An Everyday Hero

by Laura Trentham

  While she wouldn’t go so far as to admit she owed an apology to Beau—he was still a lowdown, dirty cheater—the relationship had been doomed from the start. Beau needed a woman who could put all her energy into boosting him. That would never be Greer.

  Emmett was as independent and stubborn as she was, yet he needed something from her as well. The difference was she was happy to offer herself to him, freely and without strings. And in return, he offered her something she hadn’t known she was missing all these years. Someone who loved her but encouraged her to fly.

  Greer steered the conversation into shallower waters while the three of them ate blueberry pancakes and bacon. Bit by bit, Ally relaxed into the chair, her shoulders rounding as she listened to Greer and her mom narrow the list of desserts to contribute to the church bake sale.

  Greer’s mom stacked their plates. “What are you girls going to get up to today?”

  “We’re going to clean up the kitchen after that spectacular breakfast so you can sit and read the paper, then head to the Lawsons’ farm. Emmett is going to put Ally to work with the horses.” Greer swept the plates from in front of her mama and headed to the sink.

  “That sounds wonderful.”

  “Mrs. Hadley. Since I’m going to be earning money, I want to pay you rent or whatever.” The soft hesitancy in Ally’s voice reminded Greer how young and unsure she really was. The brash bravado Ally wore was a costume that recent events had shredded.

  Greer turned to watch the interplay, confident her mama’s deft touch with people would leave Ally feeling secure.

  “Nonsense. We are pleased as punch to have you staying with us. You save your money for college or to buy yourself something special at the end of the summer.” Greer’s mama sat back with a little smile. “But if you really want to help, I could use a sous chef in the kitchen. I’m not used to cooking for four.”

  “You’ll have to teach me what to do. Mom and I did mostly takeout or frozen.”

  “You’ll know how to make all the classics by the time I’m done with you.” Greer’s mama winked. Ally’s answering smile held pain and worry but also hope for a better tomorrow.

  Greer’s mama poured herself another cup of coffee and retreated to the sunroom to work on the crossword. Greer and Ally made quick work of the kitchen and were on their way to the Lawsons’ farm thirty minutes later.

  “What are Emmett’s parents like?”

  “His mom is as sweet as can be. I’m sure she’s going to want to mother you as much as my mama does. His dad…” Greer bit the inside of her lip, searching for a diplomatic answer, and decided to stick with a simple fact that spoke volumes. “His dad is a retired army colonel.”

  Ally sat up straighter as if the very mention inspired her to watch her p’s and q’s. Greer was happy to avoid the main house and parked next to the barn. The sight of Emmett emerging in a T-shirt and khakis brought a goofy smile to her face.

  Emmett opened Ally’s door and gave her a half hug. “Are you ready to meet the horses? We have a new foal that’s about the cutest thing ever.”

  Ally nodded and ran her hands down the front of her ripped, worn jeans shorts. “They won’t bite, will they?”

  “They might, but it’s usually to get your attention, not to eat you.” Emmett rumbled a laugh. “Don’t worry, we haven’t lost anyone yet.”

  Ally shot a panicked look over her shoulder at Greer but followed Emmett into the barn for a tour. Greer wandered to the paddock fence where a mare snuffled at the ground while her foal cavorted around her with boundless energy. Propping her foot on the lowest rail, she smiled at the foal’s antics.

  “That colt will likely be worth thousands once it’s trained.” The familiar clipped voice of Mr. Lawson at her side startled her. He’d come up on her unawares.

  She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, but his face was impassive. “Emmett told me he decided to stay.”

  “I was out of line when I called Amelia. I misjudged you and I’m … sorry.” Although his economy with words gave the impression of brusqueness, the man would never have apologized if he wasn’t sincere. “You’ve been the best thing to happen to him since he came home.”

  A slug of emotion threatened to spill over, which would be too embarrassing to contemplate. Mr. Lawson’s approval meant more than she expected, considering she’d never had a problem thumbing her nose at authority.

