Page 91 of Her Summer Hope

After all, McClellan's Hope was more than just a retreat, it was a place where broken pieces were put back together, where healing began, and where hope endured.

Maybe in helping Madison, he’d find a bit of his own peace too.

∞∞∞

The gravel crunched under Kyle's boots as he made his way around the path on the side of the house toward the front of McClellan's Hope, where the new arrival was expected.

The late afternoon sun beamed over the retreat, creating a tranquil atmosphere that he hoped would set the new man at ease. It was a good day for a tour.

As he approached, he saw the van pull up. The driver, a new volunteer at the retreat, stepped out and offered a lighthearted salute.

“Got a new brother for you, Logan,” he called out with a grin.

Kyle returned the teasing gesture with two fingers, his mood lightening even more. “Thanks, Pete. How was the ride?”

“Smooth as a SEAL’s exit strategy,” Pete replied, winking.

“So, rocky as hell then?” John murmured from behind him.

Kyle smiled ruefully. “Don’t let the SEALs hear you say that.”

“Pfft. We could handle them no problem,” John boasted.

They both turned as the van’s side door slid open, revealing the new resident.

Kyle’s gaze settled on a man who appeared to be around his own, his late thirties, his right side marked by thick scars that ran down his face and neck, disappearing under his shirt.

Despite his scars, there was an undeniable handsomeness about him, his eyes bright and alert.

“Neil, right?” Kyle extended his hand. “Welcome to McClellan’s Hope.”

Neil hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking Kyle's hand, his grip firm despite the scarring on that side. “Thanks. Heard a lot about this place. Brochures don’t do it justice.”

As they walked towards the main building, Kyle made small talk, asking Neil about his trip. Neil’s answers were brief, but he seemed to relax slightly as they moved through the serene surroundings. Kyle noticed that he avoided his reflection in the glass near the door.

“3rd group, huh?” Kyle asked, noting the subtle flinch in Neil’s shoulders as he brought it up.

Neil nodded. “Feels like a lifetime ago.”

“I know what you mean,” Kyle replied, a sense of camaraderie already forming between them. “Let’s get you settled in. We’ve got a good group here. You’ll fit right in.”

The evening passed quickly as Neil was introduced to the other residents. Dinner was a lively affair, with the group sharing stories and light-hearted banter. Aiden and Wyatt, in particular, made it their mission to welcome Neil with their own brand of humor.

The only thing missing was Maddy’s beautiful smile, her comforting presence in the kitchen, and her delicious food on the table.

“So, Neil, you ready to jump into everything here?” Aiden asked, passing him a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Wyatt dished up some food and grinned. “Water aerobics on Mondays, pottery on Tuesdays, and oh! Cha-cha classes on Thursday afternoons,” he said, pointing at Neil. “We like to keep it lively around here.”

Wyatt glanced at Murdock. “Except for Murdock. He likes to stagnate.”

“Just happy to be static for a while,” Neil replied, a small smile playing on his lips.

Wyatt leaned in, his tone mock-serious. “You’ll have to get used to our spur-of-the-moment security patrol and random ruck runs. Tends to happen when you put a bunch of us former team guys together.”

The laughter that followed was genuine, the ease of shared experiences bridging any gaps between them. He felt good about Neil coming into the house.

Later that night, Kyle found himself on the back deck, a place he often retreated to for reflection. The stars were bright in the clear sky, a peaceful backdrop to his restless thoughts.

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