Night Maneuvers - By Jillian Burns Page 0,59

When I realized you’d taken down that upperclassman with your hands taped behind you, I couldn’t believe it. And after, you were so tough, so determined to be treated equally.” He ran a finger down her nose. “You never would let me protect you, or help you. I’ve always admired that.”

Mitch’s face swam before her. As if in a dream, the world slowed and brightened. A ray of sunshine escaped the shadow of the mountains and lit his blond hair in golden light. Her throat closed up.

He took another step and brought his fingers up to tuck back a strand of hair that had blown across her face. “Yet every time I lost faith in myself, you believed in me. You saw that better person in me even when I couldn’t see it myself. I think I’ve probably loved you from the very beginning, Alex.”

She tried to swallow, but she still couldn’t speak.

“I love you, Alexandria Hughes.”

She searched his eyes. Those baby-blue eyes that had smiled at her, laughed with her, beguiled her for twelve years. Then she looked at his mouth. Those masculine lips that had saved her, whispered both truth and lies to her. Lips that had hurt her and kissed her. “Say it again,” she whispered.

He flashed a quick grin and then his expression turned serious again. “I love you, Alex. I love your stubborn streak and your horrible temper, and your sweet mouth and your deadly intelligence.”

She punched his arm.

“Ow.” He faked an expression of pain and rubbed his arm.

“It’s about time, you idiot.” She finally let the tears flow, even as she laughed.

Mitch smiled and gathered her into his arms and held her tight as if he never wanted to let her go. He caressed her back and laid his cheek atop her head.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her nose in his chest. It felt so good to be in his arms again. To let herself be needy, after so many years of believing she couldn’t show any sign of weakness.

He gathered her hair away from her wet face, and pressed kisses on the top of her head and her temple. “I’m so sorry I hurt you, baby.” Bringing both hands up to cup her face, he lifted it to him. He bent and tenderly kissed her trembling lips. When he raised his head, he smiled at her. “Thank you for loving me all these years. For believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

“It’s always been you, Mitch. Always.” She threw her arms around his neck and took his mouth with hers, luscious and long, happy and smiling, and never letting go.

Epilogue

Nellis Air Force Base Chapel

HER MOTHER-WAS weeping. Again.

“Mom, you’re ruining your makeup.” Alex grabbed a tissue from the dressing table and handed it to her mother.

“I know, honey, but I just can’t help it. You’re so beautiful.”

Alex stood in front of the full-length mirror for a more realistic appraisal. She rubbed her scalp where the pins holding the small tiara and veil were digging mercilessly. The veil was attached to her hair so well, she could probably travel at the speed of sound right now and it wouldn’t come off.

And the dress?

The ruched bodice had a halter neckline, which was okay, but the straps dug into the skin under her arms and the tulle under her full skirt was itchy. And don’t even get her started about the freakin’ long train. On someone else, it would be beautiful, she was sure. But she just knew she was going to trip and fall flat on her face.

She adjusted the waist one more time and scratched under her arm again.

“Will you stop twitching?” Jordan stepped close and smoothed down the skirt. “You look gorgeous.”

“I just hate this.” She stomped away and paced the distance to the end of the bridal ready room.

“Alex,” Lily said. “Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and visualize—oh!” Her hand flew to her rounded belly. “She’s kicking like a high-stepper in a marching band.” She grabbed Jordan’s hand and placed it on her protruding stomach. “Here. Feel that?”

Jordan’s eyes widened. “Oh, Lily. It’s a wonder you aren’t black-and-blue.”

Both of them turned to Alex. “Do you want to feel?” Lily asked.

“I, uh.” Alex swallowed. “Nothing personal, y’all, but I think I’m going to throw up.” She rubbed her chest where a cluster of nerves had taken up residence and were inviting the rest of the neighborhood for a party.

Her mom grabbed the bowl of mints

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