Lucky Chance Read Online Free Page B

revealing a large, king size bed. The solid cherry wood headboard made it seem more imposing than it was, drawing attention to the warm blue accent wall behind the bed. The deep blue comforter reminded him of Ace’s dress blues, only this had a sliver threading creating panels within the blanket.
    He dropped his bags on the cedar chest at the foot of the bed and took in the rest of the room. There was a dresser, and what he assumed was a closet, on the same wall as the entryway. To the left was an adjoining bathroom, but it was the window that caught his attention. In the daylight, the large window would provide a stunning view of the mountains he’d noticed on the drive, but now he could only see darkness.
    “If only this was a vacation instead of an assignment, I might actually be able to enjoy the mountains. Such a change from Virginia Beach,” he mumbled to himself as he began to strip out of his clothes.
    He crawled between the sheets in his boxers, and was no longer able to push the memories away. In a semi-conscious decision, he decided to reroute his thoughts to Madison instead of recalling Kyle, which would only lead to doubt and rage. He let his eyelids drift shut, and the memories flooded back.
    Two days before he was due to report to boot camp, they’d been curled up in bed at a small bed and breakfast two towns over. He wasn’t sure how he’d managed to talk her into it, but there they were.
    The sun was just peeking over the horizon, and they had spent the night in each other’s arms. Neither of them had slept, as if they didn’t want to miss a moment of their time together. Four years dating, but friends for even longer, and yet every day had felt new and exciting. He wanted that, and he wanted her. While many of their friends had been thinking about college, and the careers they’d have, he was thinking that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. His plan had been to propose to her, but the moment had been so perfect he remembered not wanting to move from where he was, with her wrapped around him, to get the ring.
    “Lucky…”
    “Hmm.” He teased his finger along the curve of her spine.
    “I love you.”
    “Mmm.” He tipped her head up toward him. “Maddie, you’re the only woman for me. I love you, too.” He started to kiss her when she pulled back just enough to stop him.
    “Wait, there’s something I need to say. Something I’ve wanted to say, but I wanted this time with you first. It’s selfish, but I wanted to remember us like this.”
    “Remember us? What are you talking about? We’ll be together soon.”
    “I’m leaving for college in two weeks, and things are going to be different. We’re not going to see each other. We’ll be living different lives.”
    He wasn’t sure he liked where this was heading. “Maddie, we’ll get through it. It’s only for a little bit, and then you can join me once I have my duty station. You can continue with college wherever I’m stationed. I thought we discussed this.”
    “We did, but things have changed.” She got out of bed, slipped into a long t-shirt, and went to the window. “I think we need to take a break.”
    “A break?” He shot up out of bed, but didn’t go to her. After the night they’d shared, she wanted a break.
    “I love you, Lucky, and I always will, but I think we need this. You can go to boot camp, and I can begin college.”
    “This is because I joined the military, isn’t it?” When she remained silent, he grabbed his jeans and slipped them on. “I wouldn’t have joined the Marines if I knew it meant losing you.” Even as he said it, he knew it was true. She was more important to him then his desire to serve his country and follow in his family’s footsteps. She was the woman he wanted by his side, and a love like that wasn’t something to pass by, no matter how young they were.
    “This is what you’ve always wanted. The Diamonds are a military family, and have been for generations. Look