Low: No Protection
Kirsten Lynn: Joining Forces for Jesse
Margaret Madigan: Bang for the Buck
Margaret Madigan: Buck the System
Margaret Madigan: Jungle Buck
Margaret Madigan: December Chill
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Baby
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Bride
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Twin
KD Michaels: Saving Laura
KD Michaels: Protecting Shane
KD Michaels: Avenging Angels
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound 2
Wren Michaels: Shadow of Doubt
Wren Michaels: Shift of Fate
Wren Michaels: Steeling His Heart
Kat Mizera: Protecting Bobbi
Mary B Moore: Force Protection
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Butterfly
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Goddess
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Vixen
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Heartbeat
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Beauty
MJ Nightingale: Betting on Benny
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Secrets
Sarah O’Rourke: Saving Liberty
Debra Parmley: Protecting Pippa
Lainey Reese: Protecting New York
Jenika Snow: Protecting Lily
Jen Talty: Burning Desire
Jen Talty: Burning Kiss
Jen Talty: Burning Skies
Jen Talty: Burning Lies
Jen Talty: Burning Heart
Megan Vernon: Protecting Us
Megan Vernon: Protecting Earth
Fire and Police: Operation Alpha World
Freya Barker: Burning for Autumn
KaLyn Cooper: Justice for Gwen
Aspen Drake: Sheltering Emma
Barb Han: Kace
Reina Torres: Justice for Sloane
Stacey Wilk: Stage Fright
As you know, this book included at least one character from Susan Stoker’s books. To check out more, see below.
SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series
Securing Caite
Securing Brenae (novella) (April 2019)
Securing Sidney (May 2019)
Securing Piper (Sept 2019)
Securing Zoey (TBA)
Securing Avery (TBA)
Securing Kalee (TBA)
Delta Force Heroes Series
Rescuing Rayne (FREE!)
Rescuing Aimee (novella)
Rescuing Emily
Rescuing Harley
Marrying Emily
Rescuing Kassie
Rescuing Bryn
Rescuing Casey
Rescuing Sadie
Rescuing Wendy
Rescuing Mary
Rescuing Macie (April 2019)
Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series
Justice for Mackenzie (FREE!)
Justice for Mickie
Justice for Corrie
Justice for Laine (novella)
Shelter for Elizabeth
Justice for Boone
Shelter for Adeline
Shelter for Sophie
Justice for Erin
Justice for Milena
Shelter for Blythe
Justice for Hope
Shelter for Quinn
Shelter for Koren (July 2019)
Shelter for Penelope (Oct 2019)
SEAL of Protection Series
Protecting Caroline (FREE!)
Protecting Alabama
Protecting Fiona
Marrying Caroline (novella)
Protecting Summer
Protecting Cheyenne
Protecting Jessyka
Protecting Julie (novella)
Protecting Melody
Protecting the Future
Protecting Kie
ra (novella)
Protecting Dakota
New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Texas. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.
If you enjoyed this book, or any book, please consider leaving a review. It’s appreciated by authors more than you’ll know.
www.stokeraces.com
www.AcesPress.com
[email protected]
Loving Leisl (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Green Beret Book 2) Page 16
