Lieutenant Osbourne brought tears to Cynthia’s eyes. He leaned on crutches, his uniform pants folded up over his stump. When he got to her and she looked at the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star clipped to his uniform, she almost lost the tight rein on her control at the stoic expression on his face.

When he finally met her eyes, she said softly enough that only he could hear her, “I’m so sorry I couldn’t save your leg, Ozzy.”

For the first time, his eyes warmed, and he held out his hand. When she placed hers in it, he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her, despite the obstacle the crutches presented. His raw strength surprised her, though it should not have.

He spoke low in her ear, his words only for her. “Doc, if you ever need anything, no matter what, I’m here. No matter what.”

She brushed her lips over his cheek and said, “Thank you.”

As Ozzy made his way back to his seat, she turned to Bill, who was next in line. She grinned and held her hands out to him. “I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you up and moving,” she said.

“Well, ma’am, I can’t tell you how happy I am to oblige.” She hugged him, and he added, “I won’t gripe about the scar on this auspicious occasion. I’ll catch you on that subject next time.”

Thinking about the size of the incision she’d had to make, she laughed. “I think I’d be afraid to see it.”

She opened her mouth to continue, and he held up a hand. “If you’re about to apologize, stow it. I’m walking and talking, shiny as grease on a pig. You owe me no apology.”

She smiled and nodded. “God bless you, Bill.”

“Doc,” he said, and moved to her father.

After she introduced him to her father, she turned and found Rick standing in front of her. Immediately, her heart started pounding and her breath fled from her lungs. All she could manage was a breathy, “Hi.”

Without his beard, she could see his entire face. He had a strong, square jaw, full lips, and a Roman nose. His green eyes shone. Freckles she’d never noticed before were sprinkled across his nose. “Hi, yourself,” he said, grinning.

She put her hand in his, and he clasped it with both hands. Instead of standing there shaking his hand like a civilized human being, she stepped closer and hugged him. For a moment, he didn’t move, then his arms came around her.

She took a deep breath, breathing in the lemony scent of his aftershave. “I’m so happy to see you.”

After squeezing her tight, he stepped back. “The feeling is mutual.” As she looked up at him, his eyes narrowed. “Why the shadows, Doc?”