Soldier of Her Heart

by Syndi Powell

  Dismissing it as something he could do in the morning, he opened the back door and whistled to the dog that looked as if she’d grown a white beard. Phoebe wagged her tail and seemed to grin up at him as he reached for a kitchen towel and wiped off the dog’s jowls.

  “Been eating snow, I see.”

  She followed him to the bedroom and lay on the large dog bed that he’d finally bought when it became clear that she was here to stay in his life. He undressed and sat on the edge of the bed. He could try to dismiss the letter that waited for him, but his mind kept going back to it. He glanced at Phoebe, who watched him with those dark brown eyes, one ear cocked high in the air. “You think I should open it, don’t you?”

  She looked back at him, wordlessly. He knew she wouldn’t be afraid of a letter, so why was he? It wasn’t the letter itself, but the words inside. Finally, he huffed and got to his feet, padding down the hall back to the kitchen. He tore open the envelope and blinked at the front of the card. “Thank You,” it read.

  She was thanking him? The idea of throwing it in the trash unread crossed his mind. But he’d come this far. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening the card.

  Thank you for your kind letter. Davey always had good words about your friendship with him. But you don’t have to apologize for what happened. I hope you will always remember him as the kind friend and strong man he once was.

  Marcy

  He could hear his heartbeat in his ears. Putting both hands on the kitchen counter, he closed his eyes once more and tried to breathe but found that he could only take shallow gulps of air. He’d avoided Marcy at Ruggirello’s funeral. Couldn’t look her in the face. Couldn’t say a word. He’d slipped out of the back of the church and driven in his truck as far as he could from the death of his friend. His best friend from Iraq. He’d been a coward, and that day had left him with too many regrets.

  A weight pressed to his bare leg brought his attention back to the present. He looked down at Phoebe who gave a soft whine at the back of her throat. He fingered one of her silky ears. “Sorry, girl. The memories are too hard.”

  She looked up at him as if to agree, then she rubbed her cold nose against his leg.

  Debating whether it would be safe to attempt sleep and the nightmares that would follow or to find another means of oblivion, he stood for a long time in the kitchen. Eventually, he led the dog back to the bedroom and invited her to sleep next to him. Phoebe would keep the nightmares away.

  * * *

  “WHAT DO YOU think of this?” Stephanie stood in front of Andie and twirled. Her coworker had changed out of her usual scrubs and into a dress. The full skirt of the dress swished around Stephanie’s legs, and she wore black patent leather pumps. Definitely not a work outfit.

  Andie finished powering off her computer and gave a nod. “You look really nice. Special occasion?”

  The color in Stephanie’s cheeks reddened. “I have a date.” She peered at Andie. “With Dr. Henson.”

  Andie wanted to applaud. It was about time her friend gave up on Joe and focused on someone she could have a real future with. “How did that come about?”

  “Well, after you suggested that he was interested in me, I started paying attention to him when our paths crossed. Trying to see what you did.” Stephanie ran a hand down the front of her dress, smoothing the bodice. “And you were right, like always. He’s kind and funny and maybe not the most handsome guy, but he’s so sweet. And we started talking. Turns out that we have a lot more in common than I thought.”

  “I figured you might.”

  Stephanie gave a soft, wistful smile. “It’s our first date tonight, and I’ve never been so excited about going out with a guy.”

  Andie hugged her friend, who jumped up and down as if she had won the grand prize. Her excitement was catching. “I’m so happy for you.”

  Stephanie took a step back and peered at Andie. “What are we going to do about you now?”

  Andie put a hand on her chest as if to ask who she was referring to. “Who says I need to do anything?”

  “Don’t you think it’s time you took a chance on your own life and fixed yourself?”

  Fix herself? Okay, so she had wished on New Year’s Eve that she could live life more fully. And she was taking steps toward that, albeit baby ones. She’d sent out more résumés this past week, and working on the stained glass window had satisfied the artistic side of herself. “I’m trying.”

