“They are overpowering at times,” he laughed.
“I was never so relieved in my life. I was shown to a private room at the school, given a closet full of new, clean clothing, counseling with Bree and Ashley. It was amazing. I’d never been given so much in so little time in all my life. Suddenly, I was thriving. I’d always been a good student, but now I was excelling thanks to all these people.”
“Don’t discount your own spirit and intelligence, honey. You don’t just turn around from something like that without the right attitude. You’re fucking amazing,” he said, kissing her.
“Thank you,” she smiled. “I remember when I graduated, Wade and Hannah were in the front row, cheering me on along with Zulu, Gabi, and fifty other people. They paid for me to attend college, gave me living expenses, and then helped me to get into medical school. I owe them everything, Jonas. Everything.”
“I can understand that,” he nodded.
“I think I’m saying that because I don’t want to leave these people. They’re my family, my support system. I can’t imagine living without them. In the hospital I said I would leave, but honestly I can’t fathom the idea of walking away from the only family I’ve ever known. I care a great deal for you, and I see that you’re feeling the same. I just, well, I just want to make sure you understand how I feel about this place.”
Jonas nodded, smiling down at her as he pulled her onto his lap. He feathered kisses down her face, neck, and then back to her lips.
“Baby, I understand, and I’m right there with you. Maybe it’s my turn to tell my story.”
“Hold that thought,” she said, jumping up. “I think I need more coffee.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
“I guess I should start at the beginning,” he smiled.
“That always helps,” she said, snuggling into him. The fire was crackling, the black clouds releasing a deluge outside. No one was leaving their cottages unless they had to.
“I was raised by my aunt and uncle, who were the best people on the planet. I don’t really remember my father. Little snippets like movie clips here and there. I was only eleven when he died in a friendly fire incident. He was a Navy pilot. My mom decided she wanted to travel for a while, get her head on straight. Instead, she drove a car over a cliff in Peru. I feel like I remember them, but I think most of that is from pictures.
“My Aunt Arlean and Uncle Fred were amazing people. They couldn’t have children of their own, so they embraced the whole parenting thing to the extreme,” he smiled. “I never wanted for anything. I think the way they raised me is what helped me to become a Navy officer. I attended Annapolis, became part of the Special Forces community, and an aide to one of the top leaders in our nation.”
“That’s so incredible, Jonas,” she smiled. “I feel like I’m dating a true hero.”
“I’m not a hero, babe. I’m just a guy that knows the difference between right and wrong.”
“In today’s world, that qualifies as hero status,” she whispered. He nodded, understanding what she was saying.
“When I met Kaleigh, I just knew that we were meant to be together. We dated for almost a year before I proposed. We were young, but I knew this was it for me. When she said yes, we both knew that we didn’t want a big wedding. We just wanted something fast. So, we took off to Vegas, got married in a cheesy Elvis wedding chapel, and spent a few days spending money we didn’t really have,” he laughed.
“It sounds wonderful,” she smiled.
“It was. My aunt and uncle were able to attend, and I was so glad they did. They both passed away three years later, almost on the same day. We found out a few days later that Kaleigh was pregnant with twins, and it seemed like it was meant to be.
“I was working late the night it happened. It seemed I was always working late back then,” he frowned. She gripped his hand, squeezing for a little added support.
“I told her I’d be home soon, and she suggested that she’d walk and pick up our favorite Chinese food. I told her to have it delivered, but she said she wanted the exercise. She was getting so big at that point.” He stopped thinking back to that night and brushed away the memories, not wanting to dive into that sadness once again.
“Witnesses said the car didn’t even bother to stop and help. He looked out the window and just kept going. Two guys at the scene tried to help her, but it was too late.”
“God, Jonas, I’m so sorry,” she sniffed. “I’m so, so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, babe. I honestly thought it might have had something to do with what Admiral Harris and I were working on at the time.”
“Admiral Harris?” she asked with a frown.
“Yes. I was working for him. I was his aide, and we were trying to stop some things that were happening. We believed his brother-in-law and wife were working together.”
“Wh-what was his brother-in-law’s name?” she asked.
“Brockman. Colonel Brockman.”
Khloe sat up, setting her coffee down on the table, and then stood, pacing back and forth in front of Jonas.
