Loved by a Soldier: A Military Romance Collection

by Alison Mello

  Kenzie: She’s doing okay. She’s remembering less and less.

  Lilly: Anything I can do?

  Kenzie: Nah, I’m here now making her dinner for tomorrow. Want to do lunch this week?

  Lilly: Sure, I can meet you on Thursday at our favorite diner by twelve-fifteen.

  Kenzie: See you then.

  “Thank you for dinner, Kenzie. It was good,” Nana says as I’m putting my phone down.

  I smile warmly at my poor nana. “You’re very welcome, Nana. Do you want to go relax in your favorite chair?”

  She nods, so I help her up and get her settled before I come back into the kitchen to finish tomorrow’s dinner. Once it’s done, I set it aside to cool. I’ll place it in the fridge before I lock up for the night. I rinse her dishes, placing them in the dishwasher, and I take a seat on the couch.

  I smile at my nana’s blank stare. She’s watching the TV, but it’s like she’s not really watching it. My mind starts to wander and I think back to poor Remy’s confused look when I stopped running this morning. I wish I could figure out why I was so shocked by his statement. For some reason, it really threw me off. I mean, his father is Nana’s doctor and everyone around here talks, so I shouldn’t be surprised that he knew she was ill. I sigh, “Oh, Nana, I wish there was something I could do to make you better,” I whisper as her eyes are getting heavy. They flutter back open and I say, “Come on, Nana, let’s get you to bed.”

  I help her off the chair and walk her to bed, tucking her in.

  “Good night, Kenzie. Thank you for being here for me.”

  “You’re welcome, Nana. Love you, have a good night,” I say as I close her door slightly.

  I dial Aunt Kenderly, and she answers right away. “How is she?”

  “Sleeping,” I answer, lowering my voice. “She called me Joanne when I first got here. I had to clean her up because she had wet herself, but then when she was done eating she went back to calling me Kenzie.” I sigh. “I don’t know what to do. There are some days I feel like she needs a lot of help, and other times she’s not that bad.”

  “Her next appointment with Dr. Bennett is on Thursday at two. Let’s talk to him about it and see what he says.”

  “Okay, I’m locking up and heading home. Have a good night.”

  “You too, sweetie,” Aunt Kenderly says before cutting the call.

  Chapter 5

  Kenzie

  Remy has run past me with a shy smile all week. Yesterday I tried to say hi to him, but either he’s too nervous to talk to me now or he has his music up so loud that he doesn’t hear me. Today, I’m going out of my way to get his attention. It’s the first week of July and it’s been really hot, so it’s not unusual for me to wear running shorts and a sports bra to run in. Thank god I’m not really big on top, or I wouldn’t have the luxury of running this way.

  I stretch on my lawn and then plug my headphones in before I take off running. I don’t want to be late, because he is so punctual with his run. If I don’t take off within a few-minute window, I could miss him.

  I shake my head and take off running up the street as I think to myself. What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t date military men. There’s something about him that makes me think he’s different, but what’s different about having to live your life worrying about the man you love. Not that I love him, but I don’t want to get far into a relationship and then he takes off on some mission. That’ll leave me just like my mom, stressing out over if he’s okay. Wondering if he’ll make it home.

  I take a deep, cleansing breath and get into the music playing in my headphones. I round the corner where Remy typically catches up to me. The music is blasting in my ears as I jam out running at a solid pace. Suddenly I hear a horn and I’m being knocked to the ground. I turn to see Remy panting over me. “Are you okay?”

  “What the hell just happened?” I questioned, trying to figure out why I was on the ground.

  “Some idiot was flying up the street as I was approaching you. He saw you last minute and honked, but you didn’t hear him. I knocked you to the ground as he swerved around you.”

  “I could have been killed. Thank you.” My body trembles from the near miss.

  “You’re welcome,” he says with a shy smile. “Let me officially introduce myself. I’m Remy,” he says, holding out his hand.

  I push myself up so I’m sitting next to him on someone’s front lawn. “I’m Kenzie. Thank you again.”

