Chapter 170: Pass-in-Review

Eleventh General Order of the Navy – To be especially watchful at night, and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority

Helen and Jolene walked ahead of Jaxon and Dean as they followed the crowd. They were escorted to their seats which were close to the floor. Or, as the sailor called it, the drill deck.

Helen sat in the inside seat followed by her daughter and son. Dean sat at the end and suddenly felt alone and by herself. Jaxon and Jolene had each other and their mother. And Helen had all her kids and Reese.

But who did she have?

She was an orphan. An only child. On what should have been a happy day, grief washed over her.

A strong arm was placed around her shoulders and pulled her into Jaxon’s side. His other hand reached down and lightly grasped her tightly connected hands.

“Breathe, sweetheart.”

Dean took in a deep ragged breath and was only then aware that she had been holding her breath. Le