Page 28 of A Veteran’s Obsession

I take a sip of my drink and smile at Axel. “He didn’t.”

“Good.” She slips an arm through Axel’s. “Let’s get a drink, big brother. I want to hear your version of how you two met, before I hear Ruby’s.”

They head off, and Daphne rejoins me as I sip my grape juice.

The room is full of people from the mountains who have become my friends over the past few months. The men stand around in groups, and female laughter ripples through the room.

Axel suggested I might prefer a small engagement party, but my days of hiding are over. I want the whole world to see how much we love each other.

Which is why we’ve got the banquet room at the Emerald Heart Resort. The thumping bass from White Out, the nightclub next door, can be heard in the quiet times when our band is between sets.

More than once, a stray guest has walked in, not realizing it’s a private function.

Sam, one of the veterans I’ve come to know, swipes a drink from a tray and stands in a corner, watching a group of women. I recognize Chloe, Owen’s little sister. Sam hasn’t stopped watching her since she arrived.

“What’s with Sam and Chloe?” Daphne knows all the gossip on the mountain. “I’ve noticed them dancing around each other ever since she arrived back in town.”

“They were close in high school.” Daphne leans in. “It’s obvious to everyone except Chloe and Owen that Sam’s into her.”

“They never dated?”

Daphne shakes her head. “I was in junior high when they were seniors, so I don’t know the whole story. But there was some other boy, a rich kid who was in Hope for his senior year. He pursued Chloe relentlessly. Used to fly her to the coast in the family helicopter for the weekend. Sam never stood a chance.”

Sam downs his glass of champagne and, as if deciding something, starts to stride across the room toward Chloe.

At the same moment, the door of the banquet room bursts open. All eyes turn to stare at the man standing there.

He’s in a tailored suit, his hair slicked back and shoes polished. It’s a contrast to the well-dressed but rugged veterans in the room.

“Speak of the devil,” Daphne whispers.

“Who’s that?” I ask.

Daphne looks concerned. “That is Chloe’s high school boyfriend.”

I let out a gasp. Sam has stopped halfway across the floor. He glances at Chloe, but she’s staring at the man, as surprised as everyone else.

“I guess they let assholes back in Hope,” Sam mutters. But we’re the only ones who hear.

“Sorry,” the man says. “Wrong room.”

He closes the door behind him, but the atmosphere in the room has changed.

Axel takes me by the hand. “Come on. Let’s show them why they’re here.”

He leads me onto the dance floor, and the band starts a slow version of a popular song. Axel’s hands slide around my waist, and mine go around his neck.

There are catcalls as we start to dance, but all I see is my soon-to-be husband, gazing down at me with love in his eyes.

“I see you, Ruby Henaway,” he whispers, “and I’m so happy you’re mine.