One Day You'll Be Mine: Steamy Contemporary Military Romance by Alana Hart, Lauren Lashley Page A

maintained that dreamy gaze. “Even then you’re beautiful. Every day that I’m away from you does a number on me. Thinking of you keeps me going. Dreaming of you keeps me pushing. Being with you again? That’s what keeps me alive out here.”
    You know that ticklish sense of flight you get in your chest when you hear someone tell you they love you for the first time? That’s pretty much exactly what happened here. Except it wasn’t a fleeting feeling. The sensation of those words filled my soul and stuck to my ribs like a good meal. There were so many days I felt lost without Ellis, and knew demanding him to “think of me” or even be romantic would be a little too much for our current situation.
    A tear escaped my eye as I blew a kiss at him. “I love you babe.”
    “I love you too.”
    “…I have a question.” Looking at him, and being in this moment, I felt vulnerable, yet fearless. “I know we wanted to wait a little. But… can we start working on our family when you come back?”
    He smiled. “Of course. What’s the rush?”
    “Life is crazy. We’re never promised tomorrow. You’re the man of my dreams, and I don’t want to lose you ever. Having you so close, yet so far away has made me realize I want it all with you. The house, the cars, the kids – everything. And we’re waiting… but we shouldn’t have to.”
    There was a reflective silence on his end. “We waited because you wanted to, honey. I’ve always been ready to give you that white picket fence and those 2.5 minions.” He paused again. “Just think on it a little more. We have so much to do when I come back. I’m sure you don’t want to ruin your honeymoon figure with a baby bump, so soon, do you?”
    “It’ll be worth it,” I said. “Completely worth it.” I closed my eyes. “Baby?”
    “Hmm?”
    “Tell me more.”
    “More about what?”
    “Us. Our future. Everything that’s going to happen when you come back?”
    I listened to Ellis’ sweet baritone. He talked about getting a house in San Antonio, where I’d live with him when he came back. He talked about moving to another base outside of Texas if he eligible to PCS, or permanently change stations. He discussed our two kids, Ellis Jr. and Ella, and how they’d be well-behaved until puberty. I snickered at those name choices, because of course he would choose those names for his children.
    As he continued on and on, I whispered, “More, tell me more…” until I finally started to fall asleep. I barely heard him say, “Goodnight baby. I love you” before completely drifting away into slumber.

Chapter 10: Rose

     
    Thanks to last night’s conversation, I slept like a newborn baby. Ellis had clearly logged off Skype and went in to work, so I knew I wouldn’t hear from him until later on. It was early in the week, Tuesday, so I was expecting things to be a little slower than usual, not as hectic as Monday or Thursday, when everyone wanted to pick up the pace.
    I shot Ellis a quick email when I got to the office:
    Hey love. I was just thinking of you and wanted to tell you how much I really love you. I miss you so much, and I’m proud of you and everything you’re doing for our country, and for people you’re helping around the world.
    Thank you for reminding me of our wonderful future together. I’m so happy to be Mrs. Houston, and cannot wait to be the mother of your children. I can’t wait to talk to you later; it comforts me when we talk late at night. I feel like you’re right here next to me when I’m sleeping. Let me stop gushing. I have work to do – and a skype surprise for you later. Love you TTYL
    I sent my email and placed my focus on upcoming deadlines. We were getting ready to lay out our holiday issue, which was big. Most of our money was made during this time, because advertisers were trying to get the best placements ahead of time.
    ***
    Working through lunch today wasn’t an option. It wasn’t super-hot outside, but the weather was