“Don’t you dare!” And right there was the badass Dusty I knew.
If I was in her presence and not holding the phone, I’d throw my hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay.”
“That’s better. I don’t blame you,” she said, but I still couldn’t help but blame myself, and she knew it. “You will believe me one day. I guess I just needed to hear your sparkling voice and wallow in my pity party for a moment.”
“D, I’m here anytime you need to talk,” I told her just as an idea started to form in my head. “Wait, why don’t you come for a visit and meet Patience and my family?”
Dusty had been shot in the leg along with breaking her ankle, both on the same side. Infection had set in, making her stick, and it scared the daylights out of me. Saving her leg had been a miracle, as was the fact she’d made it out alive.
“W-what?” She sounded perplexed that I would even ask.
I ran my free hand down my face, trying to scrub away the irritation I had felt with myself. She shouldn’t question why I’d offer such a thing when we were friends.
“Patience would love to meet you,” I let her know.
They’d briefly seen each other on FaceTime once but had definitely heard of one another. Shit, I’d forgotten Patience had seen all my friends at one point. I hated to think that their faces lingered in her mind at all like they did in mine, knowing they were gone.
“I’d like to meet her too.”
A true smile lifted the corner of my lips. I knew the two of them would enjoy each other. In fact, all my family and friends would adore Dusty.
“There is a whole shitload of women and men here, alongwith a ton of kids that would like to see you.” It was a good plan. “So when are you coming?”
“Well, I can’t drive yet. Not that far, it’s still too hard.” Her tone was deflated some but then perked up. “Let me check flights and get back to you, okay?”
I started walking to the door again. “You bet. You’re welcome any time, D. Just let me know what works for you. It will be amazing to see you.”
“Are you sure?” she asked but chuckled. “I can hear that damn guilt in your tone, Jett. Get rid of it before I come, or else. I’ll be in touch.” Then before I could respond, she hung up.
She was a tough one. While she was upset at the start, she had bounced back some. I knew when she came that everyone would take to her right away. Gyth would understand the most; maybe he’d talk to her?
Dusty was right, though, I wasn’t sure the guilt would disappear as fast as she had demanded. But I’d start trying.
So, with that, I walked out and headed to make music.
The music settled deep and freed my soul.
After talking with Gramps, I had a clearer picture of what I wanted to do, and then spending time with my guitar while belting out lyrics helped even further.
When I was younger, I thought all I wanted to do was be a rockstar, go on the road, and jam. Then my sister, Ruby, met Lyric—crazy how fitting that name was for him and how well it resonated with me—and once I got to know him, as well as the other men ofNo Surrenderwho’d all served in the military, my view on life changed.
At eighteen, I looked up to them so much, and I knew soon after they came into my life that I wanted to serve asthey had. Shortly after enlisting and leaving, I realized a few things.
One, I wasn’t a lifer and wanted to eventually work with the guys, something they were offering now. Two, I missed Patience and Griffin, along with my family, and the need to be with them was strong. And third, I would always have music but it was a hobby and passion that made me feel good, it wasn’t the career I wanted.
The capture made me feel like I couldn’t have any of the things I wanted. Losing my buddies, and Dusty being hurt had crushed me into believing I didn’t deserve anything. And then Patience was there when I needed her most, still my friend, wanting me to be her husband, and hope sparked.
I belted out the lyrics to a song she and I wrote long ago and let myself believe.
I’d been so wrapped up in the music, I hadn’t heard my phone ring. Gramps came into the garage, and with just one look at his face, I knew something was not right. Dread lodged in the pit of my stomach, and I stopped playing as he approached.
“Patience is trying to reach you. She said she called a couple of times, but you haven’t answered.” He didn’t sound accusing, just worried. Gramps knew I’d needed time with my music but fuck if my wife didn’t come first.
“What’s happening?”
It was Friday, and she was set to be off work soon. Normally I’d grab Griffin, but Ruby had picked him and Autumn up from school to go hang out with some of the other kids. Did something happen to her or the kids?
“She’s okay. Nobody’s hurt.” He let out a gruff huff. “The paternity test came back. We all knew what it would say since our girl told us, but the family is pushing for a court date as soon as possible.”
