“Brynn Campbell…maybe you’ve heard of me?”
Her entire body stiffened at the sound of that name. “Sure, I have, but why are you calling me?”
“Because Reagan’s mine. You better not get too comfortable with him. He tends to float around with women, but he always comes back to me.”
Her voice grew as irritating as the sound of broken glass. The call abruptly ended. Still in shock, Julie placed the phone on her desk with a shaking hand. One thing was for certain—Brynn meant to cause trouble. But what if she was right? Would Reagan grow tired of Julie’s boringly normal life?
By the time she finished her lunch, Julie’s thoughts had turned from her love life to work. She focused solely on her next patient, a twelve-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Her therapy plan used exercise to keep her muscles strong and active.
The girl, named Emily, was in the middle of a leg massage when she let out a giggle.
“Did I tickle you?” Julie lightly brushed her fingers over her leg, which made Emily laugh harder.
“No,” Emily said, catching her breath. “I think it’s funny you’re famous.”
“What?” Julie remembered her picture in the paper. “I’m not famous. I was just sitting next to a famous person.”
“I know.” Emily got a dreamy look in her eyes. “He’s sooooo cute!”
The fact even twelve-year-old girls found Reagan good looking shouldn’t be a surprise. Julie looked at the smitten little girl and chuckled. “You’re right. He is super cute.”
****
After a brief struggle, Aiden was finally upstairs asleep. Now, after a long day of work and parenting, all Julie wanted to do was unwind.
“Don’t skip over any details.” Chrissy leaned back on the sofa and propped her bare feet on the coffee table.
She brought in two glasses and a bottle of wine, curled onto the sofa, and told her friend about the luxury car with driver, the restaurant, the club and their movie star companions.
Wine splashed from the glass in Chrissy’s wildly gesturing hand when she found out Julie had gone to Club Remix. “You have to promise to take me with you next time, Jules. I’ve been dying to go.”
When Julie finished telling her story, she laid her head back on the sofa, and closed her eyes. “I had fun, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not used to being fussed upon like that. Reagan went way above and beyond anything I’m used to. I’m not sure I deserve him.”
“Of course you do, silly. I think he wants to be worthy of you.” Chrissy pointed her finger at Julie.
She peered over at Chrissy and raised a brow. “I come with so much baggage, I could have my own department at a store. The Julie Ellis Luggage Collection, which has a nice-looking design yet totally nonfunctional.”
Chrissy snorted out a laugh. “So what you’re saying is you don’t come with those little spinny wheels?”
“Funny. I need a refill.” Julie giggled, holding out her empty glass.
“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you.” Chrissy grabbed the almost-empty wine bottle and poured the remainder into Julie’s glass. “I saw your picture in the newspaper today.”
“That’s crazy, right? I was surprised when I saw the article. This whole thing is a lot to get used to.” She leaned forward. “Which reminds me, I got an interesting phone call today.”
“Yeah? From who?” Chrissy scooted toward Julie.
“From none other than the Brynn Campbell. Get this…she told me not to get too comfortable with Reagan.”
“No way.” Chrissy set her glass on the coffee table. “A while back, I remember seeing pictures in some tabloid of her and Reagan attending a movie premiere.”
“They were seeing each other when we first met. From what Reagan said, they haven’t spoken since he broke off things in August.”
The corners of Chrissy’s mouth drooped, and she rested her chin on her folded hand. “Do you think she’ll try calling again? Maybe you should tell Reagan.”
“I don’t want to get him involved. He’s too busy with the football season to worry about a crazy ex-girlfriend.” She straightened her spine. No one, not even a movie star, would get away with bullying her. “I was an Army wife for five years, and I’ve learned from the best how to put up a fight. This woman doesn’t know who she’s dealing with.”
Pride radiated from Chrissy’s smile. “That’s the spirit. Good to see the combative spark in your eyes again.”
****
When Reagan walked through her door Sunday evening, he found Julie in the middle of a rare tirade.
