Page 15 of Since the Day We Kissed

Ethan took a deep, shaky breath, trying to reconcile the loss with the lives saved. “It wasn’t enough.”

After what felt like an eternity, Ethan turned back to Thompson. “But we’ll make sure they’re never forgotten.”

“We will.” Thompson paused. “They were Rangers through and through. Rangers lead the way, right?”

Ethan nodded with a bittersweet smile, grateful for Thompson’s words. “Always.”

“Sarge, there’s something else,” Thompson said. “Some dog followed us back to base.”

Ethan’s eyebrows shot up. “The dog, the Aussie Shepherd?”

“Yeah? He won’t stop hanging around.”

“Good. That dog saved my life. He came out of nowhere and started barking at me, and when I went over to see what was wrong, I had just missed the RPG explosion. If it hadn’t been for him—”

Thompson’s eyes widened. “Wait, you’re serious?”

“Completely!”

“Sarge, if you want, we can look after him for you. It’s the least we can do, considering what he did for you—for all of us, really.”

“You’d do that? I-I don’t even know what to say.”

“Of course, Sarge. That dog’s one of us now,” Thompson said with a slight smile. “You know, we should probably give him a name. Can’t keep calling him ‘the dog’ forever.”

“You’re right.”

Silence fell between them. Then, almost simultaneously, they looked at each other.

“Hero,” Ethan said.

Thompson smiled. “Perfect. Hero it is, then. Don’t worry, Sarge. We’ll take good care of him until you’re back on your feet.”

As they spoke, Ethan reached into his breast pocket and pulled out the worn Polaroid photo. The corners were tattered, but the image remained clear.

Thompson looked down at the photo. “That’s your girl, Sarge?”

“Oh, um—”

SCREECH.

Ethan blinked again. The sharp sound of tires skidding along the pavement brought him back to reality. The car had barely stopped when its door flew open, and a woman launched herself out, racing toward the entrance.

His gaze traced the frantic movement of her coat, billowing behind her like wings as she ran. There was something about her movement, her silhouette, that kept his eyes glued to her.

Time seemed to slow as he took in every detail. Her tall, slender frame. The chestnut hair escaping its messy ponytail, whipping around her face. Those soulful brown eyes, wide with panic. The perfect curve of her lips, now pressed into a thin line.

Wait ... no.

But in a thousand different lives, her face was one he’d never forget.

As she got closer, a chill shot through Ethan’s body ... His heart hammered against his ribs ... His limbs felt like lead.

What’s she doing here?

5

Kara

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