Forever in the Country

She’s a force to be reckoned with and everything I’ll never deserve.

Just one taste and I’ll set fire to my past to keep her.

I’ve given my life to protect the ones I love.

My sister.

My country.

My hometown.

An injury overseas has me back in Clementine Creek before the ink on my discharge papers has time to dry.

It’s a loss I feel deep in my bones.

Nothing in my life has ever been permanent – the good things always have one foot out the door.

Except her.

Rhea Thayer is my best friend’s little sister.

But she’s not so little anymore.

She smells like frosting and feels like a sanctuary I haven’t earned.

I need to be better. I want to do this right.

When she forces my hand, all bets are off.

An unstoppable inferno rages between us. It’s a need I know will never be sated.

Just when happiness seems within reach, the unthinkable happens.

And everything I’ve worked for since I was fourteen is at stake.

How can you take a chance on forever when all you see is your past?

My life hangs in the balance of a single choice. I just pray I won’t lose it all.