Loved by a Soldier: A Military Romance Collection

by Alison Mello

  Without thinking about it he answers, “Yes, I would like that.”

  Trinity turns in her seat, facing Gates and takes his hands in hers. They close their eyes and she talks to Jesus loud enough for them both to hear.

  “Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I know You are right here with us and I thank You for Your grace, love and blessings. I thank You for all that You have done and are doing and will be doing. Right now, though, the man You put in my life confessed to me about You pulling on his heart. He’s open to change in his life. He’s open to Your love and presence in his life, Lord Jesus, so I ask of You to guide him, to comfort and strengthen him, and give him courage. I know all that You do is good and that You put us in each other’s lives for a reason and I thank You. In Your Heavenly name I pray, amen.”

  She thinks Gates will say amen as well, but instead he begins to speak to Jesus too, still holding her hands. She breathes in and listens, incredibly thankful for their moment together with God.

  “Jesus, I know I don’t talk to You nearly enough, but that’s going to change. A lot of things will change from this moment forward. I have no idea what You have planned for me, but I know it’s something good, otherwise I wouldn’t still be sitting here with this angel next to me. I want to get to know You, and I want to believe the same way she does so I ask You to give me courage and comfort. I ask if You will open my heart and soul at church today so that whatever the message is it will help me. Thank You, amen.”

  Trinity and Gates open their eyes as warm, fresh tears slowly run down their cheeks. Trinity is grinning at him and reaches out to hug him. For a moment she forgets about his shoulder, but when a sharp pain hits him he lets her know it.

  “Oh, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” she exclaims.

  “It’s okay, no worries.” He reaches out his other hand and caresses her cheek then cups her chin within his palm. “I hope you don’t mind me saying that you are amazingly beautiful and when I look at you I see nothing less than perfection.”

  She isn’t used to hearing compliments; his words bring forth another smile. “First off, of course I don’t mind. A girl needs and wants to be told she’s beautiful.” She leans in and kisses him. “And secondly, I’m not perfect and I look like a mess. My hair is all over the place and I don’t have any make-up on.”

  He laughs out loud and reminds her that God doesn’t make mistakes, so yes in a way she is perfect and in his eyes, she will always be beautiful.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” he replies, “but we best get some breakfast and get ready if we are going to be on time.”

  ***

  Gates

  They get ready and arrive at church as the band plays and the first song is being sung from the hymn book. Trinity is beautiful, wearing her lavender cotton dress with her hair tied up in a bun. Gates feels uncomfortable in his dress slacks and tie, but she says he looks incredible. Both are smiling as they walk in holding their Bibles, her arm wrapped around his. Walking down the middle aisle they see Gloria, and she waves them over to sit with her. It’s only the second time Gates has been in church with Trinity, but it is the first time he is there to really hear the message. He’s calmer than he thought he would be. As the Pastor walks up to the pulpit, Gates listens intently, ready to hear whatever God wants him to hear.

  After he greets everyone, the Pastor talks about a rich man who had all of the luxuries he could have and that he never did without. He ate the finest foods and drank the very best of wine. Servants were at his beck and call and women swarmed around him. The Pastor then talks about a very sick man named Lazarus whose body was covered with sores. He was put outside next to the rich man’s gate, wanting only to eat the scraps of food the rich man threw out. Even the dogs come out to lick Lazarus’ sores.

  Gates sits, leaning forward hearing every word as the Pastor tells of both men dying. Lazarus is carried away by angels and the rich man suffers greatly in torment. The rich man can see Lazarus in the arms of Abraham being comforted while he suffers and cries out for mercy. He begs for Lazarus to dip his finger in water and to cool his tongue so it will ease his pain and misery. But, Father Abraham reminded the rich man when he had wealth, Lazarus had none. Abraham also reminded him when Lazarus suffered at his doorstep and needed help, he would give none. It was too late for the rich man and there won’t be any help.

