Page 64 of Embers in Our Souls
“I appreciate you saying that.” He winks. “My wife doesn’t complain about it either.”
“I bet she doesn’t.” I laugh. “And I will say Ana is really great. If you’d ever like to meet her, just let me know. She’s local to Boston.”
“Really? I’d love that. I know Kennedy and Abby would too,” he says. I can’t help the confused look on my face. He continues, “They’re in book club too. We’re all fans.”
“Got it. Um, I hate to change subjects, but is everything okay? Is Tyler okay?”
“Yeah.” He nods. “I mean, I know how everything went the other morning and I just thought I’d stop by and talk to you.
“I see. Did he put you up to this? Because I feel like Ty said everything he had to say,” I explain.
“I know. But I think he left a few things unsaid,” Malloy explains.
“How so?” I feel my brows pinch in confusion. “Because from what he explained, he lied to me.”
“You’re right, he most certainly did lie.” Malloy nods, looking down at his fingers.
“Malloy, you’re really not making much sense right now.”What is he talking about?
“Sorry, I don’t know how to do this.” He sighs. Then he stands and grabs something out of his back pocket. Once he retrieves it, I realize it’s papers. He sits back down.
“Listen, I’m a big believer that people need to figure things out on their own. But at the same time, I think Hunter doesn’t have a lot of support. His parents, from the little bit he’s told me, sound like absolute assholes. Then he’s been here on his own. It sounded like once he found you, he was really hopeful again. I saw a gleam in his eyes I hadn’t seen before.
“When he joined the firehouse, he was pretty reserved. Hesort ofsmiled, but he was this closed book. He’d give morsels of himself. But with you, it seems you have these big chapters of his life that you carry. He opens up to you in ways he never has with us. It’s such a gift. And when he told me how things went down a few days ago, he’s gone back to that closed-off version of himself, but now, he’s not as hopeful. And I think he just needs a friend to give him that nudge in the right direction. So, I’m here to do just that. He doesn’t know I’m here. He didn’t ask me to speak to you and bring these”—he holds up some papers—“but I’m just trying to do what I think is right.”
He throws the folded-up sheets in front of me.
“It might otherwise change the outcome of how you feel. I’ll say this much. Had I not fallen for my Baylee and let love in with her, I would not get to be living the life I am today. I know that sometimes life can look dark and ugly. We have choices. Youhave a choice to move forward with Noah. And that life might be beautiful and bright. But maybe, if you choose to look at those letters and it makes you reevaluate giving Hunter a chance, you maybe find a path with him that’s even brighter… for all three of you. I’d hate for you to miss out on something more beautiful. Because I know that he’s a good person. I know he fucked up. But I also know he regrets it.”
I sit down, stunned that this big guy, who seems in love with the concept of love, has sought me out today to pass on these papers, and I have yet to comprehend what’s written on them.
“What are these?” I pick up the folded sheets.
“I think you need to read them and find out.” He stands up. “And keep an open mind, Indy.”
With that he nods and walks out of my office like he didn’t just pulverize my heart in the span of minutes.
CHAPTER 34
Tyler
5 YEARS AGO
January 13, 2020
My dearest wife Indy,
How are you? I hope you’re doing well. We’re about to head out, but I wanted to write you a quick note. I won’t be able to send it out until I’m back later today. But I’ve been meaning to write this to you.
I’ve been dragging my feet on this since I saw you last March in person. The thing is, Indiana, I don’t think this is fake for me anymore. This is more than an agreement for me. Everything we’ve done is real. I want us to give this marriage a real shot.
I’ve thought a lot about this and after all the time we spent together that weekend, I just feel we need to give this marriage a go. I’m not sure where things are going with me and the Army, but even if I continue forward, maybe we talk about it together. The decision should besomething we decide as a unit, because I don’t see a future without you by my side.
That being said, would you like to give this marriage the effort it deserves? I’m willing to be the partner you deserve. Being around you is effortless and I love everything about you.
Your letters have become my salvation on my hardest of days, I can’t imagine not having you in my life on my best days. That weekend, waking up with you in my arms was the best gift. I want this, Indy. Please tell me you feel the same way.
Georgie is calling for me. We’ve gotta do a patrol into town.
