James Morgan never really believed in love. That is, until he laid eyes on Deborah Walker at the local soda fountain. He surprises himself by inviting her out for an impromptu night on the town, and she shocks him even more by agreeing. As the night progresses, the two share their past histories and secret dreams, and James realizes that she is the perfect woman for him. The only problem is that he ships off to Korea the next morning. Fulfilling his duty is non-negotiable to James, even if fighting for his country will ultimately break both of their hearts.
Deborah promises to wait for him, but two years is a long time to put her life on hold, especially for a man she only knew for one day. When Rip Rockwell returns from the war and James does not, Rip proposes marriage to Deborah. She agrees and they build a beautiful life together until his death fifty years later. Through it all, though, she can never quite forget her first love. She retires to Abilene, expecting to live out the rest of her days in peace. So imagine her surprise when James Morgan moves in next door…
Both lived lives full of love. Both lost their loves too early. Can James and Deborah form a new life together while cherishing their memories of those that still live in their hearts?
Excerpt:
James raked his toes through the cleanly cut grass. Was this the last
time he’d ever enjoy this sensation? Even if he came out of it with
his life, he’d be a changed man. Better to enjoy the simple
pleasures while he still could.
A powder blue Cadillac pulled into the driveway next door.
Tommy Morrison climbed out of the driver’s seat and swooped around
to open the passenger side door for his lady friend, Diana. His face
lit up when he spied James watching.
“Why, hello, James. Sure is a pretty day, in’t it?”
James smiled and nodded, unable to tear his eyes away as Tommy and
Diana kissed right in the driveway for all of the neighborhood to
see. He watched as Tommy whispered into her ear, and Diana kicked
back her heel in that classic gesture of a woman in love.
It was Tommy’s last day of freedom as well. He too would ship off
in the morning to answer his country’s call. Seemed he’d chosen a
very different way to spend the evening.
Love was not something he believed in. Freedom though, now that was
the real deal. And malted milk shakes in cool metal glasses—oh, how
he’d miss those. Luckily, the local soda fountain was only a short
walk into town. He’d have his fill, then return for his last
comfortable night at home in his own bed, that’s what he’d do.
So he sprang to his feet and headed into town, making sure to pay
especially close attention to how the birds chirped from the trees
and how the shiny copper of an abandoned penny glistened in the sun,
how freedom hung in the air like a fine perfume. He’d miss his
country, but he’d also do anything to protect it from the Communist
threat.
James pushed open the door to the soda shop, and a tiny bell jingled
to greet him. “The usual,” he called back into the kitchen. “Plus
add an order of French fries, will ya?”
He sat down at the bar to await his meal, his feet jiggling beneath
him as they tip-tapped on the checkered linoleum floor.
Then the doorbells jingled again, and the most beautiful woman James
had ever seen walked into the shop. The setting sun cast a warm glow
on her skin and her eyes glistened even brighter than the copper of
that penny. They were a darker shade of the same color, too. Her
skirt swished around her calves as she made her way over to the
counter and sat down beside James.
Maybe love was every bit as powerful as freedom after all.
***
Deborah felt the young soldier’s eyes fix on her the moment she
entered the soda shop. Normally, she’d blush and try to get away,
but the sign of his crisply pressed uniform hinted at a boy about to
deploy in the fight for her liberties, and she knew better than to
deny him the simple pleasure of looking at her, if that’s what he
wanted to do.
Besides, he wasn’t so bad on the eyes himself, with the high apples
of his cheeks and strong, angular jawline. He looked strong all over,
from his jaw to his biceps, right down to the stern but welcoming
expression he wore on his young, handsome face.
“The name’s Morgan, Airman First Class.” He stuck his hand out
toward her in greeting.
“I’m Deborah. Thank you for serving, Morgan.” She smiled
sweetly then buried her face in the menu.
“Actually, you should call me James, seeing as it’s my first name
and all. Care to let me treat you to a malted milk? It would be an
honor and a pleasure.”
She took a moment to size him up. Deciding he was harmless, she
answered with “Strawberry, thank you.”
“Hey, that’s what I like too. In fact, mine only just came out
from back. Take it.” He slid the chilly confection her way, and she
graciously accepted.
“When do you ship off?” she asked, sucking in a mouthful of the
delicious treat as she waited for his answer.
“Tomorrow morning.”
“So this is your last night stateside?”
He glanced toward the counter for a moment, then fixed his gaze on
her with burning intensity.
“Come out on the town with me, Deborah. Let’s make a night to
remember.”
Deborah smiled and stammered to buy herself some time. She’d only
just turned seventeen, and she’d never gone steady with a boy
before. But James wasn’t asking to go steady. He was just inviting
her out for a wholesome night of fun. Who was she to deny him this
small pleasure when he was willing to give so much to keep his fellow
Americans safe and free?
James tapped his foot on the floor. A nervous twitch? His lips set in
a straight line, and she could tell he was forcing himself to keep
his mouth shut and let her answer when she felt good and ready.
Well, heck, he seemed like a nice enough fellow. What could one night
hurt?
“Okay,” she said at last. “Let’s hit the town.”
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