A Maverick for the Holidays

“I felt that way about my girlfriend,” another soldier said. “But it’s hard now. I’m not the same man I was before. I’m not sure it’s going to work out. What about you, Forrest? Do you have anyone special in your life?”

An image of Angie flashed in his mind, taking him by surprise. He shook his head for his own benefit as much as the others. “No. I’m not ready for a relationship. I’m busy putting Humpty Dumpty back together. That doesn’t mean you guys aren’t ready, though,” he quickly added. “We’re all at different places in this. It’s not easy. That’s why I wanted to start this group.” He glanced at the clock. “Hard to believe, but our time is up.”

He gave a wry grin. “And we all survived.”

Chapter Three

After Annabel picked up Smiley, Forrest headed home, his mind swimming with the stories the men in the group had shared. Most of them had said they would return. That made Forrest feel good about starting the group and putting himself out there. Lord knew, he was the last man to want to expose himself to anyone, let alone a group of strangers. That said, even though he’d never met any of the men who’d attended the meeting before, he’d felt an immediate connection with them.

He pulled into the driveway to his current home. Driving toward the boardinghouse, he spotted his brother outside the main house. He waved and slowed as Clay lifted his hand. Forrest lowered his window. “Hey, how’s it going?”

“I could ask you the same question, stranger,” Clay said. “You haven’t been by for breakfast in over a week.”

Forrest shrugged. “Hate to interrupt the lovefest,” he said and shot his brother a half grin.

“Yeah, yeah. That excuse doesn’t wash with me. Why don’t you come in for some coffee?” Clay asked. “Or soda…. Or something? Antonia made some great pastries this morning,” he added in a tempting voice.

Forrest wasn’t the least bit hungry, but he’d missed his brother. “Okay, you twisted my arm. Where is your woman and the babies?”

“She’s gone to town for her post-baby checkup with the doctor and took the baby with her. Bennett is inside taking a nap,” Clay said and lifted a nursery monitor. “But I’m never far away.”

Forrest nodded, raised his window and pulled his car to the main house. He stepped outside and felt his leg dip. Cursing the weakness, he leaned more heavily on his other leg. He knew, however, that he couldn’t do that on a regular basis because his whole body, including his spine and neck would eventually feel the strain of it. That was why he needed to continue his strength conditioning.

He strode slowly up the steps to the porch. Clay skipped past him to the door and pushed it open. For a sliver of a second, Forrest couldn’t help envying his brother’s agility. Pushing it aside, Forrest followed his brother inside toward Antonia’s kitchen where he’d consumed many hearty breakfasts with her, his brother and his nephew Bennett.

Clay reached for the coffeemaker and poured two cups. “Here ya go,” he said, handing one to Forrest.

“Thanks,” Forrest said and followed Clay to sit at the kitchen table.

“So, what’s up with you?” Clay asked. “Did you have a doctor visit today?”

Forrest shook his head. “Not today. I started a support group for veterans at the hospital. I’m even using a therapy support dog.”

Clay blinked. “You’re kidding.”

Forrest shook his head. “Nope. It went pretty well. Gotta tell you I think the free sandwiches and Smiley made a big difference.”