Colin grinned as his mother peeked around the corner at that very moment.
“Sweetie, we are going to grill out tomorrow night and have your aunties and uncles over for dinner. Do you want hamburgers or hot dogs?”
“Both?” he grinned sheepishly. “Is Aunt Clara coming?”
“Yes. I told her to make you a pecan pie.”
“Aww, you are the best,” Colin praised, smiling. “You know I love her pecan pies.”
“You always did as a boy,” his mother admitted, fondly. “My sister makes the best pies and always has. I never got her knack for it. What are you doing, honey?”
“I’m writing my pen-pal a letter.”
“Oh? I didn’t know you had a pen-pal.”
“Yes. We started writing a few weeks ago.”
“Where is he stationed at?”
“She lives in Texas.”
“Did you just say that it’s a girl?” his mother questioned, flabbergasted. Her hand flew up to her forehead dramatically in absolute shock as she clutched the door frame to keep her standing. “You are writing a girl? In Texas? Where at? Is she pretty? What does she look like? Is it serious? Am I going to be a grandma? Oh my gosh, Colin-sweetie…”
“Whoa! Whoa mom! Slow down!” Colin interrupted, laughing. The look on his mom’s face was priceless as she began launching off twenty million questions. “Mom, she’s just a friend that I write to and truthfully I have no idea what she looks like. We just write each other. That’s all, ma.”
“Marty! Marty!” his mother ignored him and hollered down the hallway. “Come quick, honey! Did you know Colin is talking with some girl on the internets? He’s in a relationship with some woman he’s never seen before!”
“MOM!”
“Colin, you aren’t fooling around with some girl, are you, son?” his father asked as he rounded the corner of his bedroom door. His father crossed his arms over his chest and looked at him sternly. “We taught you better than that, son.”
Colin put his head down in his hands, laughing. Both of his parents stood there at the door of his bedroom, like he was a ten-year-old boy who’d snuck out in the middle of the night. Looking up at them, he struggled to keep from chuckling again at the mixture of curiosity and disapproval from them both.
“I promise you that I am not fooling around with some girl. Ava is a pen-pal and we simply write each other as a hobby. No, there are no grandbabies on the way, Mom,” Colin said pointedly at her crestfallen expression.
“Dad, I am about to be twenty-seven and I promise you that I can take care of myself. When I find a love like the two of you have – I swear that you’ll be the first to know. Then you two can do a thorough background check, play twenty questions, and warn her what it’s like to be a part of the Wilkes family.”
“Colin, it’s not like that,” his mother replied, looking offended. “We just are curious and want to know all about you. You’re our only son.”
“And I love you for it,” he admitted. “But I promise you there is nothing going on. We are just friends. I swear, Ma.”
His parents finally left the doorway of his room and he could hear them discussing it between them. Some of their whispered ideas made him grin wildly, making him feel keenly aware of what he’d been missing while he was away. He loved his family, but they could also be a bit stifling, invasive, and jumped to conclusions. He would not be shocked to see his mother trying to open his email on his iPad or phone at this point now. The proverbial cat was out of the bag and their imagination would only take it from here.
Ava,
My parents know that I am writing you. I swear I feel like I am ten again. They are really curious at who you are and don’t understand that you can be friends with someone without there being anything romantic about it. They want everyone to be as happy as they are and can’t comprehend something different.
I did get a cell phone and would like to hear from you, to know how Aurora is doing, but I also understand if you don’t want to call. You can text me and we can keep our friendship on the downlow. Whatever you are comfortable with- and truthfully- might be best since my mother will be snooping about now that she knows there is some mysterious woman out there writing her son. She’s a little protective and absolutely wonderful – you remind me of her when you talk about Aurora. (That’s a good thing and Aurora will appreciate it when she’s grown- I promise!)
We are having a family cookout tomorrow night and my aunt is bringing my favorite: pecan pie. I never thought to ask what you like to eat and do for fun?
I will be writing Ethan next to see if he can pick me up at the airport on Friday. I have a layover in Dallas before landing in Tyler, Texas. I can’t believe that time is flying by so quickly and dread saying goodbye to my parents. They may be smothering, but I will miss them terribly.
Again – call, text, or write when you can.
Colin
PS: What do you call a Bear with no ears? … B
Sitting back against his headboard, he clicked send and opened another email. This one was being sent to Ethan to arrange a ride from the airport. He couldn’t wait to see his friend and was grateful that Ethan had offered up his couch for him to be able to stay the week.
Ethan,
Hey – before I forget- Mom and Dad said to tell you ‘hello’. I saw your parents down the street and they are doing good. They said they’d be calling you to arrange a visit and can’t wait to meet Daisy.
It’s weird coming home and I can understand why you wanted to start over again with a fresh slate. My mom just lost her mind over me writing Ava and immediately got my dad involved. Remember how it was when I asked Susan to prom? Yeah- it was that bad. Nothing’s changed here but it makes me realize how much I have- both good and bad.
I can’t wait to see you buddy! I fly in Friday afternoon into Tyler. Can I hitch a ride from you? If not, I can get a cab – just text me your address so I know where to go.
