Calculated Risk (Triumph Over Adversity #1) - Lynn Shannon Page 0,51

hard blow, and Jason’s throat clogged with emotion as heat pricked the back of his eyes. He’d been carrying an albatross of guilt and responsibility. It never occurred to him it was the wrong burden.

“To answer your question, yes, I believe God has a plan for all of us,” Nathan continued. “Addison is an amazing person. It’s clear the two of you care for each other deeply. That kind of relationship doesn’t come around every day. Trust me, if you let her go, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

Jason rocked back on his heels. He knew some of Nathan’s story. He’d broken up with his fiancée after joining the Green Berets. It wasn’t something Nathan talked about often, and Jason hadn’t realized his friend regretted breaking things off. “It sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”

“I am. But we aren’t talking about me. We’re talking about you.” Nathan breathed out and a fog hung in front of his face. “Be careful with the choice you make, Jason. Once you break her heart, you won’t be able to repair the damage later.”

Nathan’s warning echoed Jason’s own instincts. He was falling in love with Addison and the very last thing he wanted to do was screw it up. He needed to think and pray. “Do you want to head inside for some shut-eye, Nathan? I can take over for a while.”

“Naw, you go in.” Nathan clapped him on the shoulder. “I’ve got this.”

Jason nodded, exhaustion seeping into his bones. He started across the yard and then turned back. “Hey, Nathan, have you tried asking for forgiveness? It might not repair the damage, but it’s a good place to start.”

His friend was quiet for a long moment. “Some things aren’t easily forgivable. But I’ll keep your advice in mind.”

Whatever was bothering Nathan, Jason could tell his friend didn’t want to discuss it. Never mind. Nathan would talk when he was ready.

Jason patted his leg and Connor joined him. They went back inside Addison’s house. Her couch was too short for his tall frame, so he settled for the recliner. Jason kept his boots on, his gun close, and his cell phone in his hand. If there was trouble, Nathan would call.

He rubbed his chest, trying to dislodge the pain in his heart. But it wouldn’t budge.

God, I’m ready to listen. I’ve been fighting You, throwing out excuses to keep from falling in love with Addison, and doing my best to keep her at arm's length. But You knew better.

It was time. Time to let go of the pain and do what God intended—live his life. His fellow Marines would always be a part of him. Like the scars etched on his skin, their memories were carved in his heart. But Jason would not disgrace their sacrifice by rejecting Addison and her love out of some twisted sense of obligation.

Somehow, sleep claimed him. The sound of his ringtone brought him awake instantly. It was pitch-black outside the windows and a quick glance at the clock confirmed it was a little after one in the morning. Jason answered the call.

“We’ve got company.”

Nathan’s words were followed by an eruption of gunshots.

Twenty-Eight

Addison’s eyes flew open and she gasped. Jason hovered over her, his finger at his lips, indicating she should be quiet.

“There’s trouble,” he whispered. “Put your shoes on.”

Addison sat up in bed, shoving her covers aside. She’d slept in her clothes. The lamp on the nightstand cast the room in a soft glow as she slid her feet into tennis shoes. Her heart thundered against her rib cage and her fingers trembled as she did the laces. Connor, sensing her tension, licked her cheek. She rubbed a hand over his soft fur.

Jason went to her bedroom window. His gun was in one hand and he used the other to part the curtains. Addison joined him. “What happened?”

“I don’t know.” He kept his gaze locked on the yard beyond the glass. “Nathan said there was a problem. Then there were gunshots.”

More tension poured into her muscles. “You have to help him.”

“No, Nathan is an experienced soldier. My job is to protect you.” His tone brooked no argument. “I’ve called 911. Officers are on the way.”

That wasn’t good enough. Soldier or not, Nathan was in danger because of her. Addison would never forgive herself if he was hurt or killed while they stood by. Not to mention the trooper stationed outside her house. “It’ll take time for responding officers to get here, and by then it