“Nope.”
“Mom, Dad. This is Sergeant Evans.”
The man extended his hand to Lacey, and then Bryce. “Pleasure to meet you both. Your son is an amazing young man. Tells me you’re retired Army yourself, sir,” he addressed Bryce.
“Been a while, yeah.”
“So, I uh, well, I invited Sergeant Evans by for a bit today. I hope you don’t mind. We’ve become pretty good friends as of late, actually.”
All his years in the military, he’d gotten good at reading people. Evans couldn’t be much older than BJ; mid-twenties, at best. Hell, by Bryce’s count, he maybe hadn’t even seen war.
“That right?” Bryce cocked his brow, staring down his boy. “Something you need to tell me and your mom?”
“Right. Yes, sir.” BJ grabbed the back of his neck as he fumbled nervously over what he was about to say.
Bryce didn’t need him to say the words. He knew what was next. His wife, on the other hand? Confusion was written all over her face. She had no idea that, with the next sentence, BJ was going to break his momma’s heart.
BJ dropped his hand and stood tall. Good job son. Own it, Bryce thought to himself.
“I joined the Army. I leave for boot camp at the end of summer. Sergeant Evans is my recruiter.”
Bryce fought back the smile and surge of pride as he looked to his wife. Tears welled in her eyes, as one hand went to her mouth. The other wrapped around Bryce’s waist as she clung to him. “Oh God,” she whispered. “But…no.” Lacey’s voice cracked as she shook her head. “I need a minute,” she gasped and made a beeline for the house.
“I’m sorry,” BJ apologized as he watched his mother retreat.
“She’ll come around.” Bryce pulled BJ to him. “I’m damn proud of you, son.” He hugged him tight and slapped him on the back. “I trust you’ve been honest with him?” He eyed the recruiter suspiciously. Some of these guys promised these young kids the world without divulging the true cost of war.
“I know what I’m doing, Dad,” BJ laughed nervously. “I want to defend my country. I’ve heard your stories.”
Was he shocked? A little. Maybe not the fact that his son decided to enlist, but most certainly the fact that he hadn’t thought to come to his old man. That hurt; stung even. But it didn’t matter. It was already done now. The little boy they brought home from a hospital in Germany, a year after they got married, was now a man. And had made the biggest decision of his life. He hoped like hell his boy knew what he was getting into.
“Christ, the one time I think you’re not listening,” Bryce joked.
“I didn’t mince words, sir. Combat wounded myself.” Sergeant Evans lifted the leg of his pant slightly, revealing a prosthetic. “My father served too. Probably around the same time you did. I joined to honor his memory.”
Bryce nodded. “The Army breeds some damn good men. Always appreciate the sacrifice our men make. I’m sorry about your father.”
Lenish shrugged. “I don’t remember much about him. Things were strained with my mom and his family, but my mom always said Jerry was a force to be reckoned with. Saved a guy in Afghanistan.”
Bryce stumbled back. “Your old man’s name was Jerry?” Evans nodded. “Last name?”
“Reed, sir. Jerry Reed.”
“Son of a bitch. 394th Infantry Regiment?”
“Yes, sir. Did you know him?” The young man’s eyes sparkled, like Bryce held some kind of magic.
“He saved my life.”
Life has a crazy way of coming full circle. It’s crazy; the things, the people, that come back to you.
Take Back My Heart—Come Back to Me Book #1
Available exclusively on Amazon and KindleUnlimited
Scars to Your Beautiful Anthology—Coming Early 2018
Featuring Sergeant Matt Evans’ story!
#HotCop—Coming March 2018
(Breacon Beach Series #1)
Rhys Mitchell is known as Breacon Beach's #HotCop - a loyal and extremely good looking public servant. He's good at his job and good with the community he serves.
Everyone loves him.
Except - KJ Pierce.
New to town and trying to fly under the radar KJ finds herself tangled with Rhys in ways she never thought possible. She's not a fan of his internet fame or his smooth-talking ways, but when things heat up in the bedroom - she may just end up falling in love.
This romantic comedy is bound to put a smile on your face and have you lusting for more!
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Hey look! It’s finally here. This book took way longer than I intended, but characters cannot be rushed. At least Bryce couldn’t be.
This story was such a labor of love, and heartache. Researching everything that I needed to know to tell this story was an eye-opener. I could go on about all the not-so-pleasant things I learned, but I won’t. Instead, I’ll say this – very sincerely, again, thank you to our men and women in the military, including my father-in-law, brother-in-law, my nephews, and many friends, who serve/have served. Thank you for every sacrifice you’ve made for us, and for your country. To their families who have endured the worry, the tears, the heartache, and the pure joy of their Soldiers, Airmen, Seamen, or Marines coming home. Thank you! Even though thank you does not ever seem like it’s enough.
To my husband—For your patience when I’m on a deadline, and still have half a book to write. You’ll probably never read this, but thank you. Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me. And for coffee…for the endless supply of coffee to keep the words flowing. Always and Forever.
To the twins – You’re the reason behind everything I do. And you’ve also taught me how to multitask. Summer vacation was a blast, y’all.
Mom—My biggest cheerleader, and ‘the original’ Beta reader. I love you. Even when you want to talk when I’m supposed to be writing. LOL!
Grandma—So, I did it again, another book. It’s kind of cool that I’m filling your e-reader with my words, huh? Thank you for always feeding my imagination when I was growing up. I love you!
T.E. Black—Girl, you rock. From the amazing covers to the equally amazing formatting. But most of all, your friendship and guidance. I’d be lost without you.
Jenn Wood—My editor, my mentor, my friend. Thanks for always having the backpack ready to save me when I feel like I’m tumbling off a cliff.
Fiona—there is so much I could say about you but we’d both probably end up in tears. You’re one in a million, you have a heart of gold; and the world needs more people like you in it.
Cat—I think we owe Fiona for how close we’ve become over the last few months, but I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Thank you for always having my back, lending an ear and just plain – being there.
Kiera aka “KJ”—You’ve quickly become my favorite Aussie! I’m so excited for the things that are coming your way and oh so grateful to be a small part of the journey with you.
Betty Shreffler—You are an amazing friend, first and foremost. I am so glad that our paths crossed. Thank you for being awesome.
Jane Anthony—Back away from Luke. He is mine. Love you! Seriously you rock, so glad I can call you a friend!
Maria—Thank you for your help with all my ‘silly’ questions. And for pushing me when I really needed a kick in the butt.
To my authors who have quickly become my tribe – Each one of you have inspired me in ways you probably have never even realized. I am so lucky to work with you all, day in and day out.
To the readers—For every page read and every review. For the social media shares, and likes. I wouldn’t be here without you!
Bloggers—You are amazing and a large driving force behind this community. Don’t ever stop being awesome!
I’m probably forgettin
g people. I know I am – forgive me.
This has been an amazing journey so far, I can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Aubree Valentine lives with her husband, twins, and her dogs in Southcentral Pennsylvania. She has always been a writer, from short stories to just ‘words’ from her heart, wanting nothing more, than to one-day push publish on a work of her own. The desire to chase her dreams only grew stronger as she got her start in the Indie world, as a PA for two amazing authors, and began blogging. As her kids approached school age, she decided it was finally time to take the leap of faith.
When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing after her twins or her dogs, curled up with a good book, or still working with some of her favorite authors.
She loves meeting new people and interacting with other readers.
Check her out on social media:
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