Rediscovering Peace (Military Love Book 1)

by Rogers, Steffy

  “Braden, do you take Skye to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, and be faithful to her?” the pastor asked.

  “I do.”

  “Skye, do you take Braden as your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, and be faithful to him?”

  “I do with all my heart.”

  “Who has the rings?” On cue, Caige reached into his pocket and handed us our wedding bands.

  “I, Braden James Parker take you, Skye Taylor Donovan, to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my wife, for as long as I live.”

  “I, Skye Taylor take you, Braden James Parker, to be my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my husband, for as long as I live.”

  “Well then, may your life be filled with happiness and love. By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Braden pulled me to him and soon we were lost in one of the most passionate kisses I had ever encountered. I was officially Mrs. Skye Taylor Parker.

  Our friends and family started whistling behind us and we finally pulled away from each other. We turned to the crowd and were greeted with congratulations and hugs. I was the happiest woman on earth.

  We celebrated with our loved ones well into the morning. Our backyard had been transformed into a reception area and my mother had done a wonderful job. Lanterns were flooding the yard with light and my dad had arranged for a DJ. We had thought about asking Caige, but we wanted him to be able to celebrate with us.

  All our guests were gathered around a big table that had been set up. It was decorated with beautiful lily arrangements. The wedding had been kept simple, just like I had requested. I looked around and caught Seth and Faith stealing glances at each other. I wished for them that one way or another they would find their way to each other. The passion between them was obvious. Neither Jordan nor Krystal had been able to make it to the wedding and I secretly thanked the Gods above for that. Maybe this was the chance Faith and Seth needed.

  Someone at the table asked for attention and I looked up to see my dad standing there. I smiled. He was famous for his long speeches.

  “Thank you everybody for joining us in the wedding of our beloved daughter Skye. People mock me for my long speeches so I will keep this one short. Braden, I couldn’t ask for a better guy to take care of my daughter and soon my granddaughter. I love you as if you were my own son and I am thankful that you found your way back to each other. I love you three so much. Welcome to the family, son.”

  Everybody applauded while Caige stood up.

  “Well, since we are on the subject of speeches I figured I will do mine. I have never met two people who are as stubborn as the two of you. Skye, I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to kick your ass when you denied your feelings for Braden. But love always finds its way. Braden, I am so glad you saved my Skye. When I was at my wits end you sneaked in and saved the day. I have never seen a love more pure, more passionate than the one you share. We all know, I am not the firmest believer in love, but even I can’t deny that what you share is beautiful. I hope that you live long, happy lives together. Congratulations.”

  Now it was Faith’s turn.

  “A friend told me that you only have one shot at that once in a lifetime kind of love. You two have found it. Hold on to that love tight because in a blink of an eye that love can slip through your fingers. I am so happy for the two of you and I am happy to be part of your lives and to be able to see your love blossom more every day. You deserve one another. I love you guys even though you make me sick to my stomach with your mushy crap sometimes.”

  We all erupted in laughter – leave it to Faith. I didn’t miss the part about true love slipping through your fingers and I had a feeling that was directed at Seth. I glanced over at him and saw the sad look on his face. He must’ve caught that too.

  “Well, everybody got their turn, so now it’s mine,” Paisley announced. I was stoked she had been able to make it to the wedding. “When I met you guys in Germany, I knew that one day I would be attending your wedding. You guys are perfect for each other – even a blind guy could see that. I didn’t think it would take you guys ten years to get here but all that matters that we are here now. Every curveball and broken heart, all that is in the past. You have found your future in each other and I am glad to be part of your lives. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, great sex and lots of babies! Cheers!”

  The DJ announced the first dance so Braden and I headed to the make shift dance floor. I had left the song choice to him.

  When “All of Me” by John Legend started to play the tears began to spill over again. Braden led me around to the song and I leaned on him.

  “I love you so much, Skye Parker. I will treasure you forever and I promise I will never take you for granted.”

  I looked up to kiss him.

  “I love you too. So much it hurts.”

  The song ended and our friends and family joined us on the dance floor. We danced and laughed for hours.

  When I sat down for a little break, I saw Seth and Faith dancing. They were so wrapped up in each other that they didn’t notice what was happening around them.

  “I really wish they’d realize how perfect they are together,” Braden said as he sat down next to me. He pulled my feet in his lap and started massaging them.

  “Me too. But I won’t interfere anymore. They need to figure it out on their own. You can’t force them to open their eyes. We can only sit back and hope.”

  “You’re right. How are you feeling?”

  “I am okay. I am tired and little princess here has been kicking almost all day.”

  “Well how about we say our goodbyes and get out of here. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow and I booked us a hotel room at the Hilton.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Will you finally tell me where we are going?”

  “Nope that’s a surprise. I asked Faith to pack your suitcase. Do you have your passport ready?”

  “Yes it has been in my purse for days now.”

  “Okay. Now let’s tell them we are leaving.”

  Thirty minutes later we were on our way to the hotel. We checked in and were upgraded to a suite when they realized we had just gotten married.

