Author: Geri Krotow

Award winning author of over 35 novels ranging from cozy mystery, to thrilling romantic suspense, to women’s fiction-y romance.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Nineteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Nineteen

Pepe gave his mother a curt nod and lowered his hands to his sides. “Okay.”

He stepped off the board and fell into the water, hardly making a splash as Lucas caught him under the arms. Val liked how Lucas let Pepe go under for a bit, just to have the feel of the jump, before he helped the boy reorient himself.

The small crowd broke into huge applause and whooped for Pepe.

Pepe swam to the side of the pool and hauled himself out. Serena was on her knees to catch him as he threw his soaking wet self at her.

Lucas watched from the deep end as he continued to tread water.

“Nice job, Dr. Lucas.” Tanya’s quiet compliment said it all.

Val wiped her tears away.

“Anyone else want to jump?” Lucas smiled, his teeth white against his skin, the sun and water reflecting his joy.

“Does this mean we’re done for the afternoon, doc?” Todd, one of the few single family members who’d come for the week, took off his T-shirt and dove into the deep end. Val thought that was what the past year must have felt like for him, after his wife died in Afghanistan. He’d told her at dinner last night that he was finally giving himself permission to start a new life. Her heart pounded as she wondered if Todd was aware of the metaphor in what he’d done, diving into the deep end in one bold leap.

Lucas climbed out of the pool and his chinos clung to every muscle on his runner’s legs. Val wished she had sunglasses on so that she could get a better look at him—all of him.

“You deserve to go after your own happiness, Val,” Tanya said quietly.

Val smiled at her observation. No doubt she’d watched Val ogle Lucas.

“It’s not that easy, Tanya. He goes back next week.”

“Only if he wants to.”

An hour later, Val found Lucas sitting in the cushioned cedar swing she’d hung within a week of moving into BTS. It was in a secluded part of the small garden but the swing allowed glimpses of the surrounding islands when the weather was clear.

“Mind if I join you?”

Lucas looked up from the client folder he studied and turned his intensity on her. She felt caressed by his gaze as he took her in from head to toe, lingering on her breasts and hips.

How had she kept him at arm’s length for the past six months, especially when she knew how well he kissed?

“Here.” He patted the cushion beside him. As she sank into the soft pillow, his arm went around her and they sat that way for what felt like hours, content with each other’s company.

“Have you gained what you expected from BTS?” She broke their comfortable silence.

“I honestly didn’t have any expectations, except for getting a break from the insane pressure cooker I’ve lived in for the past few years in D.C.” He used his leg to keep them swinging, just a bit, and Val relished how her body leaned into his with each sway.

His fingers were on the back of her neck, drawing delicious little swirls over her skin.

“I figured anything that happened here would be tame compared to what I was used to. I didn’t realize how much impact the families would have on me.”

“In what way?” She thought she knew, understood what he meant, but she wanted to hear it from him.

Geri’s Take On…The Geri Krotow Newsletter

What I want you to think I look like all the time
What I want you to think I look like all the time

Welcome to my newsletter! It’s about time–I’ve embraced social media in the forms of Facebook and Twitter, but for whatever reason I’ve been reluctant to jump into the newsletter adventure. Maybe it’s because we all get too many emails… I promise I will send out newsletters only with each new release or very pertinent information. I don’t want to be the one crowding your inbox–I want you to be able to smile when you see it’s from me.

Sit a Spell and Have a Cup of Joy with Me!
Sit a Spell and Have a Cup of Joy with Me!

I’m excited by the release of the second book in my Whidbey Island Series, NAVY ORDERS. It’s the most challenging book I’ve written to date, as the story presented me with a dead body. Yes, you read that correctly. I’ve finished another book in the series for a 2014 release, and it will have a dead body in it, too. Don’t worry, the romance is still there. As well as the Navy Family culture that I was privileged to be a part of both as an active duty officer and as a navy spouse. I hope when you read these books you’ll feel as if you’ve had an insight into how military families all over the world willingly sacrifice in order to keep us all safe.