  “Are you okay? Should I call my dad to come look you over?” He has a look of total concern on his beautiful face. His eyes are piercing mine as he waits for my response.

  I shake my head. “Sorry, I think I’m fine. A bit shaken up, but I’ll be okay.” He stands and puts his hands out to help me up. I take them, and he easily lifts me off the ground, pulling a little too hard as I’m pressed against his chest and looking up into his bright green eyes. It’s like we’re both frozen in time, just taking each other in. I fit perfectly against his firm, muscular chest. I can feel his muscle definition as I run my hand down the lightweight t-shirt he’s wearing. He’s solid and it feels good.

  I’m slightly out of breath. I lick my lips, and he says, “Um, maybe I should walk you home to be sure you’re okay.” He breaks eye contact, and it leaves me feeling lost.

  I look down to the ground, slightly embarrassed by my reaction. “Sure,” I say, suddenly feeling shy, wondering if he felt the same connection I did. We both start walking back toward my house. I’m somewhat happy it’s not a long walk, because the silence is killing me.

  We’re just about there when we both start to speak up at the same time. He smiles at me and says, “You go first.”

  “I wanted to say I’m sorry about the other day,” I look to the ground again. “I don’t know what came over me, but for some reason, it threw me off when you mentioned my nana.”

  “No, I’m the one who should be sorry. I should mind my business. I’m sorry I brought up a touchy subject.”

  I give a small smile. “It’s no big deal really. I’m meeting with your father this afternoon for her appointment. I think we need to get someone to stop in and check on her.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” He looks down at me and says, “I know what it’s like to watch someone you care about become very ill. My nana died of cancer. I took leave when she got really sick. I watched her slowly slip away.” His voice dulls a bit.

  “I’m sorry,” I say, placing my hand on his arm as we come to a stop outside my house.

  He nods at me. “Hey, on a happy note, are you coming to the cookout this weekend?”

  I smile at him. “Of course, I’m part of the planning committee for the block party now. I can’t miss this party. It’s like the warm-up before the big one right?” I say with humor in my voice.

  He chuckles. “Right.”

  “Well, thanks for walking me home. I’ve got to get going, as I’m sure you have to too.”

  He looks down at his watch. “Yeah, actually, I do. I have to get home and shower so I can get to work. I’ll see you Saturday?” he says, looking hopeful.

  “You sure will. I’m bringing my friend, Lillian. Hope that’s okay.”

  “Perfect, see you then.” He winks at me and jogs off toward his house. I watch him for a minute, and walk into the house sporting a huge smile.

  I giggle for a second once I’m through the door. I grab some juice from the fridge, downing it before I stroll down the hall to take a shower. I’m meeting Lilly for lunch in a little bit and I can’t wait to tell her about my encounter with Mr. Green Eyes and Gorgeous Smile. I turn on the shower, and as I strip from my sweaty running clothes, I contemplate if I should tell her. No one knows me better than Lilly. Even when I was up north we spoke weekly, never losing touch and always filling each other in on what was going on in our lives. I’ll tell her. If anyone can help me wrap my head around this, she can.

  Now that I’m cleaned up, I walk back into my small living room with a duster in hand. Tod
ay is the dusting and sweeping day. If I don’t stick to doing small chores throughout the week they won’t get done, especially once I start teaching again. I quickly walk around, running my duster over all of the TV stand as well as my bookshelf and all of my books. I have an awesome wooden rocker that was my mom’s. I love it, but it’s dark wood so the dust shows easily. Once I’m done, I quickly vacuum the carpet and sweep up the floors.

  Happy with my house chore accomplishments, I put everything away and run a quick brush through my long brown hair. It’s really hot today, so I throw it into a ponytail and head out the door to meet Lilly.

  I pull up to our little diner right at noon. It’s called Al’s Diner, and we’ve been coming here for years. It’s a small place but it’s cozy. The food is good, and everyone here knows us. As soon as I’m through the door, Barb walks up and gives me a hug. “Hey, Kenzie. How’s it going?”