  She swallowed several times before she could speak, but even then her voice trembled. “He’s the best thing to happen to me too. He’s a good man.”

  “He is. His mother and I couldn’t be prouder.”

  “I hope Mrs. Lawson gets good news this week.”

  “Thank you, Greer.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets and took three steps toward the barn before crisply turning back. “You should come to dinner sometime this week with Emmett.”

  “Okay. Sure, I’d love to.”

  Dazed, she watched him disappear as Emmett and Ally made a reappearance. Emmett and his dad paused to talk while Ally joined her. Her cheeks were flushed and the energy thrumming from her matched that of the foal in the paddock.

  “That baby horse is adorable. I hope I get to take care of him.” Genuine optimism had stripped the angsty tarnish from Ally’s voice.

  “What do you think so far?”

  “I mean, they smell kind of bad and their poops are enormous, but each one seems to have their own personality. I can’t wait to learn to ride. Emmett said he’d get me on a horse this afternoon if it doesn’t storm.”

  “That sounds awesome.”

  Ally smiled and propped herself against a post to watch the mare and colt, her chin resting on her folded hands.

  Greer backed away and joined Emmett once his dad had entered the barn. “She seems excited.” She kept her voice low so Ally couldn’t hear.

  “We’ll turn her into a country girl before the summer is out.” Emmett looked at Ally with a combination of hope and sadness. “Have you heard from Karen?”

  “Not yet. I’m not sure when they were transporting her to the facility. No visitors are allowed for a week. I sure hope this works.” Greer had done some reading on addiction and treatment, and the statistics weren’t as encouraging as she’d hoped.

  “Karen has strong motivation to get better. I believe in her.”

  Greer rested her head on his shoulder as they watched the mare meander over to Ally, who held out a carrot. “You’re not going to believe this, but your dad apologized for calling Amelia and invited me to dinner this week. Can you believe it?”

  “Can I believe you won him over with your charm?” He laughed. “Actually, no, I can’t. He thinks I chose to stay and work the farm because of you.”

  Greer shifted to see his face. “You’re not staying just for me, are you?”

  He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and wrapped his hand around her nape. “I’m staying because it’s the right thing to do and because it feels good to work hard and give back. Having you near is an unexpected bonus.”

  She gave him a hug, laying her hand over his heart, the steady rhythm coaxing her own heart into a dance. Their paths had crossed before taking detours through unexpected hardships, but finally they walked side by side toward a future that promised neither happiness nor peace.

  But she was no longer fearful. Whatever conflict and heartbreak awaited, they would overcome them together.

  Chapter 22

  Emmett squeezed the steering wheel and stared at the wooden VFW sign swinging in front of the brick building that used to house the Madison police force. The VFW had taken over when Madison had built a big new police facility on the main highway into town. The eagle crest with VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS etched around it like a medallion held him hypnotized.

  He’d sworn to never set foot in the place, but the last weeks had seen him mature and grow and he liked the man he was becoming. Anyway, the bravery and strength Ally was exhibiting on a daily basis made his fears seem frivolous.

>   Just that afternoon Greer had taken Ally to visit her mom in rehab. Twelve days in and Karen had medically detoxed and was now getting the counseling and support she’d need once she got out. Emmett needed the support too. Greer had made him realize it was more than okay to lean on someone else. It was healthy and made him stronger, so when someone he loved needed to lean on him, he’d be able to support them back.

  His mom’s doctor’s appointment had been nerve-wracking but ultimately given them good news. A treatable ulcer had been the cause. After cauterization and medication to eliminate the infection, his mom would make a full recovery. The alternative diagnoses still had the power to make Emmett’s knees weak.

  Even though the doctor and his parents assured him the cause was more complicated than simple stress, Emmett felt the weight of responsibility. He was tired of hurting the people around him.

  He pulled his phone out and considered calling Greer for a pep talk, but she and Ally had plans to write songs together that evening and Emmett didn’t want to interrupt their flow. The three of them had spent several evenings playing together, but Emmett hadn’t played regularly since high school and his skill level had suffered from the long break. Whereas Greer and Ally seemed to talk in a different language when it came to songwriting.

