Page 59 of My Soldier Neighbor

"No more running."

He turns and kisses me, and I kiss him back.It's slow and sweet and full of promise.

When we break apart, he's looking at me with an expression I can't quite read.

"What?"I ask.

"Nothing.Just thinking about how lucky I am."

"I'm the lucky one."

"We're both lucky."

I rest my head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat.Strong.Steady.Real.

This is my life now.Teaching kids.Coming home to the man I love.Building a future that doesn't involve looking over my shoulder.

It's everything I never knew I wanted.

And I'm not letting it go.

Not now.Not ever.

"Timothy?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

I close my eyes and let sleep take me.

I'm no longer afraid of tomorrow.

Because tomorrow means waking up next to him.In our house.In our life.

And that's all I need.