Blurb

Josiah “Siah” Kent has always loved learning; now he’s living his dream of teaching children to love it too. After getting his degrees in New Orleans, he accepted a teaching position outside of Washington DC. What a better place to be able to teach and continue learning?

Sergeant Carter May joined the Army right out of high school. He’s always struggled to succeed in school but has found a place in the military but has dreamed of getting a college degree—he’d be the first in his family if he did. Being stationed with the Presidential Firing Battery at Arlington National Cemetery will give him the opportunity to take the chance, but will he risk failing?

A chance meeting years ago in New Orleans, had sparks flying between Siah and Carter. Another chance encounter between the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, blow those sparks into a full flame. Can Siah and Carter find some common ground to learn more about each other and a possible future together?







Issued 2018



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Trademarks Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:



Tulane: Tulane University

Coke: The Coca-Cola Company

Titanic: 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures and Lightstorm Entertainment

Dead Pool/Peter Parker: Marvel Comics

Harry Potter/Sorcerer’s Stone: JK Rowling/Warner Bros

Star Wars: Lucasfilm Ltd/Disney Enterprises

Silver Dinner: Silver Diner Development, LLC

Uber: Uber Technologies Inc.

Google: Google, Inc.

Netflix: Netflix, Inc.

Stetson: John B. Stetson

Tylenol: The Tylenol Company

Justice League: DC Comics

IMAX: Imax Corporation

Murphy bed: Murphy Wall Beds Hardware Inc.





Author’s Note

If there’s one thing the military does and does well, it’s traditions. In the first two books I touched on some of them with weddings and Spur Rides, remembering those that have gone before at receptions. I don’t think I could write a military book without touching on traditions. In this one, you might need some tissues with the traditions.

I’m off by about a month with timing this release with the Month of the Military Child but Memorial Day anchors the story so… Soldiers and spouses choose to deal with all things military. These little unsung heroes don’t. It’s their reality from day one out of the womb from when they’re too young to know and grow up with the idea that daddy (or mommy) is going away and might not come back. Watching these children can bring such a smile to your face and many tears to your eyes. To my own military children, you bring me strength every day. Mama loves you.

To JL, Laura, Gail, Jim and Jaymi – thank you for your help and support. I know I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without you. Jared – once again, you’ve done an amazing job with little guidance from me. To my sister from another mister – you might struggle a bit but you help me through mine too. To my soldier – this rollercoaster we’re on has had its ups and downs but we’re on an amazing ride together. Forever always.

As always, I’ve taken care to get facts as close to reality as possible, I might have taken a liberty or two (and maybe Tristan had an idea of his own). All errors are my own, I hope you’ll overlook them.

~KJ





Prologue

New Orleans, Louisiana – a little over a year ago



“Listen, Russ? I’m just going to go.” Josiah “Siah” Kent couldn’t believe he’d gotten himself into this position. He knew he should have never accepted a second date with Russ. But after his repeated asking, Siah had given in. Big fucking mistake on his part.

“No fucking way. You’re with me. Think I didn’t notice you checking out the guys at the pool table.” Russ wasn’t a huge guy but Siah knew he’d have no chance against him if he didn’t talk himself out of this situation.