Her Wilde Marines (Wilde, Nevada 4)

“I wasn’t old enough to make good decisions. When Larry said he would marry me, I thought I didn’t have another choice.”

“The bastard probably only married you to keep from going to jail.”

“Bane, you sound like my grandfather when I came back with a wedding ring on my finger. I thought he was going to kill Larry.”

“I knew I liked your grandfather, Em,” he said.

“Leland and Helen are true blue, that’s for sure,” Adam agreed. “How were you able to get married, Em? Didn’t you need your mother’s consent? Norma wasn’t the kind of woman who would’ve given it to someone like Larry.”

“You’re right about that.” She closed her eyes, recalling that tear-filled day she’d tied the knot with Larry. “My ex forged my mother’s signature. I should’ve known better, but I didn’t. I felt trapped and without any other options. I thought my baby needed a daddy. Mine died when I was so young. I felt like I’d lost out. I didn’t want that for my child.”

Bane squeezed her hand. “Honey, that’s so understandable.”

“That’s what Mom told me when she found out. She never cared for Larry, but Mom finally did give her consent to our marriage, though after the fact. Like me, she hoped he would prove to be a good father. Mom and I were both wrong. I was so foolish back then. I should’ve listened to my mom and grandparents.”

“You were very young, sweetheart, with a very big problem.” Adam’s words were so kind.

“For the next two years, I lived with the cheating bastard. It wasn’t that I loved him. I just hoped he would take care of my girls and me. He didn’t. He would always come home drunk with stale perfume on his clothes. I finally had enough and moved in with my grandparents until I could save the money I needed to get us our own place.”

“According to your grandparents, you got your degree, too. God, Em, you’re superwoman.”

“Don’t believe them. I’m not even close.”

“Stop downplaying what you’ve accomplished, darlin’.” Adam’s tone was firm but kind. “You did what you had to do to get by. It’s clear your two girls mean the world to you. You’re amazing.”

“He’s right, sweetheart.” Bane kissed her on the cheek. “You’re incredible.”

For a brief second, she almost believed what they saw in her.

Should I tell them about the voices?

God, she wanted to, but even though she’d promised to tell them sometime, she just couldn’t bring herself to admit to them how flawed she really was right now. Not yet at least.

Time for a subject change. “Guys, shouldn’t we stop and grab a bite to eat? I could use a break and a chance to stretch my legs.”

“I saw a sign that said the best steaks in Wyoming are just a few miles up the road.” Adam placed his right hand on her knee. “I’m hungry, too.”

“You’re always hungry, bro.” Bane laughed. “But so am I.”

God, they made her feel so good, so happy. “Maybe when we get back to Wilde I can organize a rematch on the pie-eating contest for you two.”

“Not unless it’s your grandma’s pies, Em.”

“Don’t underestimate my abilities in the kitchen, guys. She and my mom taught me everything I know, and believe me I know a lot.” She giggled, thinking about the first meal she would serve them in her new house. “From now on, you may call me Chef Em.”

“Well, I for one, can’t wait to try your cooking, Chef Em baby.” Bane smiled.

“I for two, Chef Em baby.” Adam laughed. “My favorite pie is apple.”

“And yours, Bane?”

“Same, honey. I mean, Chef Em baby. We are twins, you know.”

* * * *

Bane saw the familiar sign on Old Highway 93 that told him they were almost home.

13 Miles to Wilde, Nevada – population 969, we welcome you with 1,938 arms.