Here With Us (The Archer Brothers)

CHAPTER 5

EVAN

Years ago, Ryley told me she wanted to get married on our beach—Coronado Beach. I don’t remember when this became our spot, but it did. Maybe it’s because the weather is always perfect, even if it is too hot at times or because this is where my team would get together before we’d head downrange. Whatever made the beach our place, it’s all a moot point now because we live within walking distance and are finally getting married there. It seems like every dream we had as a young couple is finally coming to fruition. I thought after Tucker and Penny exchanged vows on the beach, Ryley would opt for another locale, but she’s never wavered. The only thing that has changed is the guest list. Years ago, it would have been a hundred or so deep. Now, it’s a handful. It’ll be our friends and family—the people we hold close to us. My teammates will be there, my mom and sister, my brother, and my son, and the two people I have considered a part of my life since Ryley and I started dating—her parents. Of course, my bride will be there, walking down the sandy aisle toward me and our son. We’ll finally share the same last name.

Today is our final suit fitting and it’s the last thing I want to do. I’m not a fan of strangers asking me how I hang. It seems like an intrusive question and I’m not overly keen with the store clerks asking EJ this as well. It seems like pants should be made to accommodate whoever, at least that’s how the NWUs are.

Everyone meets at my house. The ladies are dress shopping today, while us men are doing the least manly thing ever. I try not to let it bother me that Ryley hasn’t picked out a dress. She’s had our suits on order for months, but no dress. From what I gather, after looking at all her bridal magazines, this is not normal behavior for a bride. It’s probably a good thing I’m confident in her love for me, and honestly, I don’t care if she wears her robe. I know she’ll be walking toward me as the sun sets over the pacific.

Jensen decides to drive. I sit up front with him, while Nate, Tucker and EJ sit in the back. I stare out the window while Jensen makes small talk with the guys. They’re talking about soccer, which isn’t a sport I follow. I’m down for a Sunday afternoon of watching football with my friends, and love that our new house is accommodating for everyone. Part of me doesn’t want to admit that I’m happy we’re back. I refuse to let my guard down even with Frannie dead and her disgusting piece of shit brother behind bars. Now that I’m back, maybe I’ll pay a visit to Ted Lawson and make sure his life is a living hell. Honestly, hell is too good of a place for someone like him, and death is too easy. Even though I know he’s behind bars, I still look for him on the streets. Same with Frannie. I know she’s dead, but I also don’t buy that there aren't any other players in this game of theirs.

Jensen pulls into the parking lot of a strip mall in San Diego. I must’ve been so lost in thought that I don’t remember crossing the bridge to get off the island. It’s crazy how one thought can pull you away from everything around you. We get out of the car and follow Jensen toward the men’s fashion store. He holds EJ’s hand, while Nate, Tucker, and I walk side by side. There’s a lady walking toward us. She looks at us with wide eyes and then darts out of our way. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I imagine the three of us look rather frightening. Too bad she doesn’t know we used to be the guys who saved lives. I miss that life and hate that people ripped it away from me.

The salesclerk greets us as soon as we walk in. Jensen gives him our name and tells him that we have an appointment for a final fitting. While the clerk gets everything situated, I take a walk around, for no other reason than boredom. The last time I was in a store like this, it was to get my tuxedo for prom. I took Ryley and it was one of the best nights of my life. We were so young and had the world ahead of us. We thought we were going to conquer the world.

My fingers touch the material on the coat in front of me. While the fabric is nice, it’s not what I thought I’d wear to my wedding. This wedding should’ve happened years ago, before our son was born, with me in my dress uniform. But again, someone took it upon themselves to involve me and my family in their sick and twisted plan. The only positive from all of this is that Ryley sued the Navy on behalf of EJ and won big. Our son is set and probably won’t ever have to work a day in his life if he doesn’t want to.