EPILOGUE
Eight days later
“Okay, Maya and Jackson were right.This place really is paradise on earth.”
Candace turned her head on the chaise lounge to look at Ryan, also stretched out on his back, enjoying the warm, tropical sun from the privacy of the back lawn of the beach house they’d rented in Poipu, on the island of Kauai.
The private property was a luxurious and insanely expensive accommodation that they were loving way too much.It wasn’t something they ever would have shelled out for with their finances, but given everything that had happened at the resort, her grandmother had insisted upon paying for their second honeymoon, and for once, Ryan had accepted her generosity.
“I know,” she murmured, basking in the heavenly combination of the warm sun and balmy breeze that rustled through the coconut palms ringing the sides of the yard and the birds of paradise that grew along the stone foundation of the house.
“Remind me to thank your grandma again when we get home.”
She laughed at him.“Whatever, like you haven’t already talked to her twice a day since we got here.I know you guys are texting buddies now.”
Ryan’s lips twitched, his eyes hidden by his shades.“I think I’ve grown on her.”
“I know you have.Never in a million years would I have ever thought you two would wind up bonding because of a combat mission, but here we are.”
“Seriously.I’d have taken her on a mission a year ago if I’d known that was the key.”
Chuckling under her breath, she settled back against the padded headrest and let out a contented sigh.Before them, the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean stretched out, ending in turquoise waves that exploded into white foam as they crashed against the lava rock on the shore.“We stopping by that acai bowl place on the way back from the clinic?”They had to get their stitches out.
“Hell yeah.I love those things.”
She picked up her phone, checked the time.“We’d better leave in the next ten minutes or so.”
He grunted, appearing in no hurry to ever move again.She didn’t blame him.This time away together was exactly what they’d both needed.His right hand and arm were a little swollen, and he still had some numbness and reduced grip strength.The doctors thought he’d get most of it back though.
Things had changed so much for them since the wedding last week.She’d officially become a civilian again as of two days ago, and it felt fantastic.She had several irons in the fire as far as job applications were concerned, all private sector, but one she had her fingers and toes crossed for.Ryan planned to stay in the Air Force for at least another few years, but for the next three months at least, he was all hers.
A lot more had happened over the past week as well.
The media had thankfully lost interest in her story and what happened at the resort, except to report about Eric March’s legal case.He was currently in prison awaiting trial for charges that would either keep him locked up for the rest of his days, or the death penalty now that the government had uncovered everything he’d been planning.The majority of his followers had been tracked down and charged with various crimes.
Her phone rang in her hand.She lifted it, her heart jolting when she saw the number on display.Sitting up straight, she answered.“Hello?”
“Hi, Candace?It’s Khalia Phillips, from Scottie’s Foundation.”
“Yes, hi.”Her heart beat faster, excitement coursing through her.She’d been hoping and praying...
“We reviewed your application package, and I have to say, it’s most impressive.I’ll be in D.C.late next week and I’d love to interview you in person then, if that’s convenient.”
“Would Sunday work?I’m out of town on holiday until next Saturday.”If not, she’d change her flight.
“Of course, that sounds fine, and considering recent events in Montana that I read about, I want you to enjoy every moment of your holiday.”
Khalia must have looked her up online to do some research.“Yes, it’s been nice to get away.”
“I know exactly how that feels, and as a fellow survivor of traumatic events, I kind of feel like I know you already.So let’s get in touch next week and figure out the details.Sound good?”
