Page 80 of Annika's Aurora

“I’m proud of you, Kiddo. You’ve accomplished some great things in your life. And you did it all alone. That must have taken a lot of strength of character. I’m happy that you achieved your goal and became a SEAL, but I think I’m more proud of the work you do for the Nighthawks.”

That pleased him to no end, but he became pensive as he wondered if he should continue with the Nighthawks. Or if he should give it up for Annika. “The job can be dangerous. I’m not exactly sure if I should continue or not. If something were to happen to me, Annika would be alone again.” He was growing tired, could feel the exhaustion approaching fast. He had a long way to go to be back to his old self if a simple conversation exhausted him.

“I think that is a conversation you are going to have to have with Annika,” Johanna stated.

Yes, he’d have to talk to her. He could quit the team for her, but if he weren’t a Nighthawk anymore, what was he? Who was he? He didn’t have an answer, but he knew that he didn’t want to leave Annika alone again.

Johanna patted his hand. “Stop thinking so much and rest. I’ll be here when you wake again.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” he said as his eyes drifted closed.

It was a week later, and Christmas day was upon them. They had a lot to be thankful for this Christmas. Logan was home, having been released from the hospital the day before. Waking up next to Annika on Christmas morning had been one of the greatest joys of his life. She still looked exhausted and worried, but at least she was sleeping now. He would work to bring the rest of her light back. She’d been far too dim this past week.

At the moment, they were in their usual spot on the big armchair. Logan was strumming absently on the guitar Annika had given him while she read beside him. They had enjoyed a lovely Christmas together as a family. Logan didn’t realize how much he’d missed that. Growing up, the Northrups had always included him in their traditions. And even after all these years, nothing had changed except for their missing brother. They’d lit a candle for him and placed it in the window. In that moment, Logan felt the loss deeply. But then they’d put their sadness aside and celebrated Christmas as a family. Logan had been stunned that they had gifts for him. He’d asked both Annika and Mama Jo to pick up a few items he’d wanted to give them since he was stuck in the hospital. The biggest gift still sitting in his pocket, waiting for just the right moment.

After a huge Christmas dinner with all the fixings, Annika’s parents decided it was time for them to go back home. They missed their own beds, they claimed, but Logan knew they were giving him and Annika time alone together, and he’d waited to give her his gift. He set the guitar down on the floor next to the chair and reached in his pocket to pull out the little box, then placed it in her lap.

“What’s this?”

“Just one more gift for you.”

“Logan, you’ve spoiled me enough today.”

“Just open it, Sunfire.”

She pulled on the ribbon then took the lid off the little box. Inside was a velvet jeweler’s box. Annika looked at him over her shoulder in surprise. He knew what she was thinking, and he hoped she wouldn’t be disappointed.

She shook the velvet box out and opened it gasping when she saw what was inside. “Oh, Logan! It’s beautiful.” In the box lay a necklace he’d commissioned for her after she’d gone missing. The necklace held a gemstone called labradorite. It was carved in such a way as to bring out its brilliant colors. Blues and greens swirled around each other. An intricate scrollwork in gold surrounded the gemstone. Annika studied the colors in the gemstone. “Is this …?”

“It’s the Aurora.” He took the necklace out of the box and secured it around her neck. She held the gem in her hand, moving it from side to side, letting it catch the light.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered. She shifted to face him and gave him a kiss. “I love you.”

He kissed her as well. “I love you. Thank you for accepting me back into your heart.”

“You never left,” she confessed. “I fell in love with the boy who gave me rainbows in the fifth grade, and it’s only grown from there.”

“Your words … what they do to me.” He kissed her again, longer and deeper this time.

Now was as good a time as any to have that discussion about his job, so taking a deep breath, he plunged right in. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.” She raised one questioning brow. “I don’t ever want to be apart from you again.”

She smiled. “I don’t either.”

“Good,” He paused, unsure why he was hesitating. He’d do anything for Annika. He could do this. “When you return to school, I’ve decided to tender my resignation with Nighthawk to join you there.” She looked stunned. “It’s the right thing to do if I want to be with you …” Her lips tilted upward with a smile as she placed a finger over his lips to stop him.

“Logan, you don’t have to do that. I’m not going back to Annandale. I just don’t think I could ever feel safe teaching there again.”

“But you love teaching. I’ve seen you interact with the kids, Rachel, the girl from the car accident, Macey, and the students in your class who obviously love you. Sunfire, you were born to be a teacher and are an exceptional at it. You can’t give that up.”

“I’m not going to. I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet. I ran into Miss Letty a few days ago. She’s friends with the dean of the college here. They have an opening for a Literature professor starting next school year. I meet with them after the New Year. Miss Letty’s assured me they only want me.”

“Annika! That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you.” He hugged her, his joy for her overflowing.

“So you don’t have to quit the Nighthawks.”

“But it’s dangerous work. I think I still should quit. If anything ever happened to me on a rescue, you’d be alone again.”

Annika shook her head. “No, Logan. I won’t be alone. I’ll have your extended Nighthawk family.”

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