Red and white stripes, in perfect alignment drape over the coffin of Kevin Ramsey as it rolls down the conveyor belt of the airplane. White stars on a deep blue background come to rest directly in front of me. The American flag, a symbol of pride and honor, led the way to our fallen teammates final resting place.

The seven of us stand at attention, deep blue, crisp uniforms flanking each side of the mahogany coffin. Fellow passengers were asked to remain seated as I exited the plane in reverent silence. I take notice of the tear-stained faces pressed against the glass from the waiting area above, grief for a faceless man they will never know.

Reaper and Viper are the first to grasp the silver handle. White-gloved hands moving in unison to bring the coffin off the conveyer belt, and closer to the waiting hearse. Havoc and Ghost are next, as award metals move in the wind, the roar of the plane's engines drowning out the clang. Chief stands opposite me, his solemn face matching mine, as the silver handle comes into view. I watch as my own gloved hand reaches out to join the others, Ramsey’s coffin now in our reverent hands. Diesel stands at the top of the coffin, his cover obscuring his face.

“Forward face.”

I can barely hear Viper call out the command, but we’ve been a team so long it is more of a formality than a necessity. Using the ball of my right foot and the heel of my left, I drop my left hand and pivot to the left.

My heart is heavy as I place the edge of the coffin onto the guide at the opening of the hearse, the metal catching and allowing us to glide Ramsey into the back. From the corner of my eye, I notice the driver standing at attention, his arm raised to the edge of his brow in a salute, eyes fixed in the distance showing his respect.

We climbed into the waiting limo, an arrangement I asked my father to help me schedule. When the Red Cross returned the call confirming Ramsey’s brother would not be allowed out of prison, nor had the funds to arrange a proper burial, I had less than two hours to pack my gear and get myself, and Ramsey’s remains, on a cargo flight out, breaking my cell phone in my rush to get ready.

Kincaid helped me pack, offering to tell Harper I was on my way. Just as I was about to climb into the truck, I caught his attention and told him not to say anything to Harper, I wanted to surprise her. Viper had been available to come to Arlington, making the final arrangements for the honor guard and Chaplain. We all agreed, Ramsey deserved a funeral with honor and respect.

Being back in the States, something I had wanted with everything in me for months, seemed lackluster without Harper beside me. I’d nearly caved and called her several times, but I reminded myself I wanted to see the look on her face as I walked into her store.

Looking into the face happy face of Viper, the beautiful Kennedy at his side, I knew it would all be worth it. While I didn’t have the closeness they shared with Harper, I was damned determined to get there.

“Hey, man.”

Viper untangles himself from Kennedy's arms and moves in my direction. With an outstretched hand and determined look on his face, he leaves no room for doubt to fill the small space between us, that he has something he wants to discuss.

“I heard some bullshit story about you taking off with a Hummer belonging to Aarash.”

“Something like that.”

In all the hurried planning of this trip, I'd nearly forgot to speak with Zach about what we uncovered in Aarash’s fortress.

“I’m glad you brought it up, though. We found something much more interesting, something you need to know about.”

Zach’s face contorted in worry as I told him about the files Aarash had in his possession. The amount of detailed information he had on each of us.

“You know, I've wracked my brain trying to figure out how he knew about my brother.”

“I wish I could tell you how he got it. All I can say for certain is he won't be able to do anything with the information or causing any more problems for anyone.”

“Oh, trust me, I’m thankful as fuck. But—” Zach tips his head to the side as his mouth contorts into a frown. “I still would have loved to wrap my hands around his neck until the truth came tumbling out as to who fed him the intel.”

“Has to be someone on the inside.”

We snap our head simultaneously in Ryan’s direction. His eyes flashing between Zach and myself as he rocks back and forth on his heels.

“It’s the only thing that makes any sense. He has the funds to pay someone in the right position for the type of information he had on this team.”

Neither of us wants to imagine someone in Washington selling us out to a murderous prick like Aarash, but we’ve all seen how corrupt men can become when money is dangled before them. Those black-souled bastards crave power more than doing what is right.

