Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 84985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“Mr. President, sir, it’s nice to see you again,” Reed held out his hand, stepping forward to take the president’s hand.
“Hello, Reed, it’s good to see you again, son. I understand your family’s here today.” The President continued to chuckle as he spoke.
“Yes, sir, they are. Trevor has been special to them for many years. They wouldn’t miss this. Please let me introduce Trevor West to you, sir.” Reed wrapped an arm around Trevor, smiling at him with such pride, it caused Trevor to slowly let the anger he felt toward the Aide go and concentrate on the bigger deal. Trevor was meeting the President of the United States!
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sergeant.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” Trevor saluted the President before taking his hand. They both gave a little laugh because the tough Sergeant who had given the Aide hell became flustered, not really sure what to do in greeting his Commander in Chief.
“I watched you that night, son. Your bravery and dedication was admirable. I was thoroughly impressed by you and your team. You made me proud to be an American.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m a fan of yours. I voted for you.” The blush stained Trevor’s cheeks. He knew he was doing that crazy ramble thing he did when he got nervous, so he forced himself to shut up.
“Thank you, I’m glad to hear it. I’ll need that vote again in the next election, but for now, I think they’re ready for us. Let’s do this.”
The grin was still on the President’s face as they walked out the back doors of the White House, into the back garden area. Several gasps were heard from the reporting area when Reed came out with Trevor, hand in hand. Cameras flashed like crazy, but Trevor never caved. He held Reed’s hand the entire way. The President gave a nod to his Vice President, but went straight to the podium. Trevor tried hard to remember which side he was to stand on, and of course, he got it wrong. Reed gently guided him over before respectfully taking a step back, letting Trevor stand close to the President as he spoke.
Trevor weighed his options at the moment, deciding not to embarrass Reed or the President by throwing a fit on National television. But he would be talking to his Reed about that little step back later. The president began to speak on acts of heroism and the history of this medal. Trevor listened while the president spoke, but also looked out into the crowd, seeing Reed’s family all on the front row. They were his family now. Trevor also saw many members of his team on the second and third row. Trevor hadn’t heard from many of them since the accident. He watched them closely; they seemed proud. It surprised him how relieved he felt they came to support him.
After a minute, Reed nudged him in the back. Trevor looked up again at the grinning President, who held his hand out to shake Trevor’s hand. Trevor quickly shook the President’s hand before bending over, allowing the award to be placed around his neck. A cheer erupted from his team and the audience. Both leaders of congress came forward to congratulate him and shake his hand. Lt. Honn stood a step back clapping until it was his time to congratulate Trevor, saluting and shaking his hand.
After accepting their handshakes, Trevor turned to Reed, who stood back a couple of steps clapping, smiling, and watching it all. Trevor didn’t want to be Reed reserved. Everything the two went through, all the hardships only brought them closer. His heart was so happy in this moment. As he lifted his hand toward Reed, Reed came immediately to Trevor’s side, that sexy grin in place. Trevor didn’t hesitate, but bent in, matching the grin, kissing Reed for the world to see. Again, there was a collective gasp. The clicking the camera flashes became a roar in the background.
Turning back to the President, Trevor never lost his smile. Reed’s hand stayed in his. In that moment, he realized he would do every single thing over again just to be standing here with Reed right now. Trevor turned back to his grinning fiancé, saying loudly, “I do love you forever,” and kissed Reed’s smiling lips again.