  “It’s going,” I respond with a smile as I wave at some of the other people I know. The diner is set up with a huge snack bar that runs the length of the kitchen, and booths on the opposite wall. It’s constantly full of people grabbing lunch on their break. Lilly and I have a few favorite seats here, and Barb ushers me over to one of them in the far corner. We like this one, because we get to see everything that’s going on and it’s roomy. It is usually the one they would sit a large party in. “Lilly will be here any minute,” I inform her.

  “Great, we haven’t seen you two in a while,” she says, placing two menus on the table.

  “Yeah, I know. I’m sorry, but between tutoring and taking care of Nana I don’t have a lot of time. Plus, I have to start prepping my lesson plans soon, so I can turn them into my new boss.”

  She nods. “How is Nana?”

  “She’s hanging in there. I’m going to her house from here to meet with Aunt Kenderly and Dr. Bennett about how we can get her more help.”

  “Bless your heart, you have been through so much at such a young age, and you handle it so well. You just let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.”

  “I will, thank you, Barb.” She leaves me to go check on another table, and I check my phone to see if I have any messages from Lilly. As I’m putting my phone back down, she comes walking through the door.

  I stand to hug my friend, and she says, “I’ve missed you.”

  “I know, but I’m hoping you’ll hang out with me on Saturday at a really big Fourth of July BBQ,” I say with a big smile.

  “Why do I feel like you’re up to no good?” she asks, narrowing her eyes at me.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say with laughter.

  Barb comes over and asks us if we’re ready to order. Lilly orders her typical cobb salad. She’s always watching her weight. She doesn’t stay active like me, and although she’s a gorgeous brunette with big brown eyes, she’s always stressing over what she eats. I, on the other hand, order a tuna on rye with lettuce, tomato, and fries.

  “All right, so tell me about this party,” she says once Barb walks away.

  “Seeing as I’m new to the area, the Bennetts have invited me to be a part of their annual block party committee so I could get to know everyone. Well, they also have a huge Fourth of July cookout. The Bennetts provide all the meat, and everyone brings a side. I told her I would bring my mama’s famous mac and cheese.” I take a sip of the water Barb delivered when she took our order. “Anyway, I want you to come with me.” I can’t help the smile that’s spreading across my face.

  “Who is he?” she questions, reading me like an open book.

  “Who said anything about a man?”

  “Oh come on, Kenzie. You’re glowing and you haven’t stopped smiling. I’m surprised your cheeks don’t hurt.”

  “Remy Bennett,” I say, looking down. “He is so handsome and sweet as hell…” I trail off.

  “But…” she waits for a response.

  “He’s in the military.” I’m so sad. Why couldn’t he have any other job?

  “Kenzie, you need to stop picking men based on their career. He’s not your dad,” she says with a small smile. “You’re glowing just thinking about him. Why don’t you just give it a shot and see where it goes?”

  I shrug. “I don’t know anymore. I’m going to be thirty-three at the end of this year, and I haven’t even considered dating since my ex. Part of me says throw caution to the wind and go for it, while the other side of me says I don’t want to end up like my mama, a young widow because I lost my love to a war.”

  Barb drops our food off and says, “Go for it. Sorry, love, but I heard part of your conversation. If you don’t go for it, you could end up being a lonely old woman who regrets not giving it a chance.”

  She walks away without giving me a chance to respond, so I pick up my tuna sandwich and start eating and Lilly gets to work on her salad. We’re both quiet as we eat. I can’t help but think about what Barb said. I get it. I do, but it doesn’t make it any easier to take the chance. I finish my lunch and push my plate away. “What are you up to for the rest of the day?” Lilly asks.

  “I have to head to Nana’s from here. You?” I question, assuming she’s going back to work.

  “I’m going back to the office. The attorneys are all out of the office today, but I still have a ton to do.” She works as an assistant for a pair of brothers who have their own law firm. I don’t know how she does it, but she loves it and that’s all that’s important.

  Barb drops the bill, and Lilly grabs it before I can. “I got this one.” She knows times are tough. I’m trying to help with Nana’s medical expenses as well as pay for my home, and my classroom will be needing supplies. That will fall on me.

