Chapter 8 - The Medal
Two months later, the snow had long melted, and the bitter cold of December had given way to the crisp, bright skies of February.
I stood in my dress blues, the brass buttons polished to a mirror shine, backstage at the state capitol building in Denver.
The governor was hosting a formal commendation ceremony. My commanding officer had insisted I attend, and this time, I didn't fight him.
I adjusted my cuffs, staring at my reflection in the mirror. I looked tired, but I looked like a man who knew exactly who he was.
There was a knock on the dressing room door.
“Come in,” I called out.
The door opened, and Erica walked in. She looked entirely different from the stressed, high-society wife I had briefly met at family functions over the years. She was wearing a simple, elegant dress, and the tension that always seemed to bracket her eyes was gone.
Holding her hand was a little boy in a miniature suit.
“Leo,” I smiled, dropping to one knee as the boy ran over to me.
“Major Vance!” Leo cheered, wrapping his arms around my neck.
I hugged him back, looking up at Erica. “It’s good to see you. How is your sister?”
“Sarah is doing wonderfully,” Erica smiled warmly. “She’s sitting in the front row with my parents. We wouldn't miss this for the world.”
“And Jason?” I asked gently.
Erica’s smile tightened slightly, but she didn't lose her composure. “The divorce is finalized. Without my father’s backing, the firm let him go. I hear he’s living in a small apartment downtown, trying to start a consulting business. I haven't spoken to him since Christmas Eve.”
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“Don't be,” Erica replied, her eyes shining with genuine gratitude. “You saved my sister. You saved my nephew. And in a strange way, you saved me from spending the rest of my life with a man who only cared about himself. You’re a good man, Thomas.”
A knock at the door interrupted us. “Major Vance? The governor is ready for you, sir.”
May you like
I stood up, patted Leo on the head, and offered Erica my arm.
“Shall we?” I asked.
