Rick raised a hand to forestall her rebuttal. “What I mean is that I have accepted that as a Christian and a soldier for the United States Army, involvement in armed conflict and warfare is a necessary part of life until Christ returns. I know that God called many, many people—from Joshua to Deborah to David—to commit acts of warfare in His name, from Jericho to Jerusalem. I also believe that when Christ the peacemaker returns, He will bring the wrath of God and judgment with Him. Scripture assures us that His robe will be dipped in blood and a sword that will strike down the nations will proceed from His mouth, if you care to read the nineteenth chapter of Revelation starting at about verse 13.”

His hand felt so good when it covered hers. With a grin she asked, “Why do I feel better when I’m with you?”

He glanced in her direction, and the look on his face made her heart rate increase. “That’s a question we both ought to analyze.” He looked back out over the river. “All through the steps I had to take tonight—reports, debriefs, making sure my men were okay—all I could think about was checking with the kitchen about some kind of dessert and getting back here. I’ve never been so distracted from my job before.”

They sat in silence for a few moments. She wanted him to continue to analyze why she took up his thoughts and stayed on his mind, why he wanted to be here with her instead of with his soldiers, but she didn’t know how to encourage him to speak. Instead, she asked, “So, what’s next for you? Isn’t your mission now concluded here?”

He didn’t answer right away. They watched a riverboat glide past the hotel, the light reflecting on the water. Finally, he said, “We will likely go back and join up with our group in Djibouti. I don’t know what happens after that.” He glanced her way. “Most of the time I can’t answer those kinds of questions. Please understand that.”

She nodded. “I didn’t mean to overstep.”

“I didn’t think you did.” He laid his head back and closed his eyes. “What about you? Now that the immediate threat has passed, do you still have to leave?”

Emotion made her chest ache. “My father seems to think I will always be in danger here. He’s using his influence to force my hand.” Fresh tears filled her eyes. “I’ve never felt more fulfilled than I have in that little clinic. I don’t know how I’m going to just walk away and leave Tadeas and Ayo and all the people I’ve come to know and love.”

“You don’t think he’ll change his mind? Have you talked to him since everything happened tonight?”