Chapter 4
"A Soldier's Heart"
Elvis just finished putting the clean dishes away and was now wiping the counter and table top. He snapped the towel and looked out the window as he neatly folded the cloth and placed it on the rack. The wind was still kicking up outside. He looked at his watch and chuckled. It was well past noon but the happy couple had finally eaten his omelets. Elvis watched as leaves flitted past the window. Hereford was a beautiful location. Despite all of the trappings and easy access London afforded, he always relished the natural world. He turned and smoothed back his hair. The flat was quiet and he wondered about Georgie. He paused in the doorway to the lounge and yawned. A tender smile grew on his face as he noticed Georgie sprawled like a cat on the couch sound asleep. The magazine she had been reading all but forgotten. Elvis moved quietly into the room and reached for the throw on the back of the sofa gently covering her.
As he straightened up he gazed at her and tossed his love a kiss, not wanting to wake her. He turned and sat down in the overstuffed chair leaning his head back into the soft cushion. He closed his eyes as he exhaled a slow, full sigh. Elvis began to think about his new life direction. In his mind's eye he recalled his conversation with his commander Colonel Godfrey requesting to transfer from field operations to training as an SAS instructor. Although the Colonel expressed his disappointment in losing such a valuable asset for Special Forces in the field he knew that Elvis would be just as valuable as an instructor and mentor. The elite regiment demanded exceptional men and the aspiring operatives would flourish under the expertise Elvis had to offer. It had been proposed however, that Elvis continue counter terrorism activities and be involved in that aspect of training as well.
Elvis squeezed his eyes shut. A wave of regret flowed through him. He opened his eyes then and stared at the ceiling. He loved going on missions. The planning, the organization, the intrigue…..He was good at it, clever and resourceful. Elvis ran a hand through his hair while his gaze moved to Georgie. She was still asleep and peaceful. His heart lurched. He loved her. Although she told him she did not want him to change or give everything up for her, Georgie could not conceal her worry about losing him again in battle. They both lived a dangerous life in the military but Elvis by far ventured on a razor's edge. He thought to himself, "I can do this. I will do this." His life was not his own anymore. He shared it with Georgie now. Truth be told, the moment Laura was brought into his life his perspective changed. Now that the love of his love was with him he would not do anything to compromise their relationship. He would make this all good.
Georgie knew Elvis was not aware she was watching him. She observed his unease after he sat down in the chair. Eventually he picked up the folder from the end table and became totally focused on its contents. Georgie pretended to sleep again, all the while thinking about what Elvis must be going through. She laughed to herself that people thought he had a massive ego. It was not that really. Elvis was self- confident. He had to be. His life depended on it as a commander of his Special Forces Team. She understood why he was hardened, an alpha male, driven every day to put his best effort forward. He was trained to be formidable. Elvis also had a vulnerable side, not accessible to most. He could be insecure and hopelessly romantic. She smiled, and hoped he did not notice. Elvis was the one who sent her notes and cards. He loved surprising her and always encouraged her. One of her favorite things they shared was the tossing of kisses forwards and backwards. That was Elvis' idea for them to communicate with hand signals and she loved it.
She peered at him. The folder was lying on his lap and he was asleep. Georgie slowly sat up on the sofa and began to gather the throw he had lovingly placed on her. She sat up and watched to see if he would wake. Slowly she stood up and inched toward him. She gathered the covering close to her then began to cover him gazing at him, feeling the enormity of love for him that he always felt for her. Yes. Georgie was madly in love with Elvis.
