Page 73 of The Veteran
Ronan didn’t look bothered. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”
“Um…” The question took me aback. “I don’t know. Why?”
“Because Joanna thinks it’s possible but I don’t,” he explained.
“Hmph.” Joanna pursed her lips. “Not love at first sight, exactly,” she said. “But I think it’s possible to feel an instant connection. To see someone and know they’re going to be important in your life.”
I studied her with interest. I’d never thought of Joanna as romantic.
She flushed beneath my scrutiny. “What? Being a cop doesn’t mean I have to be cynical about everything.”
“I guess not.” I cocked my head while I considered the possibility. “Love at first sight, no,” I said, and Ronan smiled smugly. “But,” I added, “I definitely think an instant attraction or connection can happen. That electric zing.”
Joanna arched an eyebrow at Ronan as if to say “See?”
Ronan shrugged. “I guess we’ll never know for sure unless we witness it.” He glanced toward the kitchen. “Audrey is looking much better.”
I followed his gaze and saw my sister chatting with Sage, each of them smiling. I felt a glow inside and wondered if it was visible on my face. I couldn’t believe how lucky I’d gotten. I’d found love with a wonderful woman whom Mom and Audrey loved too, my baby sister was healing well, and Sage’s presence was evident in every room of my house. She’d put her own touch on the place, with crystals, incense burners, and something called a salt lamp. I’d never have chosen the decor for myself but I loved it because it reminded me of her.
Ronan cleared his throat.
“Oh.” I realized I hadn’t replied. “Yeah, she’s doing well. I think she has more pain from the scarring than she lets on, but the physiotherapist she’s working with is great and she’s made a lot of progress.”
“She’s tough,” Joanna said.
I winked at her. “Takes one to know one.”
She rolled her eyes.
“If she decides to leave the army, you know we’ll have a place for her,” Ronan said.
I nodded. “I know, but I want her to make that choice on her own. We can’t rush her.”
Sage looked over and locked eyes with me. I walked toward her, meeting her halfway across the room. Before she could hand me the beer, I kissed her soundly on the mouth.
“Love you,” I murmured against her lips.
“Always.”
EPILOGUE
SAGE – SIX MONTHS LATER
I waved the last participant out of the studio and released a huge sigh of relief. The first yoga class at my new wellness retreat, Sage’s Soul Care, had been fully booked a week in advance and everything had gone smoothly. The women—and handful of men—who’d shown up had been as enthusiastic and excited as I was. Many had done my online classes or attended sessions I’d led at other gyms, and it had been lovely to see so many friendly faces. I’d kept the yoga itself gentle and nurturing since there were some beginners, and a few people had signed up for a six-week fundamentals of yoga course once the class ended.
I smiled to myself as I tidied the room and switched off the sound system. I’d spent months working toward opening day and it was incredible to see how everything had come together. There had been much more to organize than I ever could have imagined, but I’d loved every second and the center was now exactly as I’d envisioned it. Technically, the first full day of business would be tomorrow. We had a schedule of meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and crystal healing classes ready to go, but I’d wanted a trial run tonight to make sure there wasn’t anything I’d forgotten.
“Hey, beautiful.”
I bounced over to the mountain of a man in the doorway and threw my arms around him. “Kade!”
He chuckled and kissed the top of my head as he hugged me back. “No problems?”
I rested my cheek on his chest. “It was absolutely perfect.”
“Tomorrow will be too,” he assured me. “They adore you. Besides, you wouldn’t accept anything less than success.”
I breathed in his scent. There was little I loved more than being held by Kade.