Free Always and Forever by Lindsay McKenna

She needed their support as she was still easing through the loss of Mike. Yet another part of Kyle was severely disappointed. “Sedona’s always a good place to come,” he agreed hoarsely.
    She smiled. “The best, Major Anderson.”
    â€œWhy do I have the feeling I’m the fly and you’re the spider, Ms. Taylor?” He met her smile, a sharp ache awakening in him. Gale was wearing her hair long and loose, a golden-brown cloak around her shoulders. It gleamed beneath the lights of the terminal. He wanted desperately to sift those strands through his fingers. He gently shut the lid on his heart’s urgent request.
    Taking a huge risk, Gale curled her hand around his armand led Kyle out of the terminal and into the chilly evening air. It was beginning to snow again. “As always, you’re perceptive,” Gale said with a laugh.
    Suddenly, Kyle realized that he’d never felt happier and he laughed with her. Large white snowflakes wafted down slowly from the darkening sky. Taking a deep breath of the cold, frosty air, he shortened his stride to match Gale’s. He was home.
    â€œSo, what have you got on the agenda for me?” Kyle wanted to say us , but decided against it.
    Glancing at her watch, Gale said, “Your mom has fixed the two families’ Christmas Eve dinner. They’re waiting for us. Afterward, we’ll decorate both families’ trees.”
    Kyle looked for some hint of unhappiness, of grief, in Gale’s eyes, but he found none. Instead, he found excitement and sparkling joy. “That’s a nice thing to do,” he said, meaning it.
    â€œIt’s about time we all had something good happen to us,” Gale murmured. She squeezed his arm, feeling his muscles tense and then relax beneath her hand. “And for the next ten days, we’re going to laugh and have fun, Kyle.” Gale held his gaze. “No crying, no tears,” she whispered.
    â€œYou’ve got a deal, lady,” he returned thickly. Christmas had never looked so good or so hopeful to Kyle. He sensed that Gale had released Mike and put her love for him in a chamber of her heart that held memories. Good, warm memories. Her green eyes were clear, and he saw renewed life within them. Her small hand on his arm felt good—felt great.
    â€œRight after the meal, we’ll start with your parents’ Christmas tree,” Gale said, halting at her bright red sports car. “And then we’ll all go to the Taylors’. Mom Taylor has made dessert and egg nog for us.” Gale opened thedoor and smiled. “I have your gift, too. Wait until you see it.”
    He grinned, hearing the excitement in her voice. Kyle placed his luggage in the trunk of the car. “I already sent you your Christmas present.”
    â€œIt’s tucked under the tree,” she said, “and I haven’t opened it yet.”
    â€œBetter not have,” he teased. Kyle wanted to lean down and brush her smiling mouth with a kiss. The need to do it was nearly overwhelming. For so long, he’d hurt for Gale, for her loss. The wind swirled, moving her hair restlessly across her shoulders. Snowflakes nestled in the golden-brown strands, and Kyle found himself reaching out, gently removing them one at a time.
    Gale stood very still, drowning in Kyle’s nearness. When his mouth softened as he lightly touched her hair, she closed her eyes and remembered his gentleness, his ability to give to her. As she opened them, she took a chance and caught his hand in her own, squeezing it because she wanted his closeness.
    â€œCome on, let’s go home....”
    â€œTogether,” he agreed, returning the pressure.
    * * *
    It was nearly 1:00 a.m. before the Anderson household finally quieted down for the night. Kyle led Gale into the den. In front of them was a cheerful fire in the fireplace. Christmas music softly moved through the blue-carpeted room. The laughter, the