Page 26 of Fighting for Tawny

Tawny grinned. “I’ll bet.”

“Listen, I’m expected to have lunch with Warden Stoltz shortly. But I wanted to give you this first.” Moira removed an envelope from her gym bag and handed it to her.

Tawny recognized the handwriting. Tears blurred her vision. She pressed the envelope against her breasts and took several deep breaths before she spoke. “Thanks for this. Be careful with the warden. He’s wily.”

“Don’t worry. Jiena prepped me. I’ll see you and the others in an hour.”

Instead of joining Yolanda in the cafeteria, Tawny secluded herself in her cell to read and savor Finn’s letter. She held it up to her nose and sniffed. Dear God, it smelled like him! She closed her eyes and let her mind sweep her back to the past spring and summer when she lay contentedly in Finnigan’s arms after long bouts of lazy lovemaking. He knew her body well, knew how to touch her, where to touch her, and kiss her to elicit the most pleasurable responses. Finnigan’s skill as a lover, as someone who placed her needs in bed above his own, solidified her love for him. In turn, she gave him what he needed in and outside of bed, gave him without reservation her entire heart and soul.

Tears slipped from her eyes, and she dashed them away with impatience at her vulnerability. She opened the envelope and read Finnigan’s letter through blurry vision.

Red,

I can’t imagine what you’re enduring right now. Just know this.

Your pain is my pain. Your loneliness is my loneliness. Your fear

is my fear. I’m feeling everything right along with you, baby. So

far, you’re doing great holding your own. Stay strong, Red.

Remember, you’re not alone. We’ve got you. I’ve got you. Always

and forever. I love you more than words can express. I’m yours,

no matter what. And when you come home, hopefully soon,

I want to ask you something important that will prove my love

and fidelity to you. Hint: It involves something sparkly. Be

safe, Red.

Love forever,

Flamin’ Hot Finnigan

Tawny burst into laughter, even as tears ran in rivulets down her face. She kissed the letter and placed it in the back of her journal. Finnigan hadn’t said anything incriminating, so there was no way she was destroying his letter to her.

He wanted to propose!

“Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!” She danced a jig and then jogged to the cafeteria, where she caught the tail end of lunch. Breathless and excited, she slid into her usual spot at a table with Yolanda and Jo.

“Wow! You’re glowing,” Yolanda commented. “What happened?”

“Nothing. I’m just really happy that we’re finally on our way to a better life. What do you think about it so far, Yolanda?”

“I’m actually gettin’ it. But could we study tonight? I think the captain is gonna spring a quiz on us.”

“Absolutely.” Tawny addressed Jo, whom, she assumed, felt left out. “How’s your day been so far?”

“Pretty good. I worked in the greenhouse all morning, and after lunch, I’ve got laundry duty.”

“Tonight, before we study, we’ll play a few rounds of cards with you.”

Jo’s forlorn expression brightened. “That’s what I love so much about you, Tawny. You’re always thinkin’ about other people and makin’ ‘em feel better.”

Tawny waved away the compliment with a mischievous grin. “Oh, it’s purely selfish, Jo. I want to win back all the Snickers bars I lost to you in our last game.”

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