Page 18 of Shadow

“I only want you to do what makes you happy.”

“Right now, going back to your place would make mereallyhappy.”

Garrett stands quickly, almost dropping me and laughs. “Well, then let’s go!”

He slides me onto the seat of the four-wheeler and I pull him in for another kiss. “Hey, Garrett,” I look up at him and bat my eyes when we part.

“Hm?”

“I love you.”

He grins and presses his lips to mine again. “I love you, too, Pony Princess.”

“Now take me home and show me just how much you love me.”

Garrett growls and kicks the fourwheeler into high gear. “I’ve never wanted to do anything more.”

ChapterTen

Garrett

This Sunday dinner has been the best one yet.

Lindsey is sitting beside me with her fingers entwined in mine.

Tag doesn’t seem nearly as interested in my girl anymore, which is a damn good thing. And everyone is buzzing with excitement.

“So, Olivia wants to take The Mason Center and its mission nationwide,” Lindsey’s face lights up as fills everyone else in about her virtual meeting with Olivia and Jameson. “There are not very many places like The Mason Center available to childrenandadults. Plus they have this amazing program for Veterans and active duty service members to help them reintegrate into society and deal with all of the trauma that comes with serving in the military.”

Kevin shifts in his seat and looks at his wife, Fallon. “That sounds great, Linds. I’m…I’d love to know more about it.”

“They put together a very impressive portfolio to pitch their ideas. I have it in my office. I can show you later,” Lindsey smiles. “Maybe we can get some of your Army buddies out to the ranch after all,” she teases lightheartedly.

Her brother clears his throat. “Uhm. About that…”

Fallon squeezes his hand and nods, fighting back tears. I’ve seen that look a time or two over the years. I know what’s next.

“I’ve got orders. I…uh…I leave in two weeks.”

Harriett and Lindsey both gasp.

“But…but…I just got home,” Lindsey’s bottom lip quivers, a trait that she apparently hasn’t outgrown.

“I know,” Kevin sighs. “Not much I can do about it though baby sister. Duty calls.”

“I…I thought you were looking at going into the Reserves?” she asks.

That’s news to me, not that Kevin tells me all the details of his life. Last I knew, he was still pretty happy with active duty and was going to ride it out until his retirement.

“I did look into it. Even if I went into the Reserves, it didn’t mean I wouldn’t get called up. You know how this goes, Lindsey.”

“Oh, damnit,” Lindsey swipes at the tears rolling down her face now. “I was hoping you’d be here to help me with putting together this whole therapy center thing. I could really use my big brother’s help with this transition.”

“And I wish I could be here. But, you’ve got Fallon and you know everyone else here supports the hell out of you Linds. You’ll make it happen and I’ll be back to see it all launch,” Kevin promises.

“Ugh. Just be glad I can’t call up your Commander in Chief and give him an earful,” she teases and I give her hand a gentle squeeze.

I can’t imagine being in her shoes. We’re all used to Kevin being in and out with his deployments. Lindsey’s been gone for so long that this has got to be hitting her harder now that she’s home. Especially since she’s planning to finally settle down and stay here.

---