Pieces of Broken Time (31 page)

Blake closed his eyes, savoring the caress and letting her touch fill him with courage. “I don’t expect you to believe what I say now. All I can ask is for you to stay by me while I figure things out.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips and she watched him with tenderness that he welcomed. “I think I can do that,” she said. “I’m going to be by your side supporting and loving you.”

“I have no idea what I did to deserve your love, but I’m grateful for a chance to make you happy.” He touched her face and traced his finger over her soft lips.

She sighed. “How do you propose on starting this happy plan? My work won’t allow me to be anywhere else at the moment. I know you have your therapy and such, and I wouldn’t ask you to give it up.”

“I have access to a good therapist anywhere, although I’m going to miss Sam’s hardcore approach. I’m not asking you to give up anything for me either. In fact, I’m going to start work in a few months.”

She threw her hands around his neck and pulled him close for a congratulatory kiss.

Heat radiated throughout his body by the time their sweet kiss ended.

“I’m so happy for you.” Her eyes started misting.

“Are you okay with the prospect of being an army wife and raising an army brat?” He watched the blood drain from her face, and he held his breath.

She didn’t say a word but her smile said everything he needed to hear.

He sighed in relief.

She wiggled on his lap, snuggling closer, and froze. “Is this what I think it is?” she asked in a tiny voice, sounding hopeful.

He nodded and placed her on the sofa. He fished inside his jeans pocket for the gift he had wanted to give her last night. Dropping to his knees, he smiled up at her while he presented her with a purple velvet box. Her mouth gaped when he revealed a ring with a heart-shaped diamond. “Will you share my life as my wife, through happiness and tears, and all my highs and lows?”

“Yes. I will be your wife and whatever you need me to be.” She lowered her mouth to his for a brief kiss while he slipped the ring on her finger.

“Thank you for taking the chance with me.”

“I love you, Blake. I want to be with you forever.”

“Forever.”

She gazed down at her ring finger. “This is beautiful.”

“It fits my beautiful bride-to-be.” He beamed. “Mom helped me picked it out.”

Happiness shone in her tender smile. She fell on her knees and took his hands in hers. “I hope I can make you as happy as you have made me.”

“Agreeing to be my wife is the first step, my girl.” He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them, then he pulled her to her feet and snaked his arms around her waist.

Her smile faded. “You’re not going back into active duty, are you?”

“No. My combat days are over. I will be working and might be away from time to time, but I will always be a phone call away. I’m going to train eager souls from now on.” He smiled, touched at her concern.

“Will you be able to pursue your other dream, too?” she asked, sounding tentative.

He frowned, not sure what she meant. “What other dream?”

“Writing music, playing . . .”

“I have enough time for that, along with raising little ones with you in
our
house just a few minutes away from this crazy city.”

“You bought a house?” she asked.

He chuckled. “I happen to have a good friend that happens to be a great real estate agent. Katrina found us a perfect house. In hindsight, I probably should have gotten your yes first, but I’m glad I went for it. It’s obvious that someone up there wanted our baby to have a home to come home to.”

“I like that.”

“If you have time today, I want us to visit someone special.”

“I’ve got all the time in the world for you, Blake Connor. I agreed to forever, remember?”

His chest swelled with happiness. He pulled her into his arms and held her for a long time.

A few hours later . . .

“Hey, bud,” Blake whispered to the vast blue sea surrounding them.

At Trent’s request, his ashes had been sprinkled in the ocean by his parents. This was the one place Blake knew he could reach his friend.

He invited Jennifer to join him at the end of the boardwalk by the pier.

She gathered her skirt and sat next to him.

The rays of the morning sun cast a shimmering glow as they kissed the water, lending a serene backdrop amid the crying of the seagulls.

He inhaled deep and let out a contented sigh. “You called it right. I am in love with our girl. In fact, I’m making her my wife.”

Jennifer squeezed his hand.

He glanced at her and smiled before returning his gaze to the expanse of water before him, and paid homage to his best friend.

Your secret’s safe, brother, and as promised I will keep watch over her. Her happiness will be my life’s purpose. I love you, Trent. Stay tight.

He placed his fist over his heart and vowed to never forget the man he had not only called a friend but his brother-in-arms.

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Acknowledgement

Thank you very much to these wonderful gals, who kept me sane and motivated—Wendy Depperschmidt, Kristen Giles, Claudia Trapp, Judith Somera, Mavvy Vasquez, Lucia Morales, and Donna Rogers.

Trenda Lundin—I owe you another trip to the beach and In-N-Out Burger for encouraging me to complete this project. I’m deeply grateful for your constant reminders that I was onto something good. This story is as much yours as it is mine. I’m ready to share Blake.

DJ Gann—thank you for your patience and guidance during the entire editing process.

With love to my family.   

And to all the men and women who are currently serving or have served in the military—your service, dedication, and sacrifice are appreciated.

About the Author

Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her vampire novels
Hunted
and
Tormented
, the first and second book of The Gates Legacy trilogy,
Indivisible Line
, a romantic thriller, and
Feather Light
, an erotic romance.   

Lorenz’s perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch, aka the office, with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.

Lorenz lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between her full-time job as a hospital office manager and her busy writing schedule.

Also by Lorenz Font

Feather Light
-
Parker Davis has conquered three major American cities and is the new ‘it’ man in massage. He earned the nickname ‘Feather Light’ for his sensual touches, tender caresses, and soft voice eliciting an almost orgasmic release. Clients from all over clamor for his services, and his clientele is growing by the minute. Business is at its peak, which makes Parker a busy man who has no time to deal with problems, let alone dwell on his blindness. With his declining vision, Parker has to accept his limitations and the changes brought forth by this disease, but he is not ready to relinquish the last control he has left. He is still the master in his bedroom.

Kelly Storm, a Hollywood actress, will do whatever it takes to get some much-deserved peace. Being famous has its perks, except the little privacy her popularity afforded her is slowly eating at her. With the paparazzi hounding her every minute of the day and her personal life under constant scrutiny, Kelly wants a semblance of normalcy wherever she can get it. Under the urging of a close friend, she agrees give Parker a try.   

Their first meeting is nothing she expects. Kelly finds comfort in his gentle probing and the spellbinding experience guaranteed to keep her coming back for more. Parker knows the woman on his table is special. He feels her vulnerability with his fingertips, and her smooth curves leave a burning ache inside him.

One night of steamy passion is all it takes to know that they wanted each other in more ways than one. Kelly hides in heavy disguises, making it impossible for Parker to know her true identity. What secret is Kelly keeping, and will she trust Parker enough to tell him the truth? Will Parker see beyond Kelly’s lies to show her what a future with him holds?

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