US. Marines Book 8 - Semper Fi E-Book

Romano Arria

• Herausgeber: So Romance - INT
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: U.S. Marines
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 212

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Will their love survive the many obstacles placed in their path?
John, the seductive pilot, and June, the intrepid policewoman, are now enjoying the happiness of being married. Their love is at its peak and no more ghosts come to disturb it... except that June's job is not without consequences and the couple is brutally confronted with tragedy when June's twin sister is targeted by her enemy. The policewoman therefore embarks on a vengeful quest, at the risk of breaking her principles. But she is not alone, because John and his brothers in arms give her their muscular support in this high-risk operation, for better or for worse...
Semper Fi, the eighth volume of this famous saga, mixing danger and sensuality, brings the adventures of the four marines so beloved by the public to a grand conclusion t.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Arria Romano is an author of contemporary and historical romances. Her mission: to offer her readers hope and love through her stories and characters.

Leseprobe

Cover

Title page

To F-D-A. R, my personal military advisor <3

1

Savannah, GeorgiaMay 27, 2013

On this blessed Spring day, when the river waters sparkled under the blinding rays of the sun, like a diamond spinning in the azure skies, when birds chirped on the branches of the region’s majestic oaks to express their joy, and when flowers perfumed the gentle sea air with their heady scents, John and June were preparing to unite in marriage.

“I can’t believe it, guys. After the ceremony, all four of us will be married,” joked Keir, brushing off his black ceremonial jacket, which had caught a few white lint fibers. “And you know what? Scarlett told me this morning she’s pregnant with our fourth child! I don’t know how she manages to get pregnant so quickly after each one.”

Lex, dressed identically to his friend, smirked and replied, “You do realize you’re not exactly uninvolved in that, Dalglish.”

“Oh, I know! But her fertility amazes me. Every year, she’s pregnant. I don’t know how we’re going to manage; the house is starting to feel too small for everyone.”

“If it helps, Scarlett confided in Livia yesterday and said she’d stop after the fourth,” Hudson chimed in, adjusting his cap with a mischievous grin.

“Hallelujah!” exclaimed Keir, raising his hands to the sky in mock prayer, before realizing something. “Wait, you knew about her pregnancy before I did?”

At his friend’s raised eyebrow, Hudson put on his most innocent expression and defended himself, “No, I just overheard their conversation. They don’t know I know.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? If I’d known yesterday, I could’ve avoided nearly having a heart attack this morning. You know my heart’s fragile now!”

“Because it wasn’t my place to tell you, Dalglish.”

Keir nodded, begrudgingly accepting the excuse, then continued theatrically, looking at his three brothers-in-arms in turn, “You know, I love my wife and kids, but I can’t handle fatherhood beyond four.”

His three companions chuckled, and John, the dashing groom, stepped closer to pat him on the right shoulder, a sympathetic look on his face.

“Pray she’s not carrying twins, then!”

“Lord! Twins, I couldn’t handle that… actually, Arlington, you’re the one who should worry about twins, because I heard twins are more likely to have twins themselves. And if I’m not mistaken, your lovely June is in that category…”

“True. But honestly, I’d be delighted.”

Keir shook his head in mock exasperation at his friend’s naivety on the matter.

“You’re a masochist, Arlington. Just wait until you have a baby who doesn’t sleep through the night, who’s teething, who gets sick from catching some virus, who insists on invading the marital bed out of sheer whim, who monopolizes their mother and keeps her away from the father… and then imagine two at the same time! Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Oh, absolutely, you’re the expert on the subject, Dalglish.”

The four friends were about to continue when a delicate throat-clearing sound behind them caught their attention. A moment later, Livia appeared in their line of sight, looking very elegant in her pale pink ceremonial dress, which flared out into a beautiful tulle skirt just above her knees. The bodice of her dress was made of shiny satin, a darker pink than the skirt, accentuating her chest in a sensual way, and extended into puffed, nearly transparent sleeves as airy as butterfly wings. Her hair was styled in a high bun adorned with a crown of small pink flowers, just like her four-year-old daughter Luna. The little girl held her mother’s hand and gazed at the four marines with her forget-me-not blue eyes. They found her adorable in her peony-pink tulle flower girl dress and her silky black curls.

“Gentlemen, we need to board the boat before June arrives,” the Englishwoman said in a schoolteacher-like tone.

They nodded, and Hudson stepped closer to his daughter, lifting her into his arms and showering her cheeks and neck with kisses. Her crystalline laughter enveloped them entirely, blending with the birdsong around them.

“You’re right, Livia.”

