The Space Colonel's Woman (Dragonus Chronicles Book 1) (33 page)

“I will miss you.” She placed her hands palm to palm with Anora’s, remembering the first time they had shared the ritual.

“You are a treasured friend.”

“Come and visit sometime.” Julia offered, knowing it to be impossible, but needing the illusion in the face of so many goodbyes.  Mr Clayton was unlikely to allow gliders to be used for girl time in another reality.

“Yes.” Anora agreed, keeping up the pretense.

“Let’s go.” Stephen waved an impatient arm, sensitive to other’s feelings as always.

Anora rolled her eyes and Julia gave her a genuine smile as she walked up the ramp and into the cockpit.

“The coordinates are uploading, go ahead and take off.” Stephen nodded and settled back in his chair.

The trip was a lonely one.  None of them had anything to say.  What could be said?  Julia felt as if she was the final chapter before the book of
Mark Holden in Phoenix
could be closed for good.

She cloaked the glider the moment they materialized out of the portal.  It was astounding that the beach looked exactly the same as the last time she’d seen it; more than two years before.  She landed in her driveway, extending the cloak so that no one would see the glider or men carrying chests from out of thin air.

“Can you put everything in the garage please?” She asked, her voice flat, and turned away.

“Julia.”

“Hmm?” She pivoted to face Hayden, the pain in his eyes weighing on her soul.

“Remember my vow.” He murmured against her ear as he enveloped her in his arms and kissed her between her brows.

She nodded, shaky and overwhelmed by his display of affection. 

“Goodbye Stephen.”

“Goodbye.” He replied, busying himself with the last chest.

With Mark’s jacket held close she trudged up the three stairs to the porch.  She had left here, never planning to return.  And yet, here she was standing frozen, afraid to move forward and unable to go back.  She took a deep breath to the bottom of her lungs and shuddered it out again; locking away her heart as she unlocked the door and stepped inside. The cold of the empty house seeped into her bones, exhausting her like nothing else ever could.

Julia left Hayden and Stephen to unload, collapsed onto her old bed and fell instantly asleep.  Her head resting on the soft black leather of Mark’s jacket, and her pale cheeks wet with the silent tears of her broken heart…

Acknowledgements

To my fellow creative souls: Alex J, Milly, Jules, and Netta. Thank you for always being just a key clack away, and for being honest in your critiques, generous with your praise, and wise in the ways of technology.  I am blessed to call you my friends
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xx

To Jay Aheer at Simply Defined Art:

http://www.jayscoversbydesign.com/

Thank you for my stunningly gorgeous cover.  It was a pleasure working with you, and I hope we can do so again – this is a trilogy after all.

As always, thank you to my children: Mikayla and Brayden.  Thank you for your patience, and your pride in me.  And yes, one day, you will be able to read my books
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

About The Author

Jay Shaw writes fantasy and sci-fi stories about characters who will ultimately find their one great love.  A love that all of time and space will stand still for

Jay lives in New Zealand, where she is raising her two teenagers. She loves photography, reading, cooking, and movies. 

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