Page 73 of Two Hearts' Christmas Homecoming

“Amy,”he huffed out in a whisper, tugging her close and kissing her tenderly on the mouth.

Grandma had obviously been told about their change in relationship and didn’t appear to disapprove, because she gave Mom a nudge in the ribs, before clasping her hands together in obvious anticipation.

Lex and Amy would drive ahead separately in Lex’s rental car so that they could stop in at Jake’s office to have Lex fitted with the wire.

Since her gown flared at the waist, Amy had also prepared herself by sticking her cell phone into the small pocket that was sewn near her waist.

Despite Lex’s reassurances, she was worried to death that something might happen to him.

“Come on,” Jake said, once one of his men finished fitting the wire under Lex’s uniform coat. “Let me introduce you two to a few people that you can trust if anything should come up tonight that you’re concerned about.”

They mingled with Jake and Danielle for a while because Jake had a lookout in place. But then they decided to take their seats when Danny headed to the stage to introduce the next performer.

Much to Amy’s surprise, the voice sounded very familiar.

“Lex? It’sZane. He’s here,” Amy said excitedly.

Lex grinned down at her. “I know. That’s part of the surprise.”

She slapped him lightly on the shoulder. “Mom and Dad will be thrilled, not to mention Caleb. He worships Zane and his music.”

“Yes, Caleb will be disappointed to hear that he missed Zane’s performance,” Lex observed. “But I didn’t want to tell him and spoil the surprise.”

“I hear you. Caleb just can’t keep a secret,” Amy agreed.

Zane smiled widely at them while performing another song.

“He’s toned down his look a little, hasn’t he?” Lex asked.

Amy nodded. “I think he’s finally found his niche. He’s performing all his own original music now.”

The rest of the event went smoothly. Eventually, Zane came out from his dressing room and sat with them at the table to have dinner with the family.

“I hope you’re coming home tonight,” Mom said. “We’ve missed you so much, Zane.”

“Of course, I’m coming home. I promised Lex that I would.”

“Lex knew about this?” Dad asked, rolling his eyes upward.

“He wanted me to surprise you,” Zane admitted, seeming to be a little depressed. “It’s really good to be here with you again, Mom and Dad. I’m sorry that I haven’t been home for a while.”

The banquet itself began shortly after, and several officers stood to speak as they handed out some awards to both injured and fallen soldiers. They announced that there was a record amount of funds earned today for the wounded warrior home as well as for the school for children with disabilities here in town.

The food was soon served, and about twenty minutes into dinner, when coffee was being brought to the table, Jake sauntered near the table, conversing with the man he had in tow.

Lex stood as they approached.

“There you are,” Jake said. “Brent? I’d like you to meet a good friend of mine.”

As he turned to look at Lex, he was most obviously stunned, although he covered it up quickly.

“Senior Airman Lex Giordano, this is Brent Masterson.”

“Lex?” Brent Masterson echoed.

Amy noticed that he didn’t hold out his hand to Lex, but that was good because it was obvious that Lex didn’t want to have anything to do with Brent Masterson either.

Finally, they moved away from the table, and Amy heard Lex heave a sigh of relief.

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