“That’s for the best, EJ. You deserve peace, and so does he,” he admitted. “As your best friend, it’s time. Make your amends, and enjoy what is left. We don’t know how much time we have on the planet. Make the most of it.”
That was the truth.
It was rare that Winn interfered, but he did give really good advice when it was needed.
This time, he was going to listen.
Heading up onto the porch, Muriel saluted at the other Marine.
“Hey, guys. Are you replacing me?” she asked Raphael.
He nodded.
“Yeah, I’m on them tonight. Head out,” Raph said. “I’ve got them,” he stated.
It should be pretty quiet there.
Hopefully.
Without another word, she got up, and headed down to the ride that Ivan had there for security. She’d head back to the house and tuck in for the night. It had been an uneventful day there, but in their world, that was always a good thing.
Together, the two men went inside.
Once there, Ethan called out to his father.
“Dad, I’m home.”
When Wyler peeked his head around the corner, he was wearing an apron.
“I’m just pulling the bread out of the oven. Good timing,” he said. “Winn, are you staying for dinner?” he asked.
The man nodded.
“If you made plenty.”
Wyler smiled.
“I made a lot. You can take some back to Elizabeth tomorrow. She loves stew.”
Yes, yes, she did.
In the kitchen, Wyler was taking the loaf of bread out of the pan, and putting it on the counter.
He handed Ethan the knife.
“Have at it. Hot bread is the best.”
On that they could all agree on.
Ethan got some butter from the well-stocked refrigerator, and it wasn’t lost on him that he wished he could have been here to fill it for Wyler and Timothy all of those years ago.
The lean years could have been so much better for the older men.
“You’re quiet,” Wyler said. “Want to talk about it?” he asked, filling bowls.
Raphael stopped them.
“I can go eat…”
