The Things We Leave Unfinished by Yarros, Rebecca (phonics reading books .txt) 📕

day after day, knowing there was no chance I’d see you smile or hear you laugh, or hell, hear you shout at me.” He’d been incomplete, always thinking of her no matter what he’d been doing.

He’d been so distracted, he was surprised he hadn’t pranged an aircraft, not that he couldn’t fly one of those Buffaloes with his eyes closed.

“It’s been awful,” she admitted, dropping her gaze to his lips, then down the lines of his uniform. “I missed your arms around me, and the way my heart leaps whenever I see you.” She brushed her fingers over his lips. “I missed your kisses, and even the way you tease.”

“Someone has to make you laugh.” He nipped at the pad of her thumb.

“You do that quite well.” Her smile faltered. “I don’t want to spend another month like that, let alone two.”

His face tightened. “How are we going to avoid it in another few months when they decide the 71st is needed somewhere else?”

“Well, I’ve had a thought about that.” Her eyes narrowed in speculation. “But it would require you telling me your thoughts again.” She pressed her lips between her teeth.

He blinked. “My thoughts? I asked you to m—” His jaw dropped. “Scarlett, are you saying…” His eyes frantically searched hers.

“I’m not saying anything until you ask.” Her chest tightened, praying he hadn’t changed his mind, that she hadn’t gambled her entire happiness and dragged her sister across England to be refused.

His eyes flared. “Wait right here.” He stepped back, holding his pointer finger in the air. “Don’t move a muscle.” Then he ran from the room.

Scarlett swallowed and set her knees together, rearranging her skirt. Surely he hadn’t meant those muscles. God knew anyone could have waltzed in.

The mechanical ticks of the clock were her only company in the silence, and she did what she could to steady her heart.

Jameson slid back into the room, his hand gripping the doorframe to make the turn. Then he recovered his balance and shut the door behind him before approaching her.

“Better now?” she asked.

He nodded, nervously jamming his fingers through his hair before dropping to one knee before her and holding a ring between his thumb and forefinger.

She sucked in a breath.

“I know I’m not what you pictured when you thought of marriage. I don’t have a title, or even a country right now.” He grimaced. “But what I do have is yours, Scarlett. My heart, my name, my very being—it’s all yours. And I promise I will spend every day of my life earning the privilege of your love if you let me. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?” His brows knit slightly, but there was so much hope in his eyes that it was nearly painful for her to see it, to know she’d made him question what her answer would be.

“I will,” she said, her lips trembling as she smiled. “I will!” she repeated with an excited nod. She now knew what her life looked like without him in it, and she never wanted to feel that loss again. Her job, her family, this war—they’d deal with whatever came together.

“Thank you, God.” He stood and swept her into his arms. “Scarlett, my Scarlett,” he said against her cheek.

She held on tight, letting herself absorb this moment. Somehow, they’d make it last.

He set her down and slipped the ring onto her left finger. It was beautiful, with a solitaire diamond set in gold filigree, and it fit her finger perfectly. “Jameson, it’s gorgeous. Thank you.”

“I’m so glad you like it. I picked it up when we were at Church-Fenton, hoping I could get you to change your mind.” He kissed her softly, then took her hand. “We can still catch the commander if we’re quick.”

“What?” she asked as Jameson gathered her coat, then guided her into the hallway.

“We have to get the commander’s permission. Chaplain’s, too.” His eyes were bright with excitement.

“Well, there’s plenty of time for that.” She laughed.

“Oh no. I’m not risking that you’ll change your mind again. Wait here for just a second.” He dipped into another room, leaving her in the hallway, struggling not to sputter. Within a moment he was back with his own jacket and hat.

“We are not getting married tonight,” she said quickly. That would be complete and utter madness.

“Why not?” His face fell.

She cupped his cheek with her hand. “Because I’d like to unpack the dress I bought. It’s not much, but I’d like to wear it.”

“Oh. Right.” He nodded, considering her words. “Of course you would. And your family?”

Heat rose in her cheeks. “Constance is now the only family I have.”

“Not for long.” He pulled her gently against him. “You’ll have me, my mom and dad, and my uncle, too.”

“And that’s all I need. Besides, we’ll need to find accommodations. I’m certainly not spending my wedding night with the 71st sleeping beside us.” She gave him a pointed look.

He blanched. “Hell no. We can see the commander and the Chaplain tomorrow, if that works for you.”

She nodded. “I’ll unpack my dress but not much more.” A hum of anticipation vibrated through her whole body.

“I’ll find us a place of our own.” He touched his forehead to hers.

“And then we’ll get married,” she whispered.

“Then we’ll get married.”

Chapter Thirteen

Georgia

Dearest Jameson,

I miss you. I need you. Nothing here is the same without you. Constance thinks we might be able to move the rosebush, but I’m not sure we should. Why uproot something that is happy right where it is? Unlike me. I’m wilting here without you. Keeping busy, of course, but you’re never far from my mind. Please stay safe, my love. I cannot breathe in this world without you. Be careful. Before you know it, we’ll be together again.

All my heart,

Scarlett

“What do you mean he just showed up?” Hazel’s eyebrows flew sky-high, her green eyes flaring wide.

“Out of everything I told you happened yesterday, that is what surprises you?” I looked pointedly over my coffee at her.

“As much