Loved by a Soldier: A Military Romance Collection

by Alison Mello

  “Are we stopping here for some reason before you take me to dinner?” she asks.

  Grinning, he takes her hand in his. “Trust me on this.”

  She smiles and tries to keep quiet while her heart thumps hard within her chest. She doesn’t know what’s going on, but she has a feeling this will be an incredible evening. When they walk into the basement of the church, where the dinners and certain church events take place, Trinity gasps at what she sees. Her hand covers her mouth as she stands in shock at the setup that’s laid out in front of them. The room is dimly lit with a single table set up in the middle. Most of the lighting is provided by candles and soft romantic music plays over the speakers. What surprises her most are the two people who are standing, waiting to serve them, dressed as if they work at a fine restaurant.

  “Howard? Mattie?” she asks and looks at Gates. “What’s happening here?”

  Grinning, Gates tenderly touches her elbow and leads her to the table. When she gets to it Howard and Mattie hug her and tell her how incredible she looks.

  “It’s so good to see you both!” she cries. “Why are you here?”

  “We are playing our part so we can’t talk right now,” Mattie replies with a mischievous grin.

  Howard pulls out her chair for her. “For you, madam.”

  Trinity is flabbergasted and sits at the finely laid out table.

  Gates simply says, “Just go with the flow, honey.”

  He kisses her gently, tells her he loves her, then sits across the table from her. She takes in the roses that sit in the middle of the table as a tear escapes her eye. Also in front of her is fancy china and silverware wrapped in napkins and wine glasses. Two tall candles with dancing flames are almost hypnotizing, but when her eyes meet his, her heart flutters wildly for him. Never before in her entire life has anyone done something like this for her. She’s speechless.

  “Would you like something to drink, ma’am?” Howard asks and hands her a handwritten menu. She opens it and can’t help but giggle when she sees the three selections Gates had written for her…red or white apple cider or ginger ale. She decides to play along with the act because not only does she think it’s very cute and touching, but she finds the entire situation incredibly romantic.

  “Hmmm, the choices are so good. Let me see,” she pauses and places a finger to her lips, feigning thought. “I think I will have the red cider, please.”

  She raises her eyes again to meet Gates and smiles with so much love she thinks she is going to burst at the seams.

  “And you, sir?” Howard asks after he fills Trinity’s glass.

  “I’ll have the white cider, please.” Mattie gladly fills his glass and when they both stand back, Trinity sees another surprise walking toward them. Katherine and Gloria walk from the kitchen, both holding trays with appetizers. When Trinity speaks to them, they act the part they are given as well. She feels like she is in a dream with all of the best people in her life.

  “I’m truly loving the special attention, but can you please talk to me like normal so I will think it’s not just a dream.”

  Gates softly laughs. “Okay, no more acting, just be yourself.”

  Katherine, Gloria, and Mattie all hug her again and begin chatting away, but stop when Trinity starts asking questions. All four of them leave, smiling, and walk into the kitchen. Gates and Trinity are alone, Trinity more confused than ever.

  “Do you like your appetizer? It’s chicken corn chowder. You should eat it before it gets cold,” Gates suggests, trying to play coy.

  Trinity stares at him, definitely not thinking about the chowder, but makes herself swallow a few spoonfuls of it so he will be satisfied. She’s doing her best to stay calm, but curiosity is killing her and she starts getting antsy. Gates pulls out a piece of paper with something he says he wrote the night before. She sits with her chin resting in her palm and takes in his handsome face as he clears his throat and begins to read.

  “The beauty of a rose is immaculate as it opens its petals for all the world to see. The sunrise always begins a new day. But when my eyes meet yours and I’m in your presence, no other beauty can stand before you. No other flower, song or act can be next to you without knowing they can’t measure up because when God made you, He created the definition of perfect beauty.”

  His heartfelt words are like no other she’s ever heard before, and even more precious because he wrote them for her. Before she has the chance to comment, Gates stands and takes her hand within his.

  “May I have this dance?”

  Suddenly, a song she isn’t familiar with begins playing and as she listens to the words, she knows it’s perfect for them both. Slowly, within his arms, she dances as best she can and stares up into his eyes as the words to “The Keeper of the Stars” play in her mind. She didn’t think it was possible to have moments like this in her life, but God is definitely blessing her right now. Her lips tremble and tears flow from her green eyes. Gates wipes her tears and kisses her when the song is finished playing.

  “I love you, Trinity.”

  Gasping for air, she replies, “I love you, too.”

  Pulling back slightly and like a perfect gentleman, he lowers himself to one knee. Trinity is suddenly faced with the reality that Gates is proposing to her. She struggles to breathe as her tears continue to flow and her knees feel like butter. She thinks she is going to faint when he pulls out the little blue box from his jacket pocket and says the words she wasn’t sure she would ever hear.

  “Trinity, I know this may be fast, because we have only been in each other’s lives a few months, but I have no doubt in my soul that God wants this. I also have no doubt that you are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with, through everything that comes our way. Will you please give me that honor? Will you be my wife?”

