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  Good thing Chrissy’s good mood was contagious. “You’re right. He does have a nice home.” Julie savored a bite of Greek Salad. The strong flavors of the dressing and the feta cheese hummed in her mouth.

  “Did you get a look at the pool? The entire bottom is tiled in a white, blue, and green wave pattern.”

  She shook her head. “I haven’t seen the pool, yet. I just got back from talking to Kelsey down by the lake.”

  “The whole time you were talking with her, Reagan had this anxious look on his face. I think he was afraid of what his sister might say.” She talked with her hands as much as her mouth. A potato chip went flying out of her hand and landed on the grass. “Poor guy, I tried to distract him, but he wouldn’t let you leave his sight.”

  “Well, he didn’t need to worry. We had a nice conversation. His sister thinks very highly of him. She wanted to make sure I appreciated him as a person, not just a celebrity. I sensed she thinks I’m more significant to Reagan than I actually am.”

  “Don’t underestimate yourself, Jules. You do look super cute in that dress. Good choice by the way.”

  “Yes, it was.” A simple dress she’d pulled out of the back of her closet. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d bought herself a new outfit. “So, did you meet all the people on your list?”

  “Almost, but most importantly, I got to talk with Reagan, one-on-one. That man is lucky I’m a married woman, because otherwise I couldn’t leave him alone. My gosh, Julie, he’s soooo handsome. How can you stand being around him and not want to rip off his shirt? Have you seen him without his shirt? I bet he looks fabulous!”

  Julie nearly snorted out her drink in laughter. “Calm down, or you’ll give yourself a stroke. A woman would have to be blind not to notice Reagan, but lucky for him, I am not as fanatical as you.”

  “Keep telling yourself that.” Chrissy rolled her eyes.

  They continued to talk and joke around. Soon, the women had attracted a group of guys who joined in their conversation. The football players shared stories of their exploits on and off the field. Outdoor lights turned on as the fiery sun doused itself, slipping into the cool of the lake. The night was clear and warm, and a full moon appeared overhead.

  “Every running back on our team hates having to practice against Reagan. He goes loco out on the field…like a raging bull, and you, well, you’re the sucker with the red flag,” the man sitting next to Julie said.

  He sported the most impressive set of long, black dreadlocks she’d ever seen.

  “The first time I went against him, I tried to use some clever footwork to slip past him. He brought me down so fast and so hard, I was seeing stars. When you see him standing across from you on the line, you better up your game, or you’ll be hurting.”

  “No pain, no gain…that’s my motto.” Reagan walked up to the group, looking at Julie with a cocky grin. He grabbed a chair and the other men made room for him to sit next to her. “I hope these guys are behaving themselves.” He had a basketball in one hand. In the other was a towel, which he used to wipe off his sweaty face.

  “Yes.” She swallowed hard. Beads of sweat started to break out on her face as well. “They’ve been very entertaining. I’ve learned a lot about you tonight.”

  Reagan scowled at the men, who visibly cringed. “I hope nothing too incriminating.”

  “Oh, don’t worry. I’m just glad I don’t have to play against you.”

  “You’re so little you could probably slip right past him,” another teammate said. “Or he’d be too distracted by your hotness. Either way, he wouldn’t stand a chance.”

  The group of men hooted in laughter, all except Reagan, who narrowed his eyes and glared at the speaker. He then hurled the basketball at the man, who caught it in the gut.

  Julie enjoyed the entertainment as the players teased each other relentlessly. “Is this what having a family of brothers is like?” Julie asked Chrissy.

  “Yup, this is exactly what dinner time sounded like at my house when I was growing up. My brothers were always going at it like this. Don’t be surprised if, at some point, they throw each other on the ground and wrestle. Boys never seem to outgrow that stage, especially football players.”

  She listened as Reagan defended his choice of club apparel.

  “No, that shirt was not something Justin Bieber would wear.” Reagan turned his attention back to Julie. “Do you need anything? Can I get you another glass of wine?”