See you soon, brother.
Colin
Laying his head back against the headboard, Colin stared at the ceiling. He would miss his parents but couldn’t help the excitement coursing through him at seeing his best friend again and possibly meeting Ava. He hoped she would at least say hello, if nothing else as a courtesy. Hearing his mother call out to him, Colin smiled softly.
“Colin, come and get it. I made brownies sweetie.”
“I’m on my way, ma,” he shouted from his room. Getting up, he padded silently with his bare feet, as he walked out of the bedroom and down the hallway. His parents were both sitting on the couch and had turned on the news. His mother smiled happily at him and pointed to the bowl on the end table. A large slice of brownie was in the bowl with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
“Thanks ma,” he said softly, kissing her on the cheek as he sat down on the end of the sofa with his parents, a silent reminder of a decade ago before he joined the military. They’d done this very same thing and while so much had changed – so much remained the same.
“I love you both and it’s nice to be home.”
Chapter 8
Ava was half asleep in the recliner of the hospital room. Aurora’s fever had broken during the early morning hours and they were going to keep her one more day on antibiotics to make sure she didn’t relapse. She was so grateful that her daughter was doing much better. The sniffling, snorting, and gurgling sounds she was making from the amount of nasal discharge was disappearing. The coughs weren’t as hard or as frequent. Ava had been beside herself feeling the infant’s body contort with painful deep coughs before she’d been admitted.
Glancing down at her phone, she saw it was nearly six in the evening and realized that her nap had taken a big chunk of the afternoon. The nurses had let her sleep and she was thankful for their understanding. The monitors in the room still beeped and whirred softly, but now it was more of a lulling sound instead of a harsh reminder that her child was ill. They were helping Aurora and she was on the mend.
That wa
s all that mattered.
Checking her email, Ava was glad she was sitting. Colin had sent her his phone number if she wanted to talk or reach out to him. She read his email and found herself smiling at the thought of a grown man feeling smothered by family. She almost laughed aloud as she could see herself being the same way with Aurora someday if her daughter was writing a stranger.
Part of her felt a pang of sorrow at Colin’s words, claiming that it wasn’t romantic. She should be relieved that he wasn’t interested in her other than friendship but somehow felt keenly disappointed at it. She should feel glad that he wasn’t going to press things between them, nor the fact that she didn’t have to run him off. Her distance between herself and other people was a large one – knowing she was pushing away anyone who got too close. It was a protective measure she’d put in place out of fear.
Clicking on the phone number in the email, she saved it to her cell phone. Part of her mentally said ‘no, don’t ever use the number’ – but a larger part of her, was texting Colin before she realized it and hitting send. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized that she’d just given a perfect stranger her cell phone number. What if he turned out to be someone weird or ended up hurting her or Aurora? It wasn’t just protecting herself – it was protecting her daughter.
Thank you for your number- I can’t talk right now.
Aurora is sleeping and still in the hospital.
As Ava mentally cursed herself, her phone shook with a silent notification that she’d received a text back. She knew instantly it was Colin without opening it. She hardly ever texted anyone anymore.
No problem. I can’t talk right now either. My parents are on standby and sitting right next to me. I’m really glad you texted and sorry to hear little Aurora is still sick. Is there anything you need?
Probably about eight more hours of sleep and a winning lottery ticket.
Hahaha! I can’t help with either – but good luck with both counts.
Enjoy your parents’ company while you can – I’m certain they love having their son home and you’ll miss them soon enough. Have a good night.
You too.
Ava let out her breath as she realized that it seemed to be okay texting Colin. Maybe he was right and could use a friend – and he truly wasn’t interested in her romantically. She’d been concerned and read too much into everything it seemed, but that is what had gotten her into trouble to begin with… or so she’d suspected. She had made change for the coke machine for a stranger one afternoon. This resulted in being beaten and raped an hour later when she’d left the shopping mall. The woman who had once claimed ‘to have never met a stranger’ died that night in the parking lot and left a frightened shell of a person in her place.
Colin tried to keep the sheer joy surging in him at a dull roar. She’d texted and he now had her phone number – if only he had a little privacy to go with it. There was no way he could text or call without sic’ing his mother on the trail. His mother and father had been happily married for over thirty years – so to them, it was a matter of making everyone have a fairytale love story like theirs. Only he wasn’t Prince Charming and his life didn’t resemble anything remotely close to a fairytale.
Feeling inspired, he held up the phone and carefully angled it so to include everyone in the photo.
“Oh? Colin I need to fix my hair,” his mother argued, putting her hands in front of her face. “And I’m wearing my Mumu.”
“Ma, you look beautiful and I want a few photos to show the boys back in Afghanistan. Besides, when I see Ethan this weekend he is going to ask how you all are doing.”
“Junie, let the boy take the photo. Put your hands down, you look breathtaking.”
“Oh Marty. I love you, darling.”
“Say cheese everyone,” Colin prompted, and smiled. His parents leaned in and the photo showed the three of them in a line on the couch as they sat there watching television. He quickly texted it to his parent’s phones… and to Ava.