  Trinity can see the love and hope in his eyes and at the same time she hears her friends in the kitchen crying. She doesn’t have to be asked twice nor does she have to think about his question. She knows she wants the same thing he does. With an exasperated breath, because speaking is near impossible, she simply nods and whispers, “Yes.”

  Grinning from ear to ear, Gates slides the most gorgeous ring she has ever seen onto her finger. Her friends cry out in joy for them both and she hugs the man God put in her life. They kiss and another song begins playing, but she barely hears it. What she hears is the beating of their hearts. They hold on tight as they dance slowly, careful not to put too much pressure on her bad leg. When the dance is over he helps her to the table so she can rest her leg, and everyone comes from the kitchen to congratulate them.

  Afterward, Gates gets up and helps Howard carry over another table and they all have dinner together, making the night even more special. Trinity is thrilled everyone she loves is there for their glorious moment, talking loudly and laughing. The blessings God has given them are amazing and the two of them couldn’t be happier.

  Epilogue

  In the summer…

  The sun rises slowly as Trinity sips her coffee and watches the waves meet the sand from the patio of their suite. Seagulls are picking at the sand in search of something to eat. Trinity quietly praises her Lord and Savior for not only the incredible view, but for also waking up this morning. The first morning on their honeymoon. They waited a few months after getting married for warmer weather so they could be where they are now.

  “Good morning, my ravishing wife.”

  She grins and replies as he slides his hands around her waist from behind. “Good morning my amazing and handsome husband.”

  She giggles as he kisses the nape of her neck and rests back against him. She is still amazed at how her life turned out. Here she is, recently married and madly in love. There is no more fear or danger in her life; only God, a man who treasures her, her career, the best of friends, and a new life growing within. She rubs her stomach and wonders when the best time would be to tell Gates, and realizes all of her dreams have come true. For the next two weeks they
will be staying in Myrtle Beach and resting, playing and enjoying each other as much as possible. God is good. God is love, and He has surely graced them with His love.

  The End

  About the Author

  Jamie Lynn Boothe is from the south and will always be a southerner at heart. He currently lives in Connecticut. Jamie loves to write stories that will touch someones heart and soul to the depths and at the same time have them sitting on the edge of their seat. He is currently with Limitless Publishing and is excited about what the future holds. Along with writing he also enjoys reading, art, music, movies, cats, naps on occasion, coffee and time with friends and watching sports. His favorite teams are the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees.

  Facebook:

  http://www.facebook.com/Author-Jamie-Lynn-Boothe-114312728740616/?fref=ts

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  http://www.twitter.com/boop1967

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  http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

  Return To Me

  By Charlotte Michelle

  Prologue

  Poppy

  October 8, 2006

  I sit in the car beside my mom, holding my knees to my chest as I watch her. Her forehead is wrinkled with worry lines as she speaks animatedly on the phone. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, listening to her words as they wash over me.

  “Jim, she wants to spend another night with me. Can’t you just allow her one more night? I can drop her off at school in the morning.”

  Tears well in my eyes. I already know the answer my father is filling in her ear. I already know that within the next few minutes, I will be telling my mother goodbye again. My heart squeezes tight as I shake my head to myself.

  I don’t want this.

  I can’t do this anymore. Every goodbye is harder. More painful.

  My parents got divorced a few years ago; it was a peaceful divorce. However, my father has taken up some sort of possessive hold on me. He has a set schedule of when I am allowed to see my mother, and when I am not. I have tried to alter it, even in the slightest, and he immediately shuts down my ideas.

  I love my dad, I really do. But my mom is my best friend, and the limited time we have together is not enough.

  Why am I not allowed to see her whenever I want? I’m twelve years old—surely I’m able to make this decision on my own.

  “Jim, you’re breaking her heart.” At the soft, scolding tone of my mother’s voice, I allow myself to cry.

  My father has given the answer, and it is to be followed.

  My dad has sole custody over me, and if he feels custody regulation is being broken, he can call the cops and revoke visitation rights from my mom.

  Will he ever do this? I honestly don’t know. But I also don’t want to give him the opportunity.

  I hear the beep of the phone, signaling that the call has ended. Looking up at my mom, I bite my bottom lip as her deep hazel eyes fill with tears. “It’s going to be all right, sweetie.” My mom reaches over to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear.

  I nod my head, leaning into her touch as if it were instinct. My mom lets out a sigh before she starts up the car and begins driving me back to my father’s house.

  I sit in the passenger seat, dreading every second of the drive. As we grow closer, my chest begins to grow heavier. The one thing I hate about my mom living so close: the short drive back to my dad’s house.

  Tears fall more freely now as we pull into the driveway.

  “I love you, Pop. You need to be strong. Soon, just six more years, and you will be mine. You will be with me,” my mom whispers, her voice cracking.

  That’s all we ever look forward to, the six more years until I am with her. Being with my mom, without worrying about regulations, is all I care about. All she cares about.

  It’s what gets me through the days. The sleepless nights. The girls that pick on me. The boys that push me.

