The all white Hummer limousine cruised to a stop in front of Centennial Metro Center. The chauffeur left the driver seat and glided with ease to open the back door. When the door was opened, snaps from the local news station’s cameras, Fox 10 and WFGX, flashed before the couple could make their debut. Dressed down in a white mess jacket with his special skills military badges outlining the top jacket, Caleb slid out of the vehicle, debonair and fetching. His tuxedo shirt was pressed from the steam room and a bow tie fit snuggly around his collar. Black trousers covered his toned thighs and rode the length of him to black oxford shoes that held a pristine shine. Caleb hadn’t forgotten the suspenders. They held his debonair look in check and the shirt studs and cufflinks accessorized his overall appeal.

Camera’s continued to snap and as he held a hand out, Erin reached for him, accepting it with a light-hearted smile. He drew her out and she fit right into his easy embrace. For a wild moment, they ate each other up with compelling stares.

Erin was dressed to the nines in an A-line princess V-neck floor-length chiffon lace evening dress. It mimicked the black and white in Caleb’s suit with her arms covered in a see-through lace that coaxed into a deep black across her breasts then flourished at her waist into a lacy ball gown. The heels she wore brought her just a few short inches from Caleb’s height. Together, they linked arm and arm and made their way into the grand hall. It was their first official outing as a couple again. Seeing the stares from onlookers didn’t bother Erin one bit. She was sure, this time, that this was right, and the reservations she once held had diminished.

“This is us,” Caleb said pulling to a round table covered with fine china.

He removed her chair, and as she sat, scooted her up to the table before taking his seat.

“Well, aren’t you too looking like the quintessential guppies.”

As soon as Erin heard Amy’s voice, a smile covered her face.

“This must be a new record,” Erin said.

“What’s that?” Amy asked.

“You’re on time for something. I can’t believe it.”

“Oooh, that was low. But I’ll let you have it since you’re in good company tonight. I won't embarrass you.”

“Don’t forget I’m your boss too so…”

The ladies laughed.

“Mr. Malone,” Amy greeted.

“Ms. Van Winkle,” he responded, “or should I call you Mrs. Scutter,” he said in reference to Amy’s boyfriend, and his army buddy, Luke.

“Yes,” she said, “Mrs. Scutter has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Caleb chuckled and nodded. “I think so. What do you think, babe?”

Erin blushed at his sentiment. “I think you’re right.”

“Erin…”

Erin turned around and almost groaned upon seeing Jason. Caleb’s smile turned into a glower immediately, but Jason ignored him keeping his focus on Erin.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“She knows that asshole, and she doesn’t need you to tell it to her.”

Erin covered Caleb’s hand to calm him.

“How can I help you, Jason?”

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“No,” Caleb stated plainly.

“I wasn’t talking to you so mind your business,” Jason spat back.

Caleb removed himself from the chair and stood to his feet.

“Oh shit,” Amy said.

“Caleb,” Erin rushed to stand. “Don’t do anything you ‘ll regret.”

Caleb glared at Jason. “Leave or I’ll beat your ass like I should’ve done in high school, but it will be worse. Much worse,” he promised.

Jason thought it over and it was quick. What were his chances of beating Caleb fair and square in a fist fight? He weighed the options and looked Erin over once more before deciding against it. Jason left without another word and Amy whistled.

“Damn it, brother,” she said. “You all macho, macho, man and shit. Don’t kill him, okay? He doesn’t know any better.”

“I think he does now,” Erin said. She turned to Caleb. “Are you okay?”

Caleb returned his gaze from Jason’s retreating form to her soft comforting face. “I am.”

They reclaimed their seats, and the speaker approached the podium. He captured the attention of the audience, speaking about the hope and future for veterans as they reclaimed their civilian lives. The DAV held over thirteen hundred chapters and one million members across the country. Its mission was to provide service for its member in the way of transportation to and from doctor appointments, hosting job fairs so they could get back into the workforce, and claim more than two hundred and fifty thousand annual benefits. The charity was dedicated to those who served the country and were proud to call the United States their home.

The crowd cheered in response to the speaker, and after the official announcement, another name was called.

“At this time, I’d like to introduce you to one of our soldiers who just came home from Iraq this summer. He’d like to share something with us and I’m honored to shake his hand. Mr. Caleb Malone.”

The crowd roared again, and Caleb stood to his feet. Taken back, Erin smiled brightly and clapped along with the crowd. She had no idea he was speaking tonight, and she wondered why the secret. Caleb glanced down at her and winked, then strolled casually to the stage. As he passed, other women followed his trail while leaning into their friends to whisper something Erin was sure she’d rather not hear.

“Thank you,” Caleb said into the mic. He turned and shook the announcer's hand and the announcer stepped back. “Being in the United States Army isn’t something to take lightly. It is a man’s war,” he said repeating Erin’s father, “and it can cost a person the most precious thing anyone could ever have. Their life.” Caleb glanced around the room at others who hung on to his every word.

“While stationed in Baghdad, I lost a dear friend of mine. It changed me almost to the point of wanting to punish myself for living. You see, when you know someone, laugh with them, cry with them, and fight by their side, watching them perish is the worst thing in the world. You lose yourself, and your purpose and if you don’t have a proper support system,” Caleb’s gaze met Erin's, “then it can kill you, too. But I was one of the lucky ones. Not only is an organization like DAV important because of this, but it’s also a reason to continue to donate and keep the charity alive.” He paused then spoke right to her. “Erin, when I went through what was the darkest time in my life, I withdrew from you thinking I was a burden and you were better off.”

He cleared his throat.

“I was wrong, and I want to apologize to you in front of all these lovely people here, and the city of Pensacola,” he said motioning to the news cameras that were recording live feed. “Without you, I would still be a wanderer, searching for my purpose and doing what I thought was the honorable thing to do. I love you, and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t regret the decision I made long ago.”

Caleb removed the microphone and moved from the stage with it in his hand.

“I’ll never make the mistake of letting you go again. No matter what happens, you’re stuck with me, babe.” He made his way through the maze of tables and everyone followed his path. “So, I have to know if you forgive me and love me enough to try again.” He pulled up in front of her and Erin’s heart rocked in her chest. Caleb reached for her and she accepted his proffered hand.

“What are you saying?” Erin asked.

Caleb reached into his pocket and removed a square box. A gasp soared from Erin and her hands flew to her mouth.

“You can’t be serious!” She said with her voice muffled from her palms. Caleb knelt to one knee and popped the top on the crystal box.

“I’m as serious as it gets. I love you, baby, and I’ll marry you tomorrow, if you’ll have me.”

Tears streamed down Erin’s face, and her fingers shook as her entire body vibrated from her cry. “Oh my God, Caleb!” She shrieked.

“Answer the man!” Amy yelled from her sitting position behind her.

The crowd laughed and the camera’s continued to roll.

“Yes!” she shouted. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Caleb lifted her as he stood and twirled her around. They kissed hard and tears fell from both of their eyes.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Erin said.

Caleb placed her back on her feet and slipped the ring on her finger.

“Thank you for waiting. I’m the luckiest man alive.”

“Well I won’t argue with you there.”

Caleb laughed, and Erin squealed as he lifted her again rotating her again and again.

I hope you enjoyed Wait for Me, the first book in my military romance standalone series. If so, I encourage you to leave a review on Amazon. I’d love to hear from you!

Next up in this series is , Amy Van Winkle and Luke Scutter’s story. If you’d like to see what they’re up to, find out .

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