Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Jane sat with her back straight and her hands clasped in her lap as she faced the highest-ranking officials on the base. She was there to tell her side of what had happened a month ago with Carlin Sandburg. The investigation was finally being wrapped up, after many interviews with various people.
Rear Admiral Creasy was there, along with several other officers. There was even a vice admiral in attendance who’d flown in to hear the official findings of the investigation.
Jane learned that Bubba had shot at Carlin to try to stop her so she wouldn’t be able to set off the bomb, but he’d been a fraction of a second too late. She’d already detonated the explosive in her lap.
The deceased Navy spouse hadn’t lied about what was in the box. But fortunately, while it had been a deadly blast, it hadn’t been powerful enough to take out the police and other innocent people standing nearby.
If Jane had been sitting next to her, though, she certainly would’ve been blown to pieces like Carlin had.
Storm had suffered from a bruised kidney, and he had a few nails imbedded in his legs and his lower back and one shoulder, but miraculously, he wasn’t hurt any worse than that. Jane had felt guilty that he’d gotten hurt protecting her, but Storm had made it more than clear he’d do exactly the same thing again in a heartbeat, and he had no regrets at all at being the one hurt instead of her.
Former Lieutenant Sandburg had been thoroughly investigated and interviewed by NCIS, and they’d determined that he’d had no involvement or knowledge of his wife’s plans. He also hadn’t known she’d been responsible for the CS gas bomb and that she’d had plans to assassinate the rear admiral.
He wasn’t at the final hearing today because he’d moved out of California to hopefully get his shit together and to separate himself from what his wife had done.
“Can you tell us in your own words what happened that morning?” the lead investigator from the NCIS asked.
Jane nodded. She’d already told her story over and over again to others. At first it had been hard, and she’d had nightmares. But over the last month, with each retelling, the hold Carlin had over her nightmares had lessened. Jane no longer woke up with a scream, thinking the bomb had gone off when she was still in the car. She no longer had nightmares where Storm was blown to pieces as he tried to save her. She was getting on with her life, and it had a hell of a lot to do with the man sitting next to her.
She felt a hand land on her thigh and squeeze softly. Glancing over at Storm, she saw him give her an almost undetectable little chin lift, and it made her feel stronger. With him by her side, she could do anything.
So she told the story of when she’d been hit by the tear gas bomb Carlin had sent, and everything she could remember between the time the woman had gotten in her car to when Storm had pulled her out of the vehicle to the dubious safety of the other side of the guard shack at the base’s gate.
She answered all their questions honestly.
No, she hadn’t met Carlin Sandburg before that morning.
No, she had hadn’t been aware that Dag had court-martialed her husband, Simon Sandburg.
Yes, she’d been afraid for her life.
No, she hadn’t known what Storm had planned to do.
No, she didn’t hear the shot Bubba had taken.
Jane patiently answered each and every question thrown at her, and didn’t even feel irritation that some were asked twice. She understood that something of this magnitude happening at the entrance to the base was a huge deal. Every security measure was being examined with a fine-tooth comb, and they were even rethinking the way cars were funneled through the gate as a result of what had happened.
And then, finally, the questions stopped.
“Rear Admiral,” the lead investigator said, “we’ve concluded that the decision you made to court-martial Lieutenant Sandburg was appropriate and not excessive. Ms. Hamilton, you are to be commended for staying calm in a less-than-ideal situation. Admiral North, your actions, along with those of your men, were brave and surely kept more people from being injured. Thank you all for your assistance in the investigation, and if you have any questions about these proceedings or the outcome, you’re more than welcome to discuss it with me and my team. The full written report will be available to those who have the proper security clearance. Have a good day.”
And just like that, it was over.
Storm didn’t wait around. He immediately stood, took her hand, and headed for the door.
“North?” the vice admiral called out, and Jane wanted to laugh at the look of impatience that crossed her man’s face. He obviously wanted to ignore the hailing but knew it wasn’t a good idea to dismiss someone with a rank as high as the vice admiral’s.
He turned. “Yes, Sir?”
The other man was grinning, as if he knew how impatient Storm was to get the hell out of there. “I’m glad you’re all right. I see great things in your future as a naval officer.”
Storm nodded respectfully. “Thank you. I’m glad I’m all right too, but more importantly, Jane is okay. I didn’t do what I did for accolades, or for anyone else standing around that car. I did it for Jane, and Jane alone. And as far as my career goes, I appreciate the kudos, but I wouldn’t count on me being around forever.”
