Page 72 of Operation: Chosen

The only issue with that, that Ali had heard about, was that someone had leaked Wayside’s true mission to some type of news outlet. Now they were not the private location they had been before. Connor had tried to spin it as a positive thing at the meeting two days ago when he’d told them after the arrival of the dog, but many of the guys didn’t believe it.

Many of them mentioned someone named Viceroy as the potential leak. She wasn’t sure who that was, but she wanted to learn. When Ali had cornered Lacy after the meeting, she’d been less than forthcoming with any information. Gabby was surprisingly quiet on the subject too.

“What’s got you so distracted this morning?” Eric’s low rumble startled her from behind.

She swatted at his good arm. “Don’t sneak up on me.” Not that she minded all that much.

“Is today the day?” He waggled his eyebrows.

She sucked in a long breath like she was suffering for real and let it out. “I suppose. I did promise, and I’m a woman of my word.” Especially since she’d given her life to Jesus the night they’d returned to Wayside.

Eric had walked her through the prayer, explaining to her what it meant to profess with your mouth and believe with your heart that Jesus is Lord. He was so patient with all her questions—which, let’s face it, she was good at questions—and answered every one. Then he’d bowed his head right along with her and walked her through it.

Afterward, she’d felt this exhilarating rush like she’d just run a few miles. Since then the rush had worn off slightly, but she was excited and nervous to attend her first church service next week. But definitely not her last.

“Am I appropriately dressed for a ride?” She held out her hands to show off what had become her regular wardrobe choice.

“Jeans that cover your ankles? Check. Shirt with long sleeves to keep you from getting burned? Check. Boots that will comfortably sit in a stirrup? Double check.” He grinned.

She loved this man, his humor, and his steadfast mien. He could be trusted and relied upon.

“What?” His brow furrowed. “Did I do something?”

She shook her head. “Regrets are getting to me again.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist. “You know what I say about regrets?” His brow quirked slightly.

“What?” She grinned, knowing the answer as her heart raced.

“The only good regret is a past regret. And ours are in the past. Let’s leave them there.” He kissed her far too briefly.

She gripped his shirt before he could pull away. “Eric… I need you to know that I forgive you. Not because you did anything wrong. I still don’t feel like you did. I forgive you because I feel like you need me to. In case you still hold any of those feelings that you did something to me, I want you to know that there was nothing. If there were, it’s forgiven and gone.”

He kissed her again. “I’m glad to hear it.”

“Enough!” Big E strode toward them with Jayzon and Terrell at his sides. “You two need to get a room.” He laughed.

Eric kissed Ali again just to make them groan, and she laughed at the young men.

Terrell grinned. “I just talked to Officer Gallup. I’m all signed up.”

“Was the letter I wrote good enough?” Ali hoped they didn’t need more, but since she wasn’t working for the government now, she hadn’t been sure.

“I guess so. He said he didn’t think there would be an issue. I’ll get a letter of acceptance soon.”

Eric glanced between the two of them, obviously confused. Ali touched his arm and loved the feeling of immediate pleasure that came with touching him. “Terrell asked for my help in making his time in juvenile detention less of an issue with the recruiter.”

“The recruiter?” Eric repeated. “What branch?”

Terrell laughed. “Well…”

Big E slugged him in the shoulder. “You can tell him or I can.”

Terrell grinned. “All three of us, if we’re accepted, will be headed off to Army basic.”

Eric’s mouth dropped open slightly, but he quickly recovered. “That’s wonderful! I’m so proud of all of you.”

Jayzon looked at the ground. “Ma’s proud too.”

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