Page 42 of Love and Loyalty

Izzy gasped. His smug smile must have been about that. “What are we going to do, and why are you so calm about it?”

“Well, he didn't oppose it. He seemed to encourage us, but indirectly. Like he gave me the impression he might turn a blind eye.” Drew was smiling.

Izzy couldn't believe her ears. General Jackson knew about a relationship in a unit he was responsible for, and he didn't oppose it. He didn't even sanction or warn them severely. It seemed the odds were truly in their favor.

Drew cleared her throat. “I sorta have a confession, and I'm just going to say it. I had considered a transfer. In fact, I had already turned in my application, but it wasn't accepted.”

“I was asked to retain my stay here. I'm sorry, and I really shouldn't have told you, but I want us to start on a clean state.” She coughed while Izzy grabbed a bottle from the small chair beside her.

She patted Drew’s back as she drank slowly from the bottle. She then waited for her to be calm before replying.

“I understand; I'm not upset. You must have been seriously frustrated to take such a decision at that time. It's fine, and I love this new slate—clean, fresh, genuine, devoid of lies, pretense, and cowardice.”

“I need you, Drew. In this life and the next, I'll always need you. You are the only peace that makes sense in this chaos of ours; you are my sparkle. You are my major, my teammate, my best friend, and the love of my life. I need you now, always, and forever. I'll cherish you forever.”

“Izzy, my love for you knows no bounds. The thought of doing life without you by my side is unbearable. In my darkest moments, wracked with pain, your words were the balm that soothed my body and soul. I'm grateful for your leadership and guidance as my Lieutenant Colonel, but more than that, I cherish our unbreakable bond as best friends. Above all, I thankyou for being my constant guardian, always looking out for me at all times. You are irreplaceable, and I would never trade our love and connection for anything in the world."

As the two lovers held each other, Izzy felt how real their connection, promises, and relationship was.

“Don't you think a sick lady should have some food, doctor?” Drew said teasingly.

“Oh yeah. I totally forgot. I was too wrapped up.”

“In what exactly?”

“In this,” Izzy said and kissed her passionately.

“I would be wrapped up, too, if I were you,” Drew whispered against her lips before plunging her tongue into her mouth.

They kissed each other lovingly, sharing unspoken affection and emotions. The whole world was slowly evaporating around them as the gentle touch of their lips spoke volumes. Time stood still, and the universe melted into the background, leaving only the warmth of their embrace.

And Izzy knew at that moment that even if the whole world was burning, nothing would matter more than being with Drew, right here and now.

Chapter Ten

Drew

Drew's recovery was a long and arduous journey, filled with twists and turns that tested her physical and emotional limits. After the initial surgery, she faced two additional complications that required further surgical interventions.

Throughout the ordeal, Izzy remained by Drew's side, a constant presence that provided comfort, strength, and reassurance. Izzy's unwavering dedication and love helped Drew navigate the darkest moments of her recovery.

As Drew lay in the hospital bed, she couldn't help but think about the fragility of life. One moment, she was on top of the world, leading her team with confidence and precision. The next, she was fighting for her life, her body broken and battered.

Izzy's gentle touch, soft whispers, and reassuring smiles became Drew's lifeline. She drew strength from Izzy's unwavering optimism, her unshakeable belief that Drew would overcome this.

When the first complication arose, Drew felt a wave of despair wash over her. She thought she was makingprogress, but now she was faced with another surgery, another uncertainty.

Izzy sensed Drew's distress and took her hand, her eyes locking onto Drew's. "We'll get through this, together," she said, her voice firm and resolute. "You're not alone, Drew."

Drew felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Izzy. She knew she wasn't alone, not with Izzy by her side. Together, they faced the second surgery and the third, each one evidence of the unbreakable feelings they had for each other.

As Drew slowly began to heal, she realized that her love for Izzy had grown exponentially. She saw the sacrifices Izzy had made for her: the sleepless nights, the endless worrying, the unwavering support.

Drew knew she owed her life to Izzy, not just for saving her after the accident that had happened during her last mission, but for being her rock, her shelter, her safe haven. And she knew she would spend the rest of her life making it up to her, loving her, cherishing her.

In no time, it became a ritual that Drew had grown accustomed to—Izzy's daily visits, her bright smile illuminating the drab hospital room, and her gentle touch igniting a warmth that spread throughout Drew's body. Even as Drew lay in bed, recovering from the multiple surgeries, Izzy's presence remained a constant, a beacon of hope and love.

At first, Izzy's visits had been filled with concern and worry, her eyes scanning Drew's face, searching for any sign of pain or discomfort. But as the days turned into weeks and Drew's strength began to return, their conversations grew more relaxed, more intimate.