He turned to glance at Jane, and she almost melted at the look in his eyes. It was a look of love and devotion she’d only fantasized about late at night in her dreams. And it was aimed at her. Plain Jane Hamilton. It was almost unreal.
Storm turned his attention back to the vice admiral. “I love the Navy. I’m proud to have served my country, and I wouldn’t change a moment of my career. But I’ve learned what’s important. I’m looking forward to spending my retirement with Jane at my side and seeing what the world has to offer…as a tourist this time, and not a SEAL.”
The vice admiral nodded. “You’re a lucky man.”
“Yes, I am,” Storm agreed. He saluted the admiral, who returned the gesture, and then Storm was pulling her out of the room once more.
“In a hurry?” Jane asked in bewilderment.
“Yup,” Storm said but didn’t elaborate.
“Want to tell me why?”
He pulled her through the door and into the parking lot toward her brand-new XC90. It was a high-end SUV comparable to a Toyota Highlander. Jane had tried to protest, insisting it was too expensive, too new, too fancy, but he was having none of it.
She’d continued to explain why she didn’t need it until he’d turned to her right there in the middle of the dealership, took her face in his hands, and told her in a tone of voice she’d never heard from him before, “I need you to be safe. And while I might not be able to be by your side every second of the day, I can get you the the safest vehicle I can find. One that, with a touch of your thumb, lets you silently call for help with their advanced security features.”
How could she continue to say no when he put it like that? So she’d given in and allowed him to get the car for her.
He’d purchased his own new vehicle too. A Hummer. It was over the top, but Storm didn’t care. He’d said that if she ever got into a situation like she’d been in again, he’d just run over anyone who dared to hurt her and carry her off like a Viking of old.
It was ridiculous, but since he mostly drove her Volvo and hadn’t really left her side except for during the workday, it didn’t bother her much.
“You’ll see,” Storm told her in response to her question about why he was in such a hurry.
Jane wanted to roll her eyes, but secretly she loved Storm’s surprises. He was generous, and with every day that passed, she loved him more and more. It was almost scary how much he’d come to mean to her in such a short time, but she was learning to embrace each moment, and life with Storm was beautiful in a way hers had never been before.
He stood on the passenger side of her SUV and waited until she was buckled in safely, then right before he shut the door, she watched him flick the lock mechanism. She’d called him out the first time he’d done that, but when he’d explained that never again was someone going to slip into the car when she wasn’t aware, she’d shut up about it.
Storm drove them toward his townhouse, and they made small talk. Jane was relieved the whole issue with Carlin and the bombs was over and done with. Dag and Brenae were safe, as were everyone else. There was no guarantee someone in the future wouldn’t take offense to something a superior officer did, but she hoped it wouldn’t happen while she was still working. Twice had been more than enough.
Storm pulled into the parking spot he’d arranged for her to have permanently at his complex, and she waited until he came around to her side of the car. That was another change in their routine. She didn’t need him to help her out of a vehicle, but she knew for his peace of mind, he needed to do it. And it wasn’t exactly a hardship to have him hold her hand as soon as she exited the car.
He led her up to his door and inside.
“So, what’s my surprise?” she asked impatiently.
Storm held up a finger. “Hang on just a bit longer,” he told her. “I’ll be right back.” Then he headed for the front door they’d just come through.
Jane was confused. They’d just gotten home. “But?—”
“Wait,” he interrupted, then closed the door behind him.
All Jane could do was laugh. She had no idea what he was doing, but he’d never let her down with one of his surprises yet. Once it had been matching T-shirts he’d ordered online for them that said, “Andy and Red’s Boat Rentals, Zihuatanejo, Mexico.” She’d laughed and knew she’d treasure the shirt forever, simply because it was from their favorite movie.
Another day, he’d taken her out to eat, and Rocco, his teammates, and their wives had all joined them. It was crowded and noisy, but she’d never had a better time getting to know the men and women who meant so much to her man. Yet another time, he’d made her dinner, drawn her a bath, then joined her in it. They hadn’t had sex, but being intimate with him was more of a gift than he’d ever know. She’d almost lost that, and knowing he loved her and enjoyed simply cuddling with her was beautiful.
So she had no idea what was up Storm’s sleeve now, but she knew it would be something fantastic.
Just when she was getting a little anxious, she heard the front door open once more. Standing up from the couch where she’d been waiting, Jane turned—and her mouth opened in shock when her daughter entered the room ahead of Storm.