  “No.” She desperately tried to control her laughter. This scene was better than any comedy movie. “Thanks, but we need to be leaving soon. Chrissy should probably find Matt.”

  He leaned over toward Chrissy. “I believe your husband’s inside playing pool. Go through the patio doors and follow the noise. He should be downstairs.”

  Chrissy stood and followed a couple of guys from the team inside the house.

  “You’re welcome to stay. I could take you home later,” he said. “Knowing this crowd, the party will be going on for a while yet.”

  Julie considered the invitation, but decided it was time to go. Reagan’s company had become way too appealing. And quite frankly, the feeling scared her silly. “That’s a tempting offer, but I have to work early tomorrow. I have a patient who needs therapy sessions almost every day. We’re not normally open on Sundays, but I made an exception for this girl. She’s making such great improvements, and I don’t want anything to stop her progress.”

  Chrissy soon came back with a long-faced Matt.

  As Julie prepared to say goodbye, she impulsively reached over to give Reagan a hug. His arms wrapped around her until his solid body fit comfortably against hers, so much so, she had a hard time letting go. “Thanks again. This was really great. We had so much fun.”

  Kelsey came to stand next to her brother. She gave Julie a quick hug. “Thanks for coming. Hopefully, we can get together again soon.”

  “Good luck in college. Call me next time you’re in town, and we can do lunch.”

  Reagan escorted Julie to the Taylor’s car and held open the door as she got in.

  As they pulled away, Chrissy turned around to face Julie, who was sitting in the back seat. “There may be hope for you yet,” Chrissy whispered.

  Chapter Eight

  The day started out cheerful enough, with Reagan coming over for dinner later that afternoon. In the morning, Julie made a trip to the grocery store, and then got her hair cut and styled, something she hadn’t treated herself to in a long time.

  Then, a nondescript envelope arrived in the mail, with no return address. What was inside left her lying in bed crying for the past hour. The contents dealt a debilitating blow to her heart.

  The short note included an apology for not sending the picture sooner, and he was sorry for her loss. He hoped the photograph provided her with a small bit of comfort. The letter was signed Brad Speronis, US Army. Brad had served with John through several tours. The date on the picture indicated it was taken only a few days before John was killed.

  Julie studied the photo again, memorizing every detail—the sharp rise of mountains in the background, the Humvee he stood on top of, his long unkempt hair and beard, the red Warriors ball cap, his spirited smile. Could he be peering at me through time and space, letting me know everything would be okay? How could life be okay when you’re not here?

  Clutching the photograph, she stood on unsteady legs. The room spun, and she held onto the bedpost for support. After a minute, she walked to the bathroom and leaned over the sink. Cool water from the faucet soothed her tender face and parched eyes. She needed to pull herself together soon. Aiden and her mom were coming back shortly. A lot had to get done before Reagan’s arrival in a few hours.

  Looking at her reflection, she groaned at the sight of her red and puffy eyes. A dab of makeup here and there would hopefully cover most of the evidence of her tears. She ran a brush through her hair and pulled it off her face. “Well,” she told herself, “you still look like a hot mess, but
it will have to do.” She went into the kitchen and secured John’s photo to the refrigerator door with a small magnet.

  Just then, Aiden ran into the house through the back door, followed by Mary. “Mom, we’re back!” He cried out then took off like a roadrunner upstairs to his bedroom.

  Mary dropped a few bags on the table and took a seat. “Who knew second graders needed so much stuff? We got crayons, a pair of scissors, pencils, and a lunchbox. He wanted you to help him pick out a backpack.”

  “Thanks for taking him back-to-school shopping. I needed time alone to compose myself.”

  “I noticed you put John’s picture on the fridge. Are you feeling any better?”

  “Seeing John in that picture reminds me of how much his job truly was a calling. He spent his last days on earth doing what he was meant to do.”

  “He does look like he’s the king of the world, standing on top of the vehicle.” Mary smiled tenderly at the picture before unpacking the shopping bags. “So, when’s your dinner guest arriving? Am I dressed all right for a celebrity?” Mary spun in her tan Bermuda shorts and pink polo shirt.

