Heaven Is For Heroes

by PJ Sharon

  I didn’t know what to say. I felt hurt and angry and sad all at the same time. I wanted to tell him I’d already decided to stay home for college, but I didn’t want him to feel pressured into making a decision about his future based on what my plans were. It wouldn’t be any better than if I had changed for him. “Coop…what do you want me to say? You have to do what’s right for you. If taking the job and traveling around is what you want, then do it. I won’t stop you.” My heart ached even as I said the words.

  “You really mean that?” He asked, surprised.

  I took a slow breath in and out, taking in the changing leaves, yellow and orange like the trees were on fire. “I want you to be happy, Coop. I would never stand in your way.”

  “And I would never stand in yours.” He hopped down from the fence and stood in front of me, his hands coming to my waist. He pulled me close and I laid my head on his shoulder, his mouth resting close to my ear. “You’re amazing, you know that?” He kissed my temple, sending my thoughts spinning. “You’re smart, strong, funny...” he lifted my chin to meet his gaze, his voice soft, “…and beautiful.” My cheeks grew warm as I looked into those green eyes filled with intensity.

  “Will you at least promise to never leave again without saying good-bye?” The slight whine in my voice made me cringe, but my throat burned and I fought tears that pushed to the surface.

  He tucked a stray curl back from my face and stared down at my mouth, like he wanted to kiss me and distract me from the question. “I can only promise you, I’ll try.”

  I kept my gaze locked on his eyes, drawing his attention back up. “So, will you be here for Thanksgiving?” I pressed.

  “I wouldn’t miss it.” He grinned at me, his eyes full of mischief. “And if you’ll let me, I’d like to take you to the prom in the spring.”

  “Seriously? You would do that?” I hadn’t even thought about the prom, but I really did want to go. “That would be great. I didn’t think you would want to.” I bit my lower lip to hide my excitement. “What made you ask?”

  “I thought if I waited too long, someone else might ask you. As much as I hoped you would say no if they did, you are too pretty to go without a date, and I don’t want you to miss out. So I’m all yours.” He chuckled, “Besides, I can’t wait to see Principal Griffin’s face when he sees me again.”

  We both laughed—a comfortable sound I remembered from once upon a time. But part of me was still afraid. Afraid I would lose him—afraid that what we had would be lost to time apart and the uncertainty of the future. Then we closed in for a kiss and my heart nearly burst with emotions too many to name. If I could freeze the moment, I would have, because all I wanted was right there in his arms—in his kiss. If I’d learned anything, I’d learned that there were no guarantees in life. All we had was now, and I could never be sure that he would ever really be mine. All I could do was have faith.

  Chapter 34

  “Good morning, Sunshine!”

  I woke to the light flickering on and off and Brig standing in the doorway, as though he hadn’t been gone for two weeks. I stuffed my head under the pillow. “Welcome back!” I called in a muffled voice.

  “Aren’t you going to get up and help? It’s Thanksgiving. Your Mom could use some help with the pies.”

  I lifted the pillow and looked at the clock. “God, Brig, its six-thirty in the morning—on a day off from school.” I rolled onto my back, groaned, and stretched.

  “All right, suit yourself.” He shut out the light and turned in the doorway, “I guess you don’t want to hear about where I’ve been.” He shut the door.

  I bolted upright, “Hey…wait a minute.”

  The door opened and he poked his head in. “See you downstairs at 0700.”

  A half hour later, I stood in the kitchen doorway and stared out into the driveway.

  “It’s mine?” I asked, not believing my eyes. “Are you serious?” A red Honda Civic sat next to Mom’s CR-V.

  “Well, it’s not brand new. Your great aunt Felicia was upgrading so I bought this one from her.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and kissed my head. “Consider it an early graduation present.”

