Cover

Praise for the Love and Honor Series

“Hallee writes with such authentic detail that I felt the sweat drip off my brow, heard the buzz of the African jungle, and ran for dear life with Cynthia and Rick. A rich story of courage and seeing the world with new eyes. Riveting, this book will get under your skin and into your heart. Absolutely fantastic.”

Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling author, on Honor Bound

“What a fabulous story with perfectly crafted characters who grab your heart from the opening page. I loved everything about it—from the witty dialogue to the breath-stopping suspense to the tender romance. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one.”

Lynette Eason, award-winning, bestselling author of the Extreme Measures series, on Honor Bound

“Hallee Bridgeman weaves a military suspense with romance for a fast-paced adventure. Word of Honor kept me turning pages all night long.”

DiAnn Mills, author of Concrete Evidence, on Word of Honor

“This book has something for everyone—action, adventure, romance, and true-to-life sadness and grief. Hallee crafts a complex story infused with spiritual truth, wrapped around intriguing lead characters with complicated personalities and backgrounds. Phil and Melissa will have you rooting for them the whole way through.”

Janice Cantore, retired police officer and author of Breach of Honor, on Honor’s Refuge

Half Title Page

Books by Hallee Bridgeman

LOVE AND HONOR

Honor Bound

Word of Honor

Honor’s Refuge

Title Page

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the men and women who have served in the United States Army Special Forces branches. Specifically, to my father, Bill Poe, who was in the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, and to my husband, Gregg Bridgeman, who served in the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Your selfless service and warrior spirits served as an inspiration for many of the characters in this book.

Epigraph

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

—Romans 12:10

Glossary of Military Terms and Acronyms

AO: area of operations

B-7: life preserver

BIRD: helicopter

BOUNDING OVERWATCH: a military tactic of alternating movement (leapfrogging) of coordinated units to allow, if necessary, suppressive fire in support of offensive forward movement or defensive disengagement

CAP: Captain

CHU: containerized housing unit (a small, climate-controlled container)

CRRC/CRICKET: combat rubber raiding craft

COMMISSARY: store on military base that sells groceries and household items

DFAC: dining facility

DV: distinguished visitor

EVAC: evacuate

EXFIL: exfiltrate (withdraw)

FEET DRY: at the target destination (in naval aviator lingo, it literally means “no longer over the ocean but now over land”)

HQ: headquarters

HIGH SIDE: the SIPRNET

INTEL: intelligence

KLICK: kilometer

LZ: landing zone

MEB: US Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade

MERC: mercenary

MIKES: minutes

MRE: meal ready to eat

ODA: Operational Detachment Alpha

OPCON: operational control

PCS: permanent change of station

PR: personnel recovery mission

PX: post exchange (a department store on a military installation)

RECON: reconnaissance