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“Thank you. This is the best day I’ve had in a very long time. And I can’t imagine I deserve all this care, but I appreciate it.”
He smiled. “You deserve way more. This is nothing.”
Her heart pounded, but she wasn’t sure if it was terror or thrill or both. “And Tom?”
He tilted his head and raised a brow.
“My name is Victoria May Meadows. But I like Wiz better.”
She twirled and ran inside. Revealing her name was so risky, but she trusted him. She collapsed against the door. She panted, trying not to think, then turned to peer out the peephole. He was still standing there, a sweet smile on his lips. He waved, turned, and walked away. But she knew he’d be back.
Chapter 15
Tom relaxed into the old recliner, pulling his tablet onto his lap. The background picture of Wiz smiling up at him in front of her Christmas tree warmed his body and heart. Wiz brought him so much happiness; he only wished she could feel less conflicted about him.
Over the long winter months, she’d gradually shared more about her life, both before the Air Force and while she was in, but she hadn’t been able to tell him everything about her last deployment. Small pieces emerged occasionally when she was comfortable or when her therapist asked her to share. Unfortunately, the more she told him, the angrier he got about her ordeal, but he had to remain calm because his anger increased her anxiety. He definitely understood exactly why she’d sought revenge, even though he knew it wasn’t helpful in the long run. But she’d earned it.
Wiz had also told him more than enough about her slimeball ex-husband, an opportunistic narcissist. With therapy, she realized why she’d accepted his terrible behavior and increasing emotional abuse. She’d been all alone, in an unfamiliar environment, and then a good-looking guy started paying attention to her, and it felt like love and safety. Same reason lots of people got married right after high school and college, and they often regretted it later. Unfortunately for Wiz, her ex wasn’t stupid and had carefully played on her fears and insecurities, escalating his behavior. Then, when she needed someone to lean on, he’d coldly abandoned her. Since she’d recovered, he evidently believed he could reuse his old playbook, but Wiz was too smart to fall for that.
At the creak of plastic, Tom relaxed his death grip on his poor table and stretched out his fingers. Whenever he recalled the little she’d shared about her last deployment, rage roared through him. Not only that she’d been assaulted, but at the criminal behavior of her so-called superiors, trying to cover up the crime and blame the survivor, and their failure to bring anyone to justice. They hadn’t even protected what little evidence had been gathered. So many in her chain of command had failed Wiz. There were probably many other victims, too; ignored and belittled because the fragile egos of their so-called leaders couldn’t handle the truth—they were weak incompetents.
For the perpetrator, sexual assault wasn’t about sex, it was about power. But Tom didn’t understand how overpowering a tiny female could make anyone feel strong. Especially in the military, where strength was prized, oaths to protect and defend were supposed to mean everything, and attacks should be against the enemy. Only slimeball criminals reveled in such evil.
Back then, she’d been vulnerable, both emotionally and physically. But no more. She’d made herself into a weapon. A week ago, he’d been there during her virtual training with her sensei, an elderly, tough as nails man. When Wiz introduced Tom, the man grinned. Tom had ended up flat on the mat twenty times in a row. Back, front, side, it didn’t matter; Wiz had him down in seconds. At the end of the session, her sensei cautioned Wiz that Tom obviously knew nothing about martial arts. But the look of triumph on Wiz’s face made the bruises feel like nothing. He’d been stiff for a week, but it was worth it.
“What are you smiling at, Tom?”
“The usual.” He tilted the tablet toward Dad.
Dad smiled at the tablet, then grinned at Tom. “Wiz beat you up recently?”
Tom barked a laugh. “No. She’s taught me a few moves, but she’s strong, fast, and very flexible. It’s like a mouse and an elephant. I might get lucky and step on her, but that would be the only way for me to win.”
Dad chuckled. He thought it was hilarious that his tiny, hopefully future daughter-in-law could take down his big, tall son. “Is everything ready for the big family invasion?”
“Yup.” Tom nodded. He was looking forward to the visit—their kids were growing so fast. They were lucky the across-the-road neighbors let them use their house because hosting eight more people was way beyond their capacity. “I had the cleaning service in, and I checked everything. The fridge and pantry are stocked with most of the stuff they asked for, beds are made, towels are out, there’s soap and toiletries in the bathrooms. It might be a little crowded with both families in one house now that the kids are getting older, but it’s not like it will be forever. They should be able to handle a week.”
“It’s bigger than our house by a long shot.” Dad’s head tilted. “Hmm. Maybe we could use Wiz’s guest house, and then one of them could stay at our house, if it gets too cramped. Did you give her the details about their visit?”
“I told her Marie and Alex and their families were coming for Easter and spring break, but I don’t think she realizes what that means. I’m sure she’s not really ready for it. I’m not sure I’m ready.” Tom was uneasy, to say the least. “It’s been almost a year since we’ve seen them, and that’s a long time for kids. They’ll have changed a lot.”
“Yep.” Dad nodded. “Wish they could get out here more often, but that’s the way it is. Not enough good paying jobs here. I previously asked Wiz to help me with the kids if they came out, and she agreed. It will be interesting to see how she reacts.”
“And how they react.” Tom sighed. “Quite frankly, I’m more worried about that. Not the kids, the adults. Marie, in particular, is likely to be a little judgmental, and I don’t know how tolerant Wiz will be. We may not see much of her.” Every second they were apart was too long for him. Trading Marie for Wiz wasn’t a good deal. He loved his sister, but her entitled attitude got old.
“We’ll talk to them tonight.” Dad’s mouth twisted for a moment. “They’ll all be getting in pretty late, so I don’t think she’ll meet them now. I’m assuming you’re telling them you’re going to marry her, right?”
“Yes. Or at least that I hope to, and that she’s dealing with stuff she suffered while she was in the service, and the rules. We’ll probably have to warn Marie’s kids as well, but Alex’s are small enough that they shouldn’t be an issue.” He grinned. “I’m sure none of them have gotten any quieter.”
Dad laughed. “No, probably not. That’s okay, laughter is good for the soul.” He sobered. “But I don’t think you’ll have to worry about Marie too much. She’ll just be happy you found somebody.”
Tom wasn’t so sure. “She didn’t like Evon, and she didn’t keep it a secret.”
Dad huffed. “Evon was pretty but kind of selfish and shallow. I didn’t like her much either, but it wasn’t my decision, so I didn’t say anything.”
Tom snorted. “In the end, it wasn’t my decision either, but I’m happy it worked out this way now.” They’d have both been miserable. And divorced.
“Wiz is a better match for you.” He chuckled. “And me.”