  I threw my arms around his neck. “Oh man, it’s awesome, Brig.” I kissed his cheek and dashed out the door. He followed behind and tossed me the keys. I sat in the front seat and checked out the console, the hands free blue tooth, the high tech stereo system, and a great set of speakers. The interior was tan leather with bucket seats. Great Aunt Felicia rode in style. I’d never met her, but often wondered who would name their children Alistair and Felicia? I really knew nothing about Brig’s family and by extension, my father’s--the man I’d tried to please my whole life and hardly knew. I could see him giving me my first car and being at my graduation, but his face always turned back to Brig’s, the only real father I remembered.

  I hugged him again, tears spilling over, “Thanks, Brig. You’re the best.”

  “Awww, c’mon. Quit your crying and come help me with the turkey. You can make the stuffing.”

  And so I did—after an hour of putting myself together with one of my nicer pairs of jeans, a bohemian blousy kind of top, and my black low-heeled boots, and spending far too much time straightening my hair. I made stuffing, peeled potatoes and turnips, and cored a thousand apples for Mom’s pies. By noon, the house was filled with luscious smells that made my stomach grumble. I was just filling up celery sticks with peanut butter when the doorbell rang.

  “I’ll get it!” I ran to the door expecting Alex and his mom, but instead, found… “Dr. Stevens?”

  My mother came up behind me. “Hello, Roger. Please, come in.” She wiped her hands on her apron and blushed.

  I opened the door and let the man pass, my jaw a little slack and a, what the heck is going on, look toward my mother. She ushered him into the living room. Before I could follow, a knock on the door drew me back. I opened the door to Alex and his mom. “Hi Mrs. Cooper—Alex.” I smiled politely and let them in. I was just about to close the door again when the sound of another car pulling into the driveway stopped me. Could the day bring any more surprises?

  A moment later, Vic stepped out of her Jeep Wrangler. She shrugged and gave me a squeeze when she hit the porch, her short blond hair combed neatly back and a curious sparkle in her brown eyes. “Brig invited me.” She looked at me quizzically as she passed through the door—as if I knew what was going on.

  A half hour later, introductions had made the rounds and everyone was chatting amiably around the dining table we only used for holidays and special occasions, Brig and I having put two extra sections in to be able to seat seven. Mom did a fantastic job on setting the table with Grandma Josie’s old china, the food smelled like heaven, and I was sitting across from Alex, feeling a warm glow I hadn’t imagined I could feel without Levi here. Celebrating our first holiday without him, his absence was palpable, but more like the hum of a bee and less like the blaring of a horn that once announced our loss on a daily basis.

  Brig laid the platter of turkey in the middle of the table to a round of oohs and ahhs, compliments to the chef making him turn an interesting shade of crimson. He sat at the head of the table, me on his left, Alex on his right. Mrs. Cooper sat on the other side of Alex, and Vic remained guarded at the far end of the table across from Brig, eyeing the turkey like it was some diabolical weapon Brig could use to soften her up. From the look on her face, I’d say it was working. She exchanged a smirk of resignation met by a satisfied twinkle in Brig’s eyes.

  Mom and Dr. Stevens sat to my left, and I couldn’t help but notice the warm vibes she was putting off toward her boss and our family doctor. How had I not known they were more than colleagues? Had I been that self-absorbed? It made perfect sense now that I thought about it. I remember Mom telling me that his wife died a year or so ago. It could explain the subtle changes in her mood, her attitude, and even the way she dressed in brighter colors these days. I wanted her to be happy and if Roger Stevens could keep
that dopey grin on her face, I was all for it.

  Brig cleared his throat, quieting all the conversations that went on around the table. “I’d like to say grace and offer up a toast. He bowed his head, and we all followed. “Lord, we thank you for this bountiful feast, for family and friends, for freedom, and for the rising sun of another day. Amen.”

  We opened our eyes and Brig stood up, a glass of wine in his hand. I raised my glass of ginger ale and waited for the toast, determined to hold back the tears I could already feel coming. Brigs voice rang out strong and clear. “I want to make a toast.” He raised his glass. “To those fallen soldiers who have gone before us…and to Levi and Alex, who in death, and in life, embody the principles of duty, honor, and country.” He turned to Alex, “It’s been too long coming son, but on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Marines, I’d like to thank you for your service to this country and the sacrifice you’ve made.”

