Page 34 of Hold On Through The Pain

Rich nodded and turned to his computer before glancing over to Striker. “Okay, three days enough?”

It would take him six hours to drive, and her graduation was at noon; he’d looked that up. Then he would have one day to convince her to moveback with him. He would drive at midnight to get back in time if he had to.

“Yes. I’m leaving as soon as I’m done with today.”

Rich blew out a breath and shrugged. “Okay, sounds good. Just don’t get into trouble.”

His heart swelled, and excitement pinged through him. “Yes, sir.”

Rich had turned back to his computer but threw a “Dismissed” over his shoulder at Striker. As he was walking out, Rich lifted his head. “Get the girl. You need someone to wear off those rough edges.”

He chuckled as he stepped out. Rich was right—he needed a good woman to help him refine his life. Shannon would keep him focused. She was the type of woman he wanted to come home to after a long day.

The drive took five hours and fifteen minutes, getting him to Charleston early enough he had time to take a nap. When he got back from overseas, he’d tried calling her but realized her number had been disconnected. That was why he was here. If she never wanted to see him again, that would hurt. But he felt that wasn’t the case. Something else was wrong.

When his alarm went off, he headed to a truck stop with showers. After dressing in a pair of slacks—the only nonmilitary dress slacks he owned—anda nice shirt, he drove to her school for the ceremony.

His heart sped up, and his throat closed with emotions as he pulled up outside the building. There were only about thirty cars in the parking lot. How many people were coming to this graduation? He would stick out like a sore thumb. No question, Shannon would spot him right off.

He was about five minutes early, which meant no one was outside milling around because they were all inside in their seats. There wasn’t even the cover of a crowd to hide his entrance.

At the door, he drew in a deep breath, wishing he could talk to Shannon before he stepped in the room where they’d have an audience. With his heart beating heavy, he tugged open the door and stepped into a small waiting area.

“Oh, hey, we’re about to start,” an older gentleman said.

“Thanks. I’ll just—”

The door swung open, and his gaze landed on Shannon. She looked amazing with her hair styled in curls that fell down her back. She had on a light shade of lipstick and just a hint of color on her cheeks. She was perfect.

She glanced up and her brows bunched at first. Then her lips started to tremble when he stepped into the room. The older man who’d greeted him stepped up to a microphone and began speaking.The graduates were taking their seats at the front of the room, and though he wanted to pull her into his arms, he stayed at the back and took a seat near the door.

The man spoke about how dedicated the graduates had been. Then he handed out certificates, calling Shannon last. She’d scored the highest throughout the year. Pride surged inside. He knew she was magnificent, but here she was surprising him with her nearly perfect score at school. After saying a few words, she looked directly at him, and her smile turned watery.

“Life will throw you curveballs. Sometimes those curveballs knock you on your back, and you have no way of finding hope; other times they steal your breath and leave you gasping. But when you have someone to help you, someone to lift you up, those surprises don’t hurt so bad. You’ve all worked hard—now it’s time to go out and prove yourself to the world. I know you all will accomplish great things.”

Sharp clapping erupted. Striker had never felt this proud. He stood, his cheeks aching from smiling so wide as he applauded her success. Her gaze stayed on him as she stepped away from the microphone. The older gentleman got up and said something, but Striker was too distracted to pay attention. His focus stayed on Shannon only. Shewas his world, his life, his everything. He just hadn’t really known it until now.

Everyone clapped again. Shannon stood and turned, her gaze hitting him; taking his breath away. The world stopped, and the only thing that mattered was Shannon. She started moving toward him, and he finished closing the distance. His arms were around her, holding her tight. Her sobs were messy and loud. She clung to him, pulling him close. After a moment, he led her outside where she clung to him like he was her lifeline. He understood because she was his.

After a few minutes, she stopped crying and stared up at him. The wonder he felt was reflected in her eyes. He never wanted to let her go.

“How did you know to come here today?” Shannon asked.

“I called and found out when the graduation was. They wouldn’t give me any personal information about you, and they wouldn’t give you a message. I couldn’t get you on your phone.”

Shannon shivered, and her eyes blanked for a second, emotion leaving her face. “Later—can we talk about that later? I need to go back in and celebrate for a bit before I leave.”

“Sure. But I’m not leaving your side.”

“Thank you.” She lifted to her toes and brushed her lips over his cheek.

Warmth spread, and there was no question, hewas hooked. He followed her inside, realizing he would follow her anywhere. Her laughter was like a feather over his senses. His skin tingled, and his head buzzed. When her hand brushed against his arm, or when she touched his back, his whole body sang with happiness. He couldn’t wait to get her alone.

Thirty minutes later she took his hand and led him outside.

“Did you drive your car?” he asked.

“Ugh, no. It’s a long story. Maybe we should go sit in a park and talk.”

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