Also available this month is my FREE online read, NAVY HOPE, available at my blog or at Harlequin’s site.

A great thing in NAVY ORDERS if you’re a knitter: a free NAVY HUG HAT pattern from Delaware Head Huggers. It’s printed in the back of the book! Robin Celli and her beloved dog Schnapps co-created the pattern for NAVY ORDERS. It’s a great thing if you’re looking for a chemo cap or TBI (traumatic brain injury) pattern. If you don’t knit, you can still lend a hand by donating yarn or money to Delaware Head Huggers, a nonprofit that sends chemo caps all around the continent. If you or someone you love needs a chemo cap, just let DEHH know. Check them out at www.delawareheadhuggers.org

My sister writer friends Ann DeFee and Linda Cardillo have committed to renewing our Three Glindas pact as we travel along our writing journey. We post some fun things, so be on the lookout at our site, The Three Glindas and on Twitter.

What I really look like (not only when painting)!
What I really look like (not only when painting)!

 

I’m looking at a full schedule this summer with Romance Writers of America in Atlanta July 17-21, where I’ll be signing at the Literacy Signing and presenting a workshop with my editor, Cliche–Avoid at All Costs!  On July 28th, I’ll be signing books at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, PA–check their site for the exact time and details.  In September I’ll be speaking and signing at the Baltimore Book Festival. I hope we get a chance to meet!

BREAKING “NEWS” is that I’ve been interviewed for an article in Navy Times, part of the Military Times group. I’ll post on Facebook and Tweet when it’s available. If you’re military you can get a print copy at your local commissary and PX (BX for non-navy types :)). Print and digital subscriptions are available via their website, above. This is a tremendous resource for anyone writing military fiction, whether you’ve served or not.

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is in full swing. Please take the time to enjoy the warmth and blooms and birds. Thanks for your support of my work and stories. Writing is a solitary sport but I am never lonely. Readers make all the difference. Thank you again and have a great summer!

Peace,

Geri

NAVY HOPE Chapter Eighteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Eighteen

“Val, you need to get over to the pool area.”

The tone of Maggie’s voice sent fear coursing through Val.

“What’s going on?”

“Just go. I’ll be right behind you.”

Val made it out of the office, around the lodgings and through the pool fence in under two minutes.

Pepe, the six-year-old son of a U.S. Marine gunnery sergeant who’d died in battle two years ago, was the child she’d told Lucas about during their last briefing. He stood atop the pool’s small diving board, hands clasped in front of his little chest, his hair wet, his eyes screwed shut.

Lucas was treading water under the diving board, fully clothed. His voice was low and steady as he spoke to Pepe, but Val was too far away to make out his words.

Serena, Pepe’s mother, was on the concrete deck with the other group members, two of whom held their arms around her. Val wondered if it was for support or to keep Serena from lunging after her son. Gold Star families tended to be more reliant on each other than other families, but Val had noticed that Serena was especially protective of Pepe. And why wouldn’t she be? He’d been barely five when his father was taken from him.

Val saw Tanya and walked over to her. “What’s the deal?”

“Lucas asked everyone what they were most afraid of. Pepe said he was scared of heights. So he wants to jump off the diving board—to prove he can do it.”

“The pool’s supposed to be a backdrop for the sessions, not part of them!”

“Pepe was wearing his swim trunks. He and Serena have gone in the pool each day after the workshops.”

“But Lucas wasn’t dressed to swim.”

“No, he wasn’t, but he took his phone out of his pocket before he got in and told Pepe to get up on the board.”

“If that kid doesn’t jump, Tanya…”

“He will jump, Val. If he doesn’t, he’s not ready yet, and that’s a good lesson, too.” Tanya’s expression remained neutral, but Val caught the innuendo that was aimed at her.

“I’m not afraid to jump.”

