by Zoe Hart
We entered the bathroom and closed the door. “Have you been here before, Mommy?” Lark asked.
“Yes. Once,” I responded as I helped tug her panties and jeans down, then hefted her onto the potty.
“This place is nice,” she commented as she looked around.
“Yes, it is.” I was still thinking about the kiss, working on autopilot. I’d taken Lark to the bathroom so many times in the last year and a half, I could do it in my sleep. And I was pretty sure that I had.
We washed her hands as soon as she was finished. Once she was all together again, I opened the door. Hawk, true to his word, was waiting on the bed. “Want a tour of the rest of the house?” he asked Lark. “After all, you two are going to stay with me and Bishop for a little while.”
Lark’s eyes widened. “Really?” She jumped up and down. “Can Dolly Mama come too?”
“Calm down, little one,” I urged. I figured that Hawk wasn’t used to being around kids. Lark could be an experience.
“Of course. You can bring all your toys.” Hawk smiled.
Lark looked insulted. “Dolly Mama is my baby.”
He cringed. “Of course she is. What was I thinking?” He looked to me for support and I laughed.
We exited the room and turned to the left down the hall. There were two rooms on the right-hand side. One was a bunk room, the other had a queen-size bed. They were separated by a Jack-and-Jill bath.
“These are all yours,” he explained. “Plenty of room for toys and clothes.” Hawk looked at me. “The rest, we’ll put in storage…just as soon as you let me know where to drop the POD.”
“I can do it,” I mumbled, even though I knew this would be a financial burden when I needed to be looking for a new place to live.
Hawk shook his head. “No, Taryn. Let me help you. Save your money. I’ve got this. Starting Monday, I’ll have a position at McKenzie Security making what I’m sure will be an obscene amount of money. I won’t be able to add muscle to the move any other way.” He passed me his phone. “Send yourself a text from my phone with your address. We’ll get this all set up.”
And just like that, he’d helped me figure it all out. Three calls later, we’d worked out all the details. The POD would arrive on Monday, and they’d pick it up after I had it completely loaded on Friday. Braxton and his best friend, Cash, who was now Peyton’s boyfriend, had offered to help after work on Thursday, loading all the heavy boxes and furniture. Peyton had signed up to help me pack all the little things tomorrow. This was really happening. I knew I should embrace it, but I was also terrified. The last time I wanted anything this badly, it all blew up in my face.
“Listen, I can see you’re ready to work yourself into a lather as you overthink this,” he murmured into my ear while he walked me and Lark back to our vehicle parked at the dunes after we ate dinner together. “Don’t do it.” He pulled me into his arms.
“No? I don’t have anything to worry about?” I tried to laugh, but I knew I’d failed miserably.
“Yes. I have the perfect antidote to worry.” He grinned, despite having Lark frequently cut off his air with the grip she had around his neck.
“And what might that be?” I wondered. Already, I was trying to process how I was going to make all this happen while I worked until six every night.
He leaned close and whispered in my ear. “Move in Monday, or tomorrow night. Your choice.” We’d reached my car and as soon as I unlocked it, he opened the door for me, and then the rear passenger door for Lark. Hawk squatted down and helped Lark touch the ground, then he herded her into the vehicle. She didn’t even argue. That’s how I knew she was tired.
“I don’t know…” This was all moving so fast.
“Look. It’s hard to pack everything when you’re still living there. This way you could really pack everything room by room. Kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedrooms…”
As he spoke, I envisioned what he meant. “That could work,” I admitted. “You’re pretty smart for a Marine,” I teased.
“Yes, brawn and brains.” He pulled me into his arms for one more kiss. “Think about it and text me later.”
All the way home, that was all I could think about. The minute I tucked in Lark, I sent that text. One word. Yes.
We were doing this. Whether it was right or wrong, I’d soon find out. There was no turning back now.
