by Roslyn Bane
As they walked down the steps, several people stopped them and thanked them for their service. Several older men wearing the Legion hats and old campaign ribbons from World War Two spoke with them offering support.
***
“What have you worn the last six weeks other than your uniforms?” Sam questioned as she hung another armful of clothes into the closet.
“I have a few pairs of shorts and pants out. I’ve been exercising a lot so mainly shorts and tanks. I haven’t really gone anywhere, just to the grocery store a few times.”
Sam stared at her. “What have you been eating?”
“Sam, please let’s not get into dietary choices.”
“Fine. But we’re going grocery shopping, and I’m grilling you a steak. A big one. Do you do still have your grill?”
“It’s in the back yard. I need to get propane. We don’t need to go shopping. Let’s go out to dinner.”
“No. I leave tomorrow, and I want to know that you won’t be here existing on a yogurt and mixed veggie diet.” Sam used an open pair of scissors to cut through the packing tape on the bottom of the box she had unloaded and let it fall flat. “Hand me that box and finish that one you have. I’ll take them out to the curb on our way out.”
“Sam.”
“Don’t argue with me. I’m getting hungry, and you don’t want to make me mad.”
“I never noticed you getting hangry before.”
Sam stopped unloading the box and stared at Kris “Hangry? What’s that?”
“Hungry and angry.”
Sam chuckled. “Yes, I guess I do.” She wadded some packing paper and threw it at her. “Yes, I get hangry, so let’s move.”
The steak was grilled to perfection, while the salad, a variety of mixed greens, tomatoes bursting with flavor, and colorful carrots, radishes and peppers, was tasty. Sam had insisted that Kris eat at least a few bites of her baked potato. Kris agreed and promised to finish the rest of the giant spud the next night, topped with chili and cheese.
They sat next to each other on the patio, finishing the bottle of cabernet as the sun started to set. Kris reached out, took Sam’s hand, brought it to her mouth, and kissed each knuckle. “Where did you get these scratches?”
“At the gym the other night. I went a little crazy on the punching bags. I needed to let off some steam.”
“Is that a good workout?” Kris’ disbelief evident in her voice.
“Well, I ran too. But yes, it’s good. Arms up, hands up for your whole workout. The rhythm, once you get going, is…strangely soothing.”
“I’ll have to try it sometime.” Kris kissed Sam’s knuckles again, turned her hand over and kissed her palm. Her tongue teased along Sam’s wrist. “There’s another rhythm I find soothing. Do you know…” she bit down lightly on Sam’s wrist, “what it is?” She leaned forward, nipped at Sam’s lower lip before covering her mouth, and stroking her hand up the side of her breast.
“Hmm. I believe I do.”
Chapter Sixty-four
THEY STOOD IN THE living room, arms wrapped around each other. Their mouths drew apart, and Kris hugged tighter. “I packed you a sandwich and some fruit. There’s a bottle of juice in there, too. And your coffee should be done soon.”
“Kris, it takes a few hours.”
“It’s over six, and that’s if traffic is moving. Call me when you get there.”
“I will.”
“When do you think you’ll come up for good?”
“I haven’t signed a lease, so I’ll be back up soon. It should be within the month. After that, the move will be quick.”
“I want you to move in with me.”
“What?” Sam pulled back, her eyes opened wide.
“You heard me. Move in with me. I love you. There’s more than enough room.”
Sam moved toward her, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Absolutely.”
“Yes.” They hugged, kissing softly, a tender kiss goodbye. “I need to get going.”
“I know. Drive safe.”
“Eat. I’ll be upset if you haven’t put some weight back on.” Sam pinched gently at Kris’ waist.
“I will. Let me get your lunch” Kris walked into the kitchen and filled the travel mug. She picked up the small cooler she’d packed and followed Sam to the car. As Sam loaded her gear into the trunk, she arranged the cooler on the passenger seat where Sam could reach it and placed the coffee in the console. Kris looked up and saw Sam standing in the garage. She walked over to her, “Is something wrong?”
