Lucas backed the moving truck to the door of his rented storage unit and turned off the vehicle.
Beau glanced at him from the passenger seat. “Before we unload all this, are you sure you don’t want to keep it at my house? There’s plenty of room in the garage and shed.”
“It’s enough that you’re letting me stay with you until I find my own place. I’m not going to clutter your house with my junk.”
“The offer stands.” Beau hopped out and met him at the backside of the truck. “When do you start at McClean Security?”
“Not until mid-April when the next training class begins.”
Beau elbowed him in the ribs and grinned. “You’re getting lazy, big brother. Two whole months off in a four-month period. Must be nice.”
“Join the military and get shot at for a living, then tell me that.” He knew Beau was teasing and hadn’t meant his quick reply to sound like a lecture. “It’ll drive me crazy being out of work this long.”
“I’m sure there’s a certain brunette who will help you pass the time.”
Lucas raised the back door of the enclosed truck storage. “She had her hands full with her job.”
“Will your wedding be the next one she plans?” Beau extended the ramps while they talked.
“It’s too soon for that.”
“Says who?”
Crinkling his forehead, Lucas stared at his brother. “Aren’t you the one who told me I need to know who she is now?”
“Yes, but you and Serena are destined for each other. Why prolong the inevitable?”
“She’s focused on Cecil’s wedding right now. I wouldn’t want to detract from that.”
Beau cleared his throat. “Coward.”
“Must I remind you I’ve fought terrorists head on and won?”
“Then why won’t you ask her to marry you?” Beau’s grin was reminiscent of the Cheshire cat.
“When it’s time, I will.” Lucas grabbed a dolly and began loading it with boxes. “Are you going to stand there all day or help?”
Beau leaned casually with one shoulder against the metal frame. “And break a sweat? I’ll leave that to you.”
Rolling his eyes, Lucas tossed Beau a pair of work gloves. “Make yourself useful.”
Working together, they had the truck unloaded in an hour, then swung by Beau’s house to pick up his truck. He’d followed behind Lucas to the truck rental company then drove Lucas back to the house.
Once all that was done, Lucas flopped on the bed in Beau’s guest bedroom and stretched his arms and legs. He considered himself fit and in good shape but unloading his accumulation of stuff—for he could think of no better way to describe it—from the last thirteen years had knotted his muscles.
He stretched his arms to the ceiling and rolled his shoulders. Some tension left, but he still hurt. Since he had to take a shower regardless, he gathered a clean set of clothes and let the hot water roll over his aching shoulders.
Feeling substantially better, he grabbed a water from the fridge and went outside. The two kids next door were outside, inviting a scene of Deja vu from Christmas. He checked his phone for the time. Serena should be done with her meeting by now, and he gave her a call.
“Did you get settled in,” she asked after confirming the end of her meeting.
“As much as I can be. I’ll feel better when I have my own place.”
“You will soon. There’s no point jumping on a place you won’t like in a few months.”
He held the phone close to his ear. “Is Cecily still at school?”
“Yes. School’s not over for another hour and then she has track practice after.”