11
Hawk
The “yes” caught me by surprise, but not as much as the address she’d sent me earlier. This was the first time I’d looked. And yet I knew the location…since this was my new home. I was the reason Taryn and Lark were about to be homeless. I felt terrible, but I also realized that I was the reason she had a new place to go.
“Let me come help you pack tomorrow,” I urged when I called her at bedtime. “Please. I want to make this as painless as possible. I’ll leave Bishop at the lake house.”
“Fine.” Taryn replied. She sounded strange.
I thought for a moment, and then I guessed what was going on in her head. “You don’t want me to see where you live because you’ve seen the lake house, right?”
Her reply was barely louder than a whisper. “Yes.”
I sighed. “Taryn, people our age don’t live in places like the lake house. I wouldn’t have a place that nice if it weren’t for my parents. I don’t care where you live now. I care about where you’re going, which is to the lake house with me.” I paused a moment before really opening up. “You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to having you and Lark around. The place was too quiet with just me and Bishop.” Still no response. “Plus, I’m dying to get to know you. We had one night, five years ago, and it felt like a mini-relationship on steroids. You deserve better. I’m here now. And I want to give you the relationship I couldn’t give you then, the relationship you deserve.”
Finally, she brightened. “I’d like that.”
“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well, gorgeous.”
“Night, handsome,” she replied.
Our call ended, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her, the woman I was eager to give my whole heart if she ended up being even remotely like the person I’d been dreaming about all those years. I pulled open my nightstand drawer and tucked the laminated photo of Taryn in there before closing it again. Then I settled into bed. I didn’t mind being in here so much now, knowing that we’d soon be together. I had big plans for tomorrow. With any luck, if we worked hard enough, I’d get to have her under my roof by nightfall.
In the morning, I woke to another glorious day on the lake. I forgot how beautiful it could be in Michigan. I’d traveled some, but there was still no place like home. And soon enough I’d be sharing this with the woman I couldn’t stop thinking about.
I sent Taryn a text before I even rolled out of bed.
Me: Have you eaten yet?
Her reply came faster than I expected.
Taryn: Not yet. We’re in negotiations. I don’t want to make a mess. She wants pancakes.
I laughed.
Me: Good news! You both win! I’ll pick up McDonald’s on the way over. I know what to get Lark, but what would you like?
Taryn: The things I would do for a Bacon Egg and Cheese McGriddle… *drool emojis*
Damn, I liked this woman.
Me: Tell me more. I’ll throw in hash browns. Coffee?
Taryn: Mocha, pretty please? *kiss emojis*
Me: You got it, babe.
I cringed, but it was too late. I’d already sent it. There was no taking that term of endearment back. I just hoped she didn’t freak.
Taryn: Thank you! See you soon!
Huh. Well, that was unexpected. Her reaction. Not that I called her “babe.” This was how it had been between us that first night. Everything was so natural, like we were made for each other. I knew that I was supposed to be taking our relationship slow, but for me, a Marine who was used to charging in first and thinking later, this was slow. What Taryn didn’t understand yet was that
Marines were trained to be the first in and the last out. We never left a man behind. And we gave everything our all. Okay, maybe not latrine duty, but firewatch, having each other’s back? Definitely. We were hardcore. I was in this. And I’d practice the patience I didn’t have until her feelings caught up with mine.
So, I took Bishop out and cleaned up his mess on the lawn. I let him eat while I showered. I grabbed some tile samples and paint swatches, loaded them in the truck, and then I dropped her a text to let her know I was on my way. And she replied with a smile emoji. Yes, her emoji game was strong.
Minutes later I pulled into McDonald’s to get everything my girls wanted before parking up in front of the house. I paused, since this wasn’t what I expected. I wasn’t the only one here. Braxton and Peyton were both around to help. I took a deep breath, grabbed the food, drinks, swatches and samples, then made my way to the front door.
“Look who’s here,” Peyton commented as I strode up the sidewalk. She was exiting the house after dropping the stack of boxes I’d seen her pull out of her open trunk.
