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Chapter 2
"I Love You Beyond The Distance"
Elvis was lying on the sofa, one arm propped under his head the other holding their iPad against his chest. He looked at his watch. 1755. At 1800 hours Georgie would be calling. "How much longer can five minutes take?" he wondered. He started to wiggle his foot and tap his fingers on the iPad. As he started to whistle a tune the iPad sounded and he shot up into a sitting position. "There she is!" he thought as Georgie appeared on the screen. "Heyyyy!" she said smiling from ear to ear. Elvis gulped, "Hey beautiful! How are ya?" His eyes were bright and covering every inch of the screen as he drank in Georgie's image. "Fine…fine" was the answer as she gazed lovingly at him. "I miss you though," she added. Elvis kissed his fingers and motioned them toward the screen. "I miss you too babe." Georgie gestured a kiss back to him and murmured, "mmmmmmm." "Mmmmmm is right," he said. They looked at each other with longing in their eyes.
"How's training then?" Elvis said swallowing hard. "Oh, ya know. It's training," Georgie shrugged. "Some long hikes. Reviewing trauma protocols." Elvis placed the iPad on the coffee table and slid off the sofa to sit on the floor. "It's good to see ya George," he said fondly. "Same here..Yeah," she said. She looked from side to side then leaned forward as if telling him a secret. "It's been chilly here. I could use you at night," she said with an amused tone. "Use me? At night?" Elvis said with a cheeky smile. Georgie pursed her lips, "to keep me warm." "Of course, "he nodded, bouncing his head from side to side. "I'm familiar with a number of ways to keep you warm Mrs. Harte." Elvis said more pointedly. Georgie bit her lower lip and blushed. "Stop it!" she said grinning. "Why?" Elvis said grinning back at her. "Because I'm not in the secluded comfort of my home as you are," she said with a hushed tone and looking around again. "Oh fuck sake George," Elvis said, "anyone there with ya?" "As a matter of fact Elvis…. No." she laughed. Elvis gave a short nod and chuckled. "How's endurance?" she asked. "Movin along. Down to ninety-three candidates today," he said rubbing his forehead. "Jeez," Georgie said, and then added, "Fingers brought up again about going for selection." "And….what's holding him back this time?" Elvis said. "He's not sure if he wants to go summer or winter. Can't decide which is worse," she said. "Both!" Elvis chortled. "Tell him they're both tough. No way around it." Georgie laughed. "I'll see what I can do."
Elvis loved the sound of her laughter. He wished he could hold her in his arms right now and kiss her silly. "When is this phase done?" Georgie asked. "One more week," Elvis said. "Then you get them?" "Yes. I'll be finishing up by the time you're home bound," he said smiling. "I'll have ten days leave. Boss OK'd it today," she said. "Very good!" Elvis said. "How is Charlie boy?" Georgie smiled, "Boss is well. Sends his regards." "Likewise," Elvis said. "How's Molly, have you heard from her?" "We did share some on Facebook. She's been shopping for nursery items." Elvis smiled, recalling their after holiday trip to Bath visiting with the James'. "She really enjoyed the pictures of Laura," Georgie said and was moved when she saw the expression on Elvis' face. "I can't wait for you to come home," he finally said. "Yeah, me too," she said. Georgie never felt this homesick before. She never thought she would settle down before she met Elvis either. She looked at his handsome face and saw the raw love that was so evident there as he returned her gaze. "I love you," he said with a deep voice. Georgie felt like she was being pulled into the computer screen but knew she could not touch him or feel the warmth of his body as she deeply craved. Her eyes began to well ever so slightly. "I love you too," she said. "Come on, you'll have me goin," Elvis said. Georgie released a breathy laugh and smiled. "Two weeks then, "Elvis said trying to sound upbeat. "Yeah," Georgie said. "When do you reckon you can call again?" Elvis asked. "Two days I think, we'll be out most of the time tomorrow," she said rubbing her hands over her arms. "Cold?" Elvis said. "Yeah, a bit," she said frowning. "I'm holding you George," Elvis said cupping his hands and placing them against his heart. "Just remember that." Georgie placed a hand over her heart and whispered back, "And I have you right here."