“Rose?”
“Mom…” her daughter said. Then she raced across the room and was in her arms.
Jane blinked in surprise at the display of affection. She couldn’t remember the last time Rose had initiated any kind of touch with her. Probably when she was about ten, before she’d turned so bitter.
“Are you really okay?” Rose asked quietly into Jane’s shoulder.
Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Jane did her best to memorize this moment. It had been a very long time since Rose had cared about anything other than herself, or when and where she was going to score her next hit.
Jane opened her eyes and pulled back to look at her daughter. “I’m okay. What’s brought this on?”
“I didn’t know how serious it was!” Rose said. “When you called a few weeks ago, you said a woman was mad at a guy from work and tried to use you to get to him. I had no idea she’d tried to blow you up !”
Jane looked over her shoulder and briefly met Storm’s gaze. He was leaning against the wall, watching them closely. She knew without a doubt that if Rose had done or said anything hurtful, he would’ve marched her ass right out of his house. Yes, he’d brought her there, but he wouldn’t hesitate to kick her out as well. Jane knew that as well as she knew her own name.
He hadn’t been happy hearing all the stories Jane had told him about her daughter…but that hadn’t kept him from doing what he knew might make Jane happy. Namely, trying to fix her relationship with Rose.
“I’m fine,” Jane reassured her daughter once more. “Storm was there, and he made sure of it.”
Rose turned to him then. “Thank you,” she said. “I know I thanked you over the phone when you called, but seriously…I mean it.”
“Your mom means the world to me, so you’re welcome. I’d do anything to make her happy and keep her safe.”
Jane could hear the warning in his words, and apparently, so could Rose.
“I’ve done lots of things in my life that I’ve regretted,” she said. “But I’m trying to change. Be a better person.”
Storm nodded once.
“Can you stay for dinner?” Jane asked.
“If you want me to,” Rose said tentatively.
“Of course I do,” Jane answered.
“Are you cooking?” Rose teased. “Because if so, maybe I’ll reconsider.”
Jane chuckled. “Nope. You’re safe. Storm’s the cook in this house.”
Rose looked over at him. “Maybe I can get some lessons?”
“Of course,” Storm said immediately, then pushed off the wall to head for the kitchen.
“Hasn’t Robert taught you some things?” Jane asked.
Rose shrugged. “I left him. I’d had enough of his abuse.” She looked at Jane then. “I’m trying, Mom. I know I was awful to you, and to everyone around me. I took my hurt at Dad leaving out on you and did things I’m not proud of. I’m going to Narcotics Anonymous meetings every week now. Trying to get my shit together. I want to be someone you’re proud of instead of the daughter you’re ashamed of.”
Jane reached for her hand. “I’ve never been ashamed of you,” she told her. “Sad, afraid, worried about you…but never ashamed.”
Rose nodded. “Storm called me last week and offered to pay the rent in an apartment for a year…with the condition that I take classes at the community college…and pass them. He said he didn’t care what I studied, but that I had to learn some sort of trade. It feels like I’m accepting a handout I don’t deserve, but if I’m ever going to get my life back on track, I have to take it.”
Jane’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at the man she loved more with every passing day. “I’m glad,” she whispered. “I’ve only wanted you to be happy,” she told Rose.
“I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it.”
“Come on,” Storm said from the kitchen. “Dinner’s not going to cook itself. You can season the steaks.”
Jane watched as her daughter sauntered over to where Storm was standing in the kitchen and knew she’d never forget this moment. Storm loved her enough to do whatever he could to help her daughter, even though she wasn’t his favorite person.
Later that night, Storm climbed into bed and took Jane into his arms.
She immediately turned and threw her leg over his hips to straddle him. They were both naked, as they’d found they loved sleeping skin to skin against each other. Even if they didn’t make love, he loved feeling her against him that way.
He gripped her hips and looked up at her as she smiled at him.
“Thank you,” she told him quietly.
Knowing what she was talking about, Storm simply said, “You’re welcome.”
“I can’t believe you’d do that for Rose.”
“I didn’t do it for her ,” Storm told her, being honest. “I did it for you . She’s your flesh and blood, and she’s old enough to either take the help I offered her and thank her lucky stars for it, or ignore it and stay in the hole of a life she’s dug for herself…and kiss any chance of a relationship with her mother goodbye. Thankfully, she was smart enough to take the help.”
“You’re amazing,” Jane told him.
Storm shrugged. “I’m selfish,” he retorted.