“Hmm.” Tanya gave the uniform counselor’s reply.

Val kept her gaze on Pepe and the swimmer below him. Pepe’s eyes had opened. The air was still and Lucas had raised his voice.

“Everyone’s afraid to make the first jump, Pepe. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a buddy. I’m your jump buddy for this one. Your mom can be your buddy, too. You can ask anyone you want. Remember, if you jump, you won’t be alone.”

“If I don’t like it, I’m not doing it again.”

“You don’t have to, Pepe. You can even decide not to jump this time. Whatever you decide is okay.”

Pepe looked up, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears as he searched out his mom.

Serena smiled at her son, her lower lip trembling. Tears spilled from under her sunglasses.

“Go for it, mi hijo.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Seventeen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Seventeen

June

“I’m going to miss working with you.” Lucas looked at her over his cup of tea. Their morning briefings usually included Tanya, but she was off-island for the day.

“I’ll miss you, too.” Val was grateful her voice didn’t crack. Their professional-only relationship would never be enough for her.

She took a sip from her mug before she opened the case folder in front of her. She perused it, then slid it across her desk toward Lucas.

“It’s a family of two—a mom and her young son. He hasn’t been able to trust another adult besides his mom, and they’ve had some issues with him in kindergarten. His dad died two years ago.”

“Most of the families we’ve worked with come here sooner after their loss.”

“Our clients come when they’re ready to come.”

His gaze lingered a beat longer than necessary on her face.

Damn. Her distress at his leaving, their undeniable attraction for one another, her frustration at not being able to expect more from him, was coming out sideways.

“I sound like a complete bitch. I’m sorry. I’m not being fair. You’ve seen as much as anyone here. You’re right. This family waited a long while. “

He smiled and she forgot what they were talking about it.

“It’s not just you, Val,” he said. She wanted to grasp a deeper meaning in his words but didn’t dare.

Lucas sighed. “I’ve spent the last three years dealing one-on-one with returning vets who’ve suffered unimaginable losses and traumas. I’m used to getting in and treating the mental damage as fast as possible, before it has a chance to become debilitating. It’s still hard to shake my urge to lean toward going for the ‘quick fix,’ even after several months at BTS.”

“You’ve done wonderfully. It’s almost as if you were meant to be here.”

Her words seemed to hang there, and she blushed.

“I’m not saying—”

“Don’t explain, Val. I understand.” He stood up. “Mind if I take this and study it for the next half hour before we meet with them?”

“Of course not. That’s why I pulled it. Here are the three additional families we’ll be welcoming this week, two tomorrow and one on Wednesday.”

“You said the pace would stay fast and furious when I arrived six months ago. It’s only increased over the spring.” There was that maddening smile again.

“Good thing you love what you do.”

“You’ve got me there.”

Lucas turned and left the office, and Val let her attention drift down to his backside.

Two more weeks.

She’d be able to relax again, not constantly on vigil against her feelings for Lucas.

Of course, he’d be gone then, possibly forever. There’d been no talk of any future together and realistically, they faced too many obstacles. She knew all that. And yet…

“Crap.”

She spoke to the empty office; Maggie was out of sight. San Juan Island in the twenty-first century wasn’t Regency England, but she needed a chaperone. Only two weeks until Lucas’s contract was fulfilled. She suspected he’d be gone as fast as the weather changed on the island. At least she’d be able to breathe again. Staying professional while fighting her attraction to Lucas had become too difficult.

NAVY HOPE Chapter 16

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Sixteen

April

Winter melted into spring, and Val relished the long season. Her daffodils and tulips came up magnificently in the front beds. She liked to think they greeted each guest at the resort. As she walked by the large ceramic pot she kept at the entrance, spots of bright pink caught her eye. She stopped and took a moment to finger her fuchsia blooms. It never ceased to delight her that a flower that was an annual in so many other parts of the country grew perennially on San Juan Island.