In high spirits, John quickly crossed the gangway leading to the Queen Georgia, followed by his three brothers-in-arms, their wives, and their children. Wanting to celebrate his wedding in grand style, John had rented out the magnificent paddlewheel boat where he and June had shared their first kiss less than a year earlier. Ever the romantic, he had kept the ceremony’s location a secret so it would be a surprise for her.

“I think it’s beautiful to get married on the water…” Scarlett sighed, admiring the garlands of flowers and fairy lights draped over the ship’s masts.

The stunning redhead stood on the ship’s fourth and final deck, as elegant as Livia in a similar dress, though hers was sage green with a scandalously plunging neckline that accentuated her fuller curves. Her hair was also styled in a high bun, crowned with pink flowers, and she clung to her husband’s arm like a debutante, while he observed the guests boarding from his vantage point. Everyone had made a great effort to dress up for the adventurous couple’s wedding.

“Oh, Keir, you do have the rings, right?” Scarlett suddenly asked, worried.

Panicking for a few seconds, the scarred captain rummaged through the pockets of his military ceremonial jacket, searching for the precious rings, and sighed in relief when he felt the small box in his right hand.

“Yes, I’ve got them.”

“I hope Phoebe wakes up in time to toss the rose petals,” Xenia chimed in cheerfully as she approached, carrying the youngest Dalglish, who was fast asleep in her arms.

The beautiful Russian had embraced the role of bridesmaid, wearing the same dress as her friends, though hers was a bold and stunning two-tone blend of mauve and peach. She embodied Slavic sensuality in all its splendor.

Indeed, the three marine wives were so stunning that the other guests couldn’t help but admire them from every angle, their eyes filled with admiration and envy. But they weren’t the only ones drawing attention; their husbands were equally attractive and charismatic. It was almost embarrassing for Hudson, who was desperately trying to escape a conversation imposed on him by a striking police officer in her ceremonial uniform. She had introduced herself as June’s superior and had immediately set her sights on the commander upon seeing him board.

“Livia, I think your husband’s being hit on. And judging by the looks he’s giving you, he could use a rescue,” Lex teased, leaning in to whisper to the Englishwoman.

Smiling in amusement, she observed her husband from afar and replied, “I think my husband’s a big boy and can handle himself in situations like this.”

“You’re so cruel!”

Lex punctuated his accusation with a small, conspiratorial laugh before turning his gaze to John’s striking figure, leaning against the ship’s railing, his eyes fixed on the shore, waiting for his bride to arrive. It was always a bit surreal to see one of his brothers-in-arms about to tie the knot, especially since they had once been hardened bachelors, terrified of commitment or the mere idea of building a home. But today, after years of emotional wandering and doubt, each of them was happily bound to a wonderful, loving woman.

“Oh, look, June’s finally here!” Scarlett suddenly exclaimed, and all the guests already aboard crowded the railing to watch the bride and her twin sister approach.

While the carriage and luxury car had briefly piqued May’s interest—June’s glamorous and imaginative twin, who had helped organize the wedding alongside John, Xenia, and Livia—she had ultimately chosen a vintage sidecar for the bride’s arrival. The bottle-green vehicle was in pristine condition. Naturally, June wasn’t driving but was seated in the “basket” attached to the right side of the motorcycle, a delicate white veil falling over her face, sewn onto the large ivory velvet headband perched on her head like a tiara.

“So, my little monkey,1 how are you feeling?” May asked after cutting the motorcycle’s engine, her smile so wide and radiant it seemed to reflect the spring sunlight and blind anyone looking at her.

“I feel nauseous from your reckless driving, May! You know I could ticket you for serious speeding violations,” June quipped, trying to extricate herself from her seat, though her fitted wedding attire and heels restricted her movements.

She sat back down, catching her breath.

“Says the cop who chased a car going over 150 miles per hour!”

“That was for work, so it doesn’t count.”

“Admit it, you’re a little queasy because you’re nervous about getting remarried, and your fiancé just pulled off a monumental surprise with this boat… honestly, I was impressed by his choice.”

May’s mischievous remarks and expressions always charmed her audience. After dismounting the motorcycle, she walked around to help her sister out of the sidecar. When June stood to her full height, May’s joy doubled as she rediscovered her sister’s beauty. For this second wedding, June had chosen an ivory pantsuit made of Duchess satin, adorned with lovely mother-of-pearl buttons on the jacket and sleeves. This chic and modern outfit exuded elegance, highlighting her sculpted figure—a figure that could have graced fashion runways in another life. A matching ivory belt with a gold buckle accentuated her slim waist, while the flowing trousers elongated her legs, partially concealing the beauty of her satin heels. A lace and sheer chiffon blouse delicately covered her neck and chest beneath her partially open jacket.