  Mom looked ready to hit the golf course, which she probably would have, if not for their special guest. “You look lovely. I told him to come around five o’clock, which should give me enough time to put the house in order and get dinner started.”

  Even though this would be Reagan’s second time here, she was still self-conscious about having him over to her—well—quaint house. And after seeing Reagan’s multimillion dollar digs, she wondered what his opinion was of her home, and of her. Nothing she could do to change where she lived now. Might as well make the best of it.

  “Well, let’s get cracking!” Mary said, flicking an imaginary whip. “I’ll pick up and dust the family room. You do what needs to be done in the kitchen.”

  Julie gave her mom a grateful hug. “We always did make a good team.”

  ****

  A deep rumble cut through the quiet of her house as a beautiful red sports car with dark tinted windows pulled into the driveway. A few neighbors in their front yards stopped what they were doing to watch Reagan step out of the vehicle and stroll up the brick paver walkway. The sight of him sent Julie’s stomach into gymnast mode—performing a gold medal routine of flips, cartwheels, and leaps. He only had to knock once before she pulled open the door to let him in.

  His left hand held a bouquet of yellow roses and white daisies. “For you.” He handed her the flowers before stepping inside. “Thanks for the dinner invitation. Sure you’re prepared to feed a starving football player?”

  “You bet.” At the grocery store, the check-out girl had asked Julie if she was having a dinner party for twenty. Nope. Just one, tall, athletic, hunk of man. “I’ve made enough to feed an army. If you leave here hungry, it’s your own fault.” The bouquet in her hand smelled divine. “Thank you for the beautiful flowers. I’ll get a vase from the kitchen and put them in water.”

  When Julie returned, she saw her mom had taken care of introductions.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Mary. I can see where Julie gets her good looks.” He wore his trademark charming smile. “I’m happy you’ll be joining us for dinner.”

  Their talk was cut short by Aiden bounding down the stairs. He propelled himself into Reagan’s arms.

  “Whoa, kid. Easy there. You almost knocked me over.” Reagan set Aiden on his feet before ruffling his brown hair. “How’ve you been?”

  “Great.” He yanked on the bottom of his shirt. “Look, I am wearing my Harrison jersey for you. Mom has one, too, but she’ll only wear it for games.”

  “You look better than me in that jersey.” He knelt so he was at eye level with the child. “Tell me, how’s practice going?”

  During the exchange, Julie’s gaze fixed on the two of them. When had Aiden and Reagan become so close? Letting Aiden become too attached to him might be a mistake. Once Reagan’s interest in them came to an end, he’d break both their hearts.

  She moved to stand next to her son, putting a protective arm around his shoulder. “Dinner should be ready in less than an hour,” Julie tried talking over Aiden. “Have a seat and make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink?”

  “A beer would be great.” Reagan sat in a brown leather recliner.

  John’s favorite chair. Her chest squeezed so tightly she could barely take in her next breath. “I’ll be right back.” She went into the kitchen to pull a beer out of the refrigerator and stared at John’s picture on its door. “I never could imagine anyone but you in that chair.” Before she walked back to Reagan, she took a few seconds to steel her emotions. When she entered the room, she took in Reagan’s larger-than-life presence filling her family room. Surprisingly, he looked natural sitting in John’s chair. It fit him perfectly, just as it had her husband.

  While the three adults sat in the family room and chatted, Aiden quieted and listened with short interest. He soon squirmed and eventually skipped over to Reagan. “Would you please practice football with me in the backyard? Coach says I need to work on catching the ball.”

  “Sure, kid.” He took one last swig of beer. “Pardon me, ladies, but duty calls.” The two guys headed out, grabbing a football on their way through the mud room.

  “I’ll put the salad together,” Julie told Mary and went into the kitchen. “Aiden,” she called as he walked outside. “Don’t play too hard…it’s hot outside. And don’t get your clothes sweaty and dirty before dinner.”

  “Yeah, Mom,” Aiden said as he took off running.

