His radio communications man called for reinforcement before he took a hit that rendered his radio unusable, and he nearly didnt make it out with his own life.
Chance felt a sting in his right hip, but pushed on, adrenaline pumping, the safety of his squad on his shoulders. He was responsible for those men. Hed have to face all their wives, mothers and children if they didnt come home alive.
A hand on his shoulder brought him out of Afghanistan and back to the McGregor B and B.
Thinking about it again? Nova asked.
Chance shook himself to clear the images that filled his memories and dreams. He gave Nova half a smile. Sometimes it creeps up on me.
I know. It does me, too. But you cant let it run your life. We did everything we could to get them out alive.
So they said. Chance still felt he could have done more. Again, he focused on the present, the way his therapist had taught him. Im here to help with the wedding preparations. What can I do?
Nova clapped a hand to his back. Thats more like it. Im not really sure what we need to do. Mollys friend Jillian has the plan well in hand, or so they say. They wont let me do anything except fetch and carry.
So youre telling me we just sit on the front porch and drink beer while the women do all the work? Chances lips quirked. Im all for relaxing and drinking beer, but I cant stand by while others are working hard.
Nova laughed. Same here. Ive been doing repairs to the B and B and some touch-up painting. Molly wants to have the wedding out near the cliffs with the cape as the backdrop. I think it involves setting up chairs and an arched trellis I have yet to see or be tasked with going to the rental shop and acquiring.
When does your family arrive? Chance asked.
Some are coming in the day after tomorrow and the rest arrive a couple days before the wedding. We have a few days of relative peace until that time. Then all bets are off.
Chance chuckled. I remember. Hed visited Novas family while theyd both been on terminal leave, having been discharged from the army. His mother had welcomed him like one of her own. And she probably wouldnt have noticed he wasnt one of them, considering all the people moving through his parents home.
Nova was one of eight children. Some of his siblings were already married with children of their own. It had been overwhelming for Chance, whose one brother rarely contacted him. And their parents were retired and traveling all the time.
I look forward to seeing your family, Chance said, and meant it. The Valdezes were close-knit, valuing the time they spent together.
Once you get settled, come down to the kitchen. Molly will have a list of things for us to do before dinner. Nova hugged Chance again. Damn, its good to see you.
After Nova left, Chance stood in the room with a knot in his throat, his chest tight. Nova had his head on straight. PTSD wasnt ruling his life, and he had a lot going for hima hot fiancée, living among some of the most beautiful scenery Chance had ever encountered and having a home to go to when he finished assignments.
Chance found himself wanting what Nova had, knowing he never could. Not when he was struggling with violent dreams and having the feeling he needed to be moving all the time. He was afraid if he stopped for too long, the memories would come crashing in.
Chance had no business starting a relationship with a woman. He wasnt what he considered good boyfriend material, much less husband material.
Getting the itch to move, stretch his legs and walk off some of the pent-up energy hed had to contain en route, he tossed his duffel bag in a corner and went in search of the communal bathroom. A splash of cool water on his face did a lot to restore his focus. After drying his hands and face, he headed down to the kitchen.
The great room had a huge fireplace with hearty leather sofas positioned to take advantage of the warmth of a fire. The nights would be cool enough for a crackling blaze.
The scent of cookies drifted across his senses. Something with chocolate, like his mother used to bake. The McGregor mansion seemed to wrap around Chance and make him feel at home.
Passing through the large dining room with small tables scattered around, he heard the rattle of pans and a giggle behind a swinging door.
He paused for a moment before pushing against the wood panel. With the door half-open and the strong, rich scent of baking luring him inside, Chance opened his mouth to ask what was cooking.
A loud bang sent him diving for the floor, covering the back of his head. The swinging door slammed against the wall and bounced back to hit him in the ribs.
For moment, Chance was back in that village in Afghanistan, his side torn open in a gaping wound caused by an explosion. He felt for the blood but came away with a dry hand. Then he realized he wasnt in Afghanistan. He was lying on the kitchen floor, a large stockpot resting on the floor beside his head.
Im so sorry, Chance. Molly snatched the pot off the floor and set it on the stove. She bent over Chance, her brow making a V over her nose. Are you all right?
His heart racing and heat rising in his cheeks, Chance sprang to his feet and shoved a hand through his hair. Im fine.
Nova shook his head. Brother, you are not fine. Your face went completely white, and now its burning red. You dont have to pretend everything is okay when its not. Youre with friends here.
Chances jaw tightened, and he squared his shoulders. I said Im fine. Is there something I can help with? He needed to keep busy, or his heart would explode out of his chest.
As a matter of fact, Nova started, Im supposed to be over at Jillians today helping her unload.
Jillian who? And unload what? After making a complete idiot of himself, he would do anything to get out of the house.
Molly smiled. Jillians my maid of honor and wedding planner. She just bought her first house and is in the process of moving in. She needs help with the big stuff.
Im your guy. Chance nodded toward Molly and Nova. You probably have other things to do. Like more giggling and holding each other. He thought it, but he didnt say it out loud.
Novas ready grin filled his face. If youre sure...
Positive, Chance said. All I need are directions.
Nova walked Chance through the door and out onto the wide front porch. I can join you in an hour.
By then, we could be done. Dont worry. Ill help Mollys friend get moved in.
Nova laid a hand on Chances shoulder. We didnt invite you here to put you to work.
I need something to keep me moving.
Nova nodded. I understand. It took six months for me to stop hitting the dirt when I heard loud noises.
Chance shrugged. Yeah. Ill get over it.
You dont have to work through it on your own, you know.
I know. Chance hadnt come to Cape Churn for sympathy. He came to help a friend get ready for the biggest day of his life. Hed be damned if he ruined it for him by coming unglued in front of his fiancée and guests. All he needed to do was focus and keep his head on straight for five days. Five days of rest and relaxation that would go a long way toward restoring his body and soul. Where is this friend?
Chapter 2