“We’re honored you’re bringing in this new year with us at our home. Tonight we say good-bye to the old and welcome in the possibilities of the new.”
I looked at Paisley, and my heart jumped. She was already smiling at me.
She was so poised, but her smile was genuine, unlike her mother’s, and that smile was all mine. She had faith in me. She wanted me, and not just for a piece of my body, or the money the girls in high school had known about. She knew who I was in my soul and didn’t try to fix my flaws or glaze over them. She simply understood, forgave, and moved forward.
I needed her. At some point in the last few weeks, she’d become like gravity, anchoring me. I found her nickel in my pocket and rubbed my thumb across the shiny metal. She hadn’t just given me a gift, she was my gift, for as long as I could keep her. And I would keep her. I’d be worthy of her, not because she asked me to—she’d never ask me to change—but because she deserved the best man to hold her, understand her, love her.
I stopped breathing, my chest on fire, burning, wanting to catch this one moment and hold it, just in case I fucked this all up. I needed to remember this exact second with clarity for the next fifty years of my life—the moment I looked at the girl who was literally way above me and saw the rest of my life. The moment I realized I had fallen in love with Paisley Donovan.
The audience started clapping, and General Donovan kissed Paisley’s cheek before turning to his wife. Apparently I’d missed the rest of his speech. My chest hurt, reminding me that I needed to breathe. I didn’t just suck air into my lungs, but purpose, silently vowing that I would do anything it took to stand here, to be in her world.
Her father’s eyes scanned the crowd, smiling, especially at Will. His expression clouded for a moment when he saw me, and he whispered in Paisley’s ear. Her eyes locked onto mine, and her smile faded as she nodded.
“Holy shit, do I wish I could witness what’s about to happen.” Carter laughed. “Good luck. Hopefully I see you on the flight line. If not, it’s been an experience flying with you.” He slapped my shoulder and disappeared into the crowd as the Donovans descended. I’d been raised around much more powerful people, so the sweat clamming up my hands was completely unjustified, right?
They beelined for me, not stopping to shake hands or mingle. My brain started a countdown, like one of those apocalyptic movies where the nuclear weapon has some bored, feminine voice counting down destruction. Ten. Nine. Eight.
“Now, Lee,” was all I heard as General Donovan walked right past me, opening the French doors to what looked like an office. Seven.
“Deep breath,” Paisley said, clasping my hand and leading me in. Six.
“We’re not to be disturbed,” General Donovan ordered Major Beard as he and his wife took a position near his desk. Five.
“Yes, sir.” He closed the doors behind us with an ominous click. Four.
The wall on one side was lined with bookcases, all filed alphabetically. The guy had a serious stick up his ass when it came to organization. Awards and guidons hung on the other surfaces, reminding me that I was most definitely out of my league. He was a two-star general, and I was a butter-bar lieutenant.
Three. Two. One. “Lee, why don’t you introduce us to your new friend.” Mrs. Donovan crossed her arms in front of her cocktail dress.
Paisley stepped in front of me, like her tiny frame could protect me. I reached around her waist and pulled her to my side. There was zero chance I was hiding behind her like we’d done something wrong.
“She doesn’t need to. I already know who he is, and this isn’t the first time he’s been to our house, just the first time he’s been inside.” Boom. Detonation.
“Mama, Daddy, this is Jagger Bateman.” Her voice was sweet and clear, totally at odds with the slight tremors that shook her hands.
Mrs. Donovan ignored the introduction. “What do you mean, he’s been here before?”
“Jagger’s the young man who saved my life in Florida.”
“He’s the one who decided our front lawn needed a visit from the polar bear.” General Donovan kept his tone level.
“What?” her mother yelled.
Paisley just kept on rolling. “He’s also here for flight school—”
“Lee! You know we have rules about dating students!” her mother snapped, her cheeks turning as red as her dress.
“You didn’t mind when it was Will,” she answered.
For a few seconds, we all stared at one another, the only sound coming from the party just outside the doors.
“I’m sorry we had to meet like this,” I said, taking advantage of the only quiet minute I might get. “But yes, I’m Jagger. I met Paisley in Florida, a little unconventionally. I had no idea who she was.” I looked down into her eyes and sighed. “Honestly, I don’t think knowing would have stopped me.”
“This is ridiculous!” her mother seethed.
“We met again at the library and became friends,” Paisley explained, her eyes still locked onto mine. “Then, more.”
“Lieutenant Bateman,” General Donovan growled.
I fully faced them. “Sir, I’m sorry to upset you, but I’m not sorry about Paisley. I’m crazy about her.”
She sucked in her breath, and I wondered if I’d ever said that to her, or just thought it in my head. I looked down at her. “I am, you know.”