“When will you learn to pick up after yourself?” Julie tossed a full basket of toys on the shelf. “You need to start learning some responsibility.”
“I’m never talking to you again,” Aiden yelled and climbed the stairs to his room.
“Honey.” Reagan approached, like one would an ornery tiger—with extreme caution. What was with the sour mood? “You’re this upset over Aiden not picking up his toys?”
Julie took a black band off her wrist then yanked back her hair to put it in a ponytail. “I’m sorry…you’re right.” She walked into the kitchen, returning with an official-looking envelope from the Department of War, the United States Pentagon.
He carefully pulled out the sheet of crisp white paper. On the top of the letter was a clear, formal heading. After he spent a minute reading the correspondence, he placed the letter in the envelope. “No wonder you’re so upset.” He took her hand and guided her over to the sofa.
She rested her head on his broad shoulder. “I contacted an attorney a few months ago, to see if I had any legal right to know the circumstances of John’s death. The lawyer said dealing with the government is always uncertain, but he would send them an official letter of inquiry. The letter you just read was their response.”
Reagan considered what to say next. This was all new territory. Best tread very lightly. “The letter states his mission details are sensitive and for the safety of others, they need to be kept classified. Do you buy their explanation?”
“I don’t know what to think anymore, but I can’t help feeling they’re covering up something. The Army won’t even confirm his rank at time of death—like he disappeared from the ranks of the Special Forces Unit he was serving.”
“The medical report states he died from two gunshot wounds.” He noticed her face pale even further. Talking about the murder of her husband was difficult, but necessary. Any information could help the reporter uncover the truth. “Did John ever give you any idea about what his missions entailed, especially right before his death?”
She shook her head and reclined into the back of the sofa. “No, he never talked about that. I don’t think he could, even if he wanted to. During our last conversation, we talked about things that now seem unimportant. The last letter I received only said that if something happened, I should go to his best friend, Heath, for answers. Heath mailed John’s letter to me after the funeral. Since then, I’ve tried to contact Heath, but he never returned any of my calls or emails. Last I heard he’s deployed again overseas.”
Reagan took her hand, knowing nothing he could say would make her feel better. Seeing Julie so upset motivated him to do anything to protect her from further pain.
After a moment, Julie started crying. “Some days, I think I’ll go mad with frustration. I need to know the truth. I want to keep fighting, but I don’t know how much I have left.”
His job on the football field was straightforward—to defend the end zone. But defending the heart of the woman he loved was a tougher challenge. He’d never felt as helpless as he did right now, holding Julie while she grieved. “Truth sometimes has a complicated journey, with setbacks and obstacles, but it’s a force that can’t be stopped.”
Her body wilted, and she sobbed into his embrace. “Thank you,” she finally said. “You’re right, the truth will come out.”
“Of course I’m right,” he teased, placing a finger under her chin and lif
ting her face so he could see her small smile. He gave her a soft peck on the tip of her nose. “I’m always right.”
He continued to hold her close, enjoying the softness of her body next to his. When she closed her eyes, he set a robin’s egg blue box onto her lap.
“What’s this?” She wiped the moisture off her face and stared wide-eyed at his gift.
“Something to put a smile on your face. I got a little trinket when I was in New York last week.”
She untied the white ribbon with a widening grin and drew open the lid. “Oh,” she gasped. “It’s beautiful!”
“Let me put it on you.” He gently held the bracelet and took her hand. After he set the clasp, he dropped several kisses on the inside of her delicate wrist. Her skin felt warm against his lips. The platinum bracelet looked as beautiful on her as he’d imagined, appearing like a vine winding around her wrist, with tiny delicate leaves adorned with diamonds.
“Thank you. I missed you while you were gone.”
“I hate leaving you.” He combed his fingers through the loose waves of her hair. “How about I take you to a movie next weekend?” Finally, a genuine smile warmed her face.