  Cradling his guitar and making something beautiful had been a reminder that pain and suffering were only a valley of time and the cycle of life was rarely cruel enough to abandon one there.

  He hit a name in his contacts and waited.

  “Emmett, my man. What’s happening?” Terrance’s deep voice vibrated with good humor.

  “I’m sitting in my truck in the Madison VFW parking lot working up the courage to go in. Motivate me like our old drill sergeant.” Emmett smiled.

  “Can’t. I’d scorch the ears of the little kids around and probably get a walloping from their mamas.” His laugh didn’t hold any resentment from their last meeting. “What are you afraid of? It’s a bunch of guys just like us.”

  It was an excellent question. The truth stuttered out. “I don’t want to, you know, relive the glory days with them because they weren’t glorious.”

  Terrance heaved a sigh. “Then don’t pretend they were. No need to put on airs with those men, Emmett.”

  Terrance was right, of course. His dad’s confession and even the sliver of insight into Mr. Meecham’s military history were evidence. “Okay, I’m going in, but I wanted to tell you something first.”

  “I heard you turned down Colonel Harrison. Almost called to give you hell about it. You have plenty of time to settle down in Madison and take over the farm.”

  Emmett’s experience had given him a new appreciation for time and how quickly the hourglass could run out. Or get smashed altogether. Terrance didn’t understand yet, and Emmett hoped he never learned.

  “Yeah, well. I’m ready to move on from the military.” He paused. “There’s a girl.”

  “Ah, shit. I should’ve guessed. Pretty?”

  “Pretty and funny and doesn’t take any shit from me. I want you to meet her before you deploy. Plus…” Emmett ran a hand over his jaw. “You need to fill me in on your mom’s finances just in case. Can you come to dinner at the cabin next week?”

  “Thanks, man.” Terrance’s voice had lost its teasing edge. “You have no idea what a load off that is.”

  “I was an asshole for turning you away before, but I’m better now. Trying to be anyway.”

  He and Terrance firmed up plans for dinner, and with no excuses left to make, Emmett slid out of his truck and made his way to the door. The windows were covered with heavy curtains, and Emmett had the feeling of stepping into a black box when he opened the door.

  A dozen or so men turned to eye him as he stepped inside. He recognized several of the older men. Mr. Meecham stood at a short bar and saluted him with a foaming glass of beer. His dad sat at a round table in the back without a drink but talking to two men, one older, one younger even than Emmett.

  His dad smiled in welcome but didn’t rise. Emmett appreciated his restraint. He had to figure where he fit, if he fit at all, at the VFW. Another man with tats along both arms had his elbows propped on the bar, nursing a beer, and laughing with the man serving the drinks. He looked around the same age as Emmett.

  Feeling a little like he was the new kid in school, Emmett approached the bar. “Hey, I’m Emmett Lawson and new to the VFW.”

  The man swiveled on the stool with a smile. The far side of the man’s cheek and jaw was a mass of burn scars, shiny and pink, drawing his mouth into a grimace. But his eyes were untouched and twinkled with an optimism Emmett envied.

  “Mason Butterfield. Where’d you serve?”

  And with that, Emmett settled next to the man and felt like he’d found a new friend and a place to sit in the lunchroom.

  Epilogue

  One year later …

  Greer parked next to Emmett’s truck, hauled her backpack out of the passenger seat, and tramped up the steps, her brain mush after taking the last of her spring finals. He’d been at the farm all night with Ally and his dad holding vigil at a foaling, which had suited her fine. She’d studied into the wee hours of the morning and didn’t need any distractions of the delightfully physical kind.

  Lounging on the couch with an action movie muted on the TV and a beer clamped between his crossed legs, Emmett cradled his guitar and strummed a few chords. Ally was on the edge of the chair, bent over and concentrating on picking a series of notes. She had progressed far beyond Greer’s musical abilities over the past year.

