He enjoyed dinner with his team. He led a strong group. It was nice to have them all together again, and to add Waller to their group. They bonded, worked well together. They’d faced some losses that almost staggered their morale, but they’d bounced back. He knew that for the rest of their lives, wherever they went and whatever they did, the band of people they’d served with on this team would always have a special place in each of their hearts.

Back in his room, he took a long, hot shower, still relishing the modern plumbing and clean water. He wondered if he would ever take such amenities for granted again. He slipped on a pair of gym shorts and sat in the desk chair, looking out at the Washington Monument that stood sentry behind the White House. He thought about Cynthia’s great-grandfather helping build the West Wing ninety years ago, and how he sat here now. Leanne Waller’s word came back to him: serendipitous.

He glanced upward and said, “You’re pretty amazing, God. Thank You for half of my team being at the same table tonight. Keep them safe as they travel for leave. Help the Wallers find a good house. Let me rest and recuperate at home. Please give me a sign as it pertains to Cynthia Myers. I’m drawn to her, and I feel like that’s Your fault. Amen.”

Another hour passed, and finally he got up from the chair. He picked up his phone and set it back down. He picked it up again and hit the call button. He probably should have looked at the time first. How was it after midnight? He quickly hit the end button.

Seconds later, his phone rang, and Cynthia’s number crossed his screen. “Hey,” he said as he answered. “I started to call you, then realized how late it is.”

After a slight pause she said, “Is everything okay? How was dinner?”

“Everything is great. Dinner was good. I tried to extend my hotel stay, but it’s impossible because of the festival. I’m going to head home tomorrow.”

“Thank you for spending the day with me. I had an amazing time.”

“It was that.” He cleared his throat. “Listen, if you’re up to it, Kentucky is, uh, a beautiful state. Have you ever been?”

“No. Never.” Silence filled the line, and he looked out at the White House. Finally, she asked, “Are you asking me to go to Kentucky with you?”

Heat rushed to his cheeks, and sweat beaded on his upper lip. “Uh, I just thought that maybe you’d . . .” His voice trailed off. “Never mind.”

“Rick.” She took a deep breath and slowly released it. “I would love to see Kentucky. Especially in the springtime.” Another pause. “Let me see what I can work out.”