  Tears fill Gates’ eyes as he listens to the message, and when the Pastor tells of the rich man begging for Lazarus to talk to his brothers so they can be saved, but Abraham said they have Moses and the prophets to talk to. The rich man’s brothers will have to learn from them. Gates feels Trinity squeeze his hand and he smiles at her. He looks back to the front of the church and watches the Pastor lead the congregation in a song he hasn’t heard in many years—“Just As I Am.” The song is meant to invite anyone who wants to change their life up to the front of the church. If they want to ask Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Savior before they have no more chances and end up where the rich man is forever…in torment.

  Gates feels a lump in his throat as he fights back burning tears. He feels something, or Someone, pulling on his soul and heart, and he knows exactly Who it is. It is God, beckoning him to walk to the front of the church. To turn his life over to Him. A quarter of the way through the song he lets go of Trinity’s hand and stands. He walks to the front of the church with shaking knees and sweating brow, making the best decision of his life. When he gets there he tells the Pastor he’s ready, that he needs and wants Jesus to be his Savior, and that he believes. The Pastor kneels with him in front of everyone and prays, leading him through the words that will forever change his life.

  “Jesus, I am a sinner and have never lived with You in my life before now, but I want You in my life now. I believe that You died for me on the cross for my sins and I ask that You forgive me for the sins I have done. I ask that You come into my heart and save me. I ask that You be my Lord and Savior Jesus and guide me in my daily life so that I will live for You and not have to burn in hell forever, but live with You in heaven for eternity. I ask that You make me your servant. In Your holy name I pray, amen.”

  When those words leave his lips Gates immediately feels the change within and he cries tears of joy. Together, he stands with the Pastor and turns and sees Trinity crying with her hands over her mouth. The song ends and the Pastor tells the congregation that they have a new believer in their midst and everyone claps and cheers. Gates knows he has found a new home to worship God and pure joy fills his soul. After the final prayer, everyone welcomes Gates, making him feel like family. Trinity walks up to him, still drying her tears, and wraps her arms around him.

  “I can’t express how thrilled I am for you! This just became the best day ever!”

  Gloria walks up behind her and congratulates Gates on his life-changing decision. When they are finished talking, they follow Gloria to her house to see where Trinity and Sheeba will live.

  When they walk in they are grateful to see a kitchen, living room and den that can easily be photographed for a magazine.

  “Oh, this is gorgeous!” Trinity says happily.

  “So, you like it, then?” Gloria grins and asks her.

  They are looking at a large bedroom with a magnificent bay window facing the back yard and an adjoining full bathroom. The bedroom includes a queen-size bed and dark cherry furniture.

  “I absolutely love it! Are you sure you only want five hundred a month? I mean this is really nice.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s plenty. To be honest the house is insulated very well so the bills aren’t too bad, and I was lucky to get the deal I have on it years ago. Five hundred will be fine.”

  “I don’t know, I mean I would feel better if I give a little more. Why don’t I give you six hundred so I won’t feel like I’m taking advantage of you?”

  Gloria laughs. “Well, that’s up to you. You don’t have to, but any extra will always be helpful, so if you want to you can.”

  “It
really is a great looking place you have here, Gloria,” Gates tells her as he takes in the details.

  “Thank you, I’m pretty happy here, the neighbors are very nice, and it’s usually a quiet neighborhood.”

  “So, it’s settled then?” Trinity interrupts. “Six hundred a month and you want me as a roommate?”

  “A hug will settle the deal.”

  Laughter follows and Trinity hugs her. She tells Gloria she will go to Connecticut probably within the next week to get her car and other things. When she gets back she’ll move in and give Gloria the money then. They agree on everything and can’t be happier with how it all turns out.

  Chapter 17

  Gates walks out of the doctor’s office feeling relief rush through him. His doctor informed him that he will be back to normal sooner than expected, and that he is healthy enough to travel. He goes to Connecticut with Katherine and Trinity to get what Trinity needs from her old apartment.