After the last shovel of dirt had been tossed into the grave, we make our way to the parking lot where Diesel’s family waited patiently. Two tall men stood on either side of him, muscular and built, much like Diesel, each with their own defining characteristics.

“Hey, Doc. I want you to meet my brothers.”

“We’re not in the desert anymore, Chase. Logan will be all right.” His mega-watt smile comes out as his hands find his hips. Switching his feet back and forth, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“Logan, this is my oldest brother Dylan.” The largest of the three leans over, extending his hand in my direction. Dylan is my height, but if I had to guess, about thirty pounds lighter than me. It’s clear he spends a fair amount of time in the gym, but is nowhere close to my muscle mass.

“Pleasure to meet you, man.”

“This is my middle brother, Austin.”

I’d heard about this one, some goddamn computer genius who has broken through every firewall ever put before him. Where Dylan has an edge of ruggedness, the same hard edges Chase has, Austin uses his brain over his brawn. Not that he is soft, the opposite is true, his build is solid, yet less so than his brothers.

“Logan Forbes graduated in the top three percent from BUD/S training. One of twelve physicians allowed to engage in combat operations outside of search and rescue.”

His knowledge of my history didn’t surprise me; hell the man was a master of the internet.

“Nice to meet you, Austin. Should I be worried you know my credit score too?” I joked, everyone joining in as the lightness of the moment helped to quiet the flurry of emotions around us.

“What this I hear about you going to Twenty-Nine Palms?” Ghost nudges me from my left, “Haven’t you had enough sand and shit?”

Glancing back to Austin, his arm now around a beautiful girl I suspect is his wife, Lainie. “You got this one?” I tease, cocking an inquisitive eyebrow in his direction.

“I’m thinking the same thing he is.” Nodding his head in Ryan’s direction.

Taking a step back, needing room to collect my thoughts and the ability not to sound like a douche. “Remember when we were on the hill, listening to those Boots talk about warm pussy?”

My eyes flash to Lainie, unaccustomed to having female ears around when I spoke with my team. “Sorry.” I back peddle, but she rolls her eyes and snuggles into Austin’s side.

“When you brought the mail over, Zach got a letter from Kennedy and I got one from Harper Kincaid, introducing herself. I assumed it was a mistake, but it turned out to be the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Ryan nodded his head as Zach placed a kiss to the forehead of the girl standing beside him. How incredible was it to think all this happiness originated from a single mailbag.

“Harper and I have been exchanging emails and almost daily Skype sessions, building a friendship that has become a monogamous relationship. When I found out I was headed to Twenty-Nine Palms, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t be so close and yet so far from the girl who has my shit wrapped around her little finger. So, I swallowed my fucking pride and made a phone call, cashing in a favor from a family friend. I’ll still have to serve my remaining time, but it will be in Norfolk, Virginia, and not the fucking desert of California.”

“Wait a fucking minute.” Aiden interrupts, his hand gripping my right shoulder hard enough to make me wince if I’d chosen to let him see me, which I didn’t. “Mr. Honor and Commitment did something selfish for once?” Exchanging a look with him, considering my answer carefully before letting it run free, once it’s out there I will be unable to take it back.

“I love her.”

Letting my admission hang in the air, the sound of my honesty settling well within my soul. Falling for Harper was effortless, her generosity and ability to love those around her called to me, pulling me into a place I have no desire ever to leave.

“Holy shit!” Aiden shouts, thrusting his head back in laughter. “Harper Kincaid is a goddamn miracle worker.”

After a round of congratulations from my team, we make a firm plan to go forward with our mercenary for hire business. With the exception of Havoc, we all lived fairly close to one another. Alex made it clear he would not be leaving Florida anytime soon, his mother’s plans to marry him off getting closer to reality. Aiden wanted to go and enjoy a beer, but I had a four-hour drive ahead of me.