There was no need to open a dictionary to find the definition of “beauty” because June embodied it entirely.

“I don’t say it enough, my sugar darling, but you’re stunning,” May admitted, torn between admiration and emotion.

It was the second time she was giving her sister away in marriage, and the emotion was just as profound, perhaps even more so, given the long mourning period that had preceded this joyous event.

“You’re my pride, June.”

The young bride smiled in gratitude and squeezed her twin’s hand, who was equally radiant and luminous on this happy day. Following her sister’s wishes, May had also chosen a tailored suit, crafted from yards of mustard-yellow silk and satin. The cut of her jacket was less daring than June’s, but her trousers hugged her figure just as well, while her brown heels accentuated her arch. If the colors of their outfits distinguished them, their hairstyles did too. May had styled her hair in a French twist adorned with a yellow rose, contrasting with her sister’s loose waves.

The police officer admired her twin in return and confessed, “You’re my pride, May. You always have been and always will be the most beautiful.”

“Oh no, no one outshines the bride on her wedding day.”

Sharing one last knowing smile, the twins held hands and walked toward the gangway leading to the majestic, decorated boat. June’s heart was pounding so hard it could have drowned out the beat of a war drum. The reception venue had been transformed into a floating palace just to celebrate her union with John.

“My God, I feel like I’m boarding Cleopatra’s barge…”

Her heart skipped another beat when she finally spotted her fiancé through the crowd of guests.

How is it even allowed for a man to be this handsome?

Sure, it wasn’t the first time she’d seen him in full military dress uniform, but today, the sunlight seemed to cast an extra radiant, hypnotic glow around him.

Is he really waiting for me?

“June, your husband is so mesmerized by your beauty he’s about to fall overboard!” May teased, skipping ahead onto the ship’s gangway.

Cheers of joy erupted as the bride-to-be stepped aboard, while her groom gently pushed through the crowd to race down the stairs separating them. He was the first to reach the second deck of the boat, waiting for her with a broad smile, though slightly out of breath from his quick dash. His charm, however, remained intact—if anything, it was amplified.

When she finally reached him, time seemed to stop, and nothing else mattered. It was as if the thick clouds of a dream had gathered around them, isolating them from the outside world. In this bubble of bliss, the soon-to-be-married couple exchanged a knowing smile, without saying a word, as they admired each other’s attire.

Like his brothers-in-arms, John was dressed in his iconic black marine jacket, cinched at the waist with a belt, and adorned with a diagonal sash crossing his chest and back. The look was both tailored and sophisticated, complemented by military ribbons, insignias, and medals. The saber at his left side added to his commanding presence, while the pristine white trousers and matching cap provided a harmonious contrast.

As for June, she was beyond words. The marine felt his vocabulary fail him as he gazed at her, divine and radiant. All he could feel was his heart pounding wildly, his eyes welling up, and his throat tightening with unspoken declarations.

After a long silence, John regained some composure—and the ability to speak. He stepped closer to June, captivated by her lioness-like gaze behind her white veil, and gently took her right hand.

“You look stunning, Sergeant Garner.”

The marine’s awe both moved and amused her.

“You’re not too bad yourself, Colonel Arlington.”

“Ready to seal your fate with mine until death do us part?” he asked, his confidence returning.

“Absolutely.”

“If I may offer some advice, John, hurry up and get her to the officiant before she decides to jump ship,” May couldn’t resist adding, teasingly.

And with a shared laugh, the trio climbed the stairs to the top deck of the boat, where the ceremony was to take place.

1. “Little monkey” refers to the passenger seated in the “basket” of a sidecar during a race.

2

A magnificent arch of red, white, and blue flowers adorned the deck of the grand boat, now gliding along the Savannah River, bathed in radiant sunlight. A small path lined with trails of flowers marked the way for John and June to join General Arlington, who would officiate the ceremony in his splendid white dress uniform. The hundred guests were already seated on chairs decorated with white balloons, arranged on either side of the flower-lined path. Among them were the policewoman’s colleagues and the marine’s comrades, so that half the attendees were dressed in formal uniforms—midnight blue for law enforcement, and black and white for the military.

Standing before the arch, alongside Lex, Keir, and Miguel, Hudson stepped slightly forward to sing a cappella one of the couple’s favorite love songs, Unchained Melody. His velvety voice, deep and warm, and his passion for music had made him an exceptional singer, often called upon by friends and comrades to enliven an evening or celebrate a special occasion.