“That would be nice. I haven’t gone to the movies in a long time.”
“Great. You choose a movie and tell me the time. I’ll pick you up after the team’s work out on Friday.”
“I hope you plan on showering first.”
“Nah, I thought I’d impress you with my ‘dripping with sweat’ look.”
“Oh no.” She inhaled deeply. “I like the freshly showered, yummy smelling Reagan so much better. I better go upstairs and smooth things over with Aiden.” Julie gave Reagan a kiss before she disappeared to the second story.
Reagan read the lawyer’s letter one more time to search for any information he could share with the reporter working on uncovering the truth. As he tidied the paperwork, he saw a letter sticking out from underneath the pile. He carefully pulled the folded sheet of paper from the worn envelope and started reading John’s last love letter to his wife.
May 22, 2012
Dear Julie,
I’m just going to say it… I don’t think I can stand being away from you for one more day. As much as I love what I do, the toll it’s taken on our marriage is too high. I’ve missed seeing Aiden’s first day of preschool, his Christmas program, and so many other moments I’ll never get back. I’m sorry I’m not there for you, to wake up with you every day and be by your side as you take care of our family.
I wish I could tell you what’s going on here. What I can say is that things are more dangerous than they’ve ever been. My team is doing our best to secure the region for the soldiers who will be here soon to replace us. I wanted you to know that if something happens to me, Heath will tell you the truth. He’s like a brother to me and will look out for you and Aiden if I no longer can.
Tonight, I’m waiting to see if the Army will give the green light to a mission of utmost importance. If we go, we have no choice but to succeed. This mission means the difference between life and death for so many Afghans, as well as Americans.
As I sign off, I want you to know you have been the best part of my life. Everything I do, I do for you and Aiden. You deserve so much more than what I’ve given you. Someday, when I’m out of the Army, I promise to devote my remaining days to your happiness. I love you, Julie. Don’t ever forget that.
See you soon,
John
Reagan folded the letter and returned it to the bottom of the pile. By the worn creases, he could tell John’s words had been read numerous times. That kind of love, the love John and Julie shared, seemed so sacred. A tightening knot of uneasiness formed in his gut. Tension rolled over his forehead, neck, and back. He suddenly felt like an intruder in their marriage.
He understood why Julie was having such a hard time letting go. Why she struggled to open her heart to a new relationship. Reagan loved her with everything he had. But would that ever be enough?
Chapter Fifteen
Only two more weeks until Christmas Day. The shopping season had shifted from hurried to utterly crazy. And Reagan was ready to step into the madness. He was strangely happy to escort Julie on a one-day shopping blitz. Mary was watching Aiden, so they had the whole day to spend together.
“Brrrr.” Julie climbed into the passenger seat of his SUV, bringing with her a blast of icy air.
She leaned over to give him the sweetest kiss, instantly warming the air around them. “Hey there, beautiful.”
Julie was so bundled up, only her face was visible—haloed by a purple hat and scarf. “I do miss North Carolina this time of the year.”
The snow had started overnight, bringing bone-chilling temps. On the morning news show, the weather lady had predicted five more inches of snow would fall throughout the day. He loved playing football in this kind of weather—but driving through it, not so much.
“How about we plan a trip to someplace warm? Football season will be done at the beginning of February, hopefully with a Super Bowl win, and I’d love to take you and Aiden on vacation. I’m thinking of this resort in Puerto Rico I’ve been to a few times. The place is beautiful, with white sand beaches and clear turquoise water.”
She sighed and gazed out the icy window. “That does sound wonderful. By February, I’ll be ready to flee this state.”
After a stop for breakfast, they made their way to the first store on Julie’s list. With the other shoppers focused on the holiday rush, not many noticed the Warriors linebacker who walked among them. He stopped to sign a few autographs and took pictures with fans, but for the most part, he was left alone to enjoy his time with Julie.
