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)
I head over to the barracks next to retrieve my dress uniform. Everything else, I’ll pack up into two bags—the stuff I’m taking with me and what I’m leaving behind. Fortunately, the barracks is empty when I arrive, so I don’t have to answer a dozen questions about why I’m packing up today and not closer to Wednesday’s departure. I leave what I’ll be taking with me on my bed and grab the small duffle bag with the items Faith will have to transfer to our new place. There isn’t much in it, but I know I can only take the basics with me overseas.
Finally, I head out of the barracks. The sun is beating down on my head, but I ignore the way sweat instantly starts to form on my forehead and upper lip. I throw my bag and hang my dress uniform in the rental car and climb behind the wheel. The moment the car is fired up, I pull out my cell phone. Before I make my final stop, there’s one conversation I need to have.
Ford answers on the second ring.
“What the hell are you doing calling in the middle of the day? Shouldn’t you be working or with my sister?” he asks. A smile instantly spreads across my mouth at the sound of his voice.
“Had a few errands to run.”
There’s a pause before he asks, “Everything all right? Faith?”
Just the mention of her name has me grinning. “She’s fine. Perfect, actually.” Clearing my throat, I decide to rip off the Band-Aid. “I’m being sent overseas.”
“Shit. When?”
“Wednesday. 0600.”
“Fuck, man, I’m sorry.”
“Thanks, but that’s not entirely the reason I called you.”
“Okay,” he replies, drawing out that single word.
“I need you to try to rally the troops and get them here by noon tomorrow.” I’m met with silence once more. “Are you there?”
“Yeah,” he replies, clearing his throat. “It sounded like you want me in California in less than twenty-four hours.”
“I do. You, Shayne, your parents, and my parents. Cassie, too, if she’s able to get away. I know it’s a tall ask,” I start, letting him cut me off.
“You’re asking me to get all these people on a plane to California first thing tomorrow morning?”
My heart is pounding in my chest. “Yes. That’s exactly what I’m asking.”
He blows out a deep breath. “That’s… wow. I’ll see what I can do. You know I’ll have everyone there if I can. Mom is out of school still for the summer, so I’m sure she and Dad can make it. I’ll email my boss now to request emergency time off, and I’ll see if Shayne can rearrange her clients. I’m not sure about your parents and sister, but I’ll try.”
Exhaling in relief, I reply, “That’s all I ask. Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
“No, you don’t,” he states with conviction. Then he adds, “Can you tell me what this is about? It feels like there’s something more than just wanting us all there to see you off.”
I want to tell him everything, but I also don’t want to risk Faith finding out what I’ve done. It’s one of the few things I can do for her before I leave. I can give her a wedding with our families, as well as their support when I ship out Wednesday. “I’ll explain when you get here,” is all I say.
I can tell it’s not what he wants to hear, but he eventually replies, “Fine. I have vacation time built up, and as long as Shayne can move clients to another day, we’ll be there. I’m sure Mom and Dad will be too.”
“My parents will agree. Cassie too.”
At least I hope so.
She’s finishing college, earning her teaching degree in art. Since it’s the tail end of summer break, I hope she can find a few days to get away and join us.
“Text me a number and I’ll get hotel rooms at the place Faith is staying,” I tell him, checking the time on the dash.
“Give me an hour or so.”
“Take the time you need.”
“Chad,” Ford says, seriousness and uncertainty in his voice. “You’re sure everything’s all right?”
I can’t help but smile. “Everything’s exactly as it’s supposed to be.”
With a sigh, he says, “Fine. See you tomorrow, man.”
“Can’t wait.”
Hanging up, I set my phone down in the cupholder and slowly back out of the parking space. I have one more stop to make, and I hope Faith and Hannah don’t catch me. The shop I’m visiting is about a block away from the secondhand clothing store they’re going to, but I think I can slip in without being seen.
I park around the corner and keep my head down as I walk to the pawn shop. The bell chimes as I open the door and slip inside.
“Good afternoon.”
“Hi,” I reply to the older gentleman behind the counter.