by Aliyah Burke
When he opened them, he could see members of his unit leaning over him, their faces hazy. Liam could see mouths moving, but the only noise he heard was the heavy loud beating of his heart echoing in his ears. Sweets reached toward his chest, saying something Liam couldn't understand. Darkness began to settle over his gaze, growing thicker and thicker. Then it went black.
Caden.
A small glow of light pierced the darkness. It floated before him and the shape changed. When the shifting stopped it had become a full image of a Naval lieutenant. He knew who it was, recognizing him from a photo. Dionte Bradshaw. The misty figure reached out and touched just above his heart.
Liam gasped and his eyes flew open. When focus returned he realized he was no longer in the desert. He was in a hospital room. Quiet beeps were the only noises he heard. Moving seemed impossible even when he saw a nurse walk closer and check the machines he was attached to. Liam must have made some kind of sound for she glanced down at him with a gentle smile.
"Welcome back, Gunnery Sergeant. Good to see you awake. I'm Nurse Sawyer, can I get you anything? A drink?"
He swallowed a few times until his mouth was damp enough to talk. Even so, his voice was hoarse and scratchy. “Where ... where am I?"
"Germany."
Liam blinked a few times. “How long?"
Her face sobered. “Let me get the doc. I'll be right back."
His eyes closed until he heard a male voice say, “You gave us quite a scare there Gunny. I'm Commander McKenzie."
Every inch of him hurt. He accepted the straw the nurse held to his mouth and eagerly drank the water. “How long?” he asked again.
"You've been here for two months, Gunny. You were in a coma. I'll be back after I finish my rounds."
Brows furrowing he fought valiantly to make sense of everything. “Wait,” he croaked out.
The commander looked back at him. “Yes, Gunny?"
"Caden. I want Caden,” he rasped.
The doctor and nurse shared a confused look as he dropped back into the world of sleep.
* * * *
Caden threw herself into her work and kept her eyes on the news. This is why I swore no more military men. The stress of not knowing what's happening to them. She prayed for their safety every night and for their safe return home.
Her brother-in-law did his best to give his support and she loved him for it. There were days she even found herself laughing and joking. At least, until the day she sat down to watch the news and they said there was a special by Rachel Hoss, who had just returned from Afghanistan.
Caden sat down on the couch to watch. Rachel Hoss walked into a room that was stripped of adornment and sat down on the lone chair. Caden's gaze traveled over the lithe shape of the reporter, her big blue eyes and blonde hair.
"What do you have to tell us, Rachel Hoss?” Caden asked.
"My name is Rachel Hoss. What I'm about to show you, I experienced personally along with my cameraman, Hank. We were in a small village to get interviews with some of the locals. We had a group of Marines assigned to protect us and I won't lie and say it was all peaches ‘n cream.” She smiled. “Anyway, what you are about to see is an insurgent attack. They took out our vehicles and almost us. If it was not for the Gunnery Sergeant who put himself between me and danger, I wouldn't be here right now. Roll film."
Caden sat in shock as she watched it unfold. From the interviews of the villagers, to them running for cover, to vehicles blowing up and gunfights. However, it wasn't until the cameraman focused on Rachel as she sat crouched by a rock crying that her heart began to pound. Caden watched as the man threw Rachel out of harm's way and then tried to get himself to safety as well only to get hit by part of the blast and tossed to the ground. The camera never stopped rolling as more marines rushed to his side and dragged him to the vehicle. The screen zoomed in on the bloody and shredded chest until a hand covered the lens. The face of the wounded Marine was blurred out.
"I can't release the name of this man who saved my life. But know he and his team are in my prayers."
She went on to say a few more things, but Caden didn't register any of them. There was no way to be positive but deep in her gut she knew. She just knew. That night she had a dream in which Liam died and Caden knew she could no longer hide from her feelings for him. When he returned she would make sure he knew how much she loved him.
Time went by. Days turned into weeks and weeks into months. There was no communication from Liam. There was still no release of the name of the wounded Marine and that had her even more concerned.
One day in February she was at Oceana in the Medical building setting up the table for the POW/MIA remembrance. The box of items to go with it, sat in a box upon the chair. She smoothed her hands down her black pants before reaching for the white tablecloth and draping it carefully over the small round table. Caden worked quickly but with reverence for what she did.
The last item she placed was the framed explanation of what was there. Her fingers trailed lightly around the edge of the black frame as she read it.
You may notice this small table here in a place of honor. It is set for one. This table is our way of symbolizing that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are commonly called P.O.W.s or M.I.A.s, we call them brothers.
They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.
This table set for one is small ... it symbolizes the frailty of one prisoner against his oppressors.
The table cloth is white ... it symbolizes the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.
The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades in arms who keep faith awaiting their return.
The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn on the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting for our missing.
A slice of lemon is on the bread plate ... to remind us of their bitter fate.
