AN: The last chapter...I hope you've enjoyed it. I appreciate everyone's comments and reviews- thanks very much!


Chapter 15

Barely able to see in the darkened room, Major General George Hammond slowly eased himself down onto the king-sized bed, which dipped and creaked slightly under his weight. Carefully, he removed one shoe then another, trying not to make any sudden moves. In the middle of the bed, Kathryn stirred under the thick comforter, and he froze. Her breathing became regular and he moved again, holding his black shoes by their laces to lower them gently to the carpeted floor before letting go.

Slipping his watch off his right arm, he placed it on his bedside table, beside the clock that glowed 1:27am in blue. He had missed another dinner, another celebration that he swore he would be home for…yet again. Downstairs, the flowers were still sitting on the table, and the best china and silver were ready to be put back in the cabinet.

Why she put up with him and his awful hours and broken promises, he didn't know, but he was thankful she did. He couldn't imagine living without her and the boys. Since their marriage a year ago, he felt as if he had thrown off a heavy shroud of loneliness and worry. Not that his command did not provide troubles to keep him busy. It surely did. It was just that now, coming home made it all worthwhile.

He shifted his weight slowly, lifting one foot then the other, and stripped off his socks before tossing them toward his shoes. Behind him, Kathryn rolled over. Again, he waited. When she settled, he undid his tie and belt.

A lesser woman- any normal woman- would have had his head over the number cancelled plans and cold dinners he'd caused.

What had he ever done to deserve such an angel?

Fingering his top button, he stopped when he felt a hand touch his back then slide up across his shoulder. He sighed and twisted around to face her.

"Kathryn, I…Darlin', I'm so sorry." In the dim light, he could see her as she sat up to kneel on the bed in front of him. "I know I gave my word I'd be home in time, but…"

There were no words of apology he had not already said several times before, and sohe fell silent.

She leaned forward and he felt her hands touch the epaulets holding the stars of his rank then follow them to his collarbone, to his collar, and then to his throat.

Ping! Ping!

Two buttons flew across the bed, hitting the wall.

"Darlin'?" he asked hesitantly.

Her hands slid lower and pressed against his chest before she grabbed two handfuls of his blue shirt.

Ping! Ping! Ping!

Ping!

"Sweetheart, are you angry?"

Her hands splayed across his chest and she lightly raked her nails down low, across his belly.

He let out his breath, half groaning- and suddenly found himself flat on his back, his wife leaning over him.

His white, V-neck regulation t-shirt sailed across the room; his pants dropped to the floor, and were quickly followed by his shorts.

Nope, she wasn't mad!

George Hammond wrapped his arms around his wife and held her tight,as if he'd never let go, his sigh of relief silenced by her kiss.