Page 84 of Absolution

Jackson inclines his head. “If there’s one thing I know, the people meant to be in your life will always find a path back to you. No matter when or where they’ll be there.”

“She actually did work her way back to me, even before I knew what she was doing.” The fissure in my chest rumbles, moving closer together as I think of the love and devotion it took for Scarlet to do all she’s done for us.

“It sounds to me like you already know what you need to do.” He grins.

“I have so many things to work out, I’m not sure where to start.”

He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Well, I have another topic for discussion, and it might be the right place to start.”

Jackson takes me under his wing, as he always has since meeting him. We talk about recovery and group sessions. He offers his help with anything I may need for the future if I decide on one.

Two days later, I pull up to the clinic and step out of my SUV. The doors are open, and I enter the building from the side. Yes, I’m sneaking in. I’m scared shitless to do this tonight, but I need to for myself and them.

I hesitate at the door, peeking in to see who all is here and grimace when I see everyone on this side of the ocean. Not only are the spouses here, but Lee, Liam, and Quinn. Why did all of them come?

Mark, fucking asshole.

“There’s no turning back now,” I grumble as I pull the door broad and stroll in. “Hey, y’all.”

“Hi,” I’m greeted by Crystal, Connor’s wife, and I’m already gutted. “it’s good to see you.”

“Crystal, it’s good to see you.” I nod, leaning in for an awkward side hug. “I appreciate you coming.”

A blonde slides up next to me, taking the seat to my left. “Hi, I’m Melissa.”

“Melissa Riggins.” My brows arch shocked by her presence. She’s the only one of the spouses I hadn’t met; she’s Riggins wife.

“Well, Melissa Dixon Hennington Arrowood Riggins. Better known as Satan’s ex-wife, but yes. Good to finally meet you.” She smiles, running her hand down my arm.

Two brunette’s join the growing crowd, along with some familiar faces. The first is Patrick Russell’s wife, Corinne. “Hi, how are you?”

“Better, thank you.” I lean in, pressing my lips to her cheek before turning to do the same to Levi Underwood’s wife, Christy. “Good to see you again.”

“It’s great to see you, Creed.” Robin, Floyd Driver’s wife, takes me by surprise. She’s tired, worn, and it’s obvious she’s still grieving all these years later. I’m such an ass. I’ve spent years afraid of facing the unknown, and these ladies have lived it.

Damn. Scarlet was right. Military spouses go through a different kind of hell, one many should pray they never have to see. But here they are, standing strong for their husbands no longer by their sides and their children, looking to them for answers they may never get.

Without thinking another second, I throw my arms around Robin and hold her tightly. Her body begins to quake, jarring a long-forgotten feeling, deep within me.

Regret.

“He loved you, most,” I whisper in her ear as she clings to my shirt. She suddenly gasps and steps back with a forced smile.

“Thank you.” As she dries her eyes, that ole familiar ache in the center of my chest tightens, and my breath hitches.

“Thank you all for coming. I know you’ve heard the basics, but I wanted to come and sit down with you. I needed to talk to you myself.” I clasp my hands as they begin to tremble.

“I’ve got this…” A hand slaps me on the back. I don’t even turn because I know the asshole attached to it. “he’s sorry it took him so long to get here, he forgot where he put his keys.”

“That’s not how it works, smartass.”

Melissa leans closer to me. “It’s so good to see it didn’t leave any scars, you’re too handsome for that to happen.”

“I used to know a Melissa. Come to think of it, everyone knew her, if ya get what I mean.” Mark waggles his brows.

“Well, I’m not one to pass up a good-looking man, if that’s your point.” Melissa giggles, oblivious to Mark’s snide comment.

“I heard that about you.” Corinne snickers.