Page 24 of Reuniting with Lucy

“What kind of issues? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“My dad wanted me to work for him, and I wasn’t ready. I needed to live a little before settling down, and he didn’t understand that. It was either the military or a backpacking trip through Europe. Over a few beers, my buddy dared me to go with him to a recruitment center, and I couldn’t turn down a dare. The military paid, backpacking didn’t, so I became a Marine. Turns out that wasn’t for me either. I like to make the rules, not be told what to do with every second of my day. I did two years active and my reserve time but didn’t recommit.”

“Did you ever have to fight?”

“Yes. I lost one of my best friends in Afghanistan. Same guy that took me to the recruitment center, actually. That messed me up for a while and contributed to why I didn’t re-up.”

“I’m so sorry, Jack.” She laid a hand on his arm.

“Thanks.” He laid his hand over hers and was silent for a moment, probably thinking of his friend.

“Anyway, after that, I drank a lot and made a lot of dumb decisions. The dumbest being to get married.”

“You’ve been married?” she asked, eyes widening. “You’re not still married, are you?”

“No. Of course not. I realized my mistake pretty quickly, and we divorced before our second anniversary. She taught me a few more life lessons I apparently needed to learn.” He sighed.

They came to a park bench on the trail, and he tipped his head toward it, silently asking if she wanted to sit. She did, and he sat next to her, grabbing her hand before continuing.

“For the last several years, I’ve been working construction and avoiding my parents’ attempts to run my life. My mom wants to marry me off to someone of her choosing, and my dad’s increasingly adamant that I come to work for him. Spencer calling was a great excuse to get out of town, and I jumped on it.”

“So, coming to New Bern is just a way of running away from your problems?” she said. “You don’t intend to stay?”

“Damn, when you say it like that, it makes me sound like a big pansy. I prefer to think of it as a chance to clear my head, figure out what I really want, and make some life decisions.”

“You’re right. That does sound nobler,” she said with a grin. “So, you’re not close with your parents? What about your brother?”

“Yes, and no. We all get along fine. We’re just not super tight. My parents still think they need to tell us what to do, which irks Nick and me. Now that we’re in our thirties, we think it’s time to cut the apron strings.”

“Where’s Nick now? And is he older or younger?”

“He’s two years older and preparing to take over for my dad. My dad wants both of us to do it, but I’m not sure working so closely with Nick would be good for our relationship. We both like to be the boss. Plus, I really like contracting and construction.”

“Hm.”

“I plan to finish the remodels for you and your sisters and then see where I’m at.”

It wasn’t a long-term commitment, but he’d be around for at least a year or so. Maybe in that time, he’d decide to stay. She couldn’t see herself ever leaving New Bern, but for the right man, she might be persuaded.

She didn’t want to put too much pressure on their brand-new relationship, but she couldn’t help feeling this was right—and long-lasting.

They stood and resumed walking. “I was going to take you back to the dorms and walk you to your room, but it’s getting late. You wanna head to the hotel?”

“Sure,” she said. “Itisway past my bedtime. In college, I could party half the night, but nowadays, I wake up so early, I’m usually in bed by ten.”

The driver took them to the Stargaze Hotel. “One room or two?” he asked before going to the front desk.

“I think that shipped has sailed,” she said. “One’s fine.”

“Yes.” He pumped a fist in victory, then leaned in to whisper. “Would you have slept with me on our first date ten years ago?”

“I would say no, but if you’d have asked me two days ago if I’d have slept with you after no dates, I would have said no to that too. And we both know how that ended up.” She laughed.

“I like how that ended up,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.

“Just go book the room before I change my mind.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

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