Emotion fills me because I never thought I’d see one of these. As far as Brenda was concerned, as far as she told me, at least, our records had been completely wiped. No mention of our service remaining.
“You and your men deserve honors for the work you’ve done over the last six years. And the time before that. You’ve saved countless lives. Unfortunately, since we technically don’t exist?—”
“Neither do we.”
“You didn’t. But you do now.” He taps the folder. “I apologize for my negligence. Everything she did on our end was above board, but it seems there was a whole lot more than we ever knew.”
“I—thank you.”
“Of course. You are hereby relieved of duty, Lieutenant Commander Knox. You and your team can return home to your normal lives. Whatever that may look like.”
“What will happen to Brenda?”
“She and Martin Shaw will be going away. You won’t need to worry about them anymore. We also apprehended Cal Markson and a dozen others. None of them will see the light of day as free men again. You have my word.”
“And the men who tried to kill Garrison Holt back in Stormwatch Landing?”
“Being interrogated as we speak. It’s funny how much someone will talk when they know they’re facing life in prison.”
“It’s really over?” Tessa questions.
Richard turns to her. “It is, Miss Lane. You should know, we’ve wiped the records of your aliases. As far as the world knows, they never existed.”
“No charges will be pressed for falsifying the records in the first place?” I ask. It’s one of the things I’ve been worried about. While I may understand why Tessa changed her name, she did technically break the law.
“Not a single one. As far as the government is concerned, you have always been Tessa Lane.” He smiles, then claps his hands together. “Okay, well, I need to get this show on the road. Take care, Lieutenant Commander. I hope you and your team can find some peace now.” Richard shakes my hand, then Tessa’s.
“Thank you, Mr. Caldwell.”
“You’re welcome,” he replies. “Take care.” With a final smile in our direction, he closes the door behind me.
“Zane, this is—what are you going to do now?” Tessa asks. “You have your freedom. Your chance at a normal life.”
I stare down at the DD214s in my hand.
What does this mean? I always assumed I’d die before I got a taste of the freedom that comes from not having someone else call the shots.
So what will I do now?
I set the folder aside and slide one arm around Tessa’s waist, then cup her cheek with the other as I draw her closer. “I know exactly what I’m going to do now.”
“Oh? What’s that?” she asks, tilting her face up to look at me.
When I stare into her dark brown eyes, I can see the future. Marriage. A home. Children. Laughter. Joy.
It’s all right there—just within reach.
“Well, I have a wedding to get to, if the bride will have me.”
Tessa’s smile is blinding, and she winds both arms around my neck. “Is that a proposal, Zane?”
“Nah, I already proposed. That’s my promise to you. Tessa Lane, I will love you until the very last breath in my chest. I will do what I can to make you the happiest woman in the world. God brought you back to me, and I don’t plan to waste a single moment.”
“Then this isn’t me accepting your proposal—because I already did. I never stopped loving you, Zane. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but you’re the only one who’s ever truly made me feel like I’m not those mistakes. Like I can be something more.”
I lean down and capture her mouth with mine. The kiss is meant to seal a promise, but desire thrums in my veins as I hold her against me, tasting forever on her lips.
“Feel like sailing around the world with me?” I whisper against her mouth.
