Jonathan still communicated with her every day, but she held back. She kept their conversations generalized.
“How’s the base? Are you getting settled in? How’s your new company?” were her topics of choice. It was the only way for her to get over him. Her heart ached when the reality of him being gone hit her and it still hadn’t went away. She wished she could have hugged him good bye.
To avoid thinking about him, she stayed busy. On the week nights, she hung out with her platoon. They either played cards or watched movies in the dayroom. On weekends, they went out to eat and then tackled the strip. Instead of staying in a hotel, she always came back to the base.
She smiled at herself in the mirror and finished buttoning her dress blues top.
Miller walked in. “Looking good, girl.” She handed her a brown envelope.
“Who the heck’s sending me something now?”
Kimberly searched the envelope for a return address. There was none. She tore it open and pulled out the contents.
“Oh my.” Her knees went weak, and she took a seat.
“What wrong? What is it?” Miller was by her side.
“He signed the divorce papers. Finally!”
A slip of yellow paper fell to the floor. Miller picked it up and handed it to her. “It’s a note.”
Kimberly read the note to herself: It took me a while to get it but I do. I can’t force you to come back to me because I never deserved you. Congratulations on becoming an officer of the United States Army. –Charles
She held it to her heart.
“Oh no. There’s no getting sentimental now. I know you’re Student Sergeant Major and you’re in charge, but I’m telling you, save it until 1000 hours—after graduation. Come on before you make us late for your own formation.” Miller held her hand out to Kimberly and pulled her out the chair.
They made their way downstairs. Though it was delayed, she’d finally made it to graduation day. Bravo Company looked outstanding with everyone in their dress blues.
“Company…attention!” Kimberly called out. “Right face…forward march!”
Bravo Company marched forward.
“Hello, hello, victory!” she said, calling cadence.
Bravo Company repeated the cadence until they reached the parade field. The ceremony was boring, as always, but she couldn’t stop smiling from the inside out. All the higher ups gave their speeches thanking everyone under the sun and congratulating them on becoming leaders of this great nation.
She and everyone else held the position of attention until they heard the Battalion Commander say, “Bravo Company, dismissed!”
Jumping for joy on the inside, Kimberly watched as others in the company hurried to meet up with their families. She wished Jonathan had been there to see her. Her parents had planned on being there, but with the date changing, it conflicted with their seniors’ cruise.
A short, brown haired man and Miller walked towards her. Miller towered over him but they looked good together.
“This is my husband,” Miller said, smiling.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard great things about you.” He shook Kimberly’s hand.
“Nice to meet you, too. I have no doubt your wife will be a fine leader.”
“Sheesh, you sound like the Company Commander.” Miller blushed.
“Except I mean it.”
Miller’s husband pinned the gold bar representing Second Lieutenant on his wife. They kissed when he finished.
“I think you have some people here to see you.” Miller looked past Kimberly.
Kimberly turned around to see Craig, Kang, and Jonathan. She walked over to them after nodding to Miller. “What are you guys doing here?” She couldn’t hide her smile of surprise.
Craig gave her a hug. “Me and Kang are stationed here.”
“Yeah, lucky us,” Kang said.
Jonathan stepped forward and hugged her tight. “Congratulations, love.”
She took in his cologne. He smelled wonderful. Kimberly missed the comfort of his embrace. “Thank you.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“I didn’t have anyone to pin me so I’m glad you’re here. Jonathan, do you mind if you share it with Craig?” She held her rank out to them.
“I don’t mind at all.”
They pinned the gold bars on her collar as Kang took pictures. She posed with Craig and then with Jonathan, Kang still snapping away.
Holding her hand, Jonathan said, “I’ve something to ask you.”
“Anything.”
“I’m in it for the long haul.” He dropped down on one knee and held up a diamond ring.
Kimberly’s mouth flew open.
“I know you need to finalize your divorce, but I’d love if you’d conceder my hand in marriage.”
“Yes! Yes!” she screamed. Kimberly couldn’t maintain her bearing any longer. This had been an emotional day. From Charles, to finally graduating, and now the man she loves proposing. She was overwhelmed with joy and felt week at the knees. Tears of happiness fell from her eyes.
Jonathan slid the ring on her finger and pulled her to him. They kissed, not caring who was watching.
“Good because I’ve already put in transfer orders to Fort Carson,” he said.
Kimberly couldn’t stop smiling as she held on to him. “Even better because as of today I’m a divorced woman.”
The End
About the Author
Joanna A. Haze is a thirteen year veteran of the Armed Forces. Her love of romance started at a young age and blossomed while serving her country. Over the years she’s garnered awards and praise for her short stories and articles. After an honorable discharge she began working on her true love…writing.
Joanna is currently finished up several novels for the Soldiers in Heat series and Naughty by Nature collection.
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Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
/> Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Soldiers in Heat: Training Session Page 10
