Rediscovering Peace (Military Love Book 1)

by Rogers, Steffy

  The day dragged as I waited to be released and to pick up Skye. I had talked to my counselor and had gotten an appointment for the following week. I was nervous as hell. Skye knew of what had happened, but I had spared her the details. I was scared that she would leave me once she knew the exact demons that I was facing every day. Yes, my nightmare had died down in the last couple of months, but the images were still there, reminding me every day of my mistake.

  Finally it was time to leave and I headed to Skye’s office. I had called her and let her know that I would be there soon, so when I arrived she was already standing outside. By the look on her face she had had a rough day as well. She jumped into the passenger seat and smiled at me lightly. Something was up.

  “Hey, baby. How was your day?”

  “Ugh. This new guy is such an asshole. He thinks he already knows everything and barely listens to what I say. And he is sort of creepy.”

  “What do you mean he is creepy?”

  “I don’t know. I just have a weird feeling about him. If he stares at my tits one more time I might just punch him.”

  My hands balled up into fists. Skye shouldn’t be subjected to someone staring at her as if she was some piece of meat. I would have to have a talk with the guy.

  “Calm down, Braden. I can see you getting angry. I shouldn’t have said anything, I am sure I am just overreacting.”

  “Baby, I always want you to come to me when you don’t feel comfortable. It is my job to protect you.”

  “I know and I really appreciate it. If it gets worse I will let you know.” I knew she was keeping something else from me. She was playing with her hair again. I wanted to pummel this guy in to the ground. I really hoped she would come to me if he approached her wrong.

  “I talked to Seth today.” I needed to change the subject before I turned around and beat the shit out of her new coworker.

  “And? Were you able to get anything out of him?”

  I filled her in on my conversation with Seth and now it was her turn to get angry.

  “What a dickwad! He slept with her and then disappeared? Oh, I am going to kick his ass when I see him. It’s his fault that Faith is dating a guy that she isn’t happy with. Fuck. What a mess.”

  “You can say that again. I wish there was something I could do. I should’ve never introduced them.”

  “It’s not your fault, you couldn’t have known. I am mad at her too. She should’ve known better than sleeping with a married man. You would think what I went through would’ve taught her a lesson. I can’t believe she was okay with being the other woman. I feel like I don’t know her anymore.” Sadness was written all over Skye’s face. The actions of her best friend were hurting my girl. Maybe I shouldn’t have told her about what happened.

  “Sweetheart, they are adults. They are responsible for their actions. Trust me, I don’t appreciate what happened either and I pretty much threatened Seth’s life if he ever looked at Faith again. Well for as long as he is married. There is something between him and Faith, and I really hope he opens his eyes and fights for her. They deserve happiness, both of them.”

  We pulled up to my dad’s house and it was a horrific sight. The grass hadn’t been cut in a while and the house needed some work. The wood of the porch was withering away and desperately needed to be replaced. I had offered to do it but my dad refused any help from me. He worried me a lot.

  “Before we go inside, I have to warn you. Dad tends to get hurtful lately. Whatever happens please remember that he does love you but he just isn’t his old self.

  “No problem, I am sure it will be okay.”

  We walked up to the house and I opened the door with the spare key I had. I had to hold my breath at the smell that was flooding my senses. It smelled like alcohol, cigarettes and vomit. I looked back at Skye and saw that she was covering her nose.

  “Dad? It’s me. I have a surprise for you,” I called out while walking around looking for my dad. I found him in the living room. He was passed out on his recliner. The whole room was covered in alcohol bottles. The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts and Dad looked like he hadn’t showered in days. I shook him to wake him up and after about five minutes he finally opened his eyes.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, son?”

  “You were unresponsive, Dad. Your pulse was so weak I almost called 911. What happened here? It hadn’t looked like this when I was here last week? Did Martha not come by?”

  “I fired her. I don’t need anybody cleaning up behind me. I am a grown man.”

  “Well maybe you should fucking act like one then. You reek of alcohol and from the smell of it you haven’t showered in days. It’s disgusting. Do you think Mom would want you to live like this?” I gestured around the room. My dad’s eyes followed my movements and his eyes fell on Skye, who was leaning against the door frame just observing.

  “Is that? Is that really you? Skye, I thought I would never see you again,” my dad said in surprise. I had told him that we were back together but he was always so drunk he didn’t remember what I told him half the time.

  “Yes, it’s me, Dad... umm... Mr. Parker.”

  “Oh, babygirl, you can still call me Dad. I have missed you, sweet girl. Braden here should’ve never let you go.”

  “Thank you, Dad. He didn’t have much of a choice. I walked out on him.”

  “Well I am just glad he found you.”

  “Me too. Umm... Dad?”

  “Yes, sweetheart?”

  “Braden is right you know? Olivia wouldn’t want you to waste your life like this. She would be very upset if she saw what you are doing to yourself. I didn’t really believe it when Braden told me what is going on, but looking around – it is very obvious that you need help. I know your loss hurts, but you can’t give up on life. You have to keep living, for her.”