  “I love you, Mom.” I wrap my arms around her neck, squeezing as tightly as I can. My mom runs her hand through my hair, softly touching the ends before she places a kiss to my cheek.

  “Now get inside. You’re already five minutes late.” I gaze at the clock.

  5:05. I was supposed to be inside the house at exactly five o’clock.

  Gathering my overnight bag I used for this past weekend, I hug my mom one last time before I walk up to my house, each step a stab into the heart as I carry myself away from my mother.

  I turn to wave at my mom—a tradition, a silent, “Everything is okay.”

  I know my mom would get out of the car, storm the house, and give my father a piece of her mind if I didn’t wave. She would risk all regulations, all rights to see me, just to ensure that I felt safe in my own home.

  My mom is so strong.

  So beautiful.

  I watch as she drives off, her car going at a sluggish pace, before I open the front door. My dad is standing by the staircase, arms crossed over his chest. He is a large man, tall and bulky. His milky brown hair sits wavy on the top of his head as his blue eyes stare down at me in intimidation.

  I sulk at the sight of him, silently ashamed of my weakness that caused me to be late.

  “How was your weekend?” he asks, grabbing my bag from my hand.

  “It was fine,” I mumble my rehearsed answer. My dad nods his head and sets the bag on the stairs.

  My dad motions for me to join him in the kitchen and I slowly follow his lead, sitting on one of the chairs. We sit across from each other, and the look of uneasiness washes over his face.

  “I have some news.” My stomach churns at his tone. He knows I’m not going to like it. Therefore, I already do not like it.

  I shrink into my seat, bowing my head as I await the impending news. What could be so bad? He already refuses to let me see my own mother.

  “Diane and I are getting married.” As I lift my head, my eyes widen at his words.

  Diane? I’ve never even met the woman.

  My father has been on many outings with her, which meant my uncle had to drive over to “babysit” me.

  No, I wasn’t even allowed to see my mother then. Even when my father was off flirting with this other woman, I wasn’t allowed to see my mom. I had to sit beside my uncle, watching Fox News.

  “I know this is hard to grasp. But she has a daughter; she’s a year younger than you. You guys will grow up together, become best friends. I promise. Diane will be your mother when you are not with your own.” My blood boils over at the thought.

  No one will replace my mother.

  I jump to my feet, causing my chair to topple in the process. I glare at my dad, not knowing what to say or how to react. I am hurt, angry, betrayed.

  I shake my head, turning to storm up the stairs. As I cross the front door, I hear the doorbell ring. Looking over my shoulder, I see my father frown.

  Please, tell me it is not that woman.

  I grab the doorknob and swing the door open, ready to give the woman a piece of my mind, just like my mother would.

  My real mother.

  Instead of a woman standing before me, there’s a man. I arch an eyebrow and look down at the uniform he is wearing. My heart skips a beat as I take a step back, my throat closing again.

  “Mr. Evans? Hi, I am Deputy Gonzalez. There has been an accident concerning your ex-wife.”

  My head becomes fuzzy and light as the officer and my father grow blurry before me. Before I can react to what the deputy said, I feel my body fall as everything grows dark around me.

  Chapter 1

  See Me

  Poppy

  May 12, 2016 (Roughly 10 years later)

  I sit in the corner of the coffee shop, sipping my hot mint tea as I watch customers interact with the employees.

  Laughter sounds from behind the bar, providing a perfect example of how friendly the environment of the local Starbucks really is.

  The tall, handsome man with dark hair leans across the counter, flirting with a barista named Susan. Fluster
ed with the attention, Susan abandons her tasks as her focus shifts primarily on the man before her.

  Shaking my head, I take one more sip before I gather my drink and pastry as I stand, heading toward the bar. I toss my half-eaten croissant and then dump the rest of my drink down the sink.

  Donning my green apron, I clock in a few minutes early to relieve Susan of her position. I tell her to go spend some time with the guy, out from behind the bar. She gladly heeds my order and I resume making the drinks she had forgotten.

  After the small rush of drinks and food are handed out, I roll my neck, trying to relieve the tension that is gathering. “Pop, we’re all out of Grande hot cups.” I internally groan as I look over at Megan as she walks out from the back of the house, carrying every size of cups except Grande hot. She goes to stocking them and I turn to call another store to see if I can borrow cups.

  A few hours of work and a gifted sleeve of cups later, I find myself leaning against the counter as Susan and Megan gossip over the man who was flirting with Susan. I shake my head again, looking at them with wide eyes as I silently urge them to get to work.

  “Guys, can you please clean the bar?” I mutter, frowning when they look over at me with a confused expression.

  Was I speaking Spanish?

  No, because I don’t know Spanish.

  I roll my eyes. “Poppy!” A small smile crosses my face as I look over the counter to see the petite blonde who decided to name herself my best friend.

  “Hey, Rach.” I glance over my shoulder one last time. “Get the bars done. I’m taking my last break.” My voice is filled with more confidence, something that Rachel always seems to give me when she’s near.