“Sorry, man, I’ve waited months to meet her. With some careful planning, and my father's help, I will get to see her beautiful face in less than twenty-four hours.” My dad was keeping me informed as to how Harper was doing.

“Any more trouble out of that guy you had me follow?”

“I haven’t spoken to Harper in a few days. With Ramsey’s death we went into River City. By the time it was lifted, I was boarding a plane home.”

“You let me know if he starts any shit. I can be there in a few hours.”

After giving Aiden and my team my word I would be in touch, Dylan and Austin started sharing the files on the latest requests for our teams help. The amount of money being offered for our services is absolutely ridiculous. Zach explained there was a need for men willing to ignore the rules of polite society. As SEALs, we didn’t have any.

* * *

My need to see Harper clouded my better judgment to follow the speed limit between Arlington and Norfolk. Pulling into town much later than I had planned, her shop was closed for the day and the apartment above dark as a tomb. I stood on the sidewalk, taking in the stores around her, smiling as I saw the candy shop across the street and the salon where Amanda and Stacy worked. Ross had boasted about how the sidewalks rolled up as the sun dipped behind the horizon. The smallness of this section of the city, refusing to change with the new age.

Continuing down the street, the center of the city was illuminated by replica turn-of-the-century street lamps, their warm light chasing the dark shadows from delicate flowers, which surround a statue in the center of the square. A pair of stray cats riffled through a nearly full trash can, looking for what I would imagine were scraps of food. A subtle reminder I needed to find some food for myself, as the last time I ate was an MRE on the cargo plane.

My father selected a hotel far enough away from Chesapeake I wouldn’t accidentally run into Harper, yet close enough I wouldn’t have to fight the traffic Norfolk is famous for. Once inside my room, I changed out of my uniform and ordered room service. The polite lady behind the desk had handed me the package my father said he would send. Inside I found a new cell phone and bank cards, as well as some cash. It had been so long since I’ve needed these things, but I intended to take care of my girl. There was a note tucked around the cash, and I recognize my father’s script.

I want to go on the record as saying I advised you to call her when you arrive. -Dad

After inhaling the first rare steak I’ve enjoyed in months, I climbed into a shower with endless hot water, letting the force of it redden my skin. I watched the water swirling around the drain in the bottom of the tub, taking with it the final remnants of the desert. I didn’t bother to put any clothes on, as there was zero chance of a corpsman dragging me out of this bed for an emergency. Sliding between the crisp sheets, the soft give of the mattress extracting a sigh from my lips. With my hands behind my head, the firm pillows coaxing the sleep to take over sending me into dreams filled with Harper joining me in my bed, her hands appreciating every inch of me.

An alarm on my phone brings me out of the dream, just as I’m about to taste the juncture of Harper's thighs I’ve envisioned for months, creating the fantasy inside my head I used to release the tension in my brief shower back in Afghanistan. Today, I will get to see her, touch the skin of her face I've craved to all this time. Today, I would see for myself if her lips taste as sweet as I imagine they do.

When I thought of how I wanted Harper to see me for the first time, I recalled the first letter I received from her and the paragraph where she dispelled any officer and a gentleman notion I may have accused her of. Today, I will give her a reality, a new chapter in her world she can share with our grandchildren, a moment so incredible Hollywood will have a bidding war to own the rights.

As I finish shaving, the last one I will do for a while, as Harper prefers my ‘sexy stubble’. I have to maintain regulations while I wear this uniform, but once I hang it in our closet, I'll make sure my girl has all the stubble she wants. My phone chimes with a message and I see Josh has sent me something. Opening the attachment, I see a picture of my girl standing beside my mother, her smile front and center as she shakes the hand of who I recognize as the Governor of Virginia and old admirer of my mother, Frank Borland. With the way, he appreciates Harper’s chest, his taste in a younger woman hasn’t changed, despite his run in with a jealous husband a few years ago. Motherfucker is barking up the wrong tree with my girlfriend.

