Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Images of tacky, terrible dresses filter through my mind, and I’m so grateful Shayne isn’t the type to want anything other than something simple, classic, and beautiful.
With excited grins on our faces, we set out to find the perfect maid of honor dress.
One that will hopefully bring Chad Anthony to his knees.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-ONE
Chad
My knees are bouncing.
My heart is racing.
My hands are itching.
Three days ago, our CO informed us that we were going home. Just a week before, he’d told us we’d be rolling out after the first of the year. I called my wife to tell her as soon as I found out. That changed, and now here we are. It’s the week before Christmas, and I’m going home to my wife.
She has no idea.
I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about seeing someone in my entire life. The bounce of my knees is me wanting to run to her. My racing heart, that’s the love I have for the woman who took my name just over four months ago. And my itching hands? It’s because I can’t wait to hold her.
Not long now.
The bus slows, and we turn into the base. I don’t have to look at a single face on this bus to know we’re all feeling the same way. We’re glad to be home. What’s even better is that my wife doesn’t know that I’m coming.
I’d already told her it would be after the first of the year. When we were told three days ago that had changed, there was a lot of work to do. So, I focused on that because I wanted to surprise her.
The bus stops, and we quickly unload. I have to report tomorrow for a few hours, but then we’re off until after the new year. I’ve never been more thrilled to know my wife is a teacher, and she too will be home. No need for her to take her vacation days.
“It’s good to be home,” I tell Erik as I follow him off the bus. The last part of the ride, we were both quiet. Hell, the entire bus was quiet. We’re all exhausted and ready for home.
“Yeah,” he agrees. We toss our bags over our shoulders and begin the short walk to our houses. Faith had already told me that Erik and Hannah don’t live far from us. Luckily, the base is well lit for a night walk, and to be honest, I need this time to calm the hell down. I’m nervous and excited, and I need to get those feelings under control before I knock on our front door.
Yeah, I’m gonna knock. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees that it’s me.
As we approach the house, I know it’s ours, not only from the numbers on the house, but the car in the driveway. This is it. I’m home.
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
Erik chuckles as I wave him off. I’ve spent the last several months with him. It’s time for my wife to have all my attention. “See ya!” he calls over his shoulder.
Dropping my bag onto the front porch, I wipe my sweaty palms on my thighs before lifting my hand and knocking on the door. I hear footsteps inside, and then I see the curtain move to the side. A squeal of excitement greets me as the door is tugged open, and my wife is jumping into my arms.
I catch her easily as she wraps her arms and legs around me and buries her face in my neck. Her body shakes and I can feel her tears against my skin. I hold her close, so tight. In fact, I’m sure I’m probably squeezing the air from her lungs, but Faith doesn’t seem to mind. I squeeze my eyes closed to ward off my own onslaught of emotions. I focus on the feel of her in my arms.
Finally.
“You’re here.” She lifts her head and smiles through her tears. “How are you here?” Her eyes roam over my face as if she has to catalog my every feature.
Don’t worry, baby. We have a lifetime for that.
“Let’s get you inside.” I step through the door that’s still open, kicking it closed. I look around her just so I can take us to the couch before sitting with her still wrapped around me.
“Let me look at you.” I cradle her cheeks in the palms of my hands and stare into her eyes. “I’ve missed you.” My voice cracks. The relief of having her in my arms again is palpable. She’s the missing piece of me.
“I missed you too. I didn’t know you were coming.” Surprise colors her voice, and her smile tells me it’s a good one.
“We found out three days ago. It’s been a whirlwind. We were all doing whatever we needed to do to get out of there and come home. I could have made the time to call, but I wanted to surprise you,” I confess.