  “To Alex.” We all chimed in and sipped our drinks, the mood solemn, and all eyes gazing proudly at the guy I was hopelessly and madly in love with. We smiled through tears and clinked our glasses together.

  “To Levi,” Alex said, downing his glass of milk, his eyes watery.

  “To Levi,” everyone agreed. Mom wiped her eyes with her napkin. Dr. Stevens laid a hand over hers and she smiled, her cheeks turning a happy shade of pink.

  Brig reached into his pocket and slid a box across the table to Alex. “For meritorious conduct in battle…you’ve earned this, Corporal.”

  Alex slowly lifted the lid on the box and stared for a long time. “It’s a Silver Star,” he said softly.

  Mrs. Cooper covered her mouth to hold back the emotions her expression couldn’t hide. She touched Alex’s shoulder. “The General is right, honey. You deserve it.”

  Alex swallowed hard, stood, and faced Brig, his shoulders assuming the rigid military posture that came as second nature to him. He lifted his hand in a salute, “Thank you, Sir.”

  Brig saluted him back and shook his hand. “I’m just sorry it took so long for the Marines to acknowledge your service.” He cleared his throat. “Now, let’s sit down and eat this bird before it gets cold.”

  Chapter 35

  Brig passed the potatoes to Alex, who heaped a considerable pile onto his plate before handing the bowl to his mom. “Everything looks great, Mrs. D,” he said.

  “Yes, everything smells wonderful,” Mrs. Cooper agreed.

  “Thanks for thinking of me, Brig.” Vic flashed a quick smile down the table at Brig, whose eyes lit with affection.

  “Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends. No one should be alone on the holidays.” His ears turned pink and he coughed to clear his throat. “We’re glad you all could come.” He glanced between Mom and Dr. Stevens sitting on my left, his welcoming expression an acknowledgement I knew Mom appreciated. Brig turned back to Alex, passing a bowl of green bean casserole over and grinning when Alex piled the veggies on top of his potatoes. “I wanted to also welcome young Alex here to Something Old, Something New Antiques and Fine Furniture. I’m too busy filling furniture orders these days to run the place all by myself. Alex has agreed to be my new partner.”

  Alex spoke after swallowing a mouthful of turkey, “Brig is going to teach me to make rocking chairs and dressers.” Since he had already finished his glass of milk, he sucked down half his water, taking in my expression as if waiting for me to object.

  Brig glanced across the table at Vic, a conspiratorial look in his eye. “All my traveling is getting old. I think I’m ready to stick closer to home and Alex here has convinced me I need to update my inventory system. He’s going to get the whole thing set up on the computer for me.”

  Mom and I looked from Brig to Alex and back. I spoke first. “I’ve been telling you that for years.” I raised a brow to Alex, “How did you convince my grandfather that he needed to jump into the twenty-first century?”

  “It wasn’t so hard once I showed him the advantages.” He shot a quick glance at Brig, who grinned at each of us.

  “Oh, stop you two. I’m just being practical. No use resisting change.” Brig looked proudly at Alex. “Besides, I could use a man with your skills, and I have every confidence you’ll take good care of something I love so very much. You know this antique shop has been around for about a hundred years. It would be nice to have it looked after when I’m gone.”

  His quick glance toward me was no doubt to make sure Alex knew he wasn’t just talking about the antique shop. “And, with Jordan here going off to college next year, I figured I would need somebody to pick up the slack.” He eyed me nervously. “I thought maybe you could help train Alex to replace you…” he patted my hand looking a little panicked as though he worried that my feelings might be hurt. “Not that anyone could ever replace you, Sunshine. You’re not mad, are you? I know you and I have been partners, but you’re going away and…”

  I looked at my mother, “Oh, didn’t Mom tell you?” My heart beat faster. Brig had always pushed me toward medical school, just like my mom. I hated the idea of him being disappointed in me. I sucked in a breath. “I’m staying home. I’ve applied to go to the University of Connecticut.”

