Chapter 6 - The Unbroken SisterhoodFollowing the ceremony, a warm celebration was held at the Officer's Club overlooking the Potomac River.
Joined by my sister Rachel, my mother—who had flown in from California—and close friends from my unit, we gathered around white-linen tables set up along the stone patio, enjoying fine food and live music.
Major General Hayes walked up to our table, carrying two glasses of sparkling apple cider, handing one to me with deep, genuine pride.
"What are you thinking about, Major Vance?" General Hayes asked softly, looking out over the sparkling waters of the river.
I looked down at the gold oak leaf on my shoulder, touching the faint silver scar on my left wrist, feeling a profound, weightless peace fill every corner of my heart.
"I was thinking about a metal chair one year ago, General," I answered softly, smiling up into his carved, handsome face. "When a coward tried to break my arm, and a General showed me who I truly was."
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General Hayes offered a warm, breathtaking smile—a look of pure, eternal fatherly pride.
"You were always a Major, Sarah," General Hayes promised, clinking his glass gently against mine under the spring sun. "The chair just showed the world your armor."