“How so?” she asked.
“The happier you are, the more relaxed you are. And the happier I am. Helping Rose means you’re less stressed. I’d do anything for you, Jane. I hope you know that.”
“I do,” she reassured him. “Although I feel as if I’m not doing enough for you .”
Storm couldn’t help but snort and shake his head. “Baby, you do more for me just being here than you’ll ever know. I was only half living before you came along. Going through the motions of life. Everything seems brighter, more exciting now that you’re at my side. I wasn’t kidding when I told the vice admiral that I wasn’t going to be in the Navy forever. Not too long ago, I couldn’t think about retiring without having a panic attack. Now I can’t wait to spend every minute of every day with you. Laughing and simply enjoying life.”
Jane’s eyes filled with tears, but she smiled at the same time. “I love you.”
“And I love you,” he returned immediately. His hands moved from her waist up her body until he was cupping her breasts. He gently tweaked her nipples, which made her sit up straighter and slightly arch her back.
“I’m thinking I need to give you a hell of a thank-you present,” she said breathlessly.
“Nope,” Storm told her, shaking his head. “You don’t owe me a damn thing.” He moved suddenly, dumping her onto her back on the mattress and rolling until she was under him. “How about I give you another present instead?”
“Storm,” she protested as he inched his way down her body, heading for the folds between her legs.
“Yeah?” he asked distractedly as he inhaled deeply and nuzzled her inner thigh.
“Never mind,” Jane said as he licked her soaking-wet sex.
“That’s what I thought,” he mumbled before he got to work showing the love of his life how happy he was to have her in his bed and in his heart.
An hour later, and after Jane had been thoroughly ravished, and after she’d ridden her man until he’d exploded deep within her, she lay on his chest, sweaty and more than satisfied. She’d visited her gynecologist, and after discussing her options, she had decided to go with a contraceptive implant. Storm told her that he’d schedule a vasectomy soon so she didn’t have to put extra hormones in her body. It was a generous and loving thing for him to do, and it made Jane adore him all the more.
She loved feeling Storm come inside her, loved how intimate the act was without a condom between them.
As she lay there in his arms, she couldn’t help but think about how much her life had changed for the better.
“You are going to marry me at some point, aren’t you?” Storm asked quietly.
Jane chuckled. “If you ask me properly, yeah,” she told him.
“Oh, I’m gonna ask you properly,” he retorted. “But it’ll be when you least expect it, and it’ll definitely be a proposal to remember.”
“I don’t need pomp and circumstance,” she said. “I just need you.”
“You’ve got me,” he reassured her. “I feel like the luckiest guy in the world,” he said after a minute.
“I think that’s my line,” Jane told him.
“Nope. You’re so amazing, someone would’ve snatched you up before I had a chance,” he said, and Jane could tell he believed that with all his heart. “I’ll spend the rest of my days making sure you don’t regret loving me. I’ll never hurt you. Never disrespect you. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re safe and loved every day of your life.”
His words were better than any marriage vows he could’ve recited to her.
Jane turned her head and kissed the underside of his jaw before snuggling back up against him. “That’s all I could ask,” she said. “All any woman could ask. I love you.”
“Love you back.”
“Get busy livin’, or get busy dyin’,” she said softly. “Just like Red did at the end of Shawshank .”
“Yup. Sleep now, baby. We have a long day tomorrow. Wolf and his team got jealous that they didn’t get to spend a night eating with you, so they insisted we go over to his place for a day-long barbeque. And he’s invited everyone on his team. Wives, children…hell, I think some of their pets will even be there.”
Jane smiled. “You didn’t tell me about this.”
“I just did,” Storm retorted. “They all love you. You’re a part of our team now. You need them, they’re there, just as Bubba, Rocco, and Gumby were not too long ago. If you can’t get ahold of me, you call one of them. Any of them will do what they can to get to you. Understand?”
Jane nodded.
There were a ton of things she had to do. To talk to Storm about. Moving out of her apartment, Rose, their future, but at the moment, she was too tired, happy, and sated to do more than sigh against him and tighten her hold.
“Good night, baby,” he said quietly.
“Good night, Storm.”
Jane managed to stay awake long enough to hear Storm gently snoring under her cheek. She never would’ve thought this was where she’d eventually be when she’d stared at the handsome admiral every time she saw him in the hallways. But now that he was hers, she’d fight to keep him.
She turned her head, kissed his shoulder, then closed her eyes, content in the knowledge that she was loved.