Chapter 17 Monroe
MONROE
Iwas exhausted from a long week of dealing with students and grading tests. Jace had texted earlier that he had some good news to share. I already knew he’d passed his centrifuge test, so I was curious what else was going on.
I waved at Ryan as he backed out of the driveway. Our relationship was better, mainly because I didn’t care about him anymore. As he left, Jace pulled up to the curb in his SUV.
I couldn’t contain my smile if I wanted to.
The man was more than I imagined, and as I looked back to that emotional night by the fireplace, I wasn’t sure why I’d been so scared about opening up to him or letting myself fall.
But I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I needed to experience the fear to find the courage to trust again, to love again.
Jace climbed out of his vehicle, the late-afternoon sun flashing off his aviators. His flight jacket hung open, and the breeze tangled his short brown hair. He looked happier than I’d ever seen him— calmer, lighter, like he’d won the fight with his demons.
“Everything okay?” He stabbed a finger in the direction of Ryan’s truck.
I closed my sweater from the cold temps. “Yeah. Ryan was just dropping off the flight schedule for Ethan’s trip to Hawaii with him during Christmas.” We exchanged a warm kiss. “Congrats on passing the centrifuge test. I knew you could do it. So, what’s this other good news?”
We went inside where the house was toasty and comfortable.
He removed his sunglasses and jacket. “I got my assignment.”
I came to a halt midway between the kitchen and family room and turned toward him. “So, Germany?” I wrinkled my nose. Please say no. I wasn’t ready to see him go, even if it were only for a short time.
He had this goofy expression as if to say, “No, silly.” He closed the distance between us and grasped my hips. “What if I told you I got a teaching assignment?”
I craned my neck upward. “I would throw myself at you as long as your next words are the job is in Pine Valley.”
He laughed. “You think you can put up with me for two years?”
I jumped into his arms, happy tears welling up. “Jace Callahan, I can put up with you for a lifetime.”
He swung me around. “Those are the best words I’ve ever heard.”
He kissed me like a man possessed until the door opened then shut.
“Eww, you two need to get a room,” Ethan said, grinning.
Jace and I both fell into a fit of laughter.
“It’s more than a room, Ethan,” Jace said. “Your mom is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. She’s my truth north.” He hugged me then asked Ethan about football.
How could I not love this man?
As the two dove into the subject, I watched and listened as my heart shot into outer space.
I couldn’t believe how far I’d come in just a short time. I had a partner, a soulmate who showed up for me, respected me, and loved me no matter what.
The love we had for each other was beyond what I could’ve ever imagined, and I finally found someone who could fly beside me and keep me grounded at the same time.
The end.
Thank you for reading Tempted on Base.