  Using Andie’s darkened computer monitor as a mirror, Stephanie applied some lipstick before looking at Andie. “What about this guy Beckett you’ve been talking about? And don’t tell me there’s nothing there. I can see the sparkle in your eyes when you bring up his name.”

  “We’ve got a project together. That’s all.” She might think about pursuing something more with him, but he had made it very clear that she wasn’t going to get past the stone wall he’d built around himself.

  “You’re going on a road trip with him tomorrow, right?”

  Andie shrugged. “And?”

  Stephanie gazed at her with a meaningful tone. “And people can act different when they leave the familiarity of home.”

  “I doubt Beckett will be overcome by passion and see me in a different light.”

  “Stranger things have happened. Besides, you’re going to be in close quarters for most of the day. You’ll have a chance to get to know him a lot better.” Stephanie snapped her fingers. “You said you would pack breakfast for your road trip, right? Well, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. You should definitely get food that will entice him, like aphrodisiacs. Chocolate, for sure. Is coffee one of them?”

  The idea of seducing Beckett with food brought a smile to Andie’s lips. “Thank you for trying to be my matchmaker, but you concentrate on your own date tonight.” She gave her friend a quick hug. “I have a feeling that tonight is the start of something big for you.”

  Stephanie returned the grin. “And tomorrow could be yours. Don’t let it pass you by, Andie. You deserve happiness the same as everyone else you try to fix.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  BEFORE BECKETT ARRIVED for their road trip, Andie double-checked the small cooler that she’d stocked with fresh fruit, sandwiches and bottles of water. She knew that she had agreed to pack breakfast for their road trip, but she figured that a light lunch wouldn’t hurt either. The huge muffins she’d bought from the bakery down the street were in a separate tote bag along with small bags of chips and protein bars. The thermos held strong coffee that she assumed would please Beckett.

  Her mother’s oft repeated adage and Stephanie’s reminder of luring a man through his stomach taunted her as she checked again. She wasn’t trying to lure Beckett. Please him, perhaps. But that was as far as it went.

  Her heart rate accelerated when she heard the knock on the door. Okay, so her mind said it didn’t go any further, but her traitorous heart had other ideas. She opened the door and stared at the sight of Beckett wearing a navy plaid shirt, puffer vest and jeans. He seemed to fill the doorframe. She swallowed and blinked before she could speak. He looked lumberjack sexy. “Hi.”

  “Are you ready to go? I don’t want to keep Phoebe alone in the truck for long.”

  He didn’t seem to be as affected by her nearly as much as she was by him. She gave a nod to the cooler and tote bag. “I brought extra provisions for our trip.”

  “Good.” He leaned over to pick up the cooler. “I guess the weatherman was wrong about the snowstorm this weekend. It hit south of the city, so the roads should be fine.”

  “Fortunately for us.” She grabbed the tote bag, her purse and the thermos before pulling the door shut and locking it behind them. “I’d hate to put off our trip.”

  “Anxious to complete the window?”

  She looked up at him and gave a smile. “Sure.” Actually, she was more
anxious about spending this time with him. To see if the rapport that they’d built while working on the window could survive away from it. “Russ gave me the directions to the store.”

  “And he gave me the list of what we’re looking for.” He patted a zipped pocket on his vest. “Shall we?”

  He held his hand out so she could walk first. They walked down the one flight of stairs to the parking lot of her apartment building. A large black dog barked from the front seat of Beckett’s dark red truck, and Andie stopped walking for a moment until Beckett passed her. He turned. “You’re not scared of dogs, are you?”

  Scared, no. But big dogs like her sister’s and Beckett’s made her a little nervous. “I’m not scared.”

  He grinned at her and opened the passenger door. The big dog jumped out and ran up to Andie. Beckett put the cooler in the truck before making introductions. “Andie, this is Phoebe. Phoebe, this is Andie and she brought us food, Phoebe, so be nice.”

