Page 33 of Coming Home

The alarm clock sounded off far too early. I groaned. I’d set it an hour early so I could shower and shave and make myself more presentable than usual, even knowing my family would call me out on it. It wasn’t like we could hide the fact that Ben and I were true mates anyway.

I still didn’t know what to do about everything that was happening, and I didn’t trust he would even stay in touch once he left, but he asked me to give him two weeks, and I owed it to the both of us to see that through with an open heart.

The weirdest thing was that with Ben back, it was harder to remember the bad times. I was too overcome by the good memories of growing up with my best friend and our dreams for the future that felt so tangible now. It saddened me that I couldn’t give him everything we’d ever dreamed about, but that was my life, and he’d have to decide if he could live with it or not.

I wasn’t going to let that dampen the day, though. I had always loved Thanksgiving and having all my family together. This year everyone would truly be there and that deserved a celebration.

After carefully blowing out my hair and applying makeup, I chose a pretty yellow dress that complemented my brown hair and made my brown eyes pop. It was fitted in all the right places but flared at the bottom so I didn’t feel like my thighs were being confined. Pretty and functional, it was perfect for the day. I paired it with some brown leggings and matching brown boots. Grabbing my jacket, I headed for the door.

I arrived at Ben’s at exactly eight o’clock. I was nervous, but not about Ben. I was nervous about the boys. Had he already told them?

I took a deep breath, got out of the vehicle, and walked to the door. I knocked and waited.

To my surprise, his mother answered the door. “Marnie,” I said, reaching to hug her. “I’m so sorry about everything. Are you okay?” I asked.

“No, but I will be. Fortunately, it’s his left leg, and as long as they keep him drugged, I only feel mild pain in mine, though the actual accident and before they got his pain under control was unbearable if I’m being honest.”

Ben’s parents were fully bonded. That meant they could experience things together that only bonded pairs could, including sharing pain. And if he had died in that accident, Marnie would have, too. It’s said to be a blessing more than the curse it sounds like.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay to drive? The boys can blow off Thanksgiving. Heck, I will too and drive you myself if you need me to,” I offered, unsure what else to say or do.

“Don’t be silly, Shelby. I’m fine, and even better knowing my boys will have a good Thanksgiving. He’ll be in surgery all day today and they have a bed for me to help with additional pain if I require it. He’ll be out, but it may not knock me out, too. We’ll see. I know he’s in good hands and Thomas is taking care of everything, including flying me out there so I don’t have to drive. It’s far more than we could have asked for,” she assured me.

“Well, if there’s anything at all I can do, please just ask.”

She smiled at me. “You’re taking care of my boys today and letting them be a part of your family’s celebration. Be sure to thank Cora for me. I really appreciate her inviting them. I didn’t want them sitting around the hospital all day. It’s Thanksgiving.”

I nodded. “I’ll be sure they have a good time. Maddie’s in town. Her son Oscar is close to the twins’ age. I’m sure they’ll have a great time.”

She shifted her eyes back into the house and dropped her voice. “Are you certain you’re okay with Ben being there?” I loved that his mother was worried about me. “I know how difficult it was on you after he left for the army and I know he stopped keeping in touch with you. I don’t understand why, but I can imagine how much harder that was on you. I’m worried about him spending time with you while he’s home, knowing he’ll be going back in a few weeks.”

I sighed. I knew it was going to be hard, but what choice did I have? He was my true mate. “I’m a big girl now, Marnie. I’ll deal with it. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Ben opened the door. “Mom, I thought you left already.” He looked down at his watch. “Sport, you’re late.”

“I was right on time. I’m just talking to your mom.”

“Oh yeah, about what?”

“Nothing,” Marnie and I said at the same time.

“Why does that scare the shit out of me?”

“Language, Ben. You’re not in the Navy, no need to talk like a sailor,” she reminded him.

“Sorry, Mom,” he said with a sheepish grin.

“Alright, I’m going to hit the road. Behave today, you and the twins,” she warned.

He gave his mom a kiss goodbye on the cheek, then as she walked away from us, he risked giving me a quick kiss on the lips.

“You look beautiful,” he said, making me blush.

“I said behave, Ben. Stop flirting with Shelby. You’re lucky she’s even talking to you,” Marnie warned.

“Bye, Mom,” he said. “Troy, Will, our ride’s here. Let’s go.”

Ben

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