“I need to…” She pulled Kris inside and kissed Kris thoroughly until they both were breathless. “Listen to me. Please. After my father left, I felt worthless, unwanted. The Klines always made me feel welcome, but deep down there was fear, that one day they would realize the same thing my father did and they would send me away. I’ve avoided serious relationships. But something happened with you. I’ve felt things I never have before. Despite myself, I wanted more, and I was afraid that you’d eventually leave when you realized my shortcomings.” She lifted Kris’ hand to her mouth, nuzzled her knuckles. “I love you.”
Kris’ face broke into a broad smile, “Sam, love is about accepting people as they are, with their strengths and weaknesses. I want you. I love you.” She leaned forward and kissed Sam, a feathery light kiss that promised more. “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
Kris stood in the driveway and watched until Sam disappeared from view. She went inside and started to arrange the office. She only had a few weeks to get ready for Sam’s return.
***
Kris ran outside when she heard the car pull into the driveway. She nearly jumped into Sam’s arms, and they kissed fervently in the driveway. They broke the kiss when a car drove by on the street and beeped its horn.
Laughing, they each grabbed a suitcase out of the car and went inside. “The moving company will be here tomorrow to deliver your furniture. I cleared two of the rooms, and we can figure out how to arrange everything.”
“Later. Right now, I want to kiss you.” Sam pulled Kris into her arms.
When the embraced ended, Sam held Kris’ hands, “It’s taken me a long time, and I’ve come a long way, but I feel like I’m finally home.”
Kris moved into Sam’s arms, “You are. Welcome home, Sam.”
THE END
About Roslyn Bane
Roslyn Bane started writing while recuperating from an injury that kept her indoors during a long cold winter. Her debut novel, Time For Terri was a finalist for best F/F Romance at Love Romances Café.
A US Navy veteran she served as an Aerospace Physiologist and earned her flight wings. After leaving active duty she served several years in the reserves before resigning her commission. She continues to work in medicine.
She spends her free time in the outdoors enjoying photography, skiing, shooting, and enjoying the fresh air on her motorcycle. The inspiration for her stories comes from daily life, her love of the outdoors, and people watching. She now lives near York, Pennsylvania with her family and two lovable labs.
She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers, Golden Crown Literary Society, RomVets, and Rainbow Romance Writers.
Contact Roslyn at
Email
Facebook
Twitter: @RosBane
Note to Readers:
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Bright Blessings
Table of Contents
The Long Way Home
Blurb
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Landstuhl, Germany
Chapter Four
Bethesda, Maryland
Landstuhl, Germany
Chapter Five
Bethesda, Maryland
Chapter Six
Landstuhl, Germany
Chapter Seven
Bethesda, Maryland
Chapter Eight
Landstuhl, Germany
Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda, Maryland
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
North Carolina
Chapter Nineteen
Bethesda, Maryland
North Carolina
Chapter Twenty
North Carolina
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-five
Chapter Twenty-six
Chapter Twenty-seven
Chapter Twenty-eight
Chapter Twenty-nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-one
Chapter Thirty-two
Chapter Thirty-three
Chapter Thirty-four
Chapter Thirty-five
Chapter Thirty-six
Chapter Thirty-seven
Chapter Thirty-eight
Chapter Thirty-nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-one
Chapter Forty-two
Chapter Forty-three
Chapter Forty-four
Chapter Forty-five
Chapter Forty-six
Chapter Forty-seven
Chapter Forty-eight
Chapter Forty-nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-one
Three months later
Chapter Fifty-two
Chapter Fifty-three
Chapter Fifty-four
Chapter Fifty-five
One month later
Chapter Fifty-six
Chapter Fifty-seven
Chapter Fifty-eight
Chapter Fifty-nine
Chapter Sixty
Two weeks later
Chapter Sixty-one
Bethesda, Maryland
Chapter Sixty-two
Chapter Sixty-three
Chapter Sixty-four
THE END
About Roslyn Bane
Contact Roslyn at
Twitter: @RosBane
Note to Readers:
