Page 47 of The Homecoming

“Alright, fine… Sometimes the headaches have been giving me double vision.”

She stared at him for a moment. “So, there are two targets down there?”

“Makes it more challenging to hit the one that’s really there,” he said with a smile.

“That’s not funny. You need to see a doctor.”

He groaned. “God, Autumn.”

“Don’t give me that, call the military facility and get an appointment.”

“I can’t do that.” He placed his bow in the case.

“Why not?”

“Because they don’t need to know I’m some damaged doll who can’t pull his own weight.”

“That’s crazy.”

“Look, my unit needs me. No one wants to be the weak link, making everyone else do more work.” He stomped down the yard and retrieved his wayward arrows.

“Your unit? You’re home now, Jason,” she called after him.

“If I get called back, I don’t want them to say I can’t go.”

“Which enemy are you going to shoot at?” she yelled. “You can’t even tell which target is real.”

He charged toward her, stopping inches from her face. “Look, mind your own damn business.” He turned around and stomped toward the house.

“Jason,” she called after him. “This is starting to get serious. Just get a checkup. Maybe they can stop the headaches.”

He stomped into the house and slammed the door.

***

Autumn propped up in bed, reading through a pregnancy guidebook Brandon had left on her desk. Her mind couldn’t help but wonder where Dan was and she hoped he was safe. The relatives would be there tomorrow for Christmas Eve and the last thing she wanted to do was to face them all. News of her illegitimate pregnancy had spread through her family with a speed that could break the sound barrier. Tomorrow there’d be questions to answer, and Dee would be mad at her for lying about her relationship with Dan.

Her cell phone rang on her bedside table. The number read blocked and she usually wouldn’t answer, but hope sprung in her chest that it would be Dan.

She had been right.

“Autumn.” He sounded far away and like he was inside a tin can.

“Dan,” she replied, her heart leaping into her throat. “It’s so good to hear from you.” Tears welled in her eyes.

“Baby, you have no idea how good it is to hear your voice.”

“Are you okay?” she asked. “Where are you?”

“I’m fine. Can’t say where I am, but I’m perfectly fine, I promise. How are you?”

“I’m good. I miss you.”I wish I could tell you that we’re having a baby.

“God, I miss you too, babe,” he said. “I wish I could be there for Christmas.”

The tears freely fell and the words to respond wouldn’t come out. She wanted to tell him, but if Jason was right, if he became distracted and something happened to him… she’d never forgive herself.

“Is Jason home?”

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