Thunder Running Read Online Free PDF Page B

his own sisters. Just when the repetition of boot camp really began to wear on him, it was time to ship off for advanced individual training at Fort Sam Houston. He was up at four o’clock every morning for a revolving series of fast-paced classes and intensive physical conditioning. He’d never taken a particular interest in the lackluster science classes at his overcrowded high school, but adrenaline-fueled line medicine was the perfect combination of pace and detail to hold his attention. Add weekend nights off and the bars lining the River Walk in San Antonio and he thought life couldn’t get better.
    Then he went to Iraq. The violence and heartbreak and sheer disorder was beyond anything he imagined. And the instant he set foot on American soil at the end of his deployment, he knew he had to find a way to get back.
    Carl took a step closer, drawing Chance out of his reverie. The sergeant looked in both directions before lowering his voice.
    â€œWhat’s going on with you, McKinley? It was hard to ignore how you slipped right past the emotional hell we’ve all been through since coming home from Kunar Province. I know you, so I chalked it up to your uncannily thick skin. But to turn around and volunteer to go back barely six months later? And then to produce a wife out of nowhere and seriously believe she has no ulterior motives? I’m not going to lie to you, Chance. I’m worried.”
    The use of his first name indicated the gravity of Carl’s words. Chance stared hard at the toes of his boots, trying to find a response that would be sufficiently honest to respect his friend’s disclosure. He knew it wasn’t easy for Carl to say that kind of thing, and he owed him a genuine reply.
    He thought about Tara, the sleepy goodbye she’d offered from the couch as his attempt to leave without waking her proved unsuccessful. Despite all the reservations still nagging at the edges of his mind, his smile came easily.
    â€œI’m fine, Carl. I promise.”
    Skepticism passed like a cloud over Carl’s eyes, but the stiffening of his posture announced the end of this conversation.
    â€œI hope I get to meet your wife before you leave.” He angled his body, signaling his departure.
    â€œYou will. Definitely. I’ll make sure that happens.”
    Carl’s nod was curt. “See you around.”
    â€œLater, Sergeant.”
    Carl didn’t wait long enough to shake his head in disbelief—Chance got a clear view.
    Yet the strength of his impulse to defend not only Tara but their decision to treat the marriage as legitimate surprised him almost as much as his certainty that he really was fine. He understood the risks and ramifications of every decision he was making, good and bad, and no matter how much he searched the depths of his emotions, he couldn’t find a hint of doubt. If she left him, she left him. At least he’d know he tried—he’d know he gave this unlikely second chance his best shot.
    And if he risked a glimpse into the darkest, most shadowed corner of his heart, he’d missed her. He’d never forgotten about her. He’d spent months wondering if walking out on her was the biggest mistake of his life.
    He exhaled with the force of his realization. He really wanted her to stay.
    He pulled his phone from his pocket and opened a blank text, then ordered his contacts by the date they were added to find Tara’s number, which he’d entered last night. He raised his other hand to the phone and typed with his thumbs.
    Hope you slept OK? Coffee all set up for you, hit green button to brew, should make 2 cups. Mugs in cabinet left of sink. Plenty of milk in fridge.
    He hit enter for a line break, took a deep breath, and kept typing.
    Thought I’d come home for lunch to see how you’re doing. Will phone when on way but will prob be ~1 PM. Text if you need anything in the meantime. McK
    He checked his watch. If he