  Greer dropped her backpack next to the door with a thud, climbed over the couch, and cuddled next to Emmett, feeling as exhausted and wrung out as he looked. But he also looked … content.

  A far cry from the man who had tried to scare her off with a shotgun. He was different too from the golden boy she’d known and crushed on in high school World History. He was wiser and sometimes sadder, but a week would often pass without a nightmare.

  Every day, she blessed her failures because without them, their paths would have never recrossed. Amelia liked to take credit for getting them together, but fate had already been steering them toward each other.

  “Did you kill it?” he asked.

  “I think so. Grades will be posted by Friday.” She took a swig of his beer and handed it back. “What about you? I hope you didn’t kill anything.”

  He chuffed a laugh. “Mare and foal are doing well.”

  “It was the coolest thing ever!” Ally glanced up to deliver her verdict before picking out the notes of the song they’d been working on for the past week. “I think I fixed the bridge. What do you think?”

  The combination of her chords and notes were perfect and Greer wondered why they hadn’t stumbled upon it earlier. “Yes. Love it.”

  Greer slipped Emmett’s guitar from his lap and joined Ally, the music better than a shot of espresso. Their difference in age meant little when both had undergone trial by fire. They’d written a dozen songs together. Greer performed them during her sets at Becky’s, but she’d also sent demos to a contact she’d maintained in Nashville on the off-chance one would get picked up.

  When the final chords rang out, Emmett clapped. “That was amazing.”

  “Maybe this will be the one,” Ally said with shining eyes.

  “Maybe it will.” Greer loved her positivity. The string of rejections they’d received for their songs hadn’t dimmed Ally’s confidence. Maybe it was because she was still young, but Greer had a feeling Ally’s spirit had been tempered into steel.

  Ally was thriving in Madison. While she still maintained an edge with her short hair and style, she was softer at her core. Friends seemed easier to come by, although Greer suspected that was due more to Ally’s changed circumstances than any significant difference in Madison’s teenagers. She worked part-time at the farm and had become an excellent rider.

  “Dr. Humphries came by on his way home from work to see how the labor was pro
gressing,” Ally said.

  Greer raised her eyebrows. “Your mom still enjoying working for Ryan?”

  After getting out of rehab, Karen had turned things around. Greer wasn’t sure if it was the therapy or if time had simply helped blunt the grief of losing Javier, but Karen was happier and healthier and building a life to be proud of. Emmett and Greer had gently suggested a reluctant Karen settle in Madison, but it was Ally who insisted they stay.

  “Dr. Humphries is trying to convince her to get her vet tech degree at the college.” Ally continued to strum a meandering melody. While Ryan had been initially resistant to hiring a woman right out of rehab without even a GED, Emmett and Greer had pleaded, and it had ended up working out well for both Ryan and Karen.

  “Is she going to do it?” Greer asked, picking up the threads of the new song and joining Ally.

  “I don’t know. She’s not sure she can handle it. Maybe you should give her a call and casually bring up how much you’re loving school,” Ally said.

  Greer stuck out her tongue at Ally. Greer’s classes were challenging and interesting for the most part, but being on campus made her feel like a crone surrounded by fresh-faced, unjaded teenagers.

  “‘Loving’ might be treading too close to a lie. I can’t wait to start student teaching, though.” Greer still got her biggest thrill working with the veterans at the Music Tree Foundation.

  “Mom called and invited us for dinner tonight. You too, Ally. She’s trying some new gluten-free casserole.” The dread in Emmett’s voice made Greer laugh. “Be ready to hit the pizza place afterward.”

  Ally smirked. “I’ll pass. Mom and I are getting Chinese tonight to celebrate the end of finals and the start of summer vacation.”

  Greer’s phone vibrated in her back pocket and she shifted into Emmett to fish it out. She settled into the crook of his arm. “Hello.”

  “May I speak with Greer Hadley?”

  “This is she.”

  “Hi, Ms. Hadley. My name is Rhonda Wilmore, and I’m with AVX.”

  “AVX?”

  “Yes. I have an artist who heard your demo and is interested in recording it.”