Redeemed Book 1: A Military Stepbrother Romance

by Snow, Lucy

  “I was, as many of you know, not the most well-behaved child in the history of Summitville.” Laughter in the room at this, and I watched people’s faces as the memories of Harrison the hellion washed over them. Harrison let it continue before he spoke again, “I was not the most well-behaved child, but I have to say, badly behaved children are something the military is very good at working with.” More murmurs of approval - everyone loved a story of redemption, and Harrison had that in spades.

  “I’ve learned so much in my time there so far, and I’d like to think I’ve become a better person,” Harrison looked at me as he said this, and I felt my cheeks blush all over again. Why was he looking at me? Did he really think he could fix things between us?

  Did I want him to try?

  “And if there’s anybody here that I haven’t treated with the proper respect in the past, then I apologize for that and I will try to make up for it now that I am back.” He stood up straighter and taller than usual, smiling again, taking his eyes off me for the first time since he’d found me in the crowd. “But for now, let’s enjoy ourselves. Thank you so much again and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  Well, this was a complete change. The Harrison I thought I knew was apparently gone, and I didn’t know how to process that. I knew he was talking to me above everyone else when he brought up respect, and I had no idea what that meant going forward. He and I were just barely civil to each other, and I’d long ago stopped trying to make our relationship anything more than that.

  At least from his words, though, Harrison seemed like a completely different person, and I was wondering if maybe I should give the new Harrison a shot to at least be some sort of friends, if not stepbrother and stepsister.

  Soon after he stopped speaking, the crowd returned to milling about, talking to one another. One by one couples and family friends came up and shook Harrison’s hand, thanking him again for his service and the lovely speech.

  “Laurel?” That voice sounded familiar. I turned around.

  “Jack? Jack Page? Is that you?” Whoa, Jack didn’t look anything like he used to. He and Harrison had been partners in petty crime back in high school, but now he looked like he’d traded all that in for a suit and tie. The look definitely suited him.

  “Yeah, that’s me. I’m surprised you recognized me. How’ve you been?”

  “I almost didn’t, just the voice. You look great. How are you?”

  “I’m good, really good, Laurel, thanks. It’s so good to see you. How’s school? You’re in New York now, yeah?”

  “I am! It’s really great, big change from life here in Summitville.” I couldn’t even begin to convey how different it was.

  “I’m sure that’s an understatement.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, it is, but it’s good to come home every so often and remember where you came from.”

  “I guess that’s one reason to come back here.”

  “Have you visited New York?”

  “Once or twice, yeah, for a weekend getaway. Summitville’s more my speed.” He looked around, smiling, taking it all in. “I did a bit of traveling, enough to realize this was what I wanted. Are you going to be out later?”

  “Yeah, I’m actually heading out to the Crown with Maggie. You remember Maggie Stern, right? I haven’t seen her in months, can’t wait to catch up.” Felt weird to talk about Maggie like we weren’t practically sisters, but after so long apart, maybe we weren’t anymore.

  “Right, Maggie, of course. You two were thick as thieves in high school. I heard she and Chris finally got married, and she’s pregnant now, yeah?”

  “Due any day now. She’s as big as a house, as she puts it. She’s picking me up in a few minutes.”

  “That’s awesome. That’s so cool that you two still keep in touch. I’ll be at the Crown later too, I hope we get a chance to catch up.”

  “Yeah, Jack, that sounds nice. I’d love to hear about what you’ve been up to.”

  “Not a lot to tell, really, but it’s a good story. I’m a little different than you may remember me. I’ll see you there.” He gave me a quick hug and went off to get another drink. I watched him leave, shocked at how the Jack I remember and the Jack I just met were actually the same person.

  Wow, running into Jack Page, while not entirely unexpected, still felt funny. Harrison had always been the ringleader of his little band of hoodlums, but Jack was always right there with him. Funny how people change. Jack seemed like a completely different person. Like he’d put away that life and picked up another one in the meantime. Whatever he was doing now, it looked like it fit him perfectly.