“The garden here is beautiful. I see you out in it a lot. Are you the only one who tends it?”

Lucas stood next to her and she straightened. He wore the BTS polo shirt, embroidered with their logo, and a pair of jeans that made her wonder why she’d never paid particular attention to men in jeans before.

“Yes, but I’m more of a maintenance gardener. The work was done before I purchased the place. The buildings were in disrepair and the main hotel needed some renovations, but the widow who sold it to me had kept the garden up for the twenty years after her husband died.”

“It shows.” He gazed around at the various blooms and she took the chance to look at him. She didn’t often get the chance to really study him without his knowing she was doing just that.

She didn’t want to scare him off.

You’re the one who’s afraid.

Agreeing to stay away from each other romantically had opened the door to a friendship they’d never had in college. She was surprised to discover how much she enjoyed working with him, whether it was listening to his concerns over a family member or gathering the supplies needed for an impromptu arts and crafts session.

“Are you still enjoying the pace here?” Restricting their conversation to work was far less taxing as far as her heart was concerned.

Lucas grinned. “Too much. I love the routine, the early-to-bed, the free time between workshops.” His eyes narrowed as he watched two eagles circling above them.

“I knew I was making a difference at Walter Reed, at least in the short run. Here, I know I can help surviving families go on to productive, enjoyable lives.” He turned his gaze back on her. “They’ve already done the hard grieving. My work is easy.”

“Are you kidding yourself with that kind of talk? Because you’re not kidding me. The clients across the board have commented positively on your input. You’re very talented at what you do, Lucas, and this place is just as important as a wounded vet center.”

“I didn’t mean to imply it’s not. Quite the opposite.” He placed his hand on her arm.

She relished the warmth—and accompanying spark.

“I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “It’s changing how I view my profession, how I want to go on after my time here is over.”

The desire his touch stirred sobered into regret.

“Well, you only have a couple more months. I’m sure you’ll make the most of it.” She gathered up her gardening tools and put them in her bucket, hoisting it onto her arm. Stepping away from him, she said, “See you back at the office.”

She walked off, unable to look at him. She didn’t want him to see how sad the thought of his leaving made her.

Much as she hoped for something beyond friendship, she couldn’t count on it. He hadn’t made any promises—or even hinted at a future.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fifteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Fifteen

“You’re obviously good at what you do, Lucas. Thanks for listening.” Val offered him a brave smile.

“I wasn’t listening as a shrink.” She raised her brows in query.

“We’re old friends, Val. That’s enough for both of us, don’t you think?” It’ll have to be, she told herself.

But all she said was “Hmm.”

Lucas was the kind of man a woman wanted to make a life with, and Val didn’t deny her attraction to him. What healthy woman wouldn’t be enthralled by all that lean muscle, those good looks, the brains behind the brawn? She hadn’t expected to be so intrigued by him—his thoughts, his manner, his kindness. In some ways, it was as if the years since she’d been with him didn’t exist. He’d made clear he wanted to keep their relationship friendly but professional. She had to agree.

And yet…Her disappointment crushed her. At least she was admitting it to herself.

He’s your employee.

That kiss had been damn hot.

She squeezed her nylon net shower puff and hung it on the door handle before she stepped out of the steaming stall and dried off.

A morning run and a cup of coffee made with island roasted beans were her staples and all she needed to get a good start to her day.

Now she had a kiss to forget about.

She wiped away the condensation from her mirror and looked at the reflection of her flushed face and wild hair. Her routine had been shot to hell with one devastating kiss.

It’d been two years since she’d broken up with Bob. Longer still since she’d been this attracted to anyone. Perhaps never had a man’s kiss been so exciting, except for those early kisses in her late teens, when everything was new and hormone-charged.

Lucas.

This morning, when he’d put his mouth on hers, she’d felt nineteen again. Better.