  Julie stood in front of the kitchen window, which overlooked her backyard. First Reagan, then her son stripped off their shirts in preparation of the effort to come. Her gaze fixed on Reagan. She noticed a tribal-style tattoo covering his ribcage under his right arm. Another tattoo was visible on his left shoulder blade, which looked like an angel. As they threw the ball back and forth, she became even more aware of how powerfully built he was. His well-defined muscles moved with fluid motion and his athletic arm tossed the ball with ease. He was ripped to the core. She’d forgotten how good a man could look with his shirt off.

  Her attention shifted to Aiden, who caught a pass against his scrawny bare chest and slipped past Reagan, shouting, “come and get me.”

  Although she had lost so much, she also gained so many blessings. Aiden was growing to be a wonderful child. Her mother was now a big part of their lives. She had Chrissy and Matt’s unwavering loyalty, and Reagan’s recent friendship. She realized he was slowly being weaved into the fabric of her life. Every kind word and thoughtful action from him loosened the knot secured over her heart.

  “Well, this view is definitely improving.”

  Mary’s appearance gave Julie a small jump of surprise.

  “I’m not too old to appreciate a good looking man when I see one.” She stood beside Julie and looked out the window with a playful smile.

  “I think they’re having a good time outside.” Julie turned to start mixing the salad. “And Aiden getting some male bonding time, which is a good thing. I’m just worried about him. That he’s getting too attached to Reagan. What if—”

  “Stop with the what-ifs.” Her mom shook her head. “I know you want to protect your son but he’s fine. Reagan seems to genuinely care about Aiden.” Mary took hold of her hand. “Now, do you have everything ready for dinner? Those boys will be coming in soon, and they’ll be ready to eat.”

  A half hour later, they entered the kitchen, with their shirts back on, famished.

  Julie had just pulled the lasagna out of the oven.

  “Something smells good in here.” Reagan licked his lips while looking at the bubbling pasta dish. “Do you need help with anything?”

  “Thanks, but we have everything under control. Aiden, please go wash your hands and face for dinner. We’re ready to eat.”

  “I’ll follow Aiden and go wash up, too.” Reagan winked, before disappearing down the hall.

  Good grief.
She needed a minute to collect her stray thoughts—from tattoos to muscles to eyes as blue as a summer sky, to everything in between. She needed to focus on dinner, and on Aiden, and her mother. And John.

  What Julie really needed was another glass of wine.

  ****

  Reagan hadn’t realized he was hungry until he walked into the wonderful smell of Julie’s kitchen. His gut clenched and growled, like it hadn’t been fed in weeks. Not only did her meal smell delicious, it tasted even better. After four helpings of lasagna, a bowl of salad, and a loaf of garlic bread, his stomach redlined.

  They decided to hold off on the pie until after their supper settled.

  “You two are a match made in heaven,” Mary said, smiling at both Reagan and Julie. “Julie loves to cook, and Reagan loves to eat. They say food is the fastest way to a man’s heart.”

  Reagan couldn’t disagree. Julie cooked the best meal he’d eaten in a long time.

  As Aiden finished off the remaining food on his plate, Mary and Julie started to clear the table.

  “Let me help.” Reagan carried several bowls over to the sink. “It’s a little-known fact that I’m an expert dish washer. My two older sisters used to gang up on me and force me to do their chores.”

  Julie tossed him the dish cloth. “The job’s all yours.” Her phone rang. She looked at the screen and stepped out of the kitchen to answer the call.

  Still holding the dishcloth, he noticed a picture on the front of the refrigerator and walked over to get a closer look. The man was positioned on top of a huge Humvee, machine gun in hand. Most men would be intimidated by this real warrior. So, this was the legendary John Ellis.

  “You remind me of him.” Mary came to stand beside him. “He was brave and strong, but underneath was a gentle, tender man who loved his family and country. I see the same gentleness in you…how you act with Aiden and with Julie.”

  “He was a much better man than I could ever be, going off to fight an unknown enemy overseas.”