Loved by a Soldier: A Military Romance Collection

by Alison Mello

  She inhaled and closed her eyes. In that moment, harmony and a pure sensation of serene dynamism permeated her soul.

  Once at the top, she gawked, in awe of the sunrise, a shade of pure gold through the darkness, summoning the departure of the night stars. Their hands entwined, Courtney and Zachary enjoyed the enchanting sight as every shade of color in the skies exploded to brilliance, signifying the birth of a new day.

  She squeezed Zachary’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “No, thank you.”

  By six-thirty in the morning, the sun was completely up and the much-anticipated sunrise moment was a distant memory. The group of tourists dissipated, leaving them to enjoy the temple as planned. Their tour guide and driver, a skinny man by the name of Taufik, ushered them around. Under the bright light, Courtney stood in awe at how these monumental structures had endured the test of time.

  Amused by her bewilderment, Taufik stopped by one of the statues and said, “There are five hundred and four Buddha statues. Three hundred are damaged, left headless, and a few are missing. We have heard some of the heads turned up in museums all over the world. This stupa design,” he pointed to the structures surrounding them, “reflects the Buddhist concept of Nirvana.”

  Courtney radiated, recalling what she’d read. Zachary was clearly trying to make sense of the spiritual experience he found himself in, and she enlightened him. “It’s a supreme state where there is neither desire nor grief from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth.”

  “The ultimate goal of Buddhism,” Taufik elucidated.

  “So basically to be liberated from those bonds that enslave us?” Zachary said, and Courtney nodded.

  “The relief sculptures here describe Buddha’s teachings. They depict numerous events linked to his past lives and illustrate moral stories taken from important Buddhist scriptures. Interestingly, one hundred and sixty more relief sculptures support the base of the monument but are concealed behind stone walls that were added after the construction of the building in order to further support the structure’s weight,” Taufik explained.

  “That’s incredible,” Courtney gushed. “I’m amazed by the fact that this was constructed in the eighth century. We are in the twenty-first century, Zachary, and it’s still standing.”

  He chuckled. “Unbelievable, I know.”

  Goosebumps covered her arms, and Courtney shivered.

  “Are you okay?” Zachary placed his hand on her back, rubbing gently to comfort her.

  She gestured with a slight nod. “I’m all right.”

  “I have a surprise for you.” He glanced mischievously at Taufik, who followed suit with a wide grin.

  “With the help of Taufik here, I have arranged for you to spend the afternoon with a spiritual healer.”

  “What?”

  “I think it will do you some good…”

  Courtney shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

  “Why? You have an interest in these things. You’ve been reading about it for years. I just…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “I believe spending time with someone powerful and opening up about your fears, doubts, and our current situation might help a great deal.”

  “Our situation?” Her frown deepened. “I am only interested in the artifacts.”

  “You spoke about the three tribes, remember? Your interest lies beyond artifacts, Courtney.”

  Sensing her reluctance, Taufik spoke up. “He is a good man, this healer. He performs wonders, trust us. You won’t regret it.”

  Courtney remained quiet, staring blankly over Taufik, thinking of many things that could go wrong, like…well, she couldn’t think of one.

  “Okay,” she conceded and gave Zachary an apologetic look for overreacting. “What’s the worst that could happen? You are going to be beside me.”

  “No, honey, you’ve got to do this alone. Go with him. Find that peace you seek. I have heard you say many times that you are at peace and you’ve accepted your fate, but I don’t believe you. I know deep in my heart this will bring you that.”

  Courtney was quiet for a moment then asked, “We are going now?”

  “No, first we get breakfast, then Taufik will escort you to him. I’ll wait for you back at the hotel. You are going to be fine.”

  ***

  After breakfast, Zachary and Courtney took separate paths. A weird sensation passed through her as she sat in the back seat of Taufik’s car. They drove through the countryside, stunning scenery. The sun shone brightly, reflecting against the beautiful green leaves along the way. She took in the women strolling along the roadside dressed in sarongs just like hers, most of them carrying heavy loads on top of their heads. She smiled, admiring how they effortlessly balanced the weight without missing a step in their tread.

