Page 27 of A Miracle for the Reserved Flyboy

“Us?”

“Yes.”

“You want us to be a couple?” she breathed, stunned and amazed at this unexpected twist.

“Would it be so bad?” he hesitated, looking at her. “I think you are incredible, and I know I’ve got to go back to Afghanistan, but I thought maybe we could keep in touch, and I could come back.”

“You want to come back… to me?” she repeated, tears stinging her eyes.

“I want to always come back to you… if you’ll have me?”

Those quiet words hung in the air between them as something changed. Neither looked away from the other, and no words were needed as suddenly they were leaning toward each other where they stood closely beneath the Christmas lights.

Gary’s hand rested on her hip while the other moved to her lower back, pulling her closer to him as her hands moved to encircle his shoulders effortlessly like she had always done so. His hug, holding her in his arms, felt so natural, but as his lips got closer to hers, she felt him pause. She could smell the coffee, pine, and something else that was just him, clean and soapy.

“It’s not going to be easy for a little while, but don’t give up on me,” he whispered, his voice a soft, vulnerable plea, each word carrying the weight of his heart. “I’m leaving my heart here, so please… don’t break it.”

A surge of warmth spread through her as she looked into his eyes, dark and full of unsaid promises, of quiet devotion and longing. She felt herself drawn to him, like an unbreakable pull, and her fingers instinctively clutched onto him as if he were the only anchor in a world that was spinning too fast. “I won’t,” she murmured, her voice barely more than a breath, heavy with all the feelings she couldn’t yet find words for.

He moved closer, his lips hovering just above hers, and she could feel his breath, warm and tinged with the scent of coffee and pine, brushing against her skin. Time seemed to slow as his lips gently brushed hers, the tentative, tender touch sparking a fire within her that she’d barely known existed. In that single, delicate moment, something inside her surrendered completely.

Then, as though something within him shifted, his kiss deepened. Gone was the hesitation, replaced by a fierce, unrestrained passion that she’d only dreamed of but had never dared hope to find for herself. His arms wrapped around her with a certainty that claimed her, pulling her close until there was no space left between them. Every fiber of her being meltedinto him, savoring the sensation of being held, cherished, and wanted with an intensity that seemed to fill every inch of her heart.

In that kiss, her reserved, soft-spoken man transformed, unleashing a side of himself that sent shivers of awareness down her spine, making her toes curl in delight. He kissed her not just with passion but with a fierce tenderness, with an unspoken promise of everything he would be for her. She could feel the depth of his love, the kind that would hold her close through storms and silence, that would support her dreams, cherish her heart, and be her strength when she faltered.

But there was more, something hidden beneath his calm exterior, a fire she hadn’t expected. A secret assurance flickered to life in her mind—a deep-rooted certainty that this man would love her in ways she’d never dared to imagine, a man capable of being gentle yet fierce, supportive yet undeniably intense. He would be the best partner, the kind of friend who would stand by her side through life’s ups and downs, a devoted father with a tender heart. But behind that, she could feel a raw power in him, an untamed passion that would make him utterly captivating, exhilarating, and unpredictable when they were truly alone.

The realization hit her so suddenly that a soft, breathless sound escaped her lips, breaking their kiss.

He chuckled, his breath brushing warmly against her lips, his voice soft and teasing. “What was that?”

Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, fingers threading through his hair. She was undone by the happiness bubbling up within her, so pure and wild it felt as if her heart might burst. “Happiness,” she whispered, grinning. “Kiss me again.”

A smile tugged at his lips, his gaze never leaving hers as he whispered, “Yes, ma’am,” before leaning in, capturing her in a kiss once again that felt like coming home.

A few minutes later,they slipped back inside the house, hands still intertwined, as if the cold outside had sealed something between them. Krista couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips, and every time she glanced sideways at Gary, she found him stealing glances right back, his face softened with a look she’d never quite seen before. She felt her cheeks flush, warmth spreading through her in the most unexpected way.

As they stepped fully into the glow of the dining room, Krista’s mother looked up from setting the table. One glance at them holding hands and her mother’s eyes widened slightly before a knowing smile spread across her face. Her father, who had been waiting by his seat, caught sight of Gary and stood, crossing his arms with a playful but pointed look, finger raised in mock warning.

"We talked about this," her father began in a deep, fatherly tone that left little room for interpretation.

"Yes, sir," Gary replied, his voice steady and respectful, but his eyes sparkled with a subtle hint of humor as he held her father’s gaze.

Her dad leaned forward, still smirking, and said, "As long as you remember."

Gary nodded, meeting the challenge. “I won’t forget.”

Krista blinked, glancing between the two of them. “Forget what?” she asked, her brow furrowing with curiosity. But before she could pry further, her mother bustled over, drawing attention to the steaming tureen of pot roast she placed at the center of the table.

“Are you ready to eat?” her mother interjected, lifting the lid with a flourish that revealed tender meat surrounded byperfectly roasted vegetables. The rich, savory aroma filled the room, wrapping them in the warmth of family and home.

Gary’s eyes lit up as he took in the meal. "I bet you don’t get food like this overseas," her mother teased with a smile, folding a napkin at his place.

“No, ma’am,” Gary chuckled, his laughter soft and almost shy as he reached to pull Krista’s chair out for her. She took her seat, her heart fluttering at the gentlemanly gesture, feeling a quiet thrill that he’d done this just for her. As he nudged her chair closer to the table, she felt a profound sense of being cherished, of someone who wanted to make her feel special. She caught herself grinning, warmth spreading through her like a balm.

“No one has ever done that for me before,” she murmured shyly, glancing up at him with surprise and gratitude.

Gary met her gaze, his smile just as soft and genuine. “It’s the least I could do. Feels like I should have always been here, holding the chair for you.”

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