  Maybe Harrison had changed too? Was it possible?

  I hung back, talking with more family friends off to the side, enjoying my drink. My phone buzzed, and I excused myself to pick it up. It was Maggie.

  “When can you get away?”

  “Come and get me in…5 minutes?” I thought that was long enough that my parents would give me credit for showing up. I’d hung around the party long enough - everyone had seen me, I’d talked to a few people and hadn’t made a mess of anything; I’d put in my dues, full credit for this assignment awarded.

  Now get me outta here! Maggie was thankfully close by.

  “Done, be ready in 5 minutes. See you soon!”

  I hung up and put my phone back in my purse, only to notice someone in front of me. It was Harrison, standing there, taking up space, a calm grin on his beautiful face.

  I gasped, startled. “Don’t just sneak up on someone like that!” I was still mad at him for the bathroom thing.

  “Sorry, old habits die hard,” he said, cocking his head a little bit to the side. I hated when he did that. Made him seem even smarmier and more full of himself than usual. If that was even possible.

  “It’s comments like that that make me wonder if you’ve really changed,” I shot back.

  “I have. And as I saw earlier, so have you.” His voice got even lower, and his eyes darted up and down my body, paying special attention to my more-on-display-than-usual chest.

  I could feel myself blushing out of control, but this was not the time nor the place to let Harrison get under my skin. Unfortunately, if I was being honest with myself, he already was, and had been for years. “Some of us grow up as we grow up, Harrison.” I was particularly proud of myself for that turn of phrase right there, and I let my smile show it.

  Up close and personal he looked even better than before. At some point in the last few years he had learned how to wear a suit. That was a skill that took some men a lot longer, and unfortunately many never learned. Whatever Harrison had done besides his military service since I’d last seen him, they had taught him well.

  “Clever.” He shifted gears. “It sounds like you’re heading out soon?”

  “Yeah, Maggie’s picking me up, we’re going to the Crown.”

  “I didn’t know you hung out there.” The disdain in his voice was clear. He hadn’t always disliked the Crown. In high school, I remember, he knew a guy who worked there, and would slip him and his friends beer from time to time, until he got fired. For a few months, the Crown was Harrison’s favorite place. Clearly his views had changed since high school.

  “I don’t, but apparently that’s the coolest place in town.” That came out way more sarcastically than I expected.

  Harrison chuckled at that. “That’s not saying very much, now, is it?”

  “I’ll give you that much.” I was less interested in where we were going specifically, just that it wasn’t ‘at home,’ and that Maggie would be there. I needed to be around her. And away from family, including Harrison, or I’d start tearing my hair out.

  “Thanks. I’m just sorry to hear this party isn’t exciting enough for you.” He sounded like he meant it, which was a sentiment I was not used to hearing from Harrison. I could get used to it in time, but for now it’s still sent me a little on edge. I didn’t know how to act around him. My mind said one thing, but my body said another. And I cou
ldn’t figure out which was correct.

  “Oh, you know, I can only take so much of the Harrison fan club meetings before I gotta be somewhere, well, anywhere else. You know how it is.”

  “I know.” I didn’t expect him to say that. The old Harrison would made some snide remark. I could almost pick one for him from a stockpile I’d gathered over the years.

  “That’s it? No witty yet devastating comment? Nothing to send me back to my room crying?”

  “Gee, I’m out of practice. Give me a second to think. I think after all the times its worked in the past I deserve at least that much.” He furrowed his brow like he was actually thinking about it, which I had to admit looked pretty sexy. “Nope, sorry, all out of those. Try again another time? Maybe I’ll come up with a joke about getting all those emails from the fan club, or typing up the meeting notes, or participating in the bake sale. We could really use the money so we can afford a trip to New York this year. But this time, I’m all out.”

  I couldn’t tell if he was sincere or making fun of me. I just knew I wanted to get out of there. “I gotta go.”