  I watched my dad’s expression and was ready to jump in if he was going to be hurtful to Skye. But what happened next blew me away. My dad was crying. I had never seen my old man cry.

  “I know she wouldn’t want this, but it is so hard you know? Every morning I wake up and hope it’s all just a dream and I will get up and find her in the kitchen cooking breakfast like she did every morning. But she’s never there. She’s gone. She was everything to me. I took her for granted. Now that she’s gone I can’t seem to move on. I know I need help. Where do I start? She had always taken care of me. I don’t even know how to function without her.”

  “We are here to help you, Dad. Braden and I are not going anywhere. Let’s get you up to take a shower first and then we will call around and see what we can do to get started, okay? Braden, will you help your dad to the bathroom?”

  I looked at her stunned. I had no idea how she had managed to convince my dad that he needed help in a matter of minutes. I had tried for years to get him to see someone.

  “Sure, come on, Dad.”

  “I can get there myself,” he grumbled and got up, but he was so weak he immediately fell back in his chair. My dad was only fifty years old but he had aged so much since Mom’s death. He looked like he was going on seventy. I grabbed him under his arms and stood him up. He put his arm around my shoulders and let me lead him to the bathroom. I ran a bath for him. I knew he wouldn’t be able to stand up in the shower.

  “Call me if you need anything, Dad. I am going to go downstairs and clean up a bit.”

  “Thank you, son. I am sorry for what I have put you through. Do me a favor?”

  “Anything, Dad.”

  “That girl down there, don’t ever let her go again. If she ever decides to walk out on you again, you fight for her. You will never find anyone like her again. She reminds me so much of your mother.”

  “I am not letting her go anywhere. She’s stuck with me. I plan to ask her to marry me soon.”

  “Good idea, son.” He got up from his spot on the toilet where had been sitting and walked into the bedroom over to the dresser. He opened up my mom’s old jewelry b
ox. When he found what he was looking for he turned around to face me.

  “Here. This is your mom’s engagement ring. I know she would love for Skye to have it. She adored that girl so much. I think your mom was more heartbroken than you when you guys broke up.”

  I went to say something but my throat was dry and all that came out was a scratchy cough. I felt the tears building in my eyes. Dad never talked about Mom with me anymore and now he was standing here handing me Mom’s ring.

  “Thanks, Dad. It means a lot,” I finally managed to say.

  “No problem. Now get out of here so I can take a bath.” He chuckled. Dad would be alright. Finally.

  When I walked into the living room Skye had already filled up two black trash bags with empty bottles. I hugged her from behind and whispered into her ear, “Thank you, Skye. Thank you for everything. You’re an angel and I am very lucky to have you.”

  “Anytime, Braden. We will get through this. I already called around and found a facility that has a few spots open. They said to pack your dad’s bags and bring him by tonight. They said we had to take the opportunity while he is willing to seek help.”

  “God, you are the most amazing woman in this world.”

  “I am glad that you know it.” She winked at me. “Now go pack the bags while I clean up. I called Martha and she is coming over tomorrow to take care of the rest of the house. Everything will be alright.”

  I kissed her on the forehead and went to pack my dad’s bag.

  An hour later we were on the way to the rehab facility where Dad would be staying a few weeks to get clean. The alcohol was consuming his life and he needed help. I would forever be thankful to Skye for finally opening his eyes.

  Everything felt right again. Now we only had the appointment at the counselor to conquer. I knew together we could do it.

  Chapter 12

  Skye

  Seeing Braden’s dad in the shape that he was in broke my heart. He had always had such a happy personality and his soldiers and friends loved him. He was always so strong but the death of his wife had changed him. Olivia was a wonderful woman who had devoted her whole life to her husband and her son. I had always admired her and her strength. Being a military wife was anything but easy and more often than not did the wives have to deal with a changed husband after deployment.

  It took us about two hours to get to the rehab center where Braden’s dad would start his treatment. We were welcomed by a friendly woman at the reception desk and pretty soon we were sitting in the office of the counselor who would be working with him. He talked us through everything. Michael would have to stay at least thirty days and undergo the Twelve Step program. If the facility deemed him strong enough after the thirty days were over he could go home and attend regular meetings with either the counselor or go to AA meetings. Michael was silently crying the entire time while listening and I kept holding his hand to comfort him. We weren’t allowed to have any contact with him for fourteen days. I knew that would be rough on Braden as he talked to his dad every day. But together we would all make it through this.

  I still didn’t believe that I had actually managed to convince Michael that he needed help. I’m glad he agreed to do this. I didn’t want to see Braden suffering from this anymore, and I also wanted his dad to get healthy again. Olivia would’ve never wanted this to happen. We scheduled a meeting for when the fourteen days were over. Apparently having a family session was part of the program they offered at the facility to help family members deal with the addiction. After Michael was admitted his counselor showed us to the room he would be staying in. It was kept in a light brown tone and besides the bed and a recliner, it had a bookshelf with a variety of books. It was nice, and I was sure that Michael would be in good hands.

  We said our goodbyes and were on our way back to our apartment. Braden was quiet and I knew he was thinking.

  “Are you okay, baby?”