“Good to see you, Peyton.” I flashed a smile. It was the truth. And I had to believe if we were all together here, this had to be a good sign. They must know she was moving in with me. And as far as I was concerned, their presence was the equivalent of their approval.
“She’s inside. Lark is dying of starvation.” She snickered as she held the door open for me.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but there was Lark, wilted on the floor. “I brought breakfast,” I announced as I held up the bag. “You ready to eat, Lark?”
“Ready?” Her eyes popped open. “I thought I was going to starve before you got here, Hawk.”
“Come eat, baby bird,” I teased. “I even asked for extra syrup.”
Taryn wandered toward us from the back bedroom, two boxes stacked in her arms. I quickly set the food on the table to take the boxes from her. “I’ve got it. They’re light,” she explained as she walked them to the one windowless wall in the living room. Already there was a neat and growing pile.
“Eat before it gets cold, Taryn. We’ll get this place packed up in no time.” I had already seen the cottage fully furnished. And while I hadn’t taken inventory, I was confident that with two packers and two movers, we could have this place done in a day.
She settled in to eat. And I made my apologies. “I’m sorry. If I’d have known you two were here, I’d have brought more food. I can run out if you’re hungry.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Peyton called from the kitchen. “I’m skipping breakfast. Remember, our class reunion is coming up. I can’t believe we’re celebrating five years. Why not ten like normal people?” She rolled her eyes. “And I need to fit in my little black dress.”
“Well, I’d like a couple of McGriddles,” Braxton announced.
I stood up and wiped my hands. Taryn glared at her brother. I was pretty sure his sudden hunger had less to do with food and more to do with wanting a word with me. And sure enough, he gestured for me to follow him outside for the talk. I glanced at Taryn and she looked panicked.
“Brax, bedroom. Now.” She rushed from the table and dragged him down the hall. Once inside the room, she closed the door, but I could still hear most of what they were saying.
“I’m the one who was here helping you. He needs to know that,” Braxton grumbled.
“Stop. He knows. Or he will. We haven’t talked yet.”
I stood frozen for several seconds, then the door opened and they strode towards us. I clapped my hands together. “Look, I will take good care of them, Braxton. I’m sure you’re worried. You’re an awesome brother. I’m just trying to help.”
He nodded and glanced at Taryn. She seemed anxious, but when I walked over to her and wrapped her in my arms, I could feel her relax some. When her breathing had slowed, I whispered, “Let’s get to work. I’m dying to get you two home with me.”
She nodded and swiped at her eyes. I figured this was the perfect time to change the subject. I moved the paint swatches and tile samples until they were in front of her. “What’s this?” she asked.
“Remember how I told you that I was moving into my own place after renovations? I was hoping you could offer an opinion because my contractor is waiting, and I suck at this.” I shrugged. This was a tiny lie. I didn’t suck at this. I had colors I was leaning toward. The truth was that I secretly hoped someday, she’d be living here with me in our completely remodeled cottage, with colors and tiles she’d selected.
“These,” she murmured, as she pulled the glass subway tile and the prettiest blue-gray samples from the bunch.
I nodded my approval and texted Roman the information. Then we finished eating and focused on packing.
As I expected, with the four of us working together, we quickly finished packing up the house. Braxton and I bought pizza delivery for lunch. And by dinnertime, we were pulling into the driveway at the lake house with Chinese takeout. Taryn laid everything out on the kitchen table while I gathered the silverware and plates.
“I need to get everything into the house,” Taryn murmured as soon as she’d filled Lark’s plate with her favorites.
I frowned. “Now? Let’s eat. That can be done after.”
“It’ll be dark after,” she complained.
“And?” I tilted my head.
“And I don’t like to go out after dark.” She looked down at the table and pretended to be focused on cutting Lark’s sweet & sour chicken.
