Soldiers in Heat: Training Session (14 page)

She tried studying in the barracks at night,
but the rest of the platoon was too loud.

“
You want to study in my car?”
Miller asked.

After reading the same sentence over for the
third straight time, Kimberly jumped at the chance. “Heck
yes.”

“
Are you going to Delta’s
graduation?” Miller clicked the button on her key fob and unlocked
her car.

“
Yes, I think I can handle it now.
I was upset at first, but now I’m okay. Somehow seeing them at the
run actually made me feel better.”

“
I’ll go with you. You may need
moral support once you get there.” She sat in the front, and
Kimberly stretched out in the back.

Kimberly nodded. “Let’s quiz each other.
Saying this stuff out loud may help it sink in.”

They studied in the car until an half an hour
before lights out. One the way back to the barracks, Kimberly gave
in and called Jonathan.

“
Hey.” He sounded so happy. She
could envision his smile.

It was her first time hearing his voice since
the weekend they spent together. She missed hearing it.

“
Hi. Sorry I haven’t been in
touch. I’ve had a lot of things on my mind.”

“
It’s okay, I understand. You had
to adjust to a few things, and I know how the field is,” he
said.

Miller motioned she was heading in the
building. Kimberly mouthed, “I’ll be in in a sec,” before
addressing Jonathan. “That, and I’m not sure where we stand. You
leave tomorrow. I felt it was best to lessen the sting by backing
off.”

He sighed. “I’m leaving, but it’s not the end
of us. I love you.”

She stopped breathing momentarily. “I love you
too, but you’re going to Fort Sill and I’m going to Fort Carson.
Texas and Colorado aren’t close.”

“
Where there’s a will, there’s a
way.”

“
And then there’s the Army way. I
really only called to tell you congratulations. I’ll be at the
graduation but can’t hang around so you probably won’t see me. The
second half to the history test is tomorrow.”

“
Good luck on the test. Remember
when I said I’m in it for the long haul? I meant it.”

“
I guess I’ll see. Have a safe
trip. I wish I could see you off. Bye.”

She hung up the phone, holding back
tears.

Chapter
Twenty-three

It took forever for the history grades to be
posted. Once they finally were, Kimberly was not only relived but
impressed with her score. She’d only missed two questions. All that
came next was preparing for graduation and
out-processing.

Jonathan still communicated with her every
day, but she held back. She kept their conversations
generalized.

“
How’s the base? Are you getting
settled in? How’s your new company?” were her topics of choice. It
was the only way for her to get over him. Her heart ached when the
reality of him being gone hit her and it still hadn’t went away.
She wished she could have hugged him good bye.

To avoid thinking about him, she stayed busy.
On the week nights, she hung out with her platoon. They either
played cards or watched movies in the dayroom. On weekends, they
went out to eat and then tackled the strip. Instead of staying in a
hotel, she always came back to the base.

She smiled at herself in the mirror and
finished buttoning her dress blues top.

Miller walked in. “Looking good, girl.” She
handed her a brown envelope.

“
Who the heck’s sending me
something now?”

Kimberly searched the envelope for a return
address. There was none. She tore it open and pulled out the
contents.

“
Oh my.” Her knees went weak, and
she took a seat.

“
What wrong? What is it?” Miller
was by her side.

“
He signed the divorce papers.
Finally!”

A slip of yellow paper fell to the floor.
Miller picked it up and handed it to her. “It’s a note.”

Kimberly read the note to herself:
It took
me a while to get it but I do. I can’t force you to come back to me
because I never deserved you. Congratulations on becoming an
officer of the United States Army. –Charles

She held it to her heart.

“
Oh no. There’s no getting
sentimental now. I know you’re Student Sergeant Major and you’re in
charge, but I’m telling you, save it until 1000 hours—after
graduation. Come on before you make us late for your own
formation.” Miller held her hand out to Kimberly and pulled her out
the chair.

They made their way downstairs. Though it was
delayed, she’d finally made it to graduation day. Bravo Company
looked outstanding with everyone in their dress blues.

“
Company…attention!” Kimberly
called out. “Right face…forward march!”

Bravo Company marched forward.

“
Hello, hello, victory!” she said,
calling cadence.

Bravo Company repeated the cadence until they
reached the parade field. The ceremony was boring, as always, but
she couldn’t stop smiling from the inside out. All the higher ups
gave their speeches thanking everyone under the sun and
congratulating them on becoming leaders of this great
nation.

She and everyone else held the position of
attention until they heard the Battalion Commander say, “Bravo
Company, dismissed!”

Jumping for joy on the inside, Kimberly
watched as others in the company hurried to meet up with their
families. She wished Jonathan had been there to see her. Her
parents had planned on being there, but with the date changing, it
conflicted with their seniors’ cruise.

A short, brown haired man and Miller walked
towards her. Miller towered over him but they looked good
together.

“
This is my husband,” Miller said,
smiling.

“
Nice to meet you. I’ve heard
great things about you.” He shook Kimberly’s hand.

“
Nice to meet you, too. I have no
doubt your wife will be a fine leader.”

“
Sheesh, you sound like the
Company Commander.” Miller blushed.

“
Except I mean it.”

Miller’s husband pinned the gold bar
representing Second Lieutenant on his wife. They kissed when he
finished.

“
I think you have some people here
to see you.” Miller looked past Kimberly.

Kimberly turned around to see Craig, Kang, and
Jonathan. She walked over to them after nodding to Miller. “What
are you guys doing here?” She couldn’t hide her smile of
surprise.

Craig gave her a hug. “Me and Kang are
stationed here.”

“
Yeah, lucky us,” Kang
said.

Jonathan stepped forward and hugged her tight.
“Congratulations, love.”

She took in his cologne. He smelled wonderful.
Kimberly missed the comfort of his embrace. “Thank you.”

“
I wouldn’t miss it for the
world.”

“
I didn’t have anyone to pin me so
I’m glad you’re here. Jonathan, do you mind if you share it with
Craig?” She held her rank out to them.

“
I don’t mind at all.”

They pinned the gold bars on her collar as
Kang took pictures. She posed with Craig and then with Jonathan,
Kang still snapping away.

Holding her hand, Jonathan said, “I’ve
something to ask you.”

“
Anything.”

“
I’m in it for the long haul.” He
dropped down on one knee and held up a diamond ring.

Kimberly’s mouth flew open.

“
I know you need to finalize your
divorce, but I’d love if you’d conceder my hand in
marriage.”

“
Yes! Yes!” she screamed. Kimberly
couldn’t maintain her bearing any longer. This had been an
emotional day. From Charles, to finally graduating, and now the man
she loves proposing. She was overwhelmed with joy and felt week at
the knees. Tears of happiness fell from her eyes.

Jonathan slid the ring on her finger and
pulled her to him. They kissed, not caring who was
watching.

“
Good because I’ve already put in
transfer orders to Fort Carson,” he said.

Kimberly couldn’t stop smiling as she held on
to him. “Even better because as of today I’m a divorced
woman.”

The End

About the Author

Joanna A. Haze is a thirteen year
veteran of the Armed Forces. Her love of romance started at a young
age and blossomed while serving her country. Over the years she’s
garnered awards and praise for her short stories and articles.
After an honorable discharge she began working on her true
love…writing.

Joanna is currently finished up
several novels for the
Soldiers in Heat
series and
Naughty by Nature
collection.

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