Page 366 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Alex found himself torn between two options: should he get dressed before waking Anna, or should he rouse her from her slumber and savor a few more precious moments with her? Unable to resist her sleeping form, he leaned over, planted a tender kiss on her lips, and whispered her name softly.

Anna’s eyes fluttered open in the dark room. It took her a moment to shake off the drowsiness and remember why Alex had woken her while the sun still slept. The realization washed over her like a tide and she sighed heavily. “You have to get up?” she whispered.

Alex nodded. “The SUVs are packed though. The guys took care of it already.”

Anna smiled. “They’re good guys.”

“Ja, they are.” He leaned over and kissed her. “I need to get dressed.”

“Can I come?”

Alex chuckled. “Of course.”

Anna followed Alex into the dressing room and closet area. She pulled on a t-shirt and sweats while Alex dressed in black BDU pants, t-shirt, and combat boots.

She allowed herself a moment of happiness as she studied her husband. “You look very sexy in that.”

“Do I?” He grinned and turned so she could see all sides of him.

She giggled. “Oh, yes.”

He walked up and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Oh, Schatzi, I’m going to miss you terribly.”

“Me too,” she whispered. She rested her head on his chest and pushed aside the sense of foreboding that loomed in her heart. Closing her eyes, she inhaled his scent and memorized the contours of his chest and stomach.

After a few moments, Alex sighed and took her hand to go downstairs. In the great room, Seth, Tony, and the rest of the group were seated, engaged in quiet conversation. Anna’s gaze traveled over each of their faces, affection warming her heart for each man in the room.

Aaron sat on the arm of one of the couches near Seth. He looked up when she and Alex entered the room and gave her a smile. She was thankful he was here and that she wouldn’t be left in an empty house.

Frau Gersten had laid out drinks and breakfast pastries, which were being eaten. She, of course, would still be here, but Anna didn’t have much of a relationship with her. She was always very polite and respectful, but not especially warm.

Alex held her close as he ate and chatted quietly with Sebastian and Erich. Anna leaned her head on his chest but didn’t eat. She wasn’t hungry. She just wanted to be with her beloved.

Alex ran his hand over her belly. He did that a lot. She loved that he had embraced the baby wholeheartedly.

As the moments passed, the dread in her heart grew. She repeated over and over again in her mind that Alex would be fine. That he would be home on Tuesday. But her stomach still twisted in knots.

All too soon, it was time for their departure. She walked with Alex to the entryway, embraced each of the men in turn, and returned to Alex’s side.

Alex pulled her close and held her tight against his solid, warm body. “I love you, Anna. With all that I am, I love you.” He pulled away and cradled her cheek and looked her in the eye. “I will return to you, Schatzi.”

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded. “You better,” she said in a cracked whisper, a broken smile on her face.

Alex kissed her hard and held her so tight she could hardly breathe. He pulled slowly away, his lips lingering on hers.

She took his hands and kissed both his rings. “Ich liebe dich,” she said in halting German, hoping she hadn’t butchered the words.

“Oh, Anna...” His eyes showed how thrilled he was at her attempt at his native language. “I love you, too. So much.” He sighed and looked into her face for a long moment. “I must go.”

Anna nodded and bit her lip, trying to control her emotions. She didn’t want him to leave with the image of her sobbing. She wanted him to believe she would be okay so he didn’t worry about her too much while he was gone. Surely if he was worried about her, it would make his job more difficult and take longer.

She walked with Alex to the door. The other guys had already gone outside. Alex hugged her one last time and then stepped away. “I will see you soon, mein Schatzi.”

Anna nodded, afraid to speak and lose control. He gave her one last loving look and then walked outside, closing the door behind him.

She moved to the side window, her eyes fixed on Alex as he climbed into the front seat of the leading SUV. He turned and waved at her, and she responded with a wave of her own. Then, in a matter of moments, the vehicles vanished around the circular road.

She stood there for a moment, staring out the window at the empty street. Aaron came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.

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