Page 102 of Her Faithful Protector

I lift her chin. “They’ve met their match.” Hell yeah! This woman is stronger than any demons I’ve faced, and I’m humbled that she still seeks my protection.

“Let’s go home then.” Ava grins, holding on to me.

“Actually, can we make a detour?”

She cocks her head. I bet she has no idea what surprises await her.

I whisper close to her ear, “Just you and me, and Quinton.”

37

JACK

We bask in the sunshine while the tranquil shore fills our senses with peace. Thanks to my stint at the Marine Corps Base in the Kaneohe Bay community, I have discovered some hidden treasures known only to the locals. One of these gems is a little island that is only accessible by boat from a remote jetty. Today, it has become our own private paradise.

“It’s beautiful here, Jack,” Ava’s voice merges with the afternoon breeze. The palm trees that dot the pristine shoreline sway in unison as if disturbed by the same breeze.

“Not a bad detour, is it?” I remark.

With Quinton cradled in my arms, we both marvel at the colors of the coral reefs beneath the crystal-clear water. Occasionally, I take him down to let his tiny feet glide through the calm ocean.

As the afternoon progresses, we find a seat on an old tree log, awaiting the sunset.

“Could you see yourself living here?” I ask.

She rubs her arm. “Maybe. If we do move here, I’ll need to work on my tan.”

“Uh-uh. Your tan is perfect.” I kiss the spot she justrubbed. Her skin is fair and smooth, dotted with soft freckles that make it flawless. My lips linger on her arm as my eyes trace the curves of her bikini-clad body. She looks hot and stunning!

“I think I still prefer Montana,” she affirms.

“So, maybe a Montanan wedding and a Hawaiian honeymoon?” I hint.

“That’s an idea!” she responds with a grin as Quinton squirms on my lap, reaching out for her.

“All right. You want Mommy.” I give in and let the munchkin go.

Ava coos, taking him in her arms and showering him with kisses, delicately removing tiny leaves that have found their way into his hair. “So, what did your captain say?” she asks, sluggishly kicking the white sand with her feet.

I smirk. “He gave me the usual farewell speech. He said my legacy would live on through the next generation of Marines I had led. Well, actually, he said ‘shredded to pieces.’”

“You were that tough, huh?”

“Those guys will surpass me,” I reply confidently.

“I don’t know about that, Jack.”

“It’s all part of the Corps’ evolution. The captain was disappointed, understandably. Especially that he wouldn’t see me in the next USMC marathon. Apparently, he’s been training hard. And oh, he also blamed you,” I confess.

She laughs. “It was his loss, I’m sure. But it was time for the Corps to let you go. Quinton and I need you more.” She plants a tender kiss on Quinton’s rosy cheek. “Isn’t that right, Quinnie-Bear?”

I pull them both into my embrace, still in awe that these two incredible beings are a part of my life.

“Jack…” She trails off, contemplating. “I want you to meet my parents.”

“Okay,” I tentatively respond.

“They had sided with Willem, as you know. But it wasn’t entirely their fault,” she explains slowly. “Willem was just too manipulative for them to see through. I think it’s time I made peace with them. After all, they’re my mom and dad.”

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