  His words brought Andie up short. “She isn’t a nice dog?”

  “More like sweet and goofy.” He took the tote bag from Andie as well as the thermos and stowed them behind the front seat. Whistling to the dog, he walked around to the driver’s side and opened the door. Phoebe jumped in, followed by Beckett. They both looked at her through the open passenger door. “You coming?”

  Reminding herself that this was a therapy dog so it wouldn’t hurt her, she walked forward and got into the truck. Phoebe was wedged on the seat between her and Beckett. She fastened her seat belt and placed her purse on the floor near her feet. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  Beckett chuckled as he started up the truck and drove out of her apartment complex, heading toward the highway. He turned down the volume on the radio so they could talk. “I figure we’ll take a break about halfway there to stretch our legs and let Phoebe do her business. Are you okay with that?”

  “Sounds good.” He seemed to have everything planned, and that comforted her. She pointed to the backseat where they’d placed the food. “Are you hungry yet?”

  “I’ll wait until we get on the freeway.”

  They fell into silence as he drove, the soft strains of country music playing over the radio. It didn’t seem to gel with what she knew about Beckett. “I never figured you for a country fan.”

  “Let me guess. A sophisticated lady like you would prefer classical music and opera.”

  She laughed at this. “Hardly, though my mother tried to foster an appreciation of both in my sister and me. I prefer pop music.”

  Beckett groaned. “Don’t tell me you like boy bands?”

  “What’s wrong with that?” She peered around the dog to find Beckett’s face screwed into distaste. “The best boy band in the world was the Beatles.”

  He pointed at her. “You got me there.”

  She chuckled as they entered the highway, and Beckett merged with the early morning traffic leaving Detroit. A few moments later, he did a hand motion for Phoebe to lie down which impressed Andie. “How did you make her do that?”

  “We’ve been working on several hand commands as well as verbal through our training together.” He gave the dog a vigorous belly rub. “I think I’m ready for that coffee now.”

  She loosened her seat belt to retrieve the thermos from behind the seat as well as the travel mugs she’d packed in the tote bag. She turned around and poured him coffee in one of the mugs, then screwed the top of the thermos on tight before handing the mug over the dog to Beckett. “Black, right?”

  “Thanks.”

  She poured her own coffee then returned the thermos to behind the seat. “I’ve got muffins almost the size of your head if you’re interested.”

  “Blueberry?”

  “Of course.”

  She grabbed the bakery bag out of the tote, and Phoebe stirred and started sniffing Andie as she pulled out a muffin and handed it to Beckett. He took a big bite then pulled off a piece and fed it to the dog. “Mmm, good. Blueberry muffins have always been my favorite.”

  They drove in silence again as they ate their muffins and washed them down with coffee. The songs on the radio and the heat from the vents made the cab of the truck feel cozy. Andie unzipped her coat a little. Beckett glanced at her. “I can turn down the heat.”

  “No, it feels good with the blustery cold outside.” She laid her head on the back of the seat, wanting to close her eyes for just a moment.

  * * *

  BECKETT TURNED TO glance at Andie, who had fallen asleep over an hour ago, her hand buried in Phoebe’s fur. The dog had scooted closer and laid her head on Andie’s lap, falling asleep, as well. The sight of them snuggled together brought a smile to his lips.

  If he wanted to explore that idea further, he’d have to admit that since meeting Andie, he’d found more reasons to smile. There was something about her that made him put his guard down, to let her in just a little. If he wasn’t careful, she’d burrow her way into his heart. And he couldn’t let that happen.

  Swallowing down the panic that thought raised, he sat up straighter in the seat and put both hands on the steering wheel. He didn’t do relationships. Hadn’t his failed marriage proven that? He hadn’t been able to give Natalie what she wanted, much less what she needed. She’d had to go outside of their marriage to find someone who could.

  No, he was much better off alone.