As she towel-dried her hair, she remembered Chet and Erin’s wedding. Even if they’d known it would end in the horrific tragedy of Chet’s death in a war halfway around the globe, she knew that both of them would do it again in a heartbeat.

Life was short.

Instant connections were rare, deeper connections often once-in-a-lifetime.

She owed it to herself not to give up. She’d just have to be patient and wait out his time as her employee.

Patience had never been one of her virtues.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fourteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Fourteen

Val chose her words carefully. “Kind of—I mean, yes, you were. I dated other boys, went on with my life. But I always wondered…”

“I’m sorry for any hurt I caused you. I wasn’t worthy of you back then, Val.”

“We were both so young.”

She started to walk down the trail, away from where they’d embraced.

“Let’s head back. There’s a lot that needs to be done before our first session at ten.” Professional Val, fearless team leader of BTS, was in charge again.

As they ran down the hill, Val explained that she’d decided to keep the schedule on a timetable more akin to that of a resort or cruise, so the vacation ambience permeated the family’s stay.

“What if they don’t come up with a plan for when they leave?” So far each family he’d worked with had, but he didn’t assume that was always the case.

“That’s okay, too. The point is, we gave them an opportunity to think about their lives away from the identity of being a Gold Star Family. Not to invalidate it in any way, but we try to help them form their own dreams and aspirations.”

“Has it ever been hard for you to let them go at the end of their week?”

“Truly? No. I don’t get as close to them as you and the other counselors do. BTS is set up so that I’m the go-to person for anything they need to facilitate their time here. But I made a point of putting all the right experts in place to handle the various aspects of the retreat. Life-mapping, journaling, motivational speakers, resumes—there are folks more trained in these things than I’ll ever be.” She slowed to a walk in front of the office. The sun was beginning to send a few rays up over the horizon, dissipating the fog they’d left in.

“As I’m sure you’ve already observed, I’m the back-up. If one of the counselors gets sick or takes vacation time, I can step in. But it’s essential that I remain a bit more detached, so that I can support the counseling team.”

“Don’t you miss using your social work skills?”

“Sometimes, but not as much as I thought I would.” A shadow crossed her face. He wanted to whisk it away and bring the sparkle back to her green eyes.

“It was a long haul, losing Chet. Not as hard as it was for Erin or my nephews, of course.” She pursed her lips. “I was burned out from social work when I went to help Erin and the boys. The wall of grief that we all had to push through—watching them go on, day after day— well, let’s just say it was enough to last me a lifetime.”

He was quiet, humbled that she’d shared so much with him, so soon.

You kissed her too soon.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Thirteen

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Thirteen

When Val’s fingers touched his lips, Lucas’s brain did its best to shut off all reasoning. Getting Val into his bed was suddenly necessary, vital, the most important mission of his life.

“Lucas?”

Her eyes reflected the desire that overwhelmed him—along with a measure of real concern.

“Shit.” He pulled back. The simultaneous rejection and mistrust that crossed her face cut him to the quick.

You’ve done it again. Way to go, Einstein.

“I’m sorry, Val. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

“And I shouldn’t have kissed you back.”

They stared at each other for a long moment before they both looked away.

Lucas focused on the shadow of British Columbia, where Val had pointed out Victoria.

“I’ve done this before,” he admitted. “Gotten involved with my boss. It doesn’t work out in the end.”

“I agree that this isn’t a good idea, Lucas, not with the two of us working together.”

She rubbed her gloved hands. “Yes, I’m tempted, and it’s not like this is a government organization. It’s for military families, but it’s a completely civilian operation. Still—”

“So was the hospital I worked in when I…had a relationship with my Chief Resident.

“Oh.”

Oh is right.” He wanted to swear a blue streak.

“What happened?” Val had told him about Bob. Now it was his turn to spill.

“Betsy and I lasted for more than a year after my program ended. We didn’t talk about a serious commitment until I’d completed my residency. But she wanted more and ultimately decided I was too young for her.”

“How much older was she?”

