True Devotion (37 page)

“Good condition. I hear a slight against my latest project.”

“You have to admit it still needs some work, Bear.”

She was teasing him and it felt wonderful. “By the time you get the wedding planned, I’ll have the boat ready to sail.”

“Two months? After Boomer and Christi have their baby?”

“Done.” It was the best deal he had ever made. He lifted her hand and rubbed her ring finger. “I saw your wedding ring put away with Nick’s flag. I was afraid you had lost it.”

“It was time to take it off.”

“What kind of engagement ring would you like in its place?”

“Sapphire and diamond.”

He laughed at her immediate reply. “Want to think about it awhile first?”

“I already have.”

He grew serious. “It was a long night.”

“A lot of time to think.”

Joe rubbed his hand across her back. “For both of us.”

She leaned her head back and smiled to lighten the moment. “I’m hungry.”

“Why do I get the feeling that was a suggestion rather than a comment?”

“Steaks are in the refrigerator. I was going to cook out for you last night.”

“I’ll let you sit here and chat with me while I fire up the grill.”

“I hoped you would say that.”

He got up and prepared the grill, starting the coals.

She was staring out at the sea. He paused by the lounge chair and rested his hand on her hair to ruffle it gently. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” Her hand reached up and grasped his. “I’ve fallen in love with the sea.”

He squeezed her hand. “I was afraid it would feel threatening after last night.”

“No. It was a refuge when I most needed one.”

“It’s been one for me many times in the past.” He listened to the breaking waves. “It’s peaceful tonight.”

“Can we always live near the sea?”

“That’s probably the only thing I can promise you. You’re about to be a military bride again.”

“I’m looking forward to it, Bear.”

He paused on the way to get the steaks. “Why do I get the feeling my handle is under threat?”

“Well . . . I do have a suggestion.”

The gleam in her eyes was enough of a warning. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“I promise to only call you teddy bear in private.”

Her laughter filled the night as he swooped to pick her up with a playful growl.

Author’s Note

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading this book. It was a special honor to write. I absolutely fell in love with Joe and Kelly. And the guys of SEAL Platoon Nine—Cougar and Wolf and Boomer are friends now; I didn’t want this story to end!

Those who serve this country in the military are special heroes. They live an adventure, see much of the world, but they also accept demands on their lives most civilians do not understand. I wanted to give a glimpse into that reality with this story—the sweat and blood and dedicated service behind the glamour.

When God calls a warrior, he is molding a man to be one of the pillars of our nation. There are real men like Joe “Bear” Baker wearing the uniform today. This is my tribute and thanks to them.

As always, I love to hear from my readers. Feel free to write me at:

Dee Henderson

c/o Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

351 Executive Drive

Carol Stream, IL 60188

E-mail: [email protected]

or online at www.deehenderson.com

First chapters of all my books are online; please stop by and check them out. Thanks again for letting me share Joe and Kelly’s story.

Sincerely,

Books by Dee Henderson

The O’Malley Series

Danger in the Shadows (Prequel)

The Negotiator

The Guardian

The Truth Seeker

The Protector

The Healer

The Rescuer

Uncommon Heroes Series

True Devotion

True Valor

True Honor

Kidnapped

The Witness

Before I Wake