Page 62 of The Matchmaker and the Marine

Melinda smoothed away the beads of sweat that popped up on his forehead, and wrapped him in her arms.

“Anita came to see me in the hospital. At first, she was compassionate and understanding. Losing my people was unbearable. For those of us who survived, our injuries were severe. She said she understood and would stand by me.” He shook his head slowly from side to side. “When she came to see me in the rehab facility, the reality that I was different changed things between us. Not for me, but I could see the look in her eyes. In an instant it changed her. I took early retirement, I went back to a small town near Parris Island. I rented a house and Anita moved in with me. I wanted to believe everything was going to work out. But that was the beginning of the end.”

“You don’t have to talk about it anymore. I get the idea. It was easier for her when you were gone for long stretches of time.”

“No. While I was healing and going through physical therapy, she knew I was dealing with my physical injuries. But the PTSD, that was worse. I kept blaming myself. What could I have done differently to keep my men safe?”

“Adam. That is normal. Especially as an officer it is part of your training.” She moved to her chair and grasped his hands with hers. She tilted his chin up to meet her eyes. The simple gesture almost pushed him over the emotional edge as the memories engulfed him.

“Anita couldn’t deal with the reality that I had changed. I shut down. I guess she thought we could just start a new life and enjoy my retirement.” With a snort he said, “Unplanned retirement.”

“How did you end up in Connecticut?”

“Anita and I had a disagreement. She wanted things the way they used to be, me to be the way I used to be. I wasn’t that easygoing guy anymore. She moved back to California and I moved here.”

“I’m sure Will was thrilled to have you close by.”

“He was. Is.” Adam finally looked Mel directly in the eye. “I know I have a hard time connecting with people. I’m much warier when I meet someone new.”

“Which is why dating is challenging for you.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement.

“What if the way I changed, because I hold myself responsible for the deaths of my team, will affect any future relationship? Look at what it did with Anita.”

“I don’t know what she felt or why. You must know it’s not uncommon for a spouse or loved one to have a harder time dealing with a veteran when they return home from a war zone whether they wear their injuries on the inside or externally. I do know we all change as a result of events in our lives. I know I’m different.” She rested her hand over his hammering heart. “You need to be who you are today. Let go of the pain you feel she caused. The right woman will love you, scars and all.”

Her tender smile cracked the icy band that encased his heart. She was right. Someday he would find love. He took her hand from his chest and gently kissed the top of it.

That was when he knew Will was dead on. He was falling in love with Melinda.

He let go of her hand. Melinda didn’t seem to notice it was abrupt. He picked up his mug and gulped down the lukewarm beer. “Thank you for listening.”

In a quiet voice she said, “I’m always here for you, Adam.”

He knew she meant it. “You’re very sweet.”

They sat quietly in the waning light, listening to the peepers, each lost in their own thoughts. When darkness had fallen he broke the silence. “I’m quite the mess, aren’t I?”

“You’re not. I wish you had told me about this before I started working to find you a match. It would have helped me.”

He couldn’t help but flash her a big grin. “Are you saying if I had shown you my warts, we might have skipped Susan?”

She held her hands up in mock defense. “I can’t be held responsible for someone who deliberately evades the truth.”

“No sweat. I’ve forgiven you.” He watched her cheeks flush an attractive shade of pink.

“If I had something to throw at you, I would.” She laughed. “Any interest in staying for dinner?”

“Thanks, but I’m going to head home. I told Will I’d swing by. He says Stacey is going to want a pergola in their backyard. Seems you’re a trendsetter.”

She beamed. “That’s good for you, more clients.”

He nodded. “I hadn’t thought of it in that context. Would you mind if I took a few pictures? I put together an idea book for when I meet with new customers.”

“Of course. Take as many as you want.”

Adam tilted his mug back and drained the remnants of his beer. “I appreciate the beer and the talk.”

“If you can keep a secret, I’ll tell you something I haven’t told anyone since I moved to Chester.”

---