by Unknown
“I should have tried harder. For one, I could have told you not to go before you actually left. I could have gone to L.A. and then New York. But I didn’t. I ran away to the Army and volunteered for the war.”
Now I shook my head and told him to be quiet.
Charlie approached us, beer in his hand and focused on Tommy. Just stared.
“Are we cool, now?” Tommy asked, keeping me closed in against the barn wall.
Charlie took a pull from his longneck and asked, “Are you done being fucking stupid?”
“Yeah, man. I’m done. She ain’t goin’ anywhere and neither am I.”
My brother looked at me and then nodded.
“Are you done?”
“Do you see a ring on this hand?” I wiggled my wedding band in his face.
“Good. I’d hate to have to hurt one of you.”
“Liar.” Tommy laughed out.
“Good night you two.” He leaned in, kissed my head and walked off, eyeing the ladies dancing.
“Trouble that one.” I said, chucking my thumb at his fleeing figure.
“So, back to what I was saying.” He leaned into me again, licking my earlobe making me purr. I put a hand to his chest; I had to tell him before the night was over.
“It had some really fucked up parts, but I wouldn’t trade our story for the world.”
“I don’t have to – you are my world.”
I laughed and smacked his arm.
“You’re definitely getting some tonight.”
“Was that ever in jeopardy?” He quirked a brow at me.
“Never.” I leaned in and kissed him then told him to take me home.
“We still have guests Mrs. Kane.”
“Now, Mr. Kane.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He saluted and then swept me off my feet, over his shoulder.
As we headed home, I saw Noah shadowing Jamie back to the bar. She had a white cotton eyelet dress that draped to her knees and had on my tan cowboy boots. Even in the week past, Jamie was looking one hundred times better. Her cheeks were filling back up and her arms were gaining some fat. She dealt with me, but I could tell she still needed her space – still though, she was most comfortable with me. Noah, Matt and Tommy were a close second. She glanced at me under a curtain of hair and gave a small wave. I waved back, grinning and then smacked Tommy’s ass.
One day, our kids would hear all about our story but for right now, it was just that. Ours.
Thanks
A VERY special thanks to Ret. Drill Sergeant Daniel Alarik, CEO of GRUNT STYLE. It’s a clothing line that is very near and dear to my heart. Tommy and his brothers love the line as much as my husband, America’s veterans and I do! Daniel hires veterans to make clothes for veterans – it’s a beautiful cycle. And the merch is fucking kickass! Check them out at
www.gruntstyle.com
www.twitter.com/gruntstyle
www.facebook.com/gruntstyle
www.clubgruntstyle.com
I’d also like to make mention of the void left in our veterans returning from deployments; PTSD is a very serious, very painful thing and it affects roughly 7.7 million Americans.
Studies show that 31% of Vietnam vets, as many as 10% of Gulf war vets, 11% of OEF (Afghanistan war) vets and 20% of OIF (Iraqi war) veterans suffer from PTSD. There are certain triggers that offset attacks, nightmares and painful memories. Please, be courteous and attentive of veterans – though they’re not the only ones who hurt. See what you can do for America’s veterans. As a veteran, I ask that you give back and learn the symptoms – be aware.
www.woundedwarriorproject.org
www.inspiringourheroes.org
www.uso.org
www.fallenheroesfund.org