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Luke was the most amazing guy and he would have done anything for me. He had gone above and beyond as it was. But what he and I had was not like what you saw with these couples when you looked around. My heart ached that my best friend was gone, but it hurt even more knowing that because of me, he never got to experience what I’d seen when I showed up at Gyth and Summer’s home.
My throat was clogged with emotion and tears pooled in my eyes. I reached up with my free hand and frantically brushed them away. I had to be strong even if sometimes it was really damn hard.
For my son, I’d been doing my best.
“I’m here whenever you need to talk,” Summer said with her hand still laying on top of mine.
“Thank-k you,” I told her, emotionally. “I better check on Zander.” I stood, causing her hand to drop from mine. “He probably is wondering where I’m at.”
She stood too and we started to head off the porch. “Sure, then we can talk to Gyth and tell him the plan and we will take you over to the place you’ll be staying in a little while.”
As we walked back toward the backyard, I felt awful once again and second-guessed my decision. They had company, they couldn’t just leave and tend to Zander and me.
“Maybe we should go to a hotel and wait until tomorrow. You guys have company right now.”
“Nonsense, it will all work out and why go to a hotel when the condo is already ready for you to use?”
I didn’t reply because we had already made it back to where the party was in full swing and my gaze immediately searched for my son, whom I found hooting and hollering as he chased the other kids. Looked like they were playing tag.
“Looks like he didn’t even notice I was gone,” I mumbled.
Summer giggled and I turned her way.
“The kids all have a blast together, despite what Embry said. She loves every single one of them, even if they are mostly boys, and the only girl is too little still to help her gang up on them.”
I watched as Summer looked back at the kids, so much love on her face. “Maybe we will give Dexter a sibling soon,” she said wistfully.
Again, I didn’t want to pry so I stood there silently as we looked on and watched them play. Then the vibrant, outspoken woman named Alley started over, the full lady posse all close behind.
“Where have you two been? It’s time to beat the guys at a game of volleyball and we need you.”
I was surprised she was including me in this, but it felt nice too.
“Maybe I should sit out and watch, keep an eye on the kids,” I blurted out.
“The grandparents can watch the kids, we need all the help we can get. There is no way I’m losing,” Alley added and strutted off toward the net. “Time to kick some butt.”
The other ladies laughed and followed her.
“She is a force,” Summer said, beside me. “You will get used to her.”
I wasn’t sure about that. I’d probably be gone before that happened, but Alley was funny and it was interesting to watch the different personalities and dynamics of all the women. And it was kind of cool that they all got along so well.
“You heard her, let's go kick some butt.” Summer grabbed my hand and started dragging me toward the group that was gearing up for the game.
“That is completely unfair,” I heard a deep familiar voice shout out.
Everyone turned to look at Rowan and I found myself doing the same. When my eyes clicked with his, I knew the game, the condo, and everything in between that may come with it was a bad idea.
“What?” Alley goaded. “You afraid of us or something?” she asked, looking straight at Rowan, who’s eyes were trained only on mine.
I knew what Rowan was going on about. Volleyball had been my game since I was young and it was the one thing I stuck with even when I started at his and Luke’s school. I finished out my senior year with our school as state champs, but it had been a long time since I had played so I didn’t believe anyone had to worry.
“You might want to prepare boys, that one,” he said, motioning in my direction. “She is a beast when it comes to this game.”
The guy's eyes registered with surprise and Alley pumped her fist in the air. “Hell yeah, that’s what I like to hear! Let the game begin.”
I couldn’t stop staring at Rowan as memories of him and Luke at all my games, cheering me on my junior year before they left for the military came rushing forth in my mind. Then, I thought about my senior year when they were gone and how lonely I was without them. Suddenly, I just wanted to flee, but Rowan’s gaze stayed on mine and a challenge glistened in his eyes that I didn’t want to walk away from.
