Page 5 of The Soldier's Homecoming

“Maybe,” she said, unsure.

“I’ve made arrangements to crash at Tom’s place, if you want me to.” He paused. “I’ll understand, you just say the word.”

Penny watched as he swallowed, could see the movement of his throat, like he was nervous. Like he was hoping she would say no. Or maybe he was hoping she’d say yes so he didn’t have to be under the same roof as her.

“Maybe that would be best,” she said, forcing herself to stay calm. Not to get angry.

Although then they’d have to explain to Gabby. Figure out what to say to her, how to tell her.

“Sure,” he replied, voice strained. “It’s not a problem.”

Argh. It was so difficult. The entire thing was just so messy.

Daniel nodded. Looked somehow like the wind had been blown from his sails.

She wanted to stare at him, then shake him. Slap him. Yell at him. She had so much pent-up anger that she needed to release, but it was all trapped within her. And she wasn’t going to let it go, not when Gabby was within hearing distance.

“I’ll hang around for a bit, then head off.”

She gave him a half smile. While they were under the same roof, around their daughter, what she wanted was to be civil. To maintain her dignity.

“Coffee?”

Penny nodded and walked over to the pantry. She opened it and looked at the party supplies. He’d made a big effort.

“So you’re all set for Saturday?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, as set as you can be for a fifth birthday party.”

“Anything I can do to help?”

Daniel caught her eye when she looked over at him. She didn’t look away. Something within her stirred, if only for a moment.

Something deep inside flickered when his pupils locked on hers.

She swallowed, hard, then focused on the window instead. Forced herself to.

Because she didn’t have to wonder what that something was.

It was love.

No matter how much he’d hurt her, no matter how much pain hammered at her heart, she still loved Daniel.

And she probably always would.

“Penny, I…”

She shook her head. “No, Daniel. Let’s not, okay?”

He squared his shoulders. “Penny, please…”

“Mom!”

She dragged her eyes away from Daniel as Gabby called out. She wasn’t ready to have that particular conversation. Not yet.

Daniel sighed. She saw it and heard it, but ignored it.

“Coming, honey.”

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