“I’ll unload your car after dinner. You just tell me where to put it.” I reached out and laid a hand on hers. “I know you’ve had to be pretty much self-reliant for the last five years, but I’m here now.”
She nodded, but didn’t say anything.
In fact, it wasn’t until after Lark went to bed that we were able to really talk. All their clothes were in their rooms. We finally had a minute to ourselves. I’d sat down in the corner of the couch and gestured for her to come sit with me.
Slowly, Taryn sank into the couch, the opposite end, and faced me. I tried to remain calm, but my heart was racing. I didn’t like distance between us. I’d had far too much distance over the last five years.
“What’s bothering you, babe?” I extended my arm along the back of the couch in case she wanted to hold my hand.
She matched my pose and the tips of her fingers touched mine. “Don’t get me wrong. Braxton was a huge help, but I’ve been on my own for a long time. And it would be so easy to let you waltz into my life and help me with everything. It’s just that…somehow, that’s scarier.”
I shifted slightly so that I was able to cover her hand with mine. “You think that I won’t make the cut? You think I’ll let you down like Lark’s dad?” She held my gaze, still not speaking, but I felt like she wanted to tell me something. “I can’t imagine walking out on you and Lark. I’m here. I want to be here for both of you. Please…let me in.”
Her big brown eyes filled with tears. She launched herself into my arms and I held her close while she buried her face in my neck. “I’ll let you in. Be patient with me. I have more on the line than ever before,” Taryn whispered.
My heart swelled. “I won’t let you down. I promise.” I didn’t say that lightly. I meant it with every fiber of my being.
Eventually, she sank back on the sofa and studied me. “I believe you.” She squeezed my hand. “Today has been a lot. What if we just watch some television and cuddle? You don’t need to know everything tonight. We have time.”
“All the time in the world,” I agreed.
We picked a movie. She rested in my arms. And she eventually fell asleep. Part of me wanted to carry her to my bed. What stopped me? Trust. If I wanted her to truly trust me, then she needed to wake up in her own bed. So I carried her there instead. Compared to the packs and gear I’d carried on long hikes through desert terrain, Taryn felt light. When I reached the room diagonally across from mine, I entered and pulled back the covers on the bed. She hadn’t change
d for bed, and I wasn’t going to do that. Trust. I was building it. Instead, I pulled the covers up and kissed her temple.
“Sleep well, Taryn. Dream of me,” I whispered.
Her eyes fluttered open and her hand cupped my cheek. “I always do.”
12
Taryn
“You know, I could really use a second vet in this practice. I’m behind on all my paperwork. No time to answer emails. Forget about actually taking a phone call.” Kate looked at me while she spoke. “And you could use the money.”
She never minced words. While I appreciated her direct approach, I also winced because I didn’t want to think about what it would mean for me if she had to hire another veterinarian. Still, I refused to be selfish. “You could hire someone faster than I could finish my schooling,” I reminded her.
“True, but we’ve been together a long time. I’d rather hire from within. I thought you wanted to be a veterinarian…” She frowned at me. I hadn’t seen anyone look at me with that much disappointment since I told my mother I was pregnant.
I licked my lips. “I did. I do.” I blew out a breath. “I don’t have time to go to school and earn a living. And I don’t have money to live on and pay for school. So, I’m stuck.” I shrugged and tried to pretend that I didn’t mind not fulfilling my dreams, but there was an ache in my heart every time I was reminded that I had failed to live up to my potential, even if I wouldn’t trade Lark for anything.
“I understand.” She nodded. She opened her mouth like she wanted to say more, but we were interrupted when Leslie peeked into the break room.
“Um…Mr. McKenzie is on the phone for you, Dr. Kate. He sent an email on Tuesday. Now it’s Friday and you haven’t responded yet.” Her eyes were wide and she was practically shaking.
Kate sighed. “See what I mean? So, what does he want?”
“He’s threatening to terminate the contract. He thinks we stole a dog…” Leslie glanced at me and I knew what this was about.