Just as I was about to get into my rental car, my phone alerted me of another message, this time from my father. Harper is sitting in the back of a car, Amanda on one side and my mother on the other. Her face is breaking around the edges, sadness filling those beautiful eyes I loved to get lost in. Her hands are clenched in her lap; a black cell phone lay abandoned against the light fabric of her dress.

 

She knows communication was restored a few days ago and how I’ve been in contact with you by email. I stand by what I said earlier, this is going to come back to haunt you. -Dad

 

Tossing my phone to the passenger seat, I backed out of the spot and headed toward my future. A few blocks from the address I was given for Horizons, I had to park my car as the line to get to the event was endless. Finding a spot at the side of a convenience store, I locked the car and take off at a run, ignoring the thought of how much dirt was collecting on my white shoes. I could toss these and have plenty of time to order new ones, the next time I would need them would be the last day I wore a uniform.

Stepping around a number of people, calling ‘excuse me’ over my shoulder as I bumped into far more than I cared for. I could see in the distance the platform Josh told me to look for. Keeping as much of me hidden in the crowd as I could, not wanting Harper to see me before it was time. I notice to my left are a couple of tall guys and I slip as close as possible without being creepy. Two older ladies stand to my right, ignoring everyone around them as they watch my mother and Harper take their seats on the platform.

“She looks just like her mother.”

“She may look like her, but she has the heart of her father.”

Ross had given me the email address to reach Bruce Kincaid, but I preferred to sit down with him face to face. Once I introduced my lips to Harper’s, I would plan a meeting between the families. Let Bruce see the kind of man his daughter had chosen.

Josh scanned the crowd as he took his place behind the podium, which I will admit was quite impressive. With all of these people here on such a beautiful morning, it was clear Harper had touched more lives than I ever imagined.

“Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Reece International and the Forbes family, I would like to welcome you to the dedication of the new Horizons Center. Some years ago, a young woman we all know and love, took an idea she read about in a magazine, and brought it to life. Taking those principles and put them into a charity that has helped thousands. But she didn’t stop there, not only did she help the citizens of this community, she dedicated herself to reaching across the oceans and into the deserts and jungles of other countries, sending a number of our single military men and women care packages during the holidays. Many would have stopped there, satisfied with the accomplishment of bringing a smile to the face of so many, but not Harper Kincaid. She continued to go above and beyond, adopting one of those recipients and sending additional care packages during the year. Building friendships and ironically bringing two people together, who might never have met if it wasn’t for the giving spirit of one woman. Recently, the board of directors of Reece International learned of this courageous young lady and her mission to clothe her community, unanimously voting to pledge their support for a minimum of five years.”

Just as Josh turns his body to look behind him, clapping along with the crowd as Harper's tight smile curls at the edges, he catches my eye but doesn’t stop his progression. My focus flashes back to my girl, and the smile she is struggling to hold on to. I’ve seen this face on her once before when she discovered Goodman in my room, naked and lying through her teeth. I didn’t like it then, and I fucking hate it now.

“I've had the pleasure of working for Reece International for a number of years, traveling alongside the wonderful woman who is going to say a few words before we proceed to the ribbon cutting and let you all have a look at what we’ve done to the inside of the building behind me.”

My mother tugs at the edge of her skirt, the kind smile I've known my entire life gracing her face. Her left hand is clenched around her note cards, a waste of good paper since she always memorizes what she is going to say. I never thought I would ever meet a woman with the same values as my mother, someone with the same passion she does for those around her, until I met Harper.

The original plan was to wait until Harper took her place behind the podium, thanking everyone for coming and cut the yellow ribbon. But seeing how unhappy she is, how hard she is working to maintain what little smile she managed to paint on those lips, my feet decide the original plan sucks, and the rest of my body agrees. When I chose to be in her life, to stand by her side and protect her, I also accepted the challenge of making her happy. Clearly, my heart was in the right place, with good and honorable intentions. My delivery and inability to take the advice of a man, who had been married to the love of his life longer than I’ve been alive, was where I failed.

