Page 71 of Cop Blocked

“Rest is for the weak. You were not complaining a few minutes ago, either.”

“That was before you teased all of the energy out of me.” I yawn.

He smiles at me, obviously proud of himself. “It was worth it, admit it.”

“It certainly was,” I muster the strength to sit up enough to give him another kiss. “What’s this‘one more thing'”

“The Marine Ball. November Ninth. Would you be my plus one?”

“I think I can clear my calendar and find a sitter. I’d be honored.”

THIRTY-SEVEN

Logan

“Babe, are you almost ready?”

Not that I’m in any hurry to deal with all the pomp and circumstance and political bullshit. I am looking forward to one last night to cut loose with my lady and my unit before I deploy. It’s a good thing Nana was able to come through for us and watch Piper again, too. This time, I’m the one feeling guilty for leaving her behind.

After tonight, we’re down to a matter of days before I’ve got to kiss Rachel and Piper goodbye for the next six to eight months. It could be a hell of a lot worse. This should be one of the shortest deployments of my career.

She steps out of the bathroom and spins around in a circle. “Well, Lieutenant Colonel, what do you think?”

I gave her two rules for picking out her dress for tonight. It should be blue and needed to be classy.

Her choice knocks those requests out of the ballpark. The navy blue lace dress fits her like a glove. With the cream fabric underneath, it’s sexy but classy, keeping everything to the imagination. Whatever the sheer piece is over top looks more like a shawl and flows nearly to the ground, making it that much more elegant.

Her hair is styled into a simple updo leaving her neckline exposed, giving the perfect opportunity to show off the new sapphire necklace I gave her. She looks like she belongs on the arm of a Marine Officer.

“I think I’m going to have the best-dressed lady at the ball tonight.” I take her hand and kiss the back of it. “Thank you for doing this with me. I know the last few weeks have felt rushed with everything left to do before I go.”

“Remind me again, who’s idea was it to throw a move in there too?”

“Wouldn’t change a thing.” I remind her, though I know she’s been ready to kill me a time or two.

“You say that now, but when you come home and Piper’s drawn on the walls in the living room or something silly, we’ll see if you feel the same way.”

“Nothing will change my mind. I can promise you that. We should call and tell her goodnight before we leave. We’ve got a few minutes.”

“I know you’re missing her already. We shouldn’t. I’m afraid she’ll get upset, and then Nana will have a terrible time settling her down.”

I nod in understanding. “You know best. Let’s do this thing then. Remember what I told you, it’ll be all class and dignity for about the first hour, maybe two. After that, drunken debauchery ensues. Try not to hold it against us.”

* * *

With the ceremonial parts out of the way, I give in and indulge Rachel in getting our photos done on our way to the restrooms. I only sulk a little when she refuses to let me sneak her away.

“Didn’t you say, there’s a time to play and a time to behave? We’ll have plenty of time to run off when everyone’s too drunk to remember.”

I’m so caught up in soaking everything in, that I barely notice when she’s gotten me out onto the dance floor. “Ooooh, no, you don’t. I don’t dance,” I pause and try to scoot us both back to our table.

“Nope. One dance. You can give me that much.”

If only she knew I’d give her so much more.

The DJ switches to a slow song, and I take her in my arms. With her head on my chest, we sway across the floor as gracefully as I can manage for three minutes and twenty-six seconds.

When the song ends, Rachel kisses me. “Thank you for the dance.”

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