Chapter 10 - THE NEW HORIZON
Six months later.
The sun was setting over the emerald-green waters of the Gulf Coast near Pensacola, Florida, painting the sky in brilliant brushstrokes of gold, purple, and fiery crimson.
A soft, warm breeze blew off the water, rustling the palm trees that lined the backyard of a beautiful, single-story coastal house overlooking the bay.
In the backyard, a small gathering of forty close friends, fellow officers, and teammates sat under twinkling fairy lights strung between the wooden porch posts.
Major Vance was at the grill, arguing cheerfully with two team members about the proper way to sear steaks, while Chloe sat at a patio table, laughing loudly as she showed several guests photos of her new apartment in Chicago.
I stood on the wide wooden deck, wearing a simple, elegant white linen dress that caught the evening breeze, a cool glass of iced tea in my hand.
I had officially retired my active-duty commission three weeks ago, accepting a prestigious civilian appointment as Senior Strategic Intelligence Director for the Department of Veterans Affairs—a role that allowed me to spend my days protecting military families and ensuring their benefits were safe from exploitation.
Ethan walked out through the sliding glass doors, wearing a casual linen shirt and jeans, his arms wrapping gently around my waist from behind. He rested his chin on my shoulder, looking out at the glittering water.
"Thinking about the past, Mrs. Price?" he whispered into my ear.
I turned slightly in his arms, smiling as I adjusted the simple gold band resting on my left ring finger.
We had been married three days ago in a quiet, beautiful ceremony on the beach, surrounded only by the people who truly loved and supported us.
"No, Colonel Price," I replied, wrapping my arms around his neck, looking up into his clear blue eyes. "I’m thinking about the future."
"And how does the future look to our chief intelligence officer?" he asked, a warm, dangerous grin spreading across his face.
I looked out over the sunlit bay, listening to the sound of laughter from our friends, feeling the steady, powerful rhythm of my husband’s heart beating against mine.
"The future looks clean, clear, and completely secure," I said softly.
May you like
Ethan leaned down, pressing his lips to mine in a slow, deep kiss that carried all the promises of a lifetime built on truth, loyalty, and unshakeable love.
Behind us, the lights twinkled softly in the warm Florida evening, casting a bright, beautiful glow over a home that had been built not on secrets or greed, but on honor, courage, and a love that could never be broken.