“Ten years.”

“Wow. Impressive.”

“For me or her?”

“Both of you.” Val’s mouth tilted in the lopsided smile he was getting to like, too much.

He grabbed her hand. “Despite what I said, I’m not sorry I kissed you, Val. I am sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m wondering if I should fire you just so we can kiss again.”

She shrugged as she pulled her hand from his.

He didn’t respond, didn’t know quite what to say.

“But you’re right, Lucas,” she went on. “It’s not possible for us to be more than colleagues—professionals—just now. It’s not fair to either of us. Let’s be adults and just call it a draw for now, okay?”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying, Val.”

“I don’t.” She paused. “I have to ask. Why did you leave so abruptly fifteen years ago?”

Her expression was earnest but he saw the shadow flicker across her eyes. He could tell that she thought it was her fault.

“My mother had a nervous breakdown,” he said bluntly. “My father had been an alcoholic his entire life, and when she was institutionalized it practically killed him. He did die about two years later, after I graduated from Temple.” He looked at her.

“My little sister needed me. She had high school to get through, and I’d be damned if I was going to see her suffer any more because of our screwed up family.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me this? You knew about my family.”

“Precisely. And I knew you’d been through your own hell. You didn’t need to hear about mine. I was also ashamed, Val. I was young and I thought the family problems were mine, that they somehow reflected on me. But by the time I grew up enough to realize none of it was my fault, it was too late. I figured you’d already moved on. Was I right?”

NAVY HOPE Chapter Twelve

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Twelve

Val had never been so attracted to a man in her life—and that included their relationship fifteen years ago. Neither had she ever spilled her guts so readily. His open, nonjudgmental attitude made her trust him.

“Like I said, I hope I don’t scare you with all this chatter.”

“Not at all. It’s my privilege to hear your story.” His thoughtful reply enhanced his already considerable appeal.

“That’s the city of Victoria over there.” She pointed to the silhouette barely visible through the morning fog.

“I don’t mean to go on about the weather, but is it always this mild in February?”

Lucas had run the hill alongside her for the past mile, yet he showed no sign of breathlessness nor was he particularly sweaty. Not that she was looking at his chest or the way his shirt stretched over his pecs.

“It’s pretty typical. Our warmest month is September, but even the early part of October can be balmy. The fog keeps it cool from June through mid-August. I find this weather kind of raw, but you’re right, compared to the Northeast it’s mild for February.” She inhaled the salt and cedar scent of the island. “I’ve spent many hours up here, especially when I first started BTS.”

“You’ve spent even more hours in the office from what I can tell.” Lucas’s breath was warm on the back of her neck as they stood on the precipice. She felt his body heat imprinted on her back, and desire roiled in her belly…and moved lower.

“Have you dated anyone since Bob?”

His words were followed by the warmth of his hand on her shoulder. She turned and found herself face to face with him, his eyes intense and focused on her.

She averted her glance—to his lips.

“No, I’m not seeing anyone.”

“I’m glad.” Lucas leaned toward her until his lips blurred and she closed her eyes.

His lips were cool from the morning air but his mouth was hot, his tongue eager. Val moaned when he dropped an arm around her waist, his hand pressing the small of her back. His other hand was around her neck, massaging gently as his mouth worked over hers with deliberate care.

Val didn’t think about it; she wrapped both arms around his neck and kissed him back. The give-and-take, the joy of sharing a passionate kiss with an attractive man—she’d forgotten how good it was.

It’s never been this good.

Lucas lifted his lips from hers and she opened her eyes to meet his gaze.

“Am I being too forward?” he asked.

“No.”

As he leaned back in, Val put her fingers to his lips. “But some people might see it as inappropriate. I’m supposed to be your boss. Your employer.”

NAVY HOPE Chapter Eleven

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Chapter Eleven

Val didn’t speak for several strides, and Lucas sent her a quick look to see if she was tearing up.

