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inhaled his hot male scent with each deep breath. “Entire families liveon and off base and yeah, they have pets and the kids ride bicycles and the men love their wives—” He drew a steadying breath. His voice dropped. “And the wives love their husbands.”
    Defensively, Liv pointed out, “It’s difficult to move with an animal.”
    “So if you had to move—”
    “I won’t.”
    “But if you did, you wouldn’t take Jack with you?”
    “He’s mine,” she snapped. “Of course I’d take him.”
    Satisfaction gleamed in Ham’s eyes. “Of course.”
    Feeling cornered, she started to turn away, but Hamilton moved with her, crowding closer still, backing her into a corner of the kitchen. “You’re meant to be a mother, Liv. Kids love you, and you love them.”
    She clasped her hands together to keep them from shaking. “I have an entire classroom of kids. I don’t need to birth them to—”
    “It’s not the same thing and you know it.” His nose brushed the delicate hair at her temple. “Why won’t you admit it? Why hold on to your old fears?”
    “Because I know them to be true.”
    “No.” His lips brushed her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. “You have a unique perspective, but it’s not the norm. Marrying into the military isn’t a heinous thing, no matter what you want to believe.”
    Her heart heavy, Liv whispered, “For me, it would be.”
    His breath came out in a sigh. “Liv, honey, there’s always room for compromise.”
    “Dad said—” Liv caught herself. She winced, then cleared her throat. “There are no compromises in the military. There are rules and regulations, a code of ethics. But no compromise.”
    For several heartbeats, Hamilton just looked at her, but Liv could feel the force of his frustration and her convictions wavered.
    Jack whined, breaking the spell.
    Drawing a deep breath, Hamilton stepped back. “To show you how good I am at compromising, I’m going to let that topic go—for now. At the moment, you’ve got enough to think about without me debating the pros and cons of married life in the air force.” He tried a smile that lacked sincerity. “Go take your shower. Jack and I’ll be fine.”
    Taking the opportunity to escape, Liv agreed. “His food is in the pantry. Two cups full. And give him fresh water.”
    Utilizing a touch of irony, Hamilton saluted her.
    If only she could have him forever, her life would be perfect. But perfection aside, she had a job she loved, a house that suited her, a dog for companionship and friends galore. No husband and no children of her own,but she had a classroom full of kids that she truly cared about.
    Not the same, but close.
    It was a good life, full of consistency and security. She was content.
    At least she had been before Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton Wulf had once again invaded her life.

CHAPTER THREE
    L IV TOOK ONE LOOK in the mirror and cringed. Tears stained her cheeks, her makeup either gone or where it didn’t belong. She could only imagine her father’s reaction if he saw her like this.
    But Hamilton hadn’t seemed to mind. No, he’d kissed her silly. Held her. Supported her.
    Why did he have to be so wonderful?
    And why did she have to love him so much? Through the years, other men had wanted her attention, but nothing had ever come of it. Liv tried, she really did. She gave each man a chance to wiggle into her heart. But no one compared to Ham.There were times when she doubted any man ever would.
    If she could do things over…No, she wouldn’t remove Ham from her memories. Without him, her childhood after her mother’s death would have been unbearable. Her moments with Ham made up some of the best of her life. Whether he ever became part of her future, he’d left an indelible mark on her past.
    Her most immediate future involved the preparation for her father’s burial. She should probably call the funeral home today. Liv rubbed her forehead, knowing that once again, Ham deserved her gratitude.