  “Yeah. Have fun tonight.” He looked me up and down, taking another sip from his drink. “Don’t get into too much trouble out there.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Dressed like that? I can’t say I’m thrilled the local male talent at the Crown is going to be slobbering all over you tonight.”

  I looked down at my dress, surprised and inwardly thrilled he noticed my outfit enough to comment on it to my face. It was definitely different than he’d seen me dress, well, ever, but up until a couple hours ago I didn’t know he ever looked like me that way. Until, you know, he actually did. When I was naked.

  Ugh. I’d managed to forget all about that, and here it was again. The elephant in the increasingly cramped room, as Harrison got in close to me.

  I blushed all over, and felt his eyes on me, traveling up and down, focusing on my curves. Back in high school Harrison had gravitated towards the gorgeous and super athletic girls, but that was seemingly a long time ago. Maybe his tastes have changed? As much as I’d longed to be back in high school, I wasn’t Harrison’s type.

  I shook my head to clear those thoughts out of the way. I shouldn’t be thinking like that, not about Harrison. It was wrong.

  Two could play at that game. Harrison needed to know I wasn’t a child anymore. “And if I do get into too much trouble?” I held the defiance in my voice as unwavering and strong as I could. It wasn’t like him to care. He never had before.

  “Then I’ll have to come after you.” He stared me down, as if he was looking past me. There was no sarcasm in his voice anymore. Harrison meant what he said. I had no idea what to make of it. This was unlike the Harrison I knew before. We were in uncharted waters, And I didn’t have a paddle.

  “Don’t wait up.” It felt so good to stand up to him like that, and I needed to leave before my confidence wavered. This was a high note, and I wasn’t going to ignore Seinfeld’s advice - now was the time to leave.

  I turned and found my parents, brushed past Harrison, and told them I was heading out. Harrison just looked at me as I passed by, his mouth open, as if he didn’t know who I was.

  My stepmother wanted me to stick around, but my father understood that I’d put in my time. “Thanks again for coming, kiddo.” He gave me a knowing look, and a quick hug, his arm tightening around my shoulders. I melted into him, suddenly feeling bad for all the grief I’d given him earlier in the day.

  He might talk a big game, and he might act a little funny around me, but he was trying all the same, and that meant a lot to me. I could stand to be a little less sarcastic, a little more accepting. It couldn’t be easy to let your only daughter move to the big city and come back so different.

  “No problem, Dad.” In the periphery of my vision I could see Harrison looking at me, sipping his drink, deep in thought while someone talked to him. Harrison didn’t look like he was listening at all. That put a little pep in my step, knowing that I’d affected him so much after so many years of not being able to sway him at all, about anything.

  “Don’t stay out too late.” Good old fatherly advice. I knew I wouldn’t be out that late. Nights in New York City could extend in to the morning hours, but here in Summitville I doubted I could find nearly as much to do. While staying with family, that was a good thing. Sneaking into the house after hours was a recipe for disappointing looks for the next few days. I spoke from experience.

  “I won’t.” I kissed him on the cheek and got my phone out of my bag. Two messages from Maggie - she was waiting outside for me. The second was more of the same, but a little bit more strident. She wasn’t going to wait too much longer. “All right, all right, I’m coming” I whispered under my breath. “Geez, hold your horses.”

  I said my goodbyes to everyone, grabbed my coat from the closet, and headed out to Maggie’s waiting car. I could feel Harrison’s eyes on me the entire time. I swayed my hips from side to side just a little more than usual, just for his benefit. It wasn’t a particularly nice thing to do, but I’d never been in this position before, and I couldn’t help but take a little advantage of it.

  Chapter 04 - The Reunion

  I got out the front door and was immediately hit by the combination of cold weather and almost total silence. The change from inside the bustling house was startling, and I shivered, glad I brought my coat, though since I was wearing a dress like this, a coat was pretty much required when not indoors at night.

  The snow fell, catching on the trees and settling on the ground. As I watched, a branch that suddenly accumulated just enough snow bent downward till the flakes fell off in a thick cloud.