  His face fell and my stomach dropped, the turkey and mashed potatoes coming to a lurching halt in my digestive system. Before he had a chance to say anything I was spouting off about my plan to go into the PT program and how it was a doctorate program and that I wanted to work with veterans and…he finally cut me off.

  “Jordan!” I stopped, recovering my breath as he continued. “That sounds like a fine idea. I’m happy for you. Besides, I’ll feel much better knowing you aren’t all the way across the country where I can’t keep my eye on you.” He glanced at Alex. “Everything will work out just fine.”

  Alex in the meantime, had been staring at me and taking in my tirade, his eyes boring into me with an intensity I could sense without looking. But when I did look, my heart melted and I felt an overwhelming urge to be closer to him—to touch him. His eyes were soft, like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. I bit my lower lip and reached my foot toward his beneath the table until our feet touched and a small smile curved his mouth.

  As soon as dinner was over and the table cleared, I insisted on taking Alex for a ride in my new car. We were excused from dish duty and the ‘grown-ups’ were having coffee when we made our escape and buckled into my cool new ride. I drove around the lake and turned north toward Wolf Den Falls. A walk would do us good, and I figured we both needed to be close to Levi today.

  “I’m stuffed,” Alex said, tilting his seat back to a reclining position and resting his hands over his stomach.

  “You ate half the turkey all on your own,” I laughed.

  “I’m a growing boy, what can I say?” he grinned back, a charming smile that could have easily derailed me from the real reason I wanted to get him alone.

  “That’s such great news about you and Brig being partners,” I said, a topic both of us needed to discuss. We had several issues to talk about that I wasn’t sure would go smoothly.

  “You aren’t upset about Brig making his decision without talking to you first?”

  “Of course not.” It didn’t feel at all intrusive to have Brig bring Alex in—I was quite happy about it actually. Running the antique shop wasn’t something I wanted to do for life, so it made me happy to know it would be in good hands. I also had a tremendous sense of relief that Alex had a plan—and that it included sticking around.

  “I just thought…” Alex said, pulling his seat upright and facing front.

  “It’s fine, really, Alex.” I smiled and glanced over at him reassuringly. “I’ll have fun teaching you the ropes and we’ll have lots of time together. It’s going to be great. Don’t you think?”

  A note of doubt rose in his voice, sending a shard of apprehension to my gut. “The job might include a lot of traveling,” he said. “Brig asked me to take over his auction and estate sale trips.”
/>   The air grew tense between us. He wasn’t telling me something. The knot in my stomach tightened. I had a suspicion that Alex’s talents were going to be used beyond running an antique and fine furniture business. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to accept a life of secrets and spy missions, but I knew if I loved Alex it would mean loving all of him—for exactly who he was. For now, I would play along, but at some point, Brig and Alex would tell me the truth. I would pester them both until they did.

  That thought cheered me. “It’s okay,” I said. “I’ll be busy with school and track. I hear UCONN has an amazing track coach. Besides, it’ll be nice not to have to worry about helping Brig at the antique shop as much.”

  “I’m glad you aren’t upset.” I felt his shoulders relax beside me. The conversation wasn’t over by a long shot. Hopefully, I could learn to live with worrying about what danger he was in when he went away. Maybe it would be easier to keep thinking he was at an antique dealers’ convention rather than putting his life on the line. I guess I had no choice but to trust him and Brig, and live my own life to the fullest. I owed it to Levi—and to myself.

  I pulled into the parking area of Wolf Den Falls, and Alex and I hiked down the trail following the sound of cascading water. It turned out to be a beautiful day, the sky a bright blue with only a few puffy white clouds. The trees were half bare, a red and gold glow hanging on in the autumn breeze. Alex and I made slow progress, the trail slick with a patchwork of colorful wet leaves and both of us silently mindful of his prosthesis. I noticed it less and less, but I suspected there wouldn’t be one minute of his life that he wasn’t aware of it. We reached our destination, the ledge of rocky outcroppings that lay below the falls.