Page 30 of Embers in Our Souls
“Great, thank you,” I say. “I’ll text you my schedule and we can pick another date and time.”
She nods and I turn around, my attention on the laboring woman.
I was not expecting my day off to go this way. The only positive is—I prolonged this impending divorce another day.
CHAPTER 15
Tyler
9 YEARS AGO
June 28, 2016
Dear Indy “damn-that-book-was-steamy” Ranton,
It’s so stinkin’ hot here right now. I can’t seem to cool down. I can’t say much about things at the moment, but you can guess from watching the news where we’re stationed.
I’ve seen stuff I can’t unsee and it’s just been so unfortunately hard. Luckily, the guys I’m around have been like brothers to me and I’m grateful. We’ve started to work on some workout routines to pass the time. One of the guys here used to be a personal trainer and he’s showing us some things. It’s nice to pass the time doing something besides running in a circle and squats (though we still do those too).
Writing to you is my only other saving grace, honestly. Hearing from you is like watching a sunrise after the darkest storm, Indiana.
Sometimes I wonder what my life would look like if we hadn’t made this pact and gotten married. Two years ago you needed me, but now, it seems, I’m in need of you just as much. I am leaning on this marriage in many ways emotionally. I long for these letters from you.
Knowing you are out there helps me carry on because it’s lonely here. The nights are isolating, but the stars do shine bright without the big city buildings drowning out the night sky. Those are the moments I think of you most—wondering if you’re thinking of me.
Do you think of me? Because I definitely let my mind ponder the “what ifs” of this life had I not left to pursue the Army. I sometimes let myself imagine if I was born into a life that your parents approved of, if I would be someone you could see yourself with.
I know I’m really letting my feelings out in this letter, but one of the guys confided in me regarding someone he cares about, and it got me thinking about you. The way you send me those care packages—I feel seen with you. You’re the only person in my life that I feel knows me and I’m barely around you.
Those last two books you sent me were great! Were they authors you worked with? I really liked the notes you left in the margin, it felt like I was reading along with you. Some of those scenes were pretty hot, I’m not going to lie. I did picture you while reading them, our last night together still replays in my mind.
I know we aren’t romantically involved, but I haven’t had anyone close to me aside from you. And it got me thinking: What if you were? Then my mind just started going down that road. So now you’re getting the middle of the night ramblings in this letter.
Maybe I’m saying too much, but at this point, I think it’s safe to say we are each other’s person to confide in when we need a shoulder to lean on, right? After two years being married and writing letters to one another, I honestly don’t think anyone knows me this well. Damn, my own parents aren’t even acquaintances in my life.
I hope you’re doing good in Chicago. I’m optimistic the school year will go smoothly. I know last semester was a tough one for you with trying new medications. And I hope you’ve adjusted to the new meds well.
Still picturing you naked daily,
Ty
CHAPTER 16
Fire Hunters
PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS HUNT’S PROWLERS
CHAPTER 17
Indiana
“He saidhe has a really romantic night planned for us,” I explain to Kalli.
“Oh, I bet he does,” she says, sarcasm dripping from her tone.
“You can leave that attitude at the door,” I tell her as I put Noah’s toys in the bin, tidying up the house.
“How does Roger feel about your husband coming over today?” Kalli asks, tossing a handful of almonds in her mouth.
