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“You couldn’t do that.” Could he?
He shrugged. “I wouldn’t want to get in trouble for misappropriating government resources, so I’m glad you called. How was your weekend?” He followed her into the bedroom and set his overnight bag on the bed.
“The shower for Mackinnley went well despite a hiccup. When I got there Friday, Lori was panicked because her puppy, Zeus, had gotten into a container of bacon-wrapped cracker appetizers and knocked a tray of cupcakes onto the floor in the process.”
“Sounds like the puppy needed to be put in time out.”
“He did, but he’s too cute to stay mad at him.” She pulled dirty clothes from her suitcase and dropped them in the laundry basket. “We had to fix more in addition to decorating for the shower. Katy and Lori commented how I was glowing and asked how things were here in Fayetteville. It came up that I was seeing somebody. But one of my other friends tends to be judgy.”
“That you’re dating?” Graham took a seat on the corner of the bed.
“I was trying to be cute about how you contacted me from your Facebook page. But Monica immediately started in about how she knows some woman who was scammed by someone claiming to be a military officer. After messaging for weeks, he asked for her help paying his daughter’s college tuition because he couldn’t access his bank accounts while deployed overseas. Said he’d fly her to some resort for them to meet and pay her back when he got home from Syria in a few weeks.” Erin rolled her eyes. “Of course, she never heard from him again after sending thousands of dollars.”
“That’s ridiculous. I can’t believe people fall for that.”
“I assured her I had seen you in camouflage on base and met you and your kids in real life. I told Monica and my friends you arranged for me to spend an entire week with a Special Forces team and showed them the picture of us from the cooking class. My other friends were supportive. However, Monica’s marriage is, well, complicated. She seems determined to stick it out for better or for worse. I told them I’m happier than ever, but I behaved myself and didn’t come right out and say we’re having mind-blowing sex.” That might have sent Monica over the edge.
Graham sputtered and blushed as she hung the dress she’d worn for the shower in the closet. “Then don’t put her with Noelle. She might tell her.”
She didn’t tell him how Monica got under her skin talking about relationships after divorce rarely lasting and spouting statistics on the failure of second marriages. Erin hadn’t come into this relationship with unrealistic expectations. She was the one who said marriage wasn’t an option and knew there was a deadline. That didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy every second with Graham.
“Speaking of Noelle, she had Pete invite me for dinner last night.”
“Dinner? Did Noelle cook?”
“No. Picked up food at the PX. Maribelle Jepson, one of the widows from the Gold Star brunch, was there. Her husband served in 3rdGroup. Kurt was killed in action shortly after Bethann and I arrived at Fort Liberty. As head of the FRG, Bethann helped Maribelle with things after his death.”
The responsibility Bethann carried as Graham’s wife hit Erin. Not only was the trust of the men under his command an issue, but there were aspects of his job that fell to his partner. That was likely why Sally had invited Erin to the brunch. Graham might be able to put General McKittrick off temporarily, but there were other reasons why he wanted Graham married. In his current position, Graham needed more than a girlfriend. He needed a fully committed wife.
“Her oldest son will be a senior in high school in the fall,” he continued. “Daniel had hoped to follow his father into Special Forces. She wants me to talk to him about other, safer specialties. She invited me over for dinner to talk to him.”
“Like she’s interested in more than you talking to her son?” Erin’s radar pinged. She zipped the empty suitcase and stowed it in the small walk-in closet.
“Don’t worry. I told her I was dating you, and we were exclusive.”
“Do you think Noelle instigated this dinner or did Maribelle?” Noelle knew Erin would be out of town this weekend.
“I’m not sure. And maybe I’m imagining her interest, but I wanted to tell you because Maribelle’s got my number since I offered to meet with Daniel,andshe’s already texted me.”
“As long as she didn’t kiss you or pat your butt, I’ll keep the claws put away.”
He reached for her hand and pulled her closer. “Since it did feel like a setup, I don’t want Noelle bringing it up to make you think I was keeping things from you.”
“Since we’re doing full disclosure, I went by the house and saw Phil this afternoon.”
Graham’s eyebrows hitched up, and he released his hold on her hand.
She leaned against the dresser. “I still have things stored at the house, including some furniture. He’s trying to line up painters and wanted it moved out to make things easier for them.”
“Can’t they just cover it with drop cloths?”
“I thought about telling him that but decided I’d rather cut those ties.”
“Does he know about us?”
“Not yet. And he may not take it well, which is another reason to get some sentimental things, like the scrapbooks with pictures of the girls and my grandmother’s cedar chest and quilts. I said I’d line up a storage place and come get it moved since it doesn’t make sense to move it here and then to the beach condo.” She stepped closer and rested her arms over his shoulders. “I’m just glad to be back here. With you.”
“What do you need to reset? A walk? Ice cream? Cake? Bed?”