  The radio station started to lose its signal, so he scanned stations looking for another. Andie stirred in the seat beside him. She yawned and then stretched her arms as far as she could inside the confines of the truck. “How long have I been asleep?”

  “About an hour.”

  She leaned her head to the left and to the right, and then reached over to pet Phoebe. “Sorry about that. I meant to stay awake and be sociable.”

  “It’s fine.” And it had been. He’d enjoyed watching her sleep with her thick eyelashes lying on her flushed cheeks. He could observe her without notice, and he preferred to keep his feelings to himself. He didn’t want to think of the complications if she discovered the hold she could have on him. He cleared his throat and checked his rearview mirrors before signaling to move into the center lane. “Is it all right if we make a short stop earlier than I’d planned?”

  “Sure. You’re the driver.” She yawned and pulled her coat around her shoulders. “Are we making good time?”

  “We should get there shortly before lunchtime, so I’d say so.” He checked the mirrors and changed lanes again. “I packed several blankets to wrap around the glass to transport it home.”

  “I didn’t even think of that, so I’m glad you did. You’re pretty smart.”

  He gave a nod, pleased at her praise. “More like practical. I’ve had to transport various things in my life in different weather and terrain.”

  “Is that what you did for the military? Transport?”

  He gave a nod. “I’ve shipped medical supplies. Food. Troops. I got extra pay for when I had to transport explosives.”

  She gave a shudder. “I can’t imagine the things you’ve seen.” She reached out and put a hand on his arm. “Thank you for your service.”

  He winced at her words. They had never set well with him, no matter who had said them. “Don’t say that.”

  Andie frowned. “What’s wrong with it?”

  He didn’t answer. He’d always found it difficult to accept any thanks for what he’d done or experienced. It had been a job that he had to do, and thanks weren’t necessary. And she wouldn’t thank him for everything he’d done, everything he’d had to become. Unwanted memories of his time in Iraq lingered in the back of his mind, and he shook his head as if he could clear it that easily.

  In silence, he took the exit to the rest area and left the truck, heading toward the bathrooms.

  * * *

  ANDIE WATCHED BECKETT stalk toward the men’s room. What had she said t
hat had upset him? She’d thanked him for his military service. What was wrong with that? She gave Phoebe a vigorous rub of her neck. “Your buddy confounds me sometimes, girl. Why can’t he take a compliment?”

  Several minutes later, Beckett returned, but after starting the engine, they sat, idling while he stared out the windshield. After a while, he turned and looked at her, his eyes troubled yet resolute. “Please don’t thank me.”

  His reaction still baffled her. “Why not?”

  “Just don’t. I don’t want to talk about it, okay?”

  He put the truck in reverse and pulled out of the parking spot and soon had them on the freeway. They rode with the radio as the only noise in the truck for more than twenty minutes. Finally, Andie said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would upset you.”

  “I’m not upset.”

  All evidence to the contrary, she wanted to say. But she let the topic drop. Instead, she brought out an orange and offered one to Beckett. He glanced at it, then back at the road. “Could you peel it for me?”

  She peeled one and passed him slices between her own bites, the juice running down her chin. She searched for and found the napkins she’d packed, handing Beckett one before using one herself. “I forgot how messy these can be.”

  “You definitely found the juiciest orange.” He stuffed the used napkin into a side pocket of his vest. “And those muffins this morning were great. I wish I could get their recipe.”

  “You bake?” For some reason, this surprised her. Beckett hardly looked like the type to cook his own meals, let alone pretend to be a Betty Crocker.

  He nodded. “I usually bake as a stress reliever. My specialty is cakes.”

  This struck her as funny. “Do you decorate them with frosting? Roses and pearls too?”

  “Hardly. There’s nothing wrong with a simple covering of homemade frosting, especially when you beat in some cream cheese and make it thick.” When she didn’t say anything, he glanced at her. “What? You don’t believe me?”