“What about covering the Syrian border?”
Colonel Pierce heaved a sigh. “Unfortunately, we’re going to be pulling a lot of troops, which would mean reassignment, most likely keeping you here in the states for a while. Would you rather be training at one of the airbases, Lieutenant?”
“No, Sir. I like the idea of going to Crystal Rock much better.”
“You’ve got good instincts, so that’s why I thought of you. It may lead to nothing, but the intel came from a trusted source.” The Colonel suddenly smiled. “My niece, Sam Caldwell, is the medical consultant at the retraining center. Make sure you tell her I said hi. She and Josh Loughlin will be the only two officers who will know why you’re there.”
The Colonel stood and so did Janelle. “You’re dismissed, Lieutenant. We’ve made some temporary living arrangements for you, but feel free to find somewhere comfortable to live, maybe close to one of the facilities. You’re most likely going to be there for at least three months.”
Janelle saluted, spinning on her heels and leaving the office.
She wasn’t sure how she felt about going to Crystal Rock, but maybe it was a sign. When she’d been in the hospital, the only person on her mind had been Jack.
Chapter Seventeen
It was already March, and Jack had been surprised to discover that Emma had left town and had taken a job to improve the efficiency of some of the other salons run by Jake Loughlin’s company. But she would be coming back to Crystal Rock soon, according to Nick, and somehow, they’d managed to settle their differences, despite the fact that Nick was still in Richmond.
Nick had asked Emma to remodel their house, so that Nick’s brother and his family could move to Crystal Rock during Mike’s rehab. The situation didn’t look good, and Mike would probably never walk again, but in the short time Jack had been living in town, he’d heard about some miracles that had happened here in Crystal Rock. Mike would be living at the wounded warrior home, but his family would be staying with Nick and Emma, who’d finally agreed to move into the home as well.
Jack had taken care of several details for Emma, including arranging for credit and delivery service for furnishings at stores in the area.
Nick wanted her to approve plans for remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms, and Jack knew that Emma would be thrilled that Nick trusted her with the responsibility.
Plus, she had style, whether she was confident about it or not.
* * *
When Emma had gone to pick up the keys and credit card from Jack, she’d sat down with him for an hour, asking about each member of Nick’s family, because instead of just partially furnishing it, she was going to get a room ready for every member of his family, whether they ever came to visit or not.
Jack had definitely approved of the idea, and he revealed several details about everyone, including Nick’s mom, who was definitely hard to please.
“That credit card is loaded Em, so don’t worry about maxing it out.”
“Well, still. Maybe I’ll open up an account for him at the furniture store if they’ll allow me.”
“They probably will,” Jack answered. “Take a look at the name on that card.”
Emma’s eyes went wide. “He put my name on it?”
Jack started laughing loudly. “You two are a hoot. I hope you’ll be married soon. I’ve never met two people who obviously belong together as much as you two.”
“Ciara and Rand got really close, fast, too,” Emma observed.
Jack became serious. “You know about Rand having to lay low because of what’s happening with the terrorist threats, I guess?”
“I do,” Emma answered, frowning. “I hope with a little time Rand will be safer.”
“Me too. This is his company, you know.”
She blinked. “I didn’t. I suppose you have your own deep dark secrets too, like Rand and Nick?”
“Nah. I’m an open book,” Jack murmured.
“Hah. I’ll bet.” Emma sighed, standing. “I’d better get moving. I need to go into work for a while tonight.”
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks, Jack.”
“Three weeks. That’s not much time to get it done, and you’re welcome, Emma. I’m really glad Nick found you.”
She wrinkled her nose, before standing and exiting the office through the doorway.
* * *
When Matt came into the office asking Jack if he’d like to go out on a blind date with a woman here in town, Jack decided, to hell with it. Why not?
After not hearing from Janelle for months, Jack was feeling a little lost since Nick had been in Richmond for nearly a month. He’d avoided entanglements too, but he was starting to think how much he missed companionship. Even Matt had a girlfriend now, and Jack didn’t feel close enough to anyone else to give them a call and ask them to go out.
“I can’t believe you said yes,” Matt said, sitting in the chair near Jack’s desk. “What about the Air Force pilot?”
“Truthfully? I haven’t heard from her since Christmas. And even though I’m worried, I can’t sit around and wait for her to get in touch with me for the rest of my life. She told me she didn’t want entanglements.” Jack sighed. “It’s not like I’m going to hop right in the sack with whoever you’re setting me up with.”
Matt stood, looking at his watch. “I don’t know about that. Heather’s pretty hot.”
“Heather?” Jack looked puzzled. “Have I met her?”
“I don’t think so. But she’s noticed you.”
Oh, great, Jack thought to himself. He must be desperate, going out with the kind of woman he usually avoided.
“Where and when?” Jack asked.
“I’ll give you a call later
