Unsevered Read Online Free PDF

surrounded by the other military men and women who bid their own farewells to their loved ones.
    The pain in my chest was unbearable. I tried to swallow the lump that had formed at the back of my throat as the last few servicemen had boarded.
    Harley brushed a half-bent finger along my cheek. “Remember the sign, sweetheart. I’ll always be with you.”
    His voice was soft and empathetic, as he placed tiny kisses upon my hand. The plane engine roared a signal that takeoff was imminent. He pulled me to him and covered my mouth with his, and time stood still. Our tongues entwined as our wet lips slid across one another at a fierce, desperate pace. I’m not sure if either of us even breathed for the duration of that kiss. We shared a long, final embrace and then he joined his comrades.
    I waited until the plane was but a dot in the sky to release my pain. Hot, stinging tears drenched my cheeks and became waterfalls within seconds. The other military spouses around me inquired if I needed anything. When I declined, they offered a supportive hand on my shoulder and gathered their children to head back home to continue living life the only way they knew how. Alone.
    It took a few minutes to compose myself. I sat in the car, unable to move, unsure of what to do next. All of my actions and decisions had been guided by the strong and loving presence of Harley for the past year. Not that he was controlling, I just preferred to be with him more than anyone. He was gone … and I was lost. The ache in my chest was so violent I thought my lungs were going to explode.
    At last, I wiped my warm face with my hands and turned the key to drive home, the home I was supposed to share with my husband.
     
    * * *       * * *      * * *
     
    I f only I had known that would be our last moment together. I would have kissed him longer. I would have never let him go.
    I remember coming back to this house and not wanting to face my first night alone, so I invited Gretchen and Chelsea to sleep over that night. We hadn’t spent any time together since I’d returned from my honeymoon, and I figured some girl time would be good for me.
    Our evening began with me giving them the tour of the house.
     
    * * *       * * *      * * *
    “W ow, it turned out really nice, Jules! The colors he chose are gorgeous,” Chelsea said.
    “Right, like you two didn’t have a huge hand in this.” I squinted at both of them.
    “Well, we did move in some of your stuff from your old apartment and set up while you two were on your honeymoon, but Harley was adamant about choosing the colors and décor for the house. He was quite involved in the whole process,” Gretchen said.
    “Yeah, you got a good one there, Jules.” Chelsea added, with an envious smile.
    I spun my engagement ring around to line up the diamonds with the wedding band. Yes I do , I thought to myself.
    I hugged them both and said, “Thanks, girls. You two are the best. I appreciate everything you did at the wedding and helping make my new home so perfect, even if I never said it.”
    “We love you, Jules,” Chelsea replied. She brushed a bleached blonde curl from her flawless, made-up face.
    “Yeah, we’re happy for you and Harley,” Gretchen added.
    “I’m starved. How about Chinese?” Chelsea offered.
    “Sounds good. I’ll put on a movie,” I replied.
    I ordered “ The Fault in Our Stars’’ on my DVR and we all made preparations to settle in for a few hours.
    Chelsea removed her hot pink Dolce & Gabbana pumps and set them to the side of the couch. Then her five-foot-nine Barbie frame with flawless blonde locks disappeared into the downstairs guest room to change out of her business attire.
    Gretchen released her reddish-brown bun and ran her fingers through her hair as her just-shy-of-five-foot frame carried her to the bathroom to change.
    Once we were all in our PJs, we noshed on eggrolls and wine, and laughed and cried throughout the movie. It didn’t take