“There’s a lot to sort through, but while I’m there, I’m going to start the retirement process. Given the circumstances, my departure from the Navy is likely to be expedited. It’s possible I’ll be able to move up here before the end of March.”

“You’re really doing this. No hesitation.”

“I’m really doing this.” He threaded his fingers through hers and brought her hand to his lips. “No hesitation.”

She smiled. “I feel like I should tell you, moving to Port Angeles was the deal breaker for my ex. He broke up with me when I landed the ONP archaeologist position, because he knew I would never move south, and he didn’t want to move north. So…I get how big this is for you, to leave the Navy and move to a remote part of Washington.”

“Well, it’s only fair I should mention…the deal breaker for my ex was standing by me when I was in the hospital. I don’t know what bothered her more, taking care of me as I recovered from surgery, or knowing I was going to be dealing with PTSD. Yet I don’t see you running scared, and that means more than I can say.”

She kissed him. “I think I would leave the Olympic Peninsula for you, Xavier Rivera.”

His heart jolted. “Wow. You must really love me.”

She brushed her lips over his. “I really, really do.”

The weekend passed far too quickly, but they both made sure not to waste a precious moment. Monday morning, a car arrived, sent by the Navy to deliver Xavier to the base for a transport to Coronado.

He kissed Audrey goodbye, absorbing this moment to give him something to hold on to while he was away and burying sailors who’d met an unfathomable end during what should have been a safe exercise.

“I love you,” he whispered against her lips.

“I love you too.”

With one more deep kiss, he left her and climbed inside the vehicle. Hours later, he was landing on the base that had been the closest thing he had to home for nearly eighteen years.

He was pulled straight into another debriefing, finding Chris, who’d flown back two days ago, already in the room.

He took a seat next to Flyte. They had a few minutes before the meeting would officially begin.

“How’s Audrey?”

“Amazing.”

Chris grinned, showing off deep dimples in both cheeks. “Excellent. You took my advice.”

He nodded. “You’re a wise man.” He glanced at Chris’s hand, noting his ring was still absent. “Pam?”

Chris gave a sharp shake of his head. “It’s over.”

“I’m sorry, man.”

His nostrils flared. “Me too.”

Cohen entered the room, the bandage on his hand much smaller now than the last time Xavier had seen him. Paul dropped into the empty chair on Xavier’s other side.

“How’s Carly?” Xavier asked.

“Thankful.”