“No doubt, but I didn’t want to risk leaving and going somewhere else, then not getting a vehicle at all.” He scowled. “You can be sure I won’t use them again, though. Their greed will cost them in the long run.”
“What’s Jared doing this morning?”
“Working. The CO called everyone in. They’re going to organize cleanup crews for the damage on base, and for the Marines whose homes were damaged.”
She fixed another cup of coffee for herself and went to the sofa. The blanket and pillow rested neatly on the center cushion.
Evan sat on the far-right side. “How’d you sleep?”
“Not too bad.”
He chuckled. “Code for not good.”
“Too much on my mind, and when I did drift off I had bizarre dreams.” Nightmares—of him being ripped away by a tornado, of babies swirling in the sky. Everything from last night had combined in her head to create scenes worthy of horror movies.
“I’m sorry.” He held his cup to his mouth and inhaled before taking a sip. His lips twisted in a worried frown. “About last night…there’s something I have to tell you—something we should have discussed before we started a relationship.”
She sensed his need for support. “Nothing can change how I feel about you.”
“Hear me out first, please. You might change your mind.” He glanced down at his leg and rubbed it in an unconscious movement. Sucking air into his chest before slowly exhaling, He twisted his hands in a circular motion. “My bad leg wasn’t the only repercussion from the crash. The doctors told me—um, they said, barring some miracle…” She could see him gathering strength with another deep breath. “I’d never have children of my own making.”
She realized after a moment that she was staring at the floor. “So that’s what you meant.” She paused long enough to gather her thoughts, aware that he was freaking out inside while she did so. The news surprised her, but made no impact on her desire for a future with him. She patted his hand to calm him through her hesitation.
She’d always wanted a child of her own, but Evan meant more to her than that dream. And adoption remained an option, didn’t it? “Many couples have happy, thriving marriages without having children.”
“But you’re a natural mom. When I saw you with Ava last night, I knew I wasn’t being fair to you.” His voice filled with emotion and selflessness, however misconstrued.
That he’d broken up with her out of a sense of duty, not because he’d wanted to, helped erase the hurt she’d felt. “What about adoption? I would think with your history, you’d be open to it.”
“Of course I would be.” His eyes widened like he was surprised she’d had to ask. “My parents gave me and Kate a great life, and I never felt less than their child in any way. I’d love to give another child that same opportunity.”
She pursed her lips, confused. “If that’s how you feel, why are we having this discussion?”
“Because both partners have to be on board with adoption, and I’d be asking you to give up the experience of pregnancy.”
Reaching over the folded blanket between them, she grabbed his hand. “I love you, and if that means we build our family through adoption, then so be it. Your family is a testimony that love’s capacity exceeds biology.” She took his face in both her hands. “You keep saying I was born to be a mom, but you were also meant to be a dad. Look how you automatically shielded Ava and me last night, without a thought to your own safety.”
Hope flickered in his eyes. “Do you mean that? If you need to take time to give it more thought, I understand. It’s not a sacrifice to take lightly.”
She released his face in frustration, took a deep breath, and took his hands gently in hers. “Loving you isn’t a sacrifice. Relationships aren’t about what each individual brings or doesn’t bring, but about what we can do together. The only thing standing in the way of us being together is—well, it’s your pride.”
He flinched, then smiled. “I guess I deserved that.”
“Yes, you did, knucklehead.”
Evan laughed. “I haven’t heard that name in forever.”
“Well, it seems to fit at the moment—and it’s what your sister called you.” She shook a finger at him. “And next time you think about breaking up with me, try talking to me first.”
“I promise.” He turned his hands to entwine his fingers with hers. “But there won’t be a next time. I’m not letting you go.”
“I like the sound of that.”
Epilogue
Three months later
Janie stood in her kitchen, gazing out the back window. Her new deck beckoned her to sit and enjoy the sunshine. She had to finish packing, but she wouldn’t have many more opportunities to relax and take in the view of her backyard.
