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For the first time in so long, I’m filled with hope that every day that passes will be better than the last.
CHAPTER 21
Anya
Ifeel the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun on my skin as I walk through the park. The laughter of playing children fills the air, and I look down to see Kira running ahead, her little legs trotting as she chases after a butterfly.
Alessa runs behind her, easily keeping up with her little sister. They’re so cute, and Alessa is the sweetest big sister ever.
“Careful, Kira!” I call out, a smile tugging at my lips as I watch her unbridled joy.
Brandon glances at me, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “She’s got energy for days,” he chuckles, reaching for my hand by his side.
“I wonder where she gets it from,” I tease, nudging him playfully with my elbow. Kira might have gotten all of Brandon’s looks, but I know that exotic ball of energy she has is all mine. She’s been a complete menace since she became able to run.
Thankfully, she has a big sister who matches her energy.
It’s been a month since Brandon visited Nathan. He’s not a ball of sunshine yet, but he’s somewhat back to the Brandon I met almost two and half years ago.
And it's progress. I squeeze his hand and give him a reassuring smile. Brandon squeezes back, his eyes softening as he looks at me. The weight of the past is still there, we silencing any words that threatened to escape our lips, but we're navigating through it together, one step at a time.
As Kira catches the butterfly in her tiny hands, Alessa claps excitedly, her laughter ringing like music in the air. Brandon and I share a look of parental pride. Our little family is now happier than we’ve ever been, and I’m super thankful for it.
“Dad, dad!” Alessa calls out as she jogs toward us, dragging Kira along with her. “Can we have some cotton candy?”
Brandon looks like he might object. He’s all about the kids eating healthy, but he can’t resist when Alessa pouts and gives him a sad, puppy-eyed look. His daughters are his biggest weakness.
“Fine,” he says, pulling out his wallet and handing her some coins. “You can have some.”
Alessa grins. “Thank you, Daddy.”
Brandon and I settle on a bench as we wait for the girls to return. A nagging thought tugs at my mind. I take a deep breath and decide to voice my concern. It’s been bothering me for a while now, but I had no idea how to share it with him. “Have you thought any more about going back to the Navy SEALs?”
He looks at me and nods. “I have, and I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”
I feel my heart pounding a little faster. I can’t guess what he’ll say, but I feel sick thinking about him going out there and risking his life again.
I won’t stop him if that is what he wants. The last thing I want is to cage him, but the thought of him witnessing everything he has and getting hurt again makes me nauseous. “What did you decide?”
He licks his lips. “I won’t be going back to the SEALs, Anya. My last mission was a nightmare, and I’m not willing to relieve that experience. I have a family now to consider as well.”
Relief washes over me, “Really?”
He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yeah. I want to be here with you and the girls. I’ve been looking into something else, something I think could be good for us.”
Curiosity piqued, I tilt my head. “What is it?”
“I’m thinking of opening a bar here in town,” he says, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “A place where people can come together, relax, and have a good time.”
I laugh, feeling a wave of happiness. “You, running a bar? I can see it. You’d be great at it.”
He grins, pulling me into a hug. “I’m glad you think so.”
We both get to our feet and link our arms together as we see the girls running toward us.
We’re gathered outside the town hall for a party celebrating Mr. White’s retirement as a vet. Lights are strung up around the square, casting a warm glow over everything. Alessa and Kira dance around with the other kids.
Brandon and I mingle with friends and neighbors, but he keeps giving me this look, like he has a secret he’s dying to share.
