Stuart
We made it to the end of the week. Our second whiskey delivery was almost gone, and we’d talked about everything that had happened over the past two years. He’d told me about Melissa and having his son. I’d told him about private service and why it wasn’t the same as active duty.
We talked about the flashbacks. He didn’t have them as much as I did. Actually, he didn’t have them at all owing to the fact he’d been knocked unconscious by the grenade blast.
“They don’t upset me,” I said, watching the wind outside the cabin push the brown grasses flat as it crossed the open space. Ranger and Dakota were in a pop-up shelter my little brother had included in the supplies he’d brought. “I expected to have them. Honestly, I figured I’d have more before my career ended.”
Derek tilted the heavy glass back and forth, watching the amber liquid move side to side. “You’re the only person I’ve ever heard say something so bat-shit crazy.”
He wasn’t drinking as much as he had the first night. I was still fighting the pain, but whether it was the presence of a familiar friend or simply the passing of time, something had shifted. I was stronger. I was coming out of it.
“It goes with the territory.” I pushed out of my chair and made myself a small glass of water. I’d been popping a vitamin complex since I’d arrived at the ranch. Uncle Bill had suggested it based on his own private battles. “With the stress we were under, and what we faced every day...”
Derek watched me take the pill. “I guess there’s some logic there.”
Our conversations were like tower duty all over again, and again we’d come out on the other side.
When he spoke again, he sounded almost guilty. “I’m headed back tomorrow. Melissa wants me home with her and Dex for the holiday.”
Nodding I put the glass in the sink. “It’s a family time.”
“We’ve only been out here a week, but you look better.”
“Two weeks is how long they said for the physical symptoms to subside.” Staring out the dark square window over the sink, I thought about the other side of the coin. “They suggest self-help or meditation for the mental shit.”
Derek studied his palm. “It’s not a bad idea.”
I almost laughed, but I didn’t. “I’ve never been much for meditating.”
He nodded. “We can talk about it when I’m back.” Walking over to the small sofa, he glanced around the room. “You planning to sleep tonight?”
“Maybe.”
“If you change your mind, let me know so I can have the bed.”
“Take it now.” He was as tall as me and twice my size in straight muscle. “I sleep sitting up these days.”
He laughed and grabbed a pillow off the sofa. “Wake me if you need anything.”
We turned out the lamp and sat in the quiet for a while until I knew he was asleep. Sleep had eluded me so long, I couldn’t remember what it felt like to lie down and drift to that other place. In the darkness I thought about our conversation from the first night. Something to fight for, some reason to stay.
My partner would leave, my little brother would stay, and my future sister in law would arrive. The coming week was definitely shaping into a mental challenge, but I didn’t see a way around it.
* * *
Elaine
Thanksgiving break was here, and I was going to be with my man. I couldn’t throw my shit in my suitcase fast enough. Sweet baby Lane was with his family in Bayville, and as much as I loved that little boy to pieces, I was more than ready to have some alone-time with his daddy. I’d be on a plane headed west in less than two hours to spend my first holiday with the Knight men. I was practically skipping with excitement.
Stuart was a mystery to me. Patrick didn’t like him, and call me biased, but for Patrick not to like someone, he had to be a royal jerk. I mean, he would be my family soon, so I had to be nice. Still, I wasn’t letting him get me down. We’d deal with that situation, and in the meantime, I’d be with my guy.
I was almost ready to go when my phone sang out the special tone I’d reserved for Kenny. My stomach clenched, and I dropped everything, digging in my bag as fast as I could to find it.
“Is Lane okay?” My words flew out in a rush.
“Oh my god!” Kenny spoke so fast, I could almost see her clutching the sides of her hair. “Lainey, I’m sorry! He’s fine! I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No, no! It’s me,” I laughed, grabbing the reins. Take a breath, dial it back. “I didn’t expect you to call. What’s up?”