  They arrived at a monastery an hour later. Walking closely behind Taufik, she took in every aspect of her surroundings, from the well-kept grounds to the Buddhist artifacts adorning the serene compound. Five monks were gathered and seated in a circle in the garden beneath them, performing a rhythmic chant. At the top of the staircase stood a tall fountain. The bright morning sun brilliantly lit each shade of color surrounding the fountain. Exquisite flowers were sprinkled around the fountain, fresh, as if someone had recently placed them there.

  Taufik glanced at her, and she dipped her head, assuring him she was fine.

  There was a lengthy hallway to their left. Taufik instructed her to remove her sandals, and he did the same. It was a long, narrow passage and a balcony without rails. Courtney took in a sharp breath to control her hiked heartbeat caused by her minor fear of heights. Before they could go in any further, Taufik prompted her to take the lead. It made sense to do that since he would be leaving her with the healer who was seated on the floor at the end of the passageway. He wore a plain white t-shirt and a cloth tied around his waist. On his head was a checkered cloth tied into a turban. His legs were folded beneath him, and he sat in peace, gazing serenely forward.

  Taufik halted, making Courtney stop as well. “This is where I leave you.”

  Her eyes revealed her fear. He gave her a look mixed with sympathy and encouragement. “He is good. You’ll be fine,” he said, willing her with his eyes to keep going.

  She glanced back at the healer, who was seated in the same position. She took in another deep breath, made a mental note to kill Zachary later, and continued on.

  The healer remained in position, his hands resting on his knees. He was old, with a wrinkled dark olive complexion, tufts of his gray hair sticking out of his turban. She rubbed her sweaty palm over her sarong as she stepped up to him, waiting to be acknowledged.

  Unknown to her, as she stood close to him, the healer filled his soul with her aura, sensing her pains, apprehension, and suffering. He eventually looked up at her.

  “Have a seat,” he said kindly.

  She did as she was told, mimicking his posture, but avoided looking over the balcony at the endless view of mountains. Rather, she sat facing him. Watching him. Studying every line etched into his aged face.

  “I don’t need to touch you to know that you are a very sick woman,” the healer said.

  Though his words were brutal, his voice was compassionate. She glanced down at her unsteady hands.

  “You have nothing to fear, my child. A wise man once said, ‘Life and death are one thread, the same line viewed from different sides.’” He looked deeply into her eyes. Within, she was howling with intense emotions, and the healer studied her closely as tears welled and rolled down.

  “I know you think it’s unfair. Why you? You wonder why you are alone in this world. So much loss and shame, but you were never alone. They were always with you.”

  Confused, she looked around and back at him. “Who?”

  “Your parents,” he said and paused. “Soon, you’ll be with them.”

  More tears fell.

  “It is normal to be afraid of death. Your body is only a vessel. It is not who you are. Yo
ur soul is who you are. Your soul never dies. It’s how you lived. It’s what is in your heart that matters. I feel your aura, and it radiates love and joy. You can’t hide what’s within. God sees it all. You were married once, to a man who wasn’t yours to have. He stole your years, but there was a reason he was placed in your life, and he served that purpose.”

  “What was the reason?” she asked quietly.

  “Money, stability,” he said simply. After a prolonged moment, he went on. “Light and dark. Everything serves a purpose, and it’s all connected in a way. You need one to balance the other. You can’t be rich without being poor, can’t be beautiful without being ugly, or experience joy without grief.”

  A calm breeze fluttered around them, calming and peaceful. Courtney sensed her body floating toward an unknown place, as if a long dwelling dark spirit had evacuated her body.