  “I am fine. It’s just that bringing Dad to the rehab center makes it all that much more real. I have tried to talk him into finding help a million times but he wouldn’t budge.”

  “All that matters is that he is getting help now. He needs our support more than ever and I am willing to stand by your side through this. You and your dad don’t have to face this alone. I am right here.”

  “Thank you, Skye. I would be lost without you. I am going to spend the next few weeks fixing things around Dad’s house. That way when he comes back he doesn’t have to worry about it. Do you think he will be alright after the thirty days?” The worry about his dad was written all over his face.

  “Only time will tell. If he needs longer, then so be it. He needs to heal on his own terms. Alcoholism is not just a button that you can turn on and off. Maybe you should talk to him about selling the house. I don’t think the memories of your mom there are the best thing for him in this situation.”

  “I have thought about that too. Everywhere you look there is something that reminds you of Mom. I will either try to convince him to sell or redecorate. Mom decorated the house when they bought it and he hasn’t touched it since she died.”

  I squeezed his hand and we remained silent for the rest of the drive. I hoped that when we went to see his dad in two weeks that we could already see a change in Michael. The next few weeks weren’t going to be easy for anyone. I made a mental note to call my mom the next day and fill her in on everything. Since our parents had been good friends, maybe their support would also help him stay on track in beating the addiction.

  We got to the apartment and headed straight for the bedroom. Neither one of us was in the mood for company. I loved my two best friends but I was happy that soon Braden and I would have our own house. After a quick shower I crawled in bed and soon Braden was behind me. He spooned me from behind and wrapped his arms around me.

  “I love you so much, Skye Taylor. I will be forever grateful that you are back in my life.”

  I turned around to look at him and smiled.

  “I am glad you found me again. I was lost there for a while after everything with Oliver, but you showed me that true love is worth fighting for. I love you too, Braden James. More than words can ever express.”

  We fell asleep holding each other. After the day we had, we just had to be close to each other.

  I woke the next morning and had to shake Braden awake. He was already late for work, which never happened. Usually he was the one who had to wake me up and make sure I got to work on time.

  “Babe, wake up. You’re late for work.”

  He sat up straight and looked at the time.

  “Fuck. Shit. How did I not hear my alarm?”

  “We both slept right through it.”

  He scrambled off the bed and threw on his uniform in a hurry. I laughed when he almost tripped over his own legs while trying to put on his ACU pants.

  “Keep laughing at me and I will have to punish you tonight.” He threw a pillow at me. I caught it and laughed even more. Finally he was all dressed and gave me a quick kiss before heading out the door.

  I slowly got ready for work myself. I really didn’t want to work with Dylan today. I hoped that his attitude would change or I would have to talk to my boss about taking him off my team. I didn’t mind suggestions from my team members at all – I just couldn’t stand people who thought they knew it all better. Plus something about Dylan made me feel uneasy. He hadn’t approached me unprofessionally or anything, but the way he stared at me, mostly my tits, gave me the creeps.

  I got to work and set up the conference room. My team and I would have a brief meeting to go over some aspects of the launch before I met with the owners of the vodka company in the afternoon. So far they had been happy with all the suggestions and ideas we had come up with and I hoped to God it stayed that way.

  I settled in one of the chairs and waited for my coworkers to arrive. Dylan was the first one to walk in. Go figure.

  “Good morning, Dylan. Did you have a good evening?”

  “Morning,
” he said while staring at my tits again. Ugh, asshole. I really didn’t like being alone with him in one room.

  Finally all the others arrived and the awkward tension left the room. I definitely needed to talk to Jake about this. I hated working in a bad atmosphere and if that meant Dylan had to leave my team then so be it. I didn’t care how much experience he had in this field.

  “Okay everybody, let’s go over this again. The launch is supposed to happen in a week and I want everything to be perfect. Mr. Logan will be here this afternoon and hopefully sign off on everything.”

  The next three hours flew by, and I was confident that the launch would go as expected. Dylan had made some smart ass comments throughout the meeting but I didn’t acknowledge him. After everyone retreated back to their offices, I went straight to Jake’s office. I would take care of this problem right now.

  “Jake, I need to talk to you.” He was engrossed in his computer and looked up at my words. He gestured for me to sit down and closed out of whatever he was doing.

  “What’s up, Skye? How’s the launch coming along?”

  “It’s coming along great. I meet with Mr. Logan this afternoon to go over it again and see if he wants to make some changes. But the reason I need to talk to you is Dylan.”

  “What about him?”

  “He doesn’t seem to work too well with women. He refuses any advice from me and makes smart comments every time I suggest something. Honestly I don’t like the way he stares at me either. It gives me the creeps. I don’t know but something isn’t right with him. You know me, Jake. I can usually brush these kinds of things off pretty easily. But we are in the last stretch of this campaign and I don’t want the work atmosphere to be strained. I worked too hard for this. I want him off my team. Don’t you have another campaign you can put him on? Preferably with a man?”

  “Are you sure, Skye? His experience in this field is excellent. I’ve seen some of his work and I think he could benefit your team. I think you’re overreacting. You know we do background checks on everybody.”