  The landlord and Derrick’s family are more cooperative and understanding than Trinity thought they would be. She knows she has God to thank for that. Derrick’s family takes care of most of what needs to be done because they know she wants to move on with her life. They don’t blame her for what happened. With her car and what little she wants to take back with her, she’s relieved of the presence that overshadowed her for so long.

  They make sure to stop in and see Howard and Mattie while they are there; it’s great to see them again. They are saddened by what happened to Trinity’s ex-boyfriend, but very happy for her and Gates. Gates rides with Trinity as they follow Katherine back to Virginia, thankful that the drive isn’t horrible. They expected snow, but didn’t have to drive through much of it. When they get back to Moneta it is almost midnight, and Katherine agrees to stay with them for the night.

  ***

  Trinity

  Trinity walks into the bathroom as Gates is brushing his teeth and she leans into him, feeling the warmth of his body against her.

  “I have an idea. Why don’t I let Katherine sleep in my bed tonight and I sleep with you? That way we can cuddle and wake up together tomorrow.”

  Almost choking on the toothpaste, he spits, rinses his mouth, and gapes at her. “Are you sure?” he asks as she smiles at him. He will never, ever get tired of looking into her eyes or being blessed by her smile.

  “Well, I think I can control myself if you can. If you don’t think you can…I understand,” she teases.

  Gates laughs at her when she pushes out her bottom lip and tries to pout. He pulls her tighter against him.

  “Trust me, it isn’t that I don’t want you with me; it’s just a shock that you suggest it is all. It will be difficult, especially since nothing has happened between us yet.”

  “I know, but it would be so nice to snuggle and wake up with you tomorrow.”

  He takes a deep breath and rolls his eyes which makes her slap his arm. Chuckling, he says, “I agree, that would be really nice.”

  “I thought you would see it my way,” she jokes and walks out of the bathroom to tell Katherine she can sleep in her room. Trinity takes Sheeba out one more time. When they get back inside, Sheeba follows her into Gates’ room, looking out of place.

  Trinity says, “I think we will have God and Sheeba watching over us to make sure nothing happens.”

  Together, they pray and voice their gratitude and love for Christ then slide beneath the covers until they are as close together as they can possibly be. With her cheek against his chest, she hears the beating of his heart and for the first time she thinks about how it will be to officially have their hearts beating as one. The idea of spending the rest of her life with Gates pleases her. She is amazed at how quickly things have moved since they first met. She isn’t certain how he feels about marriage and she has no plans on scaring him away by bringing it up. She will wait until they are together for a while before hinting at it.

  ***

  Gates

  As Gates stares at the ceiling and caresses Trinity’s back, he feels like he has never in his life been as in love as he is right now. Here he is in bed, holding a woman he feels is perfection. He truly believes God blessed him with her, and he isn’t doing anything to disrespect her. They both made sure to wear something appropriate, and he’s totally content holding her and nothing else. That alone surprises him. He knows it would have been different a few years ago. Not that he would ever force himself, but he wouldn’t be nearly as respectful with a woman as he is now. He wonders what she’s thinking as they hold each other. He wonders what she would think about getting engaged. This is the first time in his life he’s had serious thoughts about getting married, and he’s glad it never happened before. He knows if it had he wouldn’t be holding true beauty in his arms right now. He is truly blessed and he knows it.

  Am I ready to settle down and get married? What would it be like to be a married man and maybe have a couple kids? Not so long ago those ideas would have terrified him and he would have run, but not any longer. The idea of spending the rest of his life with Trinity and being a father feels right. It feels like something God wants them to do. Tomorrow he will help her move into her new place with Gloria, and after that he will think of some excuse, without lying, so he can get away for an hour or so to look at engagement rings. And knowing him…buy one. “What are you thinking about?” she asks him. Startled from his thoughts he replies, “You.”

  “So am I.”

  “You are thinking about you, too?” he jokes.