  “You should begin to accept your death and prepare for it. This is your story. This is how it was meant to end. There is no way around that. You’re Christian. In your faith, you must believe it’s not your end but a return home to the greatest power that created you. That theory on its own should bring you comfort. Every day, going forward, take a moment to sit absolutely still and pay attention to what your heart tells you. Listen faithfully with an open mind and an unreserved spirit, and you’ll hear and feel every single word.”

  They sat unmoving for several long minutes. A dreaded question lingered on Courtney’s tongue. She stared onward at the endless view of mountains and the unimpeachable scenery of the Island of Java. A mountain of mystery.

  “When will it happen?” she probed.

  The healer ignored her question. After several painful minutes, he rose to his feet, willing her to do the same. “Let’s take a walk.”

  She took the lead, and he followed, his hands clasped behind his back. At the end of the passageway, he guided her down the staircase and toward the garden.

  In the center of the huge land sat a gigantic sculpture of a younger-looking Buddha. Around the sacred statue were more scattered petals like she’d seen around the fountain.

  “We call this the garden of souls.”

  Feels like it, she thought. The air was clean and comforting. Not even a hint of an aroma from the leaves, grass, or flowers.

  Her restless mind returned to the question she’d asked earlier, and as if he’d read her mind, he said gently, “It is not my place to tell you or yours to know.”

  There was a mat spread out not too far from where the statue stood. The healer set off in that direction, and she followed him.

  “Lie down,” he ordered. “Flat on your back.”

  Skeptical, Courtney wanted to question his motives. His eyes, they were so…kind. So pure. So saintly. One deeper look into his slate gray eyes and she obliged, swallowing nervously. He knelt beside her. Mysteriously, all her anxieties disappeared. She was numb. No pain, no memories of her painful past or the bleak present. No future. Only the now.

  She tried to wiggle her fingers and toes, wrinkle her nose, but couldn’t. It was an out of body experience. What was he doing to her? Whatever it was, she loved it. He wasn’t even touching her. Just staring, with his pure, unadulterated eyes, infusing an uplifting energy. Tears welled in her eyes, yet nothing fell. It was pure joy.

  Then the healer placed his palm gently on her abdomen, and she winced in excruciating pain then screamed, unable to move. The pain was unbearable. He took his hands away, and the pain ceased. Courtney wheezed, recuperating from the overwhelming pain.

  “That is the pain your body is feeling. Your mind is restless, and so is your spirit. You must learn to be still, mentally and spiritually. Accept your fate and savor each moment you are alive.”

  He helped her up, and she sat, stunned and shaken by the unbearable sensation she’d just endured. Her body was back to feeling numb. She wasn’t trembling or frightened; she was at peace. Her tensed shoulders drooped, and a heavy load lifted off her. She looked up, smiling at the kind man staring back at her with shrewd eyes.

  “The person in your life you worry about, don’t. He’ll be fine. He has a resilient spirit, and he is good for you, as you are for him. Your meeting wasn’t coincidental. It was fate.”

  “Zachary?”

  “I don’t know his name, but I felt him within you. His love for you is pure. You should never question it.”

  Courtney allowed his words to find comfort in her heart.

  CHAPTER 31

  When you see love with all your heart you shall find its echoes in the universe.

  ~Malika E Nura

  Zachary was having a tough time keeping his hands off Courtney. Placing his hands on her hips, he tugged her closer to him and nibbled on her ear. She moaned in sheer delight, nestling into his chest. His touches were warm and seductive, and she relished every moment of it. Each time she looked into his striking blue eyes, the words of the healer rang in her ears: His love is pure. Never question it.

  As beautiful as those words were, she couldn’t help but feel bad. She wished his love was strong enough to save her. It had been a couple of weeks since they’d come home from their magical trip. Surprising to both of them, she had been feeling much stronger since they returned. Well, except for the first night they arrived, when she’d fallen ill. She was nauseous and running a high fever that mysteriously subsided the next morning. She’d been actively helping Mavis with the women’s shelter. Mavis was pleased with the items she brought with her from Indonesia, telling her they would help many families. The thought brought joy to Courtney. She experienced how frightening it was to be in such a position, and she wished no woman to face that.