There is salt upon the bread plate ... symbolic of the family's tears as they wait.
The glass is inverted ... they cannot toast with us tonight.
The chair is empty ... they are not here.
Remember ... all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended on their might and aid, and relied on them ... for surely ... they have not forsaken you.
She sighed and placed the frame down on the white tablecloth. Stepping back she put the ropes up to keep people out. Dropping her head she said a short prayer, grabbed her box, and prepared to leave. The cold air shot through her coat to her bones and she shivered.
"What I wouldn't give for it to be summer.” Caden opened the back of the Acadia and stored the empty box. She headed to the driver's door and climbed in after tossing her coat across to the passenger seat. Putting the car in gear, she headed up to Norfolk to see a few people who'd asked for her assistance.
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Chapter Seven
Two days later as she was heading back to her SUV from a meeting her phone rang. “Hello?"
"Is this Caden Bradshaw?"
Unlocking the door, she got in out of the frigid afternoon air. “Yes. Who is this?"
"My name is Morna Quinn. I believe you know my son."
Her hands began to shake. “Yes, ma'am, I know your son."
"I am sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time."
"Is everything okay? Did something happen to Liam?” Caden could hear the desperation in her voice.
"He's fine. Is there a day we could meet? I live in D.C., in an assisted living home. I realize you don't live in this city, but maybe the next time you come up here?"
There was something in her voice. “I'm on my way up there now. We could meet for dinner if you'd like."
"That would be perfect."
Caden programmed the address she gave into t
he navigational system in the Acadia. “I'll be there soon."
"Thank you,” Morna said with sincerity.
"My pleasure, ma'am.” Caden hung up and started the vehicle. As she drove off the base, she turned on some Aerosmith and smiled as the music filled the interior of the car.
The fleeting thought of carrying Liam's child flashed through her mind. Would his mom have been okay with that? Was she, herself, okay with the fact she wasn't carrying his child? Some days, Caden believed she was glad she wasn't pregnant but others ... others she wasn't so sure. Her hand rested upon her belly and she wondered. Idle thoughts; like, say she had gotten pregnant from that last time Liam had made love to her, would it have been a boy or a girl. Who would it look like?
"Get a grip, Bradshaw,” she admonished herself. Setting her jaw in a grim line, Caden focused her attention on the drive and banished the “what-ifs” that hovered around her.
It was around six-thirty when she pulled into the lot of the home where Liam's mother resided. Parking, she shut off the warm SUV, slid her jacket on and walked across the parking lot to the front door which opened upon her approach. Her gaze swept the clean facility and moved to the desk.
"I'm here to see, Morna Quinn."
The woman behind the desk grinned at her and pointed. “She's right over there."
Caden followed the direction of the finger and she smiled slightly. Turning on her booted heels, Caden walked over and stopped before the woman.
"Mrs. Quinn? I'm Caden Bradshaw."
Green eyes looked up at her. “Caden,” she said on a sigh. “Thank you for coming."
"Did you have a place in mind you would like to eat? Or would you like to just talk here?"
"I could really go for some Irish food. Know of any good pubs around?"
She chuckled. “I'm sure we can find one. I'll go get my vehicle and come back for you."
The evening was full of fun and very eye opening. When she dropped Morna off at the home, the woman asked her to come to her room for a moment. Her curiosity was piqued when Morna returned with a box and handed it to her.
"What's this?"
"I hate to ask this of you, but can you drop this off at my son's home on your way back? Here is a key.” The gold item was placed on top of the wrapped box.
"You trust me with a key to your son's home?"
"My son trusts you and that's enough for me.” Morna reached out and touched her cheek. “I don't know what you did to my boy, but thank you. You showed him there is more to life than being alone. The last time I saw him there was this look in his eye that I haven't seen since I looked at his father.” Tears leaked down the side of her face. Morna took a deep breath. “Anyway, thank you, and thank you for listening to an old woman's ramblings."
"Not old and not rambling. Mrs. Quinn, I had so much fun with you today. Thank you. I'll stop by on my way home and drop this off for him. Call me if there is anything I can do for you.” She leaned in and placed a kiss on Morna's cheek.
"You know,” Morna called to her, “all those people whose rights you fight for are lucky. Thank you for what you do for our veterans."
"Goodnight, Mrs. Quinn,” Caden said as she slipped out the door.
She drove through the night to her destination. As she pulled up in the circular drive her heart clenched as she recalled the last time she was here. Her first time kissing Liam. Putting the car in park, she hopped out, box in hand and hurried up the steps. She let herself in and searched for a light.
"Shit,” she muttered as she banged into the edge of a table. “Shoulda asked where the damn light was.” Rubbing the sore spot, she turned to go a different direction and ran smack into something solid and warm.
"Wanna tell me what you're doing in here?” a low voice asked on a growl.
