Epilogue
As lonely as he was, Jeff never gave up hope. Especially since Wren continuously kept in touch.
Truthfully, it was easier for him to concentrate on his lesson plans for class when he was alone. He’d been given a much larger responsibility this fall because not only would he be teaching in the classroom, but he’d also be accompanying the men and women on survival training which would take place before Thanksgiving. Once he successfully made it through this special session, the next time around would most likely be easier.
Hopefully, they wouldn’t freeze to death since the training would be taking place up north, on the shores of Lake Superior.
One day in early November, while he was giving instructions about the outdoor training at Lake Superior, which would be happening in another three weeks, there was some commotion at the back of the large assembly hall.
Jeff’s mouth gaped open when he saw Wren standing near the back of the room near the exit, wearing a smile on her face.
“I’ve got special permission to come and visit with your classroom today,” she called out.
“That would be fine,” he answered grinning.
Wren continued to approach along the center aisle until she reached Jeff, who suddenly tugged her into his arms.
When they kissed, snickers and cat calls echoed throughout the entire assembly hall.
“Yes,” she whispered, showing him the ring on her finger. “Although I do expect a formal proposal. Maybe in uniform too – that would be nice. I can’t believe I’ve never seen you in one.”
“You’ll have that formal proposal. I promise,” he whispered back.
“I love you, Jeff,” she said, giving him a misty smile.
“I love you, Wren,” he answered in an unsteady voice. He was pretty sure he had tears in his eyes.
“Oh, wait,” she said. “I have an announcement to make.”
Spinning around on her heels, she called out, “I’ve got some news everyone. There’s a song I wrote the lyrics for entitled ‘It Was Always You.’ Captain Callahan here, who just happens to be my one and only future husband, wrote the music for the song he dedicated to me. And guess what? It’s been nominated independently for a Grammy. ”
When applause filled the air, Jeff and Wren just stared into each other’s eyes.
“I haven’t even heard it yet,” he murmured.
“That’s why it took a little longer to prepare the album, which was just released today. I told everyone to try and keep it quiet. I had Eve reassemble the members from your orchestra and returned to Crystal Rock three weeks ago to record your song. I kind of hated not to include you, and I was sure tempted to spend the night at the house, but I really wanted it to be a surprise,” she said.
They just kept staring into each other’s eyes.
He cleared his throat. “I can’t wait to hear it. I suppose the Searching video tanked?” he asked. “I never laughed so hard in my life as when I watched it.”
“Tanked?” She snorted. “Hardly. It’s up for multiple awards. Crazy, huh?”
“Especially with you as the sexy mermaid beacon of what appeared to be a pirate ship,” he said dryly. “I’d love a framed photo of that.”
They laughed.
“Class dismissed,” Jeff finally called out. “I’ll see everyone on Monday.”
Laughter filled the air as everyone began filing out from the assembly hall.
And once again, Jeff pulled her into his arms, where they kissed, knowing that they’d never let go.