Her only question. Could she keep him?
One of their more interesting conversations replayed in a loop in her head, word-for-word, like it happened a moment ago.
“About Bri. I…I’m…how can I say this without sounding like an ass?”
“You’re a mom. Just say it, though I suspect I already know what you’re gonna say.”
“Think so?”
“Know so. You’re worried that Brianna might become, you know, attached to me, since I’m visiting again so soon.” He had tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Like I told you at Thanksgiving, I’m not going anywhere.”
“That’s exactly what Benjamin told me before we got married. Then his best friend was killed in Iraq, and he felt honor bound to join up.”
“Been there done that. My war days are behind me.”
“I never expected Benjamin to have any wars days since he wasn’t in the military when we got married.”
“Things change. Events happen, and they change us. It’s about how we respond to those changes. Your husband honored his friend. You can’t fault him for that.”
“I don’t. He was a good man. What I worry about is going through that pain again. I’m not sure I’d survive it, even with Brianna depending on me. And you still put yourself out there.
“I do. For friends and family.”
“You rescued me and you didn’t even know me.”
“But you were important to someone on my team, someone I care about, and that was all that mattered.” She remembered Brody’s touch as he lifted her chin ever so gently to look into her eyes.
“I get to use my unique talents and training with people I trust like Kyle, Moss, TJ, and Brett, in an environment where we control the battle, not some stupid politicians in DC, most of whom have never laid their lives on the line.”
“I hear that.”
“Darby, honey, I’m in this for the long haul. If we play our cards right, take it slow, don’t screw up, Brianna will come out on top, and so will you.”
“You’re that sure this fast?”
“This isn’t my first rodeo. I’m older and wiser. Know what I want. Just waiting for you to catch up.”
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