Everyone present, starting with his wife, was spellbound by the sensual beauty of the lyrics as he sang:

Woah, my love, my darling,

I’ve hungered for your touch,

A long, lonely time,

And time goes by so slowly,

And time can do so much,

Are you still mine?

I need your love,

I need your love,

God speed your love to me.

Lonely rivers flow,

To the sea, to the sea,

To the open arms of the sea, yeah,

Lonely rivers sigh,

Wait for me, wait for me,

I’ll be coming home, wait for me.

Breaking with tradition, June and John had decided to appear together, hand in hand, preceded by their friends’ children, dressed as cherubs and tasked with leading the bridal procession by scattering rose petals along the path.

A chorus of delighted exclamations and a flurry of camera flashes greeted the adorable nuptial procession. This charming scene was, of course, the brainchild of May and Xenia. Between the whimsical twin and the former prima ballerina, accustomed to enchanting spectacles, the connection had been instant when it came to wedding planning. They had ordered adorable angel wings made of white goose feathers on Amazon to complement the already delightful outfits of the children. While Bruce, the four-year-old blond boy, looked adorable in his miniature sky-blue tuxedo and white wings, his expression was grave and solemn, resembling that of marines on parade. His father had trained him well for this mission, and he took his role seriously, leading the procession while holding Luna’s hand. Though she was equally earnest in her role, Juliette and Phoebe, aged three and two respectively, squabbled over the last petals in the basket, biting each other’s hands, cheeks, and arms.

Unable to endure her younger sister’s attacks any longer, Juliette grew more upset and eventually pushed Phoebe aside, causing her to fall to the ground. Though accustomed to such scuffles, the youngest grimaced, her chin quivered, and then she burst into tears.

“Oh, Juliette!” exclaimed John, letting go of his fiancée’s hand to scoop up the tearful Phoebe just as Hudson finished singing. “Be kind to your sister, will you?”

The little scene left the audience surprised but amused, and while Bruce halted the procession to glare at his little sisters, clearly exasperated by their behavior, John and June lightened the mood with a burst of laughter. Their amusement quickly spread to the other adults, even Keir and Scarlett, who no longer felt embarrassed by their children’s antics.

Deeply charmed by her beloved uncle, Juliette nodded before turning to the policewoman, her face masked with confusion.

“Auntie June, why can’t I be the bride? I don’t like throwing flowers; I’d rather have your role!”

Her little freckled face and plaintive, crystalline voice were so endearing that everyone burst into laughter again.

Sitting further back in the bridesmaids’ section, Scarlett shook her head in exasperation and whispered to Livia, “Of all our kids, this one’s the cheekiest. I’ll go get her; she won’t make it to the end of the procession anyway.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. June’s got it under control.”

Indeed, the bride had crouched down to pick up the little girl and said in a reassuring tone, “How about we both play the bride, okay?”

The light in Juliette’s green eyes seemed to brighten at the idea.

“Oh, yay! Uncle John will be my boyfriend too!”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

“You always want to be the star, Juliette!” Bruce couldn’t help but grumble, his golden prince’s crown slipping askew on his short blond hair.

The boy received a cheeky tongue-out response from the little redhead and, to contain his frustration, he sharply adjusted the golden accessory back atop his head.

“You little pest!”

“Now, now, kids, no fighting,” John soothed, holding Phoebe close as the cherubic two-year-old gazed at him adoringly before planting slobbery kisses on his cheek.

June noticed and couldn’t resist teasing her husband, a mischievous smile playing on her red lips. “Well, my love, you’re quite the ladies’ man. All the girls want to marry you.”

“Yup!” Phoebe shouted in agreement, earning a tender caress on her cheek.

Then, with a shared smile and an encouraging glance at Bruce and Luna, the couple continued their walk to the flowered arch, each carrying a little redhead in their arms. A bit further back, Keir and Scarlett moved to join them to relieve them of their charming burdens, but John and June stopped them with a gesture, genuinely wanting to keep the children with them. It added to the tenderness of the moment.

“What a lovely entourage!” exclaimed General Arlington cheerfully as the couple and their cherubs finally reached him.

The septuagenarian held in his hands a sheet of old pink paper on which his officiant’s speech had been carefully written by him and the three brothers-in-arms of his adoptive son. No doubt the words were sprinkled with humor.

“My dear friends, thank you all for being here on this beautiful spring day to celebrate the union of John, my favorite Amish, and June, the most beautiful police officer in Savannah,” the general began playfully.