  Braden closed the door after room service brought us a bottle of champagne. I allowed myself half a glass in honor of the celebrations. After I finished, Braden took the glass from me, set it on the table and motioned for me to come to him. He sat down on the bed and pulled me to him.

  “This dress looks gorgeous on you, but it’s time for it to come off now.”

  I shook with anticipation. It would be the first time Braden and I made love to each other as a married couple. He turned me around and slowly opened the zipper of my dress. He pushed the straps off my shoulders and let the dress pool at my feet. I was wearing a turquoise lace bra and thong and white garters. I turned around and when I saw the look on his face I was glad I had decided to keep my heels on.

  “Skye, you take my breath away. How did I deserve you?” His eyes darkened with lust. I reached behind me and opened the clasp of my bra and let it fall to the floor. Braden got up and I swear I had never seen him undress faster. He pushed me onto the bed and hovered over me. He showered my whole body with kisses, whispering sweet compliments. We ended up making love all night and barely got any sleep before we had to get up to the airport. I was tired but excited to find out where he was taking me.

  We made it to the airport and walked up to the check in counter.

  “We are going to Germany?” I gasped.

  “Yes, babe, we are going where it all began.” I had the best husband in the world.

  We boarded the plane and soon were on our journey to Germany
. I leaned my head on his shoulders and soon was fast asleep. I only woke when the flight attendant brought us our food. The exhaustion of the last couple of days and my pregnancy had taken over my body.

  “Come on, baby, it’s time to wake up. We are about to land,” Braden murmured in my ear. The plane landed safely and we waited for all the other passengers to get out before we headed out. Security and customs went rather quickly and soon we had rented a car and were on the way to the hotel.

  I looked out of the window and took in the familiar sights. Germany was beautiful and I had missed it so much.

  After spending the first night of our honeymoon in the hotel room sleeping and making love, the rest of the two weeks we visited old friends and went sightseeing. I was glad that Faith had packed warm clothes as it was the middle of winter and everything was covered in snow.

  “Are you happy?” Braden asked me one afternoon as we were visiting the castle “Schloss Neuschwanstein”.

  “Of course I am. This honeymoon is a dream come true. I have always wanted to come back but for some reason I never made it. Thank you for doing this for me.”

  “Anything for you, my love.”

  If someone had told me a year ago that I would find myself married to Braden and pregnant with our first child, I would’ve told them they were crazy. I have learned that true love always finds its way. Braden was my anchor. When I was with him, I was at peace. I looked forward to the years ahead of us. Every journey has obstacles but together we would conquer them.

  Epilogue

  Braden

  Two years later

  I was getting home from work and was greeted by my little daughter Abby, who threw herself at me.

  “Dada. Dada. I missed you. Mommy bought me a new dress today. Let me show you.” Abigail Olivia Parker was almost two years old and was my pride and joy. She was the perfect mix of Skye and me. She had her mom’s green eyes, kind heart and my attitude. Her heart was so full of love and she surprised me every day.

  “Okay, princess, I will look at it in a minute. Let me say hello to Mommy first.” She ran into her room at my words and I headed to the kitchen to greet my very pregnant wife. She was going to give birth to our son Lucas Ryder any day now. Abby was over the moon excited about having a little brother. In her mind, she was already playing dress up with him. She made me laugh.

  “Hello, my beautiful wife. Have you had a good day?”

  “It has been okay. Abby and I went shopping. I had a few contractions but nothing regular yet. Little Lucas can come any day now. I am tired of feeling like a bloated whale. I don’t want to wait any longer to see his precious little face.”

  “First off, you do not look like a whale. You look gorgeous carrying my little man. Second, he will be here soon. I feel it. Dad is picking up Abby in about an hour. He said he will keep her so we can get ready for the baby.”

  “Have I mentioned how much I love your dad and Louise?”

  Louise Davis was dad’s girlfriend. He had met her at one of his AA meetings and they had been inseparable ever since. She was a good woman whom made my dad happy. That in return made me happy. He had endured some tough times in his life but he had fully healed from everything.

  I went looking for my daughter so she could show me her new dress. She proudly presented it to me, and I told her how pretty she looked. I picked her up pretending she was an airplane that was soaring around the room.

  “Attention. Attention. Plane Abigail is getting ready for landing. Attention. Attention,” I explained and when I sat her down she fell into a fit of giggles. I tickled her little tummy and her laughter grew into happy squealing.

  “I love you, Dada.”

  “I love you too, princess. Now let’s pack your bag. You are going to spend a few days with Papa Michael and Miss Louise.”

  “Yay. Papa! Papa! Papa!”

  I laughed at my happy girl.

  The doorbell rang, and I opened the door to my dad. He stayed for dinner and then he and Abby left to go to his house.

  “Skye,” I yelled through the house. She had excused herself to the bathroom a few minutes ago after kissing our daughter goodbye.

  “Babe, where are you? We are alone now, you know what that means? Sexy time.”