  “Duh, no dork, I was thinking about you.”

  “Dork?” he laughs and she raises her head to look at him.

  “Yes, my dork.”

  “Always,” he grins. Immediately he knows he will definitely ask her to marry him. To spend the rest of her life with him and raise a family.

  ***

  Trinity

  The next morning the weatherman says they may get eight inches of snow later that afternoon. Katherine eats breakfast with them and leaves to go home before the snow starts.

  “Congratulations on having your life back and for finding a place so easily. I like Gloria and think everything will be great for you, but I really need to get home.”

  “Thank you. Thanks for going with us to Connecticut and everything else. I’m so glad we became friends.” Trinity hugs her before she leaves.

  Katherine hugs her back. Whispering in Trinity’s ear, she says, “You have a great guy here. Hang on to him.”

  “I have every intention of doing just that.”

  After Katherine leaves, Trinity gets what things she has at Gates’ place together and puts them in his car since hers is full already. She has barely enough room left for Sheeba. They drive over to her new residence, stopping by an ATM on the way. Trinity withdraws six hundred dollars to pay her first month’s rent.

  When they arrive at Gloria’s, the house is unoccupied. There is a note on the counter to let them know she’s excited about Trinity being there. She will see her later; she has to run to the store before the snow starts to fall. They get everything into her room while Sheeba investigates the entire place—as any curious pet would do. Trinity watches Gates to make sure he doesn’t overdo anything and reinjure himself.

  “I’m going to love it here,” Trinity tells Gates as he holds her.

  “Yeah, I think you will, too. I hate to rush off so fast and leave you, but I have to go somewhere before it gets bad outside.”

  “Oh.” Trinity pouts. “Where are you going? You need to get bread and milk, too?” “Ummm, no not really, but I have to get something. It’s a secret, but I think you’ll like it.”

  She’s suddenly curious and pokes him, asking what it is. “What is it? Come on, tell me.”

  Laughing, and holding her wrists to keep her from tickling him, he says, “It wouldn’t be a secret if I told you. I promise I’ll let you in on it very soon, just not right now.”

  “Oh, okay. If you say so.”

  “Can I have a kiss before I leave?�
��

  Pursing her lips and looking at the ceiling, she answers, “I don’t know…can you?”

  Pulling her to him and making her giggle, they kiss and promise to talk later when he gets home.

  Trinity watches him drive away, wondering what he has up his sleeve. She thinks about what was on her mind the night before as she snuggled with him. “No…it couldn’t be that.” She shakes her head, looks at the gathering clouds in the sky, and knows it won’t be long before the white stuff starts to fall. She closes the door and begins putting her things in their place.

  ***

  Gates

  Gates stands in front of the glass counter and admires all the gorgeous rings as they glitter back through the glass at him. It’s like they are talking to him with their own special language. His heart races with the excitement and anticipation coursing through him. He knows she will be happy with any one of them, but he wants to find the perfect one for the perfect woman. It doesn’t take long for his gaze to spot the ideal ring. Gates asks the lady behind the counter if he can look at it. She takes it out and hands it to him, telling him more about it.

  “She will be a very lucky lady to wear that. It’s called the Tiffany Circlet; its shape stands for eternal devotion. It has a brilliant central diamond surrounded with pave` set diamonds to create the perfect circle of white light, and is a shining tribute to love everlasting.”

  “Not only do you make it sound beautiful, but it truly is as well. How much is it?” he asks, already knowing it will be very expensive. But worth it.

  “Today is your lucky day. Normally, that ring would cost five thousand dollars, but we have a sale today so it’s going for forty-two hundred. I think you’ll agree that’s a good deal.”

  Gates’ heart thumps against his chest and for a second there is a ringing in his ears. Forty-two hundred dollars for one piece of jewelry. He grins at himself because he knows Trinity is worth every penny, and a whole lot more. He also knows he isn’t leaving without it. He pulls out his credit card and hands it to the saleslady.