  I loved the snow. There was nothing like the feeling of watching the world be blanketed in cold, white, powder. I loved the feeling of being outside in the cold weather, all bundled up, only to go later make my way back inside, take off all that heavy clothing, and drink warm tea or hot chocolate.

  Of course, I didn’t mind the beach in the summer either, but the snow and winter held a special place in my heart.

  I stood outside, grateful for a minute or so to recharge away from the rush of the party, and watched the road for the lights of Maggie’s car. Sure enough, soon they came around, pulling right up to our driveway. She’d had the same car in high school - an old beat up Ford with an odometer that had broken before she got it, stuck at 132,459 miles. I couldn’t even imagine how far we’d gone in that car since. Probably pushing close to 200,000 by now.

  Maggie loved that car, despite the increasing amount of time it spent in the shop for repairs. I wouldn’t admit it, but I loved it too. The memories we’d made going places in that old beater were irreplaceable.

  I figured Maggie would want to stay in the car; we could great each other and hug it out later. I walked as fast as my heels would let me to the car and opened the passenger door. It creaked and groaned as it opened, and hot air rushed outside, almost pushing me back a step on my wobbly feet.

  “There’s my girl! Come on in, Laurel, it’s toasty warm in here. Even if the heater didn’t work, I give off so much with all this weight the car couldn’t help but be a sauna,” Maggie’s booming and loving voice came from inside.

  That was Maggie alright. No matter what happened, she kept it positive, even if it meant making fun of herself. I didn’t know how she did it.

  I got in, the heat from Maggie and the heater hitting me again like a welcome wall of comfort. “Maggie! It’s so good to see you.” I tried to lean over and hug her, but couldn’t really angle myself properly. If anyone was watching, it would have looked funny.

  “Same to you, babe. It’s been too long. The last time was before I started carrying the beach ball around.” Maggie had started referring to her soon to be born son as ‘the beach ball,’ and I couldn’t help but find it hilarious. Maggie never failed to crack me up. She was sweating in the heat of the car’s cabin, but looked so happy to see me, and I felt the same way
. We were back together again. Watch out Summitville!

  “I know, you’re looking so great. When’re you due?” I already had my hand on her tummy, rubbing back and forth gently, not sure how much pressure I could safely apply. Maggie was pregnant!

  So pregnant!

  I mean, I’d seen pictures before, we’d talked about it on the phone once or twice or in emails and texts, but I’d never seen just how pregnant she was in person before!

  The idea that Maggie was growing another person inside her, someone she could love and receive love from for the rest of her life, just blew my mind right out of my head. It seemed like only yesterday Maggie and I were running away from boys on the playground, and now a boy had knocked my best friend up!

  I could barely wrap my head around it. Look at how far she’d come in such a short time! Where had the time gone?

  Maggie had clearly changed so much since I last saw her…had I changed that much too?

  “Thanks for saying that, love, but wait till I get out of the car and waddle up to the bar before you tell me how good I look. I feel like a blimp, and I’m probably going to be hired to fly over stadiums soon. But it’s only for a couple more days. I’m due any minute now.”

  I frowned, concerned. This was news to me, and I wasn’t sure how to proceed. “Are you sure we should be going out? I don’t think they deliver babies at Irish pubs, Mags. At least, it’s not on the menu.” I gave her a stricken look, like I was handling sensitive bomb-making materials, and that at any moment her stomach could explode, showering me with baby.

  “I’ll bet it happens more than you think. Just try and stop me! I have my baby delivery kit in the trunk just in case!”

  “I can’t tell if you’re being serious, and that’s a tribute to your…I’m not sure what skill that even is,” I said, helpless with laughter. I’d missed her so much.

  “I’m kidding, of course.” She tapped the sun visor above her seat. “But just in case, there are driving directions to the hospital from the center of town. If the beach ball wants out you know where to take me, no need to mess with your phone. I know you can barely use one as it is.” She had me there.