Page 41 of Destiny Reclaimed
“Come in. Everything okay?”
Gwen knew by Jack’s grim tone it wasn’t. What she didn’t know was who he talked to. Though curious, her feet wouldn’t move. She didn’t want any bad news to spoil this day. Hell, she didn’t want any bad news ever again. Every time she turned around, someone in this town received news their husband, or son, or brother had been injured or killed in this God-awful war.
“Can I take your coat?” William asked in that doctor tone of his. The set, monotone one physicians use when they’re about to deliver horrible news to a patient.
Meeting her mother-in-law’s gaze, she knew she was of like mind. Something was wrong.
Gwen listened but didn’t hear a response to William’s question.
Ruth stepped around the table and headed for the front entryway and she followed.
Seeing her parents standing in the foyer was like a punch to her gut, though she already knew she’d never see her brother again. Their red-stained eyes confirmed it. Her twin wasn’t coming home. She’d tried to deny it for the past several days, but she knew the moment her brother had been killed. It was four nights ago when she’d been awoken by a sharp sensation that pierced her heart. The pain was such she would have sworn her heart had been cut in half.
Dread coiled in the pit of her stomach. Her extremities shook, and her knees weakened. Jack grabbed her and pulled her to him as she sobbed against his chest.
Through tears, she could see Ruth hugging her mother. Her dad stood off to the side looking like he wanted to die himself. How was it not five minutes ago she couldn’t have been happier? Now her heart filled with so much pain she thought it may explode.
When she cried herself dry, her husband’s grip loosened, but he still held her as if making sure she wouldn’t fall over if he’d completely let go.
Her parents stayed only for a few minutes, then left.
The big house was quiet and cold. Her heart was empty. She wasn’t sure what to do with herself. Though she’d only got out of bed an hour ago she wanted to climb right back in.
Jack sat next to her on the sofa. She leaned her head on his shoulder as he read a book, though he hadn’t flipped the page in a while. He set the book on the coffee table then reached over and pulled her onto his lap. She melted against her husband, absorbing the comfort of his hold while soaking in his warmth and strength. The familiarity of his leathery scent lulled her some.
He kissed the top of her hand and swayed slightly in a soothing manner like one would do with a baby in their arms.Baby.Today would not be the day to tell him about the baby. She refused to share that news on such a horrible day.
Her eyes drifted shut and visions of her brothers passed through her mind. Fond memories of their childhood played through as if it was on a movie reel. She swallowed the lump in her throat.Memorieswere all she had left of them. Her baby would never know his or her uncles. Tears flooded her eyes, and her body quivered. Jack’s hold tightened.
Ruth stepped into the living room. “Lunch is ready.”
The last thing she wanted to do was stuff food into her rolling stomach, but like a robot, with stiff motions, she followed her mother-in-law into the kitchen.
She sat on the hard wooden chair. The spindles on the back dug into her spine as she slumped against them. No energy to even sit up straight.
Catching a whiff of the tuna fish sandwich lying on Jack’s plate sent her stomach tossing, shoving the contents of her stomach partway into her throat. She sprang off the chair as she threw her hand over her mouth, both stifling a sob and holding the bile in as she bolted out the doorway of the kitchen and toward the bathroom.
Sweat dampened her skin as she puked into the toilet. After a few seconds, she shifted from her aching knees to her butt and leaned back against the wall.
Her stomach settled, but her heart ached with pain as she’d never known before. Marvin, now Gary. She’d never see her brothers again. She pulled her knees to her chest, wrapped her arms around them, lowered her head, and sobbed.
A light knock sounded. “Gwennie, sweetheart, can I come in?”
She lifted her head and looked at the bathroom door. On one hand, she wanted nothing more than to let Jack in and fling herself into his strong, caring arms, but on the other hand, she didn’t want him to see her—figure her out. The news of their baby deserved to be shared on a day they could rejoice in happiness, not on a day clouded with sorrow and pain.
He rapped on the door again. “Are you okay?”
It took nearly all the strength she had to muster a steady voice to answer him. “Yes. I’ll be out in a second.”
“Okay,” he responded, but she didn’t hear him walk away.
Gwen pushed herself up on her unsteady legs, flushed the toilet, then washed her hands and makeup-streaked cheeks.
As she opened the door, her husband straightened himself from resting his back against the hallway wall and unfolded his arms, holding them open for her. The anticipated comfort of his arms and concern emitting in his dark gaze drew her to him like a magnet.
Tears fell again as he enveloped her tightly.
Gently, he pressed his lips to the top of her head, “Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I’d give anything to change this. Bring your brothers back.”