  “Thanks. Next one’s on me.”

  She gives me a warm smile, but I know full well she’ll fight me on it. She does every time.

  We both slip out of the booth and walk out to our cars. She parked right beside me. She wraps me in a hug and says, “Try going at this one day at a time, and just see where it goes.” I nod as she continues hugging me. “Love you, Kenzie.”

  I smile. “Love you too, Lilly.”

  I drive straight over to Nana’s, and when I get there, I find Aunt Kenderly on the porch swing with her. Uncle Jasper is mowing the lawn. He stops as soon as he sees me get out of the car. I run over to give him a hug and a kiss on his sweaty cheek. “How’s my favorite niece?”

  I place my hand on my hip and say, “I’m your only niece.”

  He chuckles. “Still my favorite.” I shake my head and walk off toward the porch as he starts mowing the lawn again.

  I climb the steps to Nana’s porch, and my aunt stands to say hi. Nana looks at me and says, “Kenzie, dear, have a seat here next to Nana.”

  “Sure, Nana. How are you feeling today?” I ask her.

  “Your nana is getting old, dear.” She taps my knee lightly with her hand.

  “You’re only as old as you feel, Nana,” I say with a smile trying to cheer her up.

  “Well today I feel old.” Aunt Kenderly and I chuckle.

  “Would you like some lemonade?” Aunt Kenderly asks Nana, and she nods. I stand with my aunt and offer to help. I want to chat with my aunt in private. Nana seems off today.

  As soon as we’re both out of earshot I ask her, “What’s up with Nana today? She doesn’t seem herself?”

  My aunt sighs. “I noticed that too. She seemed very sad and lonely when I got here earlier. She keeps telling me she’s getting old and I get it she is getting old, but other than her dementia she’s a healthy woman.”

  I lean against the counter and ask my aunt, “Do you think she’d be happier in a home where she would be among people her age? Maybe she wouldn’t be so lonely.”

  “I don’t know, sweetie. I tried to ask her if that’s what she wanted, and she said she didn’t want to leave her home, but if taking care of her was too much she would go.” She sighs. “I felt horrible and told her we would leave her in her home as long as we can.”

  “Sh
e seems like she’s in a good frame of mind today.”

  “She is, but as with any other day, god knows how long that’ll last,” she says, and no sooner does she finish we hear Nana screaming from the porch.

  We both go running out. Nana is trying to stand on her own as she shouts at Uncle Jasper, who’s talking to Dr. Bennett. “Get that man off my lawn. I don’t even know who he is but he keeps showing up here. I don’t want him on my property,” Nana shouts.

  “Nana, look at me,” I say gently.

  She turns to me.

  “You’re okay. That’s Doctor Bennett, your doctor. He’s coming to check on you,” I tell her in a calm voice.

  “He keeps coming here,” she says, totally confused.

  “I know, Nana. But he’s a good man and he just wants to make sure you’re healthy.”

  She smiles at me. “You’re a good girl, Joanne.”

  I turn to the guys standing on the lawn. “It’s okay, you can come up now.”

  “My Joanne says you’re a good man.”

  “Well, that’s mighty nice of her,” Dr. Bennett says. Nana gives him a big smile. “Why don’t we move inside?” he suggests, so he and I help Nana off the swing and into the house. Once we have her settled, he begins asking her a string of questions and she rattles off answers, some of which are accurate and some make no sense at all. It honestly breaks my heart. The doctor pauses to take some notes, and while he does, Nana’s eyelids start getting droopy.

  The poor woman is exhausted. “Why don’t we go take a nap, Mom?” Aunt Kenderly suggests.

  “Yeah, yeah.” She stands from the chair with the help of my aunt.

  “When your aunt gets back, I want to discuss your plans for Nana.”

  I nod, looking down at the carpet. “She’s in good health, you know.”

  “I know, but her dementia is getting bad.”

  “I’m afraid it is. She saw me in the grocery store with your aunt just yesterday and knew who I was. She’s calling you Joanne more and more.” Again, I only nod at his words.