He shrugged. “Not much to tell. Mom moved us to Boston after we left. She had family there, so it made sense. I finished high school and didn’t have a plan, so I joined the Navy and became a SEAL. Traveled the world and saw a lot of it. Most of it not so good. After I resigned from the service, a buddy, Walker, and I decided to start a business together. High-tech security that keeps me busy. We decided our base would be DC, and I’ve called it home for a few years now.
“And you had time to come and live here for a few months.”
“I’m the boss,” he said with a wink.
“No family of your own.”
“Nope.”
“Never been married.”
“Never come close.”
She gave him a searching look but said nothing more. Gus cleared the table, and Misha made hot chocolate to go with the cherry cake. Once that was done, they sat down again.
“A little bird told me you’re seeing a woman in town.”
Gus raised an eyebrow. “What little bird would that be?”
“Tully. I ran into her at Sprinkles, and we got to talking.” Misha reached for some cake. “Who is she?”
“Her name is Faith, and I’m not sure what we are, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I wasn’t asking anything of the sort. I was just wondering who she was.” Misha nibbled on her cake. “I don’t know this Faith, but Tully seems to like her.”
“She’s easy to like.”
“I see.”
Gus didn’t take the bait. He wasn’t here to talk about his relationships or lack thereof. He was here for some answers.
“Are you going to tell me what it is you’ve been wanting to say?” He kept his tone light, even though he felt the exact opposite.
She looked conflicted. “I don’t know if it’s my place, but I suppose it’s time.” She pointed to the living room. “Shall we?”
He followed her into the room and sat on the sofa while she took a seat by the window. Misha was anxious. It was written across her face, clear as day. She fiddled with her mug of hot chocolate and then, with a soft sigh, looked up. “What did your mother tell you? About that night you left?”
“Nothing. I remember it was dark and that it was snowing. I remember falling asleep in the car and when I woke up, I was in a bed that wasn’t mine, in a house I didn’t know.” He paused because the memory was as fresh as the night it had happened. “It smelled like lilacs.” He frowned and then shrugged. “That’s all I remember.”
Misha slowly nodded and spoke softly. “Has she ever told you the reasons why she left?”
“Not in so many words. A lot of what I think, is based on what I remember feeling and none of it was good. My parents hated each other. They fought all the time. Porter shouting. Swearing. Mom crying. We were scared of him.” He glanced away as the familiar anger rolled through him. “I think she had enough and left in the middle of the night because of her fear.”
Misha pursed her lips. “I’m going to tell you the things you need to know. Things your mother obviously never shared. I’mnot judging her. Please know that. But you’re here looking for those answers and I don’t have the heart to keep them from you.”
Misha cleared her throat and sat back. “Your Uncle Marshall and your father were not just brothers. They were best friends. Those two were less than a year apart in age and inseparable. Marshall was full of life with the biggest laugh and the brightest smile. He was the light of that family and Porter loved him. We all did.”
“I’d never heard of him until Porter mentioned a brother a few weeks back.” His voice was barely a whisper, but Misha nodded, her face sad.
“I’m not surprised.” She set down her mug and clasped her hands together. “Marshall had been away at college, and one summer, brought home a girl.”
“Mom.”
She nodded. “Yes. Lord but every man in Fire Lake was in awe of this beautiful, blonde girl with big brown eyes and the kind of smile that chased away anything sad. Your grandmother had just died, and she brought life to that big house. Was the only person who could make your grandfather smile and Lord knows but he was a hard man to please. Marshall was smitten and she loved him.” Misha glanced up. “Your mother and Marshall fell in love.”
None of this was expected, and Gus’s jaw tightened.
“Marshall was working toward a business degree but dropped out halfway through fourth year and joined the service. It sent shockwaves through the family. Marshall had always been tapped to take over the business and Porter had other plans. You’d never know it, but Porter was artistic. He was a dreamer. A writer. And he hoped to compose the next great American novel.” A sad smile tugged at her mouth. “Hemingway was his favorite.”