“Needless to say, Chet left almost everything to his wife and my nephews, but he also left me a sizable chunk of cash. It was totally unexpected and I planned on giving it to my sister-in-law and the kids. She persuaded me not to, said they were more than taken care of, thanks to Chet’s smart financial planning and preparation for the worst.”

They were near the crest of the run, the highest point on the tiny island. She slowed her pace to a walk and he did the same.

“I was so proud of him. A career in the Army isn’t what I would’ve picked for him, especially considering our family background, but it was his calling.”

Val’s profile against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest was an artist’s dream. Her soft curves contrasted with the harsh contours of the wind-eroded cliffs behind her. Lucas wanted to reach out and embrace her, but he simply let her tell her story.

“I had horrible nightmares the first six months after Chet was killed. He was on the battlefield, and I couldn’t stop thinking about his suffering, his blood soaking into the desert sand.”

“It was awful, that whole first year. I stayed with Chet’s widow, Erin, and my nephews, to help her out. Since I was looking for a change but didn’t know which direction to take, and I’m single, it made sense for me to move in with them. I’d been living in Seattle for ten years, and Chet was stationed at Fort Lewis, a short drive away. Erin’s family is on the east coast and she didn’t want to relocate the boys right away. Now she’s even thinking of buying a place on Whidbey Island.”

Val flashed him a grin. “She’s a schoolteacher, and kept her job in the same elementary school the kids attend. But the boys are getting older, and she’s ready for something different.”

“Like you were.” Like he was.

Val nodded.

“How did you find this place?” He was impressed by how much she’d accomplished in such a short time.

“I came here on a trip with my boyfriend, Bob. It was supposed be a fun weekend, a chance to rekindle our relationship after I’d spent so much time with Erin and the kids, after Chet’s death.” She shook her head as if shaking off bad memories.

“It turned into our break-up fight. But that’s all ancient history. It happened more than two years ago.” She turned toward Lucas. “Something good came out of it, though, because I went for a run and ended up here, in this very spot. And after some serious thought and meditation, I concluded that this would be the perfect place for families to heal. Even with my soon-to-be-ex sleeping in the resort a few miles away, I’d been able to find peace, serenity, in these surroundings. I knew it was where I could start my life over.”

She laughed. “Pretty naive of me, wasn’t it? It sounds crazy, but I had a gut feeling that I had to be here, to live here, to stay here. So I did. Bob packed up and left by himself after our disaster of a weekend, and I stayed behind for two weeks. I scoured this island and several nearby. The old abandoned family hotel I finally bought was the best option and the most financially feasible for me.”

“I know what you mean,” Luke said, nodding. “The best things in my life have happened when I’m not trying too hard. Like finding this job on the same day I’d had a rough time at work in DC. I thought it’d cheer me up to see all the other jobs I could apply for, knowing none would be as good as what I had at Walter Reed. Until I read I’d be in ‘God’s Country’ for six months, making a difference to Gold Star families.”

She laughed again. “I put that ad out there on impulse. I’ve usually hired all my other counselors locally.”

“Are you still in touch with him?”

“With whom? Oh, you mean Bob?” She shook her head. “No, not at all. We were together because it was convenient for both of us. That’s the sad truth of it. He never wanted me to move out here and I decided I didn’t want to move back to Seattle. You could say I had an epiphany while I was living with my sister-in-law.”

“I can see why you fell in love with this area.”

“Even after your horrible ferry crossing?”

Lucas groaned. “Don’t remind me. But yes, even after that. It seems like a lifetime ago, and it was only last month.”

“This place does that with time. No sense of hurry, yet so much more seems to get done.” She gave him a shy grin. “I’m scaring you, aren’t I? You’re wondering exactly what you signed on for?”

They both laughed.

He watched her face, her exquisite smile, and marveled at the lovely ring of her laughter as they stood in the morning mist that clung in wisps about the cliff’s edge.

Had he died and was this heaven?