Page 62 of Always You

“That was…” I trailed off, unable to find words to describe what we'd just shared.

“Incredible,” Jazz finished for me, pulling back to meet my eyes. His expression was tender, full of affection.

I nodded, feeling shy.

Jazz cupped my face in his hands, drawing me in for a sweet, lingering kiss. “You're amazing, Alex,” he murmured against my lips. “I love you.”

My heart swelled at his words. “I love you too,” I whispered, resting my forehead against his.

Eventually, Jazz lifted me off him, both of us wincing at the separation. He disposed of the condom, then pulled me back into his arms, arranging us so that I was nestled against his chest.

His fingers traced lazy patterns on my back as we lay in comfortable silence. I felt boneless, sated, and more content than I could remember.

“Was that… okay?” Jazz asked softly, a hint of vulnerability in his voice.

Surprised by the question, I propped myself up on one elbow to look at him. “It was perfect,” I assured him with a kiss. “It wasmorethan perfect,” I added, my voice filled with sincerity. “It was everything I've always wanted.”

Jazz's eyes softened, a smile tugging at his lips. “I've missed you all this time.”

“Likewise,” I said.

“Likewise?” Jazz chuckled. “Who even says that.”

“People who’ve just had their brains destroyed by an orgasm.”

He laughed, and we lay wrapped in each other’s arms as I traced patterns on his thigh, over scars and smooth skin.

“That one was shrapnel,” he murmured.

I stopped touching. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to?—”

“No. I want to tell you what I can, and that one was from my second tour,” Jazz said softly. “It's okay to touch them. They're a part of me now.”

I hesitated before running my fingers over the scar again. Jazz shivered, but didn't pull away.

“What happened?” I whispered.

Jazz was quiet for a long moment, and I worried I'd pushed too far.

“An IED killed two of my friends.” His arms tightened around me as if anchoring himself in the present. “I was the lucky one.”

I pressed a soft kiss right over his heart. “I'm so sorry,” I murmured.

Jazz inhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling under my cheek. “Sometimes, it feels like yesterday,” he said softly, and he stroked my hair. “I want to share everything with you, Alex. The good and the bad.”

We lay in silence for a while, the weight of his words settling between us. I traced my fingers over his skin, mapping the contours of his body, both smooth planes and raised scars. Each mark told a story, and I wanted to know them all.

But today, I was happy to lie in his arms and think about a future with the man I loved.

One that I never thought I would have.

Epilogue

JAZZ

It was Christmas Eve,a night draped in the soft glow of fairy lights lining the windows of Guardian Hall. The gentle fall of snow muffled the world outside, and Alex and I sat together.

We were spending time together before Alex headed down to cover the night shift. We were subdued because while our Christmas Eve was warm and settled, many veterans were out there in the frigid Chicago night, unable to take that first step toward Guardian Hall. We'd been out all day, handing out flyers, cards, donations where we could, food bundles, heavy coats, and blankets.

---