Working my way to the front of the crowd, I toss more of those apologies out to the strangers around me as I zigzag my way forward. I’m halfway to my target as my mother turns on her social graces. She may have been born and raised in Manhattan, but she can charm the pants off anyone. This crowd is no different as a collective cheer breaks out as she mentions the home team's football mascot.

Josh finds my attention once again, a deep wrinkle of confusion forming between his eyebrows. I motion to the side of the platform where the metal stairs leading up to the platform are. But there are three people in wheelchairs blocking my path, a little boy with a chocolate candy bar standing behind the one closest to me and I decide against taking a chance the chocolate won't end up all over my white uniform.

My only option is the jump up on stage directly in front of the podium, interrupting my mother’s speech and possibly pissing her off. My need to change the fake smile on Harper’s face to a real one, overrules my avoidance of upsetting my mother. And as I increase my steps, gaining the needed momentum to propel my frame onto the wood of the platform and get as little dirt as possible on my uniform, my mother shifts her eyes and catches me.

Landing with a thud, the metal supports bouncing enough to sway the flag in the background. Dusting off my hands as I reach my full height, and then right my cover back in place. I stand quite a bit taller than my mother, even with the height of her heeled shoes. It's been awhile since we have seen one another in person, and by the smile on her face, I won't be begging for forgiveness in interrupting her speech.

Wrapping my arms around my mother, kissing her cheek and breathing in the scent of her perfume. I lean over and begin speaking into the microphone.

“Ladies and gentleman, you will have to pardon my interruption. My name is Logan Forbes,” a loud gasp sounds from behind me, I don’t have to turn around to know it came from Harper.

“And I have traveled a long way to be here today to celebrate this momentous occasion and honor one of the most generous women I know.”

Smiling down at my mother, a quick kiss on her forehead, “My mother set the bar high for the woman I trusted with my heart. Her constant reminder of how to treat others, especially the less fortunate, as you want to be treated is something I have carried with me.”

Unable to continue being this close to Harper and not touch her, I pulled away from my mother, and made my way toward the woman who had changed my life in a few short months. Seeing her beautiful face on my computer screen failed to show me the depth of her beauty. Her peaches and cream skin lacked even a single freckle, a product of avoiding the rays of the sun. Those almond shaped eyes, full of wonderment and disbelief shining brightly in my favorite kaleidoscope of blue hews. Her kissable pink lips, glistening from her lips gloss, one of the few vanities she allowed herself to have, and chocolate brown hair, streaks of healthy shine cascading down nearly every strand, giving her an angelic glow. She is breathtaking and so much more than I deserve, yet I cannot help but to fall further in love with her.

“Logan?”

My heart flips as my name leaves her lips, goosebumps take up residence on the flesh of my arms. From the first moment I heard her voice, I found myself anxious to hear it again, to memorize how her laughter sounds as it echoes in the room. I longed to taste her breath as she whispers her affection across my lips, bathing in the intimate way she calls me as she gives into my need to love her.

“Hey, beautiful.”

My words are lacking, hollow even to my ears. She is so much more than beautiful, more incredible than any sonnet ever written. She is perfect, so motherfucking perfect.

“How?” She starts and I shake my head, reaching over to help her up from her chair. Calmness floods my body when my fingers touch the silkiness of her hands. I lack the control to maintain a proper distance between us, shielding the hundreds of spectators from being able to feel the love I have for her.

“I’ve waited so long,” my eyes shifting between hers, feasting on the essence of her: the way her hair dances in the breeze. Most of all, I delight in the sliver of a smile growing ever so slowly as she realizes I’ve covertly decreased the distance between us. My hands travel up her arms, framing her delicate face as I clear the final inch, covering her lips with mine. I’ve kissed my fair share of women, some I liked enough to kiss a second time, while others I turned away and moved on to the next. Had I kissed this gorgeous creature first, I know beyond a reasonable doubt, I would never have stopped.

