Back in the Soldier's Bed

“But I scared you both so much.”

“We’ll be fine. And you will, too.”

She was so strong, willing to give of herself. She always had been. In some strange way, it made him proud. At that moment, he couldn’t think of a woman he’d rather have as a mother to his daughter.

Shannyn stepped back, sniffing and swiping a finger beneath her lashes.

“Don’t you see, Jonas? This is a beginning. A new one for you. Why would I be upset about that?”

Chapter 12

When the hotdogs were almost ready, Shannyn called Emma down for supper.

Jonas was waiting for Emma outside, nervously bouncing his knee as he sat at the picnic table. He’d spoken to her, but she was glad he felt he owed Emma an explanation too. His respect for her feelings, and for Emma’s, told her he meant what he said about getting help.

Shannyn was relieved to find Emma subdued, but not afraid when she came downstairs. “Your Dad wants to talk to you, honey. Do you think you can do that?”

Emma nod

ded, looking suddenly far older than her five years.

Shannyn watched the scene outside unfold with a lump in her throat. Dinner was ready, but Emma and Jonas needed this time together. Hotdogs and potato salad could wait.

Jonas talked to Emma, his face sober and honest. For a minute they remained a few feet apart. Then Emma held out her bear—the one she called Mr. Huggins—and he took it into his hands.

Emma’s arms went around her father and Shannyn pressed a hand to her mouth. Children were so forgiving. Seeing Jonas come apart at the seams had frightened her to death, not that she’d let on. Her fear had instantly become secondary once she’d realized he’d been trapped in his own personal hell.

And Emma had been crying when she’d gone upstairs to check on her. Explaining hadn’t been easy, but Shannyn had tried to keep it simple. Daddy had nightmares sometimes, and he’d had one today. He wasn’t angry at her, or at Shannyn. It wasn’t Emma’s fault.

She ran her fingertips over her lips, unable to forget the passion in his kiss.

When Jonas and Emma pulled apart, Shannyn saw Jonas turn his head to wipe his eyes privately before turning a smile on Emma. He’d made everything right. She was surprised to find tears in her own eyes and wiped her lashes. Clearing her throat, she picked up the tray holding their food and went to the patio door. When she knocked on the window, Emma bounced up to open it. Even though Jonas was awake, Shannyn noticed how gently Emma closed the door behind her.

“Supper’s ready, guys,” she called out, and had to work to paste on a smile. What a topsy-turvy day it had turned out to be.

Jonas got up to help her, taking the tray from her hands, his warm fingers brushing over hers. “Is there more?”

“Yes, there are a few more things on the counter.”

He placed the tray on the picnic table and then followed her inside. She grabbed the pitcher of lemonade but before she could go back out, he put his hand on her arm.

“Thank you,” he said, his voice low. It sent shivers up her spine. “Whatever you said to Emma upstairs, it worked. She’s strong, Shan. She gets that from you.”

Shannyn closed her eyes. Every time he touched her now it seemed all her senses kicked in. Every touch, each caress seemed to carry far more meaning. He’d verbally thrown a lot of things at her this afternoon, but she was smart enough to know they had only been a smokescreen. Now every moment, every revelation into his character, drew her closer. Intertwined their lives. It elated her almost as much as it frightened her.

“Don’t credit me. I saw you through the window. It was what you said. She never shares Mr. Huggins.”

He let her arm go, and she turned to open the door.“Shan?”

When she faced him again, he was holding glasses in his hands. For a second she got an intuitive feeling, as if he were going to say something she wouldn’t like. He looked almost apologetic.

“I know what I’ve got to do.”

He slid past her out into the yard before she could ask him what he meant.

They sat up to the table, reminiscent of a regular family ritual. Plates were filled, chatter ensued. Shannyn stole glances at Jonas. He acted like he was fine, he laughed and smiled and ate like all was normal. But Shannyn couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow something was wrong. What did he feel he had to do? And why was he waiting to tell her?

The evening was waning, settling into mellow sunset when they unwrapped ice cream sandwiches. Shannyn handed around napkins as chins sported dribbles of vanilla and chocolate. Jonas sighed.