  I heard the bathroom door open and was greeted by a pale Skye.

  “Umm... Braden, get my bag. My water just broke. We are having a baby.”

  Though I had been through this before I instantly panicked. Bag. Where was the bag? Fuck. Skye had told me where it was.

  “Braden. Closet. Bag. Now.” Oh yeah. Closet. Why didn’t I think of that?

  I got her in the car and when we were on our way I called our parents and friends to let them know we were going to the hospital. I also informed the hospital and Skye’s doctor that we would be there soon. Skye was squeezing my hand as her contractions came in stronger.

  When we made it to the hospital, the nurses were already waiting for us with a wheelchair. They settled Skye in the delivery room and hooked up several monitors to her.

  The contractions had subsided. Now we were waiting for Lucas to make his grand entrance. After a while Anna, Pete, Caige, Faith and Seth joined us. I had asked my dad to wait till Lucas was here to bring Abby over.

  “How are you doing, babygirl?” Pete asked his daughter.

  “I’m in pain and about to push a human the size of a watermelon out of my vagina. How do you think I am feeling?” I couldn’t help but laugh which earned me a glare from my wife.

  A few hours went by and Skye’s contractions were coming in closer now. The doctor had said that within the next hour we would we be holding our baby boy.

  “Relax, baby,” I said as another contraction hit my wife.

  “If you tell me to relax one more time I am going to cut your balls off. You did this to me. You and your super sperm. Where is the doctor with my fucking epidural?” she asked while she squeezed the shit out of my hand.

  The doctor finally walked in ready to give Skye the epidural when another contraction hit.

  “Sorry but no epidural for you. It’s go time. That baby wants out.”

  Skye screamed in pain and I tried to soothe her while she was pushing.

  “Shut. Up. Braden.”

  “One more push, Skye. I can see his head. Come on, push hard,” the doctor urged Skye.

  Her face turned bright red as she pushed hard and suddenly the room was filled with the sound of crying. Lucas Ryder Parker had made his entrance. I looked at my son, who was covered in blood and followed the nurse to cut the umbilical cord. Even though I had done the same thing when Abby was born, it was still an experience I couldn’t describe with words. After I cut the cord, the nurses took him to be weighed and measured.

  “His vitals are all normal. He weighs 7 pounds and 3 ounces and measures at 17 inches. Congratulations on your baby boy.”

  “Hello, Lucas. Your mom and I have been waiting for you for a very long time. You are so beautiful. Come on, let’s meet your mommy.”

  I carried him over to Skye and carefully laid him in her arms. Tears flooded her eyes when she first saw him and in that moment I know all her pain is forgotten.

  “He is so beautiful. Baby boy, I am so happy you’re finally here. Mommy and Daddy love you so much.”

  My heart was swelling with love. We had a perfect little family. Life had thrown us a lot of curve balls and just when we thought we couldn’t go on anymore, Skye and I found each other.

  Our nightmares were no longer haunting us. Within each other, we found ourselves. We found our peace.

  The End

  Afterword

  First of all, thank you for reading my book. It has been a fun journey and I can't wait to do it all over again.

  This book is very dear to me and as you know, I'm touching on a sore subject - PTSD.

  PTSD is a real thing. It’s around us all the time. You may not know it but someone in your circle is struggling from PTSD. Not only soldiers suffer from this but us
“regular” folks can too.

  I want to raise awareness. Too many times we ignore the signs. I have lived around military all my life and though I have never seen war, I have seen what it can do to people.

  Have you ever sat in a room full of soldiers on 4th of July? I have. It’s sad to see grown men jump up and under tables thinking they’re under attack. My heart breaks every time I think about the day I witnessed this.

  Last year, I watched a dear friend break down on 4th of July because he couldn't handle the fireworks. There’s not much you can do but be by their side and compliment them on at least trying.

  When coming back from deployments our soldiers have a long way to go. If you live close to a base or know someone who is a vet or still active duty, please offer a helping hand. You don't know how much of a difference you can make.

  I have also lost friends to PTSD. How do you deal with the fact that your friend thought suicide was easier than fighting the demons? You don’t. I think about this every day.

  So when you’re out today offer a smile to a stranger. You don’t know what they’re going through and a simple gesture can turn their day around.

  Be kind and love with all your heart. YOU can make a difference.

  In my research of PTSD, I have come across these two organizations that help veterans and soldiers that suffer from PTSD.

  PTSD Foundation of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring to our combat veterans and their families with post-traumatic stress disorder. Many warriors come home with visible wounds; countless others are coming home with scars we cannot see, wounded souls from witnessing the horrors of war over and over again – PTSD. They want to help these might warriors and their families adjust and find their new normal.

  More information can be found on their website www.ptsdusa.org.

  The Real Warriors Campaign is a multimedia public awareness campaign designed to encourage help-seeking behavior among service members, veterans and military families coping with invisible wounds. Launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) in 2009, the campaign is an integral part of the Defense Department’s overall effort to encourage warriors and families to seek appropriate care and support for psychological health concerns.