Losing Liam (Serenity Securities, Team Hawk #5)

Prologue

Former Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Nursing Corps, Addyson Parker, stood in the rain as she watched them lower her husband’s casket.

Her body felt numb despite the winter chill in the air as the priest spoke about her husband’s contributions to his country.

None of it mattered as she recalled her last night with Sam before he deployed.

She snuggled into his shoulder, depleted from making love all evening long. Not knowing when they might see each other next, Addyson didn’t want the night to end.

“Have you given any thought to retiring?” he asked her as he rubbed her arm.

“You have three more years. If I retire, it means I’ll be sitting at home, driving myself mad every time you spin up. If we wait until you retire, then I’ll have one year left, and we can decide where we want to live,” she reasoned. “I don’t have to make the decision tonight.

Squeezing her gently, he kissed her forehead. “I’m thinking we try to start a family.”

Addyson grinned as she kissed his chest and propped her elbows on it while she gazed into his eyes. “Didn’t we decide to wait until we both got out?”

“I’ve given it some thought. We’re in a good position financially and you’re retiring. A baby will keep you occupied till I’m home,” he suggested.

Addyson smiled as he kissed her and knocked the condoms on the floor. One night together to create a lifetime of happiness.

Two weeks later, the chaplain showed up at her door.

The shots from the military rifles firing made her jump. Bam. “I’m sorry to inform you…” Bam. “We might start a family…” Bam. A baby will keep you occupied until I come home…”

One tragic mistake took away all her dreams and hope for her future. Addyson vowed never to love again as she dropped the red rose onto his coffin. They might as well have buried her.