Page 108 of Eight Years Gone

Brianna eased away. “If there’s anything I can do or you ever need, please don’t hesitate to call. Steve was family.”

“I will.”

Brian stepped up next—the older, taller, masculine version of his sister, reaching out his hand to Jagger. “Jagger. It’s been a while. Steve said you were overseas.”

Jagger nodded, returning his handshake. “Brian.”

Brian gave his attention to Grace. “I’m sorry this is how we’re seeing each other again.”

How many times had she heard those exact words over the last couple of days? “I’m sorry, too.”

“Your dad was the best. When I take the field again—because I will—it’ll be because of Steve. I’m dedicating next season to him.”

Grace nodded, finding it easier to smile with the kind gesture. She’d met Brian and his sister a few times several years before when her dad had treated Brian’s first serious knee injury. “He’d love it.”

“I hope to see you at one of the games—you and Jagger. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want tickets.”

“I’ll be sure to give you a call. Thank you.”

Another man—in his early twenties and with a bruise on his chin—stopped before Grace, balancing on a pair of crutches and a brace on his knee with an older woman by his side.

Grace smiled, recognizing him from the few snippets of the news she hadn’t been able to avoid. “Hello.”

“Um, hey.” The guy cleared his throat as he adjusted his stance. “Uh, I’m Simon Walker. Dr. Evans, your dad, helped me. I’m the one who got hit on my bike.”

Grace nodded, not entirely sure what to say. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

Simon nodded this time. “I’ll never be able to thank him for what he did. I’m sorry everything turned out the way it did.”

The woman next to Simon stepped forward, touching Grace’s shoulder. “I’m Simon’s mom, Mary. We’re so grateful to Dr. Evans. We hope you find comfort in knowing that your father was a hero—that his selflessness saved my son.”

Grace nodded again as her eyes filled. “I do.”

“I know he gave up his life for me,” Simon spoke again as his voice cracked. “I’m going to work hard to make him proud—to make what he did worth it.”

“I’m sure you will.” Grace hugged him. “Thank you for coming today.”

Mary hugged Grace next. “God bless you and your family, Ms. Evans.”

Grace smiled as she stepped back. “Thank you.”

Simon and his mother walked away.

Grace looked at Jagger, struggling to keep it together.

“Do you want to go?”

She nodded. “But we can’t.”

“Yes, we can. People will understand. It’s whatever you need, Gracie.”

He’d said the same sentiments more times than she could count, being her constant support over the last few days.

She came to attention, feeling her shoulders stiffen as she made eye contact with Colonel Hinders. He was still big and broad but looked older, with wrinkles around his dark-green eyes. His once-black hair was entirely gray, along with his trademark mustache.

“Colonel Hinders,” Jagger said, shaking the man’s hand.

“Jagger. How’s retirement working out for you?”

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