Page 91 of Trusting a Warrior

After Geo explained the situation with the tree, Matt promised to be there with all the manpower and lawn tools he could muster.

“Be sure people know this is Cade Barlow’s family,” Geo grunted. “’Cause if anyone shows up and has a problem with that—”

“Got it,” Matt assured him. “There won’t be any problems.”

As they hung up, a fragile sense of peace wrapped around him.

It was a small thing, trimming a tree, cleaning a yard. But it was a start, and he couldn’t deny that taking direct action against his anger and grief was giving him back a much-needed sense of control.

Thank you, Lani.

Would he have ever had the courage to visit Renae if it hadn’t been for her?

His throat tightened. Of course he wouldn’t have. He’d have continued to avoid her, drowning as he was in the toxic brew of his guilt and shame. In her own gentle and inexorable way, Lani’d thrown him a lifeline, the same one she’d been thrown by the others who’d gone before her.

Geo glanced at his watch and took a deep breath. He could make it. He could keep this momentum going. After all, he was one of the guardians of Cade’s memory, and his mentor—his friend—deserved no less.

Kicking his bike into gear, he eased away from the curb and headed toward Coronado.

Chapter Nineteen

“I don’t think he’s coming.”

Lani glanced at the door, then at Maura, who smiled at her reassuringly. “It’s okay if he doesn’t.”

“What?” Agitation and worry sharpened Lani’s voice. “Geo needs this.”

“Well, not everyone is a candidate for group therapy,” was Maura’s surprising answer. As Lani gaped at her, she went on, “People tend to grieve how they live. How is Geo in life? Is he open with his feelings and emotions, or is he reserved, stoic, self-reliant?”

“He’s a SEAL,” Lani snapped. “What do you think?” Then she winced. “I’m sorry. I’m just worried about him.”

“Of course you are.” Maura touched her shoulder. “But sharing in a group isn’t everyone’s style. It might not be Geo’s, and that’s okay.”

Frustration made Lani’s voice sharp once again. “But it’s not enough just to talk to me, is it?”

“For some people, the relationship is more important than the expertise,” Maura said gently. “He obviously trusts you, and I have a feeling that trust isn’t easily given. He also knows you’ve been where he is, that you’ll listen to him with empathy and compassion, and without judgment. Don’t underestimate the power of any of that.”

With a final pat to her shoulder, Maura moved off to greet some other new arrivals. Lani stalked out through the open door to the large patio and sucked in huge gulps of the sea air, her stomach churning.

Being a part of this group had helped turn her life around. Before it, she’d been isolated, convinced she was alone. Learning to understand herself, and her grief, had enabled her to loosen her grip on the past and embrace her new life without the self-doubt that used to dog her every step.

She wanted that for Geo. With every bit of her heart and soul, she wanted that for him, too.

“Hey.”

The husky drawl behind her made her whirl around, the sight of Geo’s tentative smile flooding her with relief. “Oh! Hey, you.”

“Guess I’m in the right place after all,” he said. “Wasn’t sure for a second. Wow.” He gazed over her shoulder at the stunning ocean view. “I totally didn’t expect this.”

“I think everyone expects the dingy church basement.” Lani studied his face, and although his cheeks looked a little pale, the warmth in his eyes was genuine. “How was your morning?”

“Good. Spent some time with Renae.”

She listened as he told her about his visit. “Going over there is something I never would’ve wanted—or had the courage—to do on my own. Thank you. It helped both of us, I think.”

He seemed to stand a little taller, as if some of the weight on his shoulders had finally been lifted.

“Oh, I’m so glad.”