  The past week, she had purchased more than a dozen beds and linens to replace the old and torn ones at the shelter. She’d met with a lawyer Corey introduced her to, who helped with her last will and testament. In it, she left most of her money to the women’s shelter.

  Zachary’s company had taken a surprisingly profitable turn the past week too after signing a major contract with a private security firm to train new recruits. It had been quite a stressful week for him, finalizing the contract with his partners. Amid the pressures from work, he did not fail to play his role as the supportive partner to Courtney, telling her he had gone days without sleep, and he would manage when she expressed her concerns for his health.

  “You should probably get some more rest,” she said.

  He rejected the idea with a shake of his head and buried himself in the crook of her neck.

  “It’s only six a.m., Zachary.”

  “I’ll be back home early today. I have interviews lined up this morning.”

  “More ex-military?”

  “Mm hmm, we need the help.”

  She moaned lightly. “Okay, baby, I’ll make something special for you.”

  “I know you will.” He let her go. “I should go. My first appointment is at seven.” He picked up his mug and took a long sip of the coffee.

  She had rushed to the store after he walked out of the door in the morning. His addiction to Italian food prompted her to make a five-course meal to surprise him when he walked through the front door tonight. She dumped the groceries on the kitchen counter, grabbed a bottle of water, and headed for the bedroom. Unexpectedly feeling lightheaded, she decided to take a short nap before starting to prepare Zachary’s meal as promised, a surprise she’d been planning for days now. With one hand, she pulled the scarf off her head, slipped off her flat shoes, and sat on the bed. Before lying down, she waited for her dizziness to subside, which it did after a few minutes. The moment her head hit the pillow, she drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  “Hold your horses!” Zachary exclaimed at an impatient driver as he crossed the street. He entered a flower shop he used to visit regularly in the past to purchase bouquets for Alicia. The store owner immediately recognized him and welcomed him with a wide grin.

  “Hello, Mr. Reid. Long time no see.” Marcy, the owner, had owned that flower shop since
the early nineties. She enjoyed the pleasure she brought into people’s lives, always making an effort to connect personally with her clients in order to fully satisfy their needs. She talked about her gypsy background with pride to any client who would listen, and Zachary was one such client.

  He grinned. “Hi, Marcy.”

  “I was beginning to think you found a new flower lady,” she jested.

  “I’ll never leave you. You know that.”

  She placed her hands on her hip and rolled her eyes. “Uh huh.”

  He chuckled. “Where is Jess?”

  Marcy frowned. “That lazy one. I got rid of her months ago.”

  “Can’t find good help these days, I guess.”

  “You know it.”

  The door dinged, indicating the arrival of another customer. Marcy looked up and gave the man a friendly nod.

  “The usual?” she asked Zachary. The question brought sadness to him. The last time he was here, he was madly in love with Alicia. He had physically hurt her the previous night and had raced into Marcy’s to purchase her favorite lilies as an apology. Marcy knew exactly what he had done and why he was in her shop by his fidgety demeanor and glassy eyes. Zachary had confided in her countless times about his sleepless nights and his dangerous temper. She’d prayed for him on numerous occasions that he found his path. Despite his shortcomings, she saw kindness in him and he was more than his actions. She’d hoped that not seeing him for so long meant he had worked on his issues and fixed his marriage. There was something different about him tonight. He looked well and happy, and she didn’t catch a whiff of alcohol on him or his breath when he stepped closer. That caused the older lady to squint at him, analyzing his demeanor closely.

  “A mix of red and white roses,” he said.

  “Roses?”

  “Yes, roses, for my beautiful new lady.”

  Marcy’s mouth dropped open, but she did not get the opportunity to question him. The customer that walked in after Zachary was now standing behind him in line with a box of chocolate and a bouquet in his hand.