“I sent you both a copy so we have an updated photo together,” Colin said easily. “I plan on taking several others when everyone comes over tomorrow evening for the cookout.”
“Perfect. Thanks, son.”
They all went back to watching television and Colin couldn’t help the smile on his face. He silently hoped Ava would send a photo back as he was curious about the woman he’d befriended online.
Ava stared at her phone, stunned.
Colin Wilkes was the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen – and this was a huge problem. She didn’t want to be attracted to him! He had light golden-brown hair that was a little long, falling over his forehead. Bright blue eyes were framed with dark lashes and he had a wide smile that made his cheeks crease at the edges of his mouth, indicating that he either laughed or smiled a lot. There was a hint of scruff on his chin, giving him an earthy appeal that made her catch her breath.
Part of her was tempted to send a photo back but instead she simply responded as any friend would. She wanted to run away mentally and emotionally but clung to the idea of them being only friends as he’d said. She was sure that with as handsome as he was, there was sure to be a trail of women after him or in his life. She took two mental steps backwards and texted him back a very casual reply.
Nice photo. Enjoy your visit with your family.
Colin stared at his phone in disappointment. She wasn’t going to send a picture of herself to assuage the curiosity in his mind. Instead, it almost seemed that she wasn’t interested in him as much as he claimed to only want a friendship. The bigger problem was that he was finding he wanted just a bit more from the woman who had completely fascinated him and had befriended him.
Chapter 9
Colin arrived in Tyler, Texas, and was immediately met at the gate by his best friend, Ethan. This greeting was almost as touching to him as it was seeing his own parents back home in Norfolk. He’d felt guilty leaving home and promised to text or call his mother but the relief he felt just now was worth all the tears they’d both shed, knowing it could be some time before they saw each other again.
“Colin!” Ethan had yelled, holding up his hand as he walked slowly towards him. At first, Colin had stumbled seeing him standing there on two legs. He knew that he was responsible for taking one of them, pushing him into a landmine unknowingly, before he realized it had to be a prosthetic limb Ethan was wearing.
“Careful, I’ll fall.”
Ethan warned him immediately as Colin grabbed and hugged him hard. The rush of guilty tears was hard to suppress as he felt himself get choked up. Thankfully, Ethan seemed to understand and simply patted him on the back as the two men held each other in a hug.
“It’s okay, brother.”
Colin nodded at Ethan’s words and wiped his eyes. Backing away from him, he grinned, embarrassed by the emotional display, and glanced past Ethan’s shoulder to see his former CPO, John Griffin, standing nearby with two other women. The woman with dark brown hair was looking up at Griffin happily, wiping her eyes as he smiled down at her affectionately. The blond was staring at the two men, holding a tissue up to her own eyes, wiping away tears.
“Griffin too?” Colin whispered in shock, feeling light headed and looking at Ethan for confirmation. They were all here?
“Oh my gosh, I think I’m gonna…”
Colin flopped down onto the carpet, on his bottom, right there in the middle of the airport reception area. He put his head down between his knees and took several deep breaths trying to regain his composure. He’d been shocked to hear from Ethan and stunned to find out Griffin was here in Texas too. But seeing them both? It was heady to feel his brothers welcome him as if nothing had ever happened.
This was his extended family, the men who’d saved his career when he’d almost cost his best friend his life. The friendship and welcoming in their eyes was almost more than he could bear or comprehend!
“You gonna make it Wilkes?” Griffin said gently, kneeling down next to him. “You gott
a stand up, buddy. Ethan’s got his legs under him but kneeling is apparently a problem for him according to his fiancée Daisy.”
“Yes,” the blond woman gushed affectionately. “Welcome to Texas, Mr. Wilkes. We are very happy to have you visiting. I’m Daisy.”
Embarrassed, Colin got up and pulled Griffin into a bear hug, almost mimicking the one he’d given Ethan. He shook the women’s hands as he was introduced to Griffin’s new wife, Lily, and Daisy, Ethan’s fiancée. He felt like a bumbling, emotional fool as he said his hello’s and kept looking at his friends. He’d never imagined he would see them again, much less have them both here welcoming him.
“C’mon, let’s get your stuff and head back home. Daisy is holding a therapy group this evening and I don’t want to make her late.”
“It’s okay, Ethan. I want you to spend time with your friend,” the blond woman protested lightly. “I can ride with John and Lily.”
“Why don’t I take you home and we’ll grab coffee. I can pick you up when group is over and we’ll all grab dinner. Sound good?” Lily offered suddenly.
“I’m just along for the ride,” Colin admitted, still feeling shell-shocked.
“You aren’t getting away from us that easily,” Ethan said jovially. “We’ve got some catching up to do.”
“Daisy and I can head back to Shamrock while you boys take the other car. That should give you a few hours to hang out and talk.”
“That’s a great idea.”
The group seemed to merge together instantly and separated just as quickly, as Daisy kissed Ethan and Lily kissed her husband John. Standing there alone was a reminder Colin didn’t have anyone in his life and he felt like a third wheel, thinking painfully of Ava’s response to the photo he’d sent days ago.
Remember Love Page 6