They left the store with Reagan carrying several large bags, which he loaded into the rear of the SUV. “The rate you’re going, my car will be filled in no time.”
“I hope so.” She’d just got seated when the wind blew the passenger door closed with a bang. “And having you here is making Christmas shopping fun. Thanks for coming along.”
“Just think of me as your personal shopping assistant. Your wish is my command…carry bags, push the cart, even clear your path of other shoppers.”
Julie laughed. “Well, I don’t know about tackling the other shoppers, but I’m happy you’re here to carry my bags.”
Good to know his arm muscles could be used for more than playing football. “I’d like to go to Champion Bike Shop next. I want to get a bike for Aiden. I know he won’t get to use it for a few months, but eventually, the snow will melt. Would you help me pick one out?”
She clapped her gloved hands. “Aiden would love a new bike. He told me his bike is a baby one, and he won’t ride it anymore.”
“Perfect.” He drove onto the street.
A snowplow lumbered past them, its metal blade scraping the ice-covered pavement.
As he drove to the bike store, he reflected on the upcoming Christmas. This year’s celebration would be one to remember. His family had understood why he wanted to spend the holidays in Timber Lake this year instead of coming home. When he’d been home for Thanksgiving, they’d been direct and relentless in their questioning about his relationship with Julie. His sisters were already planning the wedding. They must be psychic.
He hadn’t told them he’d purchased an engagement ring, choosing a three-carat cushion-cut diamond, clear and flawless, set on a platinum band. The ring cost more than his first car, but Julie deserved nothing less. She might not be emotionally prepared to marry him right away, but he would be content just to slip his ring on her finger, proclaiming his dedication. Maybe he’d propose on Christmas, or maybe he’d chicken out and wait until after the holidays. Just thinking about getting down on one knee left him more nervous than the night before his first pro-football game.
When they arrived at the bike shop, the snow was falling harder than before, and they slipped multiple times walking across the parking lot. After an hour with the young store worker, Reagan purchased the perfect bike. He wa
s sure Aiden would love the red bike, which boasted silver flame decals along the frame.
“I will give you a call as soon as the bike is assembled, Mr. Harrison,” the shop manager said. “We’ll be sure to have it delivered well before Christmas.”
“You’ve been very helpful.” Reagan shook the guy’s hand. “Thanks.” Leaving the store with Julie, hand in hand, he had a strong desire for a perfect Christmas.
“I don’t think even the snow will stop Aiden from riding his new bike,” Julie said right before losing her footing.
Reagan grabbed her arm as she started to fall. Drawing her close, he held her securely to his body while brushing her hair off her face. The falling snow faded into the background as he became lost in her blue-green eyes.
“I love you,” she said softly against his ear. “I hope you know how much you mean to me.”
He’d waited so long to hear her say those words. “I love you, too, Julie. More than you know.” His throat constricted, and when he spoke, his voice wavered with emotion.
She kissed him one last time before brushing the snow off her coat and hair, and then climbed into the car.
As he started the ignition, he wanted to pinch himself, to make sure this all wasn’t just a dream. Had Julie really said she loved him? And was he now sitting in his car, next to the most beautiful woman in the world, ready to ask her to marry him? He started driving to the next store, only going a few hundred feet, when Julie’s phone rang.
“Hi, Mom,” she answered cheerfully.
He watched as her formerly happy face turned pale and somber while she listened. Her hand trembled with slight vibrations.
“Oh no,” she finally said with a strained voice. “We’ll be right there.”
She turned to him. Julie’s eyes were wide and glistened with tears. “We need to get to Timber Lake Hospital. Mom’s waiting in the ER. They’ve been in a car accident.” She hesitated and burst out in a sob. “Aiden’s in critical condition, they’re taking him into surgery right now.”
****
Through her teary haze, Julie saw Reagan grip the steering wheel with tense strength. He wove the vehicle expertly through the city streets. The roads were ice-covered and slick, and she understood how easily a car accident could happen under these conditions.
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