She is hesitant at first, her hands trembling against the skin of my arms, feeding the cockiness I’ve perfected over the years, using it to my advantage on numerous occasions. I don’t give her an opportunity to second-guess this, my possessive inner core roaring to the forefront, claiming this beautiful creature as mine. Rubbing my thumbs over her cheekbones and pressing the tips of my fingers into the soft flesh behind her ears, I adjust the angle, deepening the kiss.

I nearly rejoice the moment she lets go of her hesitation, moaning into my mouth and parting her lips. Her nails dig into my skin, and I relish in the pain, which travels straight to my fucking cock. Her eagerness is catching up to mine as her fingers move up my arms landing at the skin on the back of my neck. Tucking a few fingers under my collar, she presses into the muscles there, silently telling me she wants this as badly as I do.

The majority of me is lost in this kiss, drowning in the love I have for her, with no desire to stop until she has forgotten her name. The SEAL in me is keenly aware of the crowd behind me, of my parents huddled together ecstatic with joy as they see how happy I am. When Harper lets her chest relax into mine, I know she has surrendered to the moment, ignoring the catcalls resonating around us. As badly as I want to stay in this moment, I love her enough to push my need for her aside and let her enjoy the reason everyone is gathered here.

Detaching my lips from hers, taking into account my level of control is a thread higher than hers; I take a half a step back, keeping her face in my hands, locking eyes with hers. Our breathing is labored, and her eyes are speckled with confusion. I have so many things to clear up, to remind her I the same man who swore to make her happy.

“Totally worth flying coach.”

Harper blinks several times, her pupils dilate but as reality begins to set in she shifts focus from my face to the smiling faces around us.

“I’m sorry, what?” Her voice is shaky but sexy as fuck, and I wonder if she sounds like this when she first wakes up.

Unable to resist, I lean over and place a peck to her lips. “I said, kissing you was worth a cramped seat in coach.”

“You didn’t call. You always call or email.”

“I know, I’m sorry.” Looking over my shoulder, suspecting the novelty of the moment is wearing thin with my mother. “I’ll explain everything later, when there aren’t as many people around.” Taking her hand in mine, such a tiny gesture but it's rocking my world. Josh pulls a chair from around the side of the platform, sitting it beside Harper’s. Laying my right arm along the back of her chair, my fingers caressing the sliver of skin at her neck. The left is sandwiched between both of hers, our fingers interlaced. As I glance down at her, I’m elated to see the smile I’ve kept in my memory, the one I’ve claimed was made for me.

Harper leans into me as my mother continues her speech, sharing the story of how she initially came to Chesapeake to see for herself the woman who had captured my attention. As she prepared for the interrogation as she called it, gaining a round of laughter from the crowd, she found Harper to be much like herself: selfless and humble. I watched as heads nodded in agreement, blue haired ladies whispering to one another as they point to Harper. Out of habit, I surf the crowd, counting the number of men versus women, looking for anything or anyone unusual. A man sitting in the second row halts my perusal, deep-set eyes shooting daggers at me, the same eyes Ross and Harper shared.

Bruce Kincaid, possibly the biggest hurdle I had to face in dating his daughter. Ross had warned me his distrust of any man who came snooping around his only daughter, Lance Ranoka sitting at the top of the list. Mentally, I was ready for anything he could throw my way and physically I would show him how I had her happiness at the top of my priority list. While I knew it wouldn’t be an easy task, I’d had years of training under my belt. If all else fails, I have a reference from someone he does respect, Ross.

The energy around us buzzed as the next speaker stood and took his turn behind the microphone. Josh gave the mayor all of three minutes to remind the citizens how he had watched Harper grow and create such a successful business, giving her the tutelage she used to make her shop so successful. I knew Harper was up next, Josh had emailed me the itinerary along with a few details involving the people I would encounter today. Nothing pushes a man off-kilter more than someone knowing who they are and something about them when they have never been introduced.

“Our final speaker needs no introduction. She is the local girl who has shown more kindness to others in the past year than most people do in a lifetime.”