“Thank you.”
“Thank you, Ken. We appreciate it,” Link said.
“Sure. Stay safe and lock up. Even the windows. People leave those open by mistake all the time.”
Link nodded. “We’ll check. Thank you.”
Ken turned to leave. He was an odd man, but Link appreciated his desire to help. Having someone watch the house while he was gone was nice. He had the alarm, and that helped, but the neighborhood watch would help to keep Ansley safe.
After he closed the door, he turned the alarm on. They would know if anyone tried to enter the house. He didn't like feeling locked in, but to keep Ansley safe, he would keep the alarm on.
“So dinner. Let me help you get it going.”
Ansley smiled. “Thank you. We just need to cut some vegetables. The meat is ready to go into the pan.”
“Thank you for seasoning it earlier. I like this. I like having you here. Cooking dinner together, watching TV, spending time with you.”
Ansley grabbed his hand and kissed it. “I like it, too. I’ll miss you when I’m in DC.”
“I’m not looking forward to that, either. But you having this job will be a good thing.”
“I hope I get it.”
“I have faith in you. You’re smart.”
Ansley rolled her eyes and laughed. “You haven’t heard me doing translations. You don’t know if I’m any good.”
“You talked in your sleep, but it wasn’t English. I have a feeling that you’re good if you’re dreaming in other languages.”
Ansley snorted a laugh. “I guess I do sometimes dream in other languages. I don’t really notice it. The words are just there, inside my head.”
“That’s good. I think you’ll do well. And if you don’t get that job, I’m sure there will be other jobs available.”
He worried about her traveling to DC, but she was traveling in business class on the train, which only allowed business class passengers to enter the train car. She promised she wouldn't do touristy stuff, just the interview, and come back home.
“I like teaching, but I’d like more work. The State Department job would be good for me. But you’re right. If I don’t get it, it will be okay.”
“So you’re still good with leaving the military?”
She nodded. "I am. It's an adjustment, but good. If I were still in the Marines, there is no way I'd be here with you."
“That’s true.”
“I’d hate that.”
He pulled her to him, hugging her close. If she hadn’t left the Marines, she wouldn’t be here. They wouldn’t be planning a future. “So would I. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Same.”
She hugged him tighter, and he breathed her in. His life was better than it had been before she'd shown up. He would keep her safe, and he would cherish her. Their future would be good. He would make sure of it.
Chapter 36
Ansley steppedout of the building, thrilled that her interview went so well. She knew she had the job and was about to text Link when someone called her name. For a second, she thought it was Pete. It sounded like him, and it kind of looked like him. But then the man stepped closer, and she realized it was one of the men she'd been in the Marines with. What was his name?
“Miller?” she asked, not sure she’d gotten the name correct.
“Yeah, it’s me. Andrew Miller.”