"Liam?” she gasped.
"Caden.” Her name rolled off his tongue like a man lost in the desert who'd just found water.
"When did you get back?” she asked breathlessly.
"Earlier today, I've been trying to catch up on some sleep before I contacted you, so I didn't sound like a fool when we spoke. Things were so hectic in Germany I wanted to be back here to get to you so it was a face to face, not via phone or with me having to dash off to do something else."
She understood. Military protocol could suck at times. And to be honest, she was glad he'd waited until he returned. Returned safely and in one piece. Tears gathered behind her eyes as his hands settled along her face. Her knees almost gave out when his mouth landed on hers. His fingers dug into the back of her skull as he ravished her mouth. Caden whimpered as she gave himself over to his kiss.
He yanked away and pressed his forehead to hers. “What are you doing here?” he rasped even as his hands lowered to the button on her slacks.
"Dropping something off for your mother. She asked me to do this. What happened over there?"
"I almost died.” He pushed her pants down and with a yank ripped off her panties. His other arm snaked around her back and supported her.
"Liam?” she panted as his fingers trailed over her pussy. She stepped out of the pants pooled at her feet.
"Tell me,” he begged. “Tell me what I need to hear."
Her skin burned. “We need to talk."
"Caden,” he rumbled. “Tell me. I need to hear it from your lips."
She arched against him, the box falling from numb fingers to the floor. Caden spread her legs wider. “I want you,” she said.
"What about after?"
"Then, too.” She reached for his face, the palm of her hand abraded by his stubble. “For as long as you'll have me, Liam."
He sunk two fingers deep within her core and she screamed with pleasure.
"Forever. I want you forever. I missed you, Caden,” he told her, his lips teasing hers.
"Make love to me, Liam,” she murmured. “Right here."
The words had barely left her mouth when he lowered them to the floor and his length sank into her with one stroke. Nothing was said between them as he moved within her. His thickness spiraled her towards bliss. She had no desire to stop. But just as she reached the edge, he pulled her back.
"Liam,” she whimpered.
"I love you, Caden. Come with me, baby,” he whispered in her ear as he thrust forward as deep as he could within her.
"Ahhh!” she hollered as her body exploded into millions of tiny pieces. Her pussy convulsed around his cock and soon he was unloading within her. Caden came again and shivered as the aftershocks rolled over her.
Liam's warm body settled over her, pressing her into the thick carpet below her. Their harsh breathing was the only noise in the room.
"We need to talk,” he murmured as he nuzzled her neck.
"I have to go shut off my vehicle.” She chuckled. “It's still running."
"I'll do that, you stay here.” He kissed her and got up.
She had just found her pants in the dark when a light broke through the black. Liam stood before her holding out a pair of sweats for her.
"Here you go,” he said.
Caden stared at him. He looked older and tired. His movements were a bit stiff, but there was still that predatory litheness to his movements. Liam met her stare and winked.
"I'll be right back. Then we talk,” he said.
Caden pulled on the sweats and picked up her ruined panties. She folded her pants and put them on a chair, placed the box on the end table, before heading to the bathroom to toss her underwear. Liam was in the hall when she stepped back out.
"I missed you, Caden.” He stepped closer and pulled her into his arms.
She slipped her arms around him too, careful of his chest since he seemed to be favoring it. “And I you, Liam. I'm sorry about all the things I said before."
"That's in the past. When I heard your voice through the dark I thought it was just a dream. Tell me that's not what this is, Caden. I don't want to wake in the morning and find that's all it was."
"I'm right here, Liam."
<
br /> She led him by the hand to the room she'd used when she was here the first day they met. A small tug was all it took for him to sink down on the bed beside her. Caden curled up against his warm body.
"What about us now, Caden?” he asked in a low tone. “Where do we stand?” His fingers traced along her jaw line and lips as if memorizing every little detail.
"I don't know where we're going, Liam. But I want to take the journey with you. I don't want this to be just a dream, either. I love you."
He tipped her face up and brushed their lips together before rolling her over and staring deep into her eyes. “This is a permanent kind of thing I'm talking about here."
She smiled at him. “I wouldn't have it any other way. Did your mom know you were home?"
"Yes. I think this is her way of nudging me."
Caden's heart was light. “I like her."
He kissed her again. “You'll be here in the morning?"
"I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here. Unless you'd like me to go."
"Not on your life."
Liam made slow love to her and right before she drifted off to sleep, for a moment, Caden realized how real it could be. She was confident that it all wouldn't vanish when she woke. What they had was a lifetime. That it was more than ... just a dream.
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About the Author
Aliyah Burke loves to read and write. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at [email protected], [email protected], or feel free to apply to join her yahoo group at groups.yahoo.com/group/aliyahburke.
She is married to a career military man, and they have two German Shepherds and a DSH cat. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training.
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