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“And there was none from him.”

“Exactly.” The general’s tone gentled. “Lieutenant Akecheta had a job to do, and he did it.”

“I know. I just—I just would liked to thank him myself. In person.”

The general put his arm lightly around his daughter’s shoulders.

“He got your note,” he said gently. “I told you that, too, remember? I sent it to his commanding officer as soon as you gave it to me, and he delivered it to the lieutenant. He called and told me so. And the lieutenant said to send you his best.”

His best.

Alessandra turned her back to her father.

“Yes.”

“It’s just unfortunate Akecheta had to ship out on another mission almost as soon as you and he returned from San Escobal.”

She knew all of that.

Her father had explained it as soon as she’d regained consciousness. That the lieutenant had come through without harm. That her father had recommended him for promotion. That he’d shipped out almost immediately.

On another mission.

Which was what she’d been.

A mission.

It all added up. Made perfect sense. What didn’t make sense was that she should still ache for him.

For a little while there, she’d convinced herself she loved Tanner, but she was well beyond that now. She’d been grateful to him. Awed by him.

Hot for him.

None of those things were love.

Hadn’t Tanner tried to tell her that? His last words to her had put everything into perspective.

I have never not completed a mission, and that isn’t going to change just because you and I fucked.

She just hadn’t wanted to believe him any more than she’d wanted to believe he’d gone out of her life without a phone call, a note, even an email…

“So,” the general said briskly, “are you ready for the party? Lissa’s been cooking and baking all day.”

Alessandra forced a smile.

She wasn’t ready. Not really. It was one thing for your head to tell you something had not been real and quite another for your heart to accept it.

She missed him. Her lieutenant. Her Superman. Her lover…

“Alessandra? Are you ready?”

“Yes,” she said briskly, “of course. I’m looking forward to this. All of us together.”

“Even me,” the general said quietly. “I’m so grateful to have been included this weekend. I mean, I know my efforts got you safely home—”

His efforts? “Lieutenant Akecheta got me safely home,” Alessandra said a little sharply.

“Well, of course, but… All I’m trying to say is that I haven’t done enough for you. For any of you, but for you and Bianca, especially.” He hesitated. “Maybe it sounds old-fashioned, but a man in the position to do so should give his daughters every possible advantage.