Sam switched topics. “We’re on the countdown. Six more weeks, and we’re outta here. Bet you can’t wait. What are you and Hawkins going to do, Slick?”

Slick laughed as she scuffed at the wet pine needles at her feet. “Get married. At some point. I want you to be my maid of honor. Kayla, Olivia, and Zoe will be my bridesmaids. Not right now but soon. First we have to see how things go once we’re away from the mountain. I decided to stick it out, Sam. I’m not going to pack it in. I’ll honor my three years. I learned a lot living up here, and I want the opportunity to put all that hard learning to good use. I’m not sure, but I think the others feel the same way. I think I’d feel like a cheat if I packed it in after the year. As to Hawkins…if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”

Sam held out her hand. Raindrops fell into her palm. An uneasy feeling settled itself between her shoulder blades. “You really love him, don’t you?”

“Yeah, Sam, I really do love him. I loved him back at the Academy, but he had this thing about washing out and needing to prove himself. I am so grateful to you, Sam, for working all those nights with him. Together, you two did it. He’s a different person. Of course, if we get separated with each of us drawing different assignments, we’ll have to deal with it. I know it’s unlikely that we’ll be partnered with each other. I’ve accepted the fact that this organization isn’t concerned with our feelings for each other. I think it’s safe to say it’s a given that we’ll be given different assignments and sent to different posts. I’m okay with it, Sam. I really am. I think Hawkins is, too. We all have something to prove to ourselves, and what better way than by working to defend our country?”

Sam settled her rain hat more firmly on her head. Something wasn’t quite right, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. “If there’s a will, there’s a way. If you love each other, you’ll work around the obstacles. Look, we got Spinally again as our running leader.”

Pappy moved to what Sam called center stage. He blew the whistle that he never seemed to be without. “You all know the drill. Take off on the count of three. Keep in mind that the weather is not going to get any better. One, two, three!” The flare gun went off, and the recruits spread out and headed for the forest, Spinally in the lead.