Chuckles rippled through the crowd as the couple exchanged a knowing smile. John felt a wave of shivers every time his gaze landed on the woman of his life. He had seen her look beautiful before—of course, she always amazed him, whether in her police uniform, casual clothes, pajamas, lingerie, or even nothing at all—but in this modern, sophisticated bridal outfit, bathed in a halo of radiant light that made the green and brown flecks in her eyes sparkle behind her white veil, the ruby fullness of her lips, the grace of her swan-like neck, and the perfect oval of her face, she seemed otherworldly. It was as if the Georgia sky had parted to place her here before him, like an angel resting on a rosy, lily-scented cloud.

“My heart’s going to explode; you’re so beautiful,” June read on her husband’s lips, and she blushed with pleasure.

“Mine too,” she silently replied.

The young woman had never imagined wearing a wedding outfit again, yet here she was, awaiting the nuptial blessing beneath this flowered arch, the love of her new life by her side. Of course, John would never replace Keith in her heart, her late husband whom she would never stop loving despite the insurmountable boundary that separated them as long as she lived. However, the pilot had won her love and illuminated her with a passion she had never known, so much so that the old June no longer existed. The woman who once let herself be haunted by the ghosts of the past had been replaced by someone happy, serene, and in love. The weight of unhappy memories had been shed like an old skin, thanks to her husband and her new friends, especially Lex and Xenia, who regularly helped her cleanse her mind through esoteric therapies.

Today, she felt healed, at peace with herself.

“I’ll keep it brief and won’t get lost in lyrical speeches, as I know you’re eager to marry,” the general continued with a mischievous smile at the couple. “But my speech wouldn’t be complete without saying a little about you two…”

The septuagenarian now turned his gaze to the gathered guests.

“You see, my friends, when I met John twenty years ago, I saw an incredible light in him that immediately moved me. At the time, I considered myself an orphan, having no family, no wife, no son… John had just left the Amish community to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. He was so young when I met him, yet he was brimming with determination and willpower that few men possess… and I’ve met many men! But beyond his ambition, there was a sincerity and touching innocence about him. I knew from the first moment that John was the son I had been searching for all along.”

The general paused, suddenly overcome with emotion, which he suppressed with a brief silence, while John looked at him with affection tinged with admiration.

“My son has also become, over time, the brother that his three best friends always wished they had.”

The general redirected his blue eyes to John and said, “To thank you for existing, these three rascals asked me to read this poem, written by them.”

Immediately, the groom glanced over his shoulder at his three companions, noticing their winks and mischievous eyebrow raises.

What are they up to?

Intrigued, the couple turned their attention back to the officiant, who began to recite in the tone of a Greek orator:

From the plains of Pennsylvania to the Southern bayous,

John with his white hair, licorice in hand,

Chased adventures, fed his solitude,

Knowing this life would lead to failure.

The hardened bachelor, with a dandy’s flair,

More in love with his cars than with women,

Thought he’d never fall in love,

Until the night June arrested him.

Now, love holds him in its net,

The fearless policewoman has him detained,

For a life sentence,

Sealed by the bonds of their union.

A wave of applause and amused comments erupted around the couple as they laughed, glancing at the three jokesters. Hudson, Keir, and Lex had spent the previous evening crafting the humorous poem, debating word choices, arguing over rhymes, and finalizing it with their wives’ advice.

“You guys are something else,” John said, turning to them. “I’m impressed by your poetic talents.”

“And we even held Lex back,” Keir replied with a grin. “It was like Pushkin possessed him the whole time we were writing.”

While June and those nearby chuckled at the exchange, the scarred captain received an elbow in the ribs from the military instructor, signaling him to quiet down so the ceremony could continue.

“Now, I’d like to speak about June, my daughter-in-law,” the general resumed seriously as silence returned to the gathering. “In my life, I’ve rarely met a woman as brave, courageous, determined, and… daring. It’s incredible how she wields weapons and upholds order without losing an ounce of femininity. Honestly, I’ve never seen a woman as stunning as her in uniform.”

At the end of his sentence, the old man gave his daughter-in-law a cheeky wink, which she returned with a blown kiss.

“June’s strength, resilience, and sensitivity make her an extraordinary woman. I’m proud to welcome her into my family by marrying her to my son.”

The policewoman felt her eyes well up, but the presence of her mascara forced her to hold back her tears, even though it was supposed to be waterproof. She could practically feel the watchful, threatening gaze of her twin behind her, ready to pounce on any tear that might ruin her makeup artistry.

“Auntie June, why is the wedding taking so long?” Juliette asked, sighing loudly in her arms, prompting more laughter, especially from her father.