“Your first deployment is always tough.”
“That’s not what I meant. The deployment was easier than I expected. Being on a ship instead of on a battlefield made it safer for me. I know things could still happen, but there were a lot of things we didn’t have to worry about that other branches have to deal with. It’s not what inspired me to join the Navy, that was my love of water. I didn’t want to risk being stationed somewhere inland. I wanted to be near the coast.” He shifted slightly so he was facing her. “I’m allowing myself to get sidetracked to put off what I wanted to say.”
“Take your time.” She could see the unease within him and didn’t know how to help him.
“Our deployment had passed the halfway point. It meant there were still six months left but it was half over. I couldn’t believe it. Everything was smooth sailing, not literally because the seas could be rough at times, but you know what I mean.” He pulled up his sleeve, revealing the prothesis on his left arm. “Then it happened…”
“Seaman Black”
“C.T. or if you prefer Charles.” He corrected.
“C.T.” She scooted closer. “I don’t understand. We received e-mails from you after the halfway point of your deployment. You never mentioned anything.”
“Your students are what? Nine or ten? How do you tell them something like this?” He shook his head. “I couldn’t. Two of your students stood out to me more than any other. Chrissy, thought I was a hero. She talked about how her sister wanted to join the Air National Guard. Then there was Ralph, he wants to join the Army when he’s older, to follow in his father’s footsteps. Telling either of them would have only caused unnecessary fear to build within them. Chrissy was already worried about her sister and this would have only made it worse. If Ralph learned what happened it could change his future. It wasn’t my place to bring the cruel world to their doorsteps.”
“I understand your reasons, but I wish you’d have told me.” Her gaze shifted from the prosthetic arm back to his face. “Sounds crazy doesn’t it. What could I do?”
“That’s the thing, with your letters, you and your students unknowingly kept me going.” He tugged his sleeve back down, covering all except the fingers of his prosthetic. “Sitting in my hospital room I kept thinking about Chrissy and Ralph. It was crazy, but I knew I needed to keep this from them. At that age it’s a time for carefree innocence. They didn’t need to know what happened. Maybe I should have told you, but I wasn’t sure if you’d end the correspondence with the class then. Also, the class e-mail address I had I wasn’t sure if you read them before the students or not. It seemed safer not to say anything. It was unlikely you’d learn from the media since the incident was related to a malfunction on one of the aircrafts rather than an attack on the ship.”
“I read every e-mail or letter before the students have the opportunity. This ensures their safety. To protect the service personnel, I’m the only one with their information and addresses. The first physical letters are read by me before they’re shipped. E-mails the students type up and when they click send, it actually sends them to my inbox, allowing me to approve them before sending them along. The software is something I designed with the help of a friend who’s a master programmer,” she explained. “It’s never happened but these steps are to ensure my students are not sending hate mail or giving out personal information. While this project is close to my heart, I will not do it at the risk of my students or those serving their country.”
“I didn’t know.” He rose from the sofa and took a step toward the window. “I can’t say I would have told you even if I had known. Corresponding with your students during that time gave me a sense of normalcy. I wasn’t an injured sailor, to them I was still the same person. Was it selfish? Yeah, and there’s no excuse except I needed that. My father came after I arrived back in the States, but he couldn’t stay long. He needed to get back to his business and I had recovery I needed to do. After I left the hospital and got discharged, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. The school year was over, and I was in limbo. Months passed somewhat in a blur of uselessness, until I came here. The last few months I was able to adjust to my new life and the physical therapy here gave me opportunity to get back to where I was. I’ve learned how to use this prosthetic and resume a somewhat normal life again. Throughout all of it, the letters I shared with your students have been something that stuck with me and got me through the worst parts.”
“I should be upset that you said nothing about your injuries. Even now I don’t know what actually happened to you. Yet, I’m not upset. I understand why you didn’t say anything and it was your right.” She leaned back against the sofa. “I’m thankful that my students could be there, even if unknowingly to assist you through this. Chrissy especially cemented a bond with you. I remember how excited she was every time there was a new message from you. Chrissy’s sister has already sign up for the Air National Guard. She’ll graduate at the end of May and ships off to boot camp the middle of June. Chrissy’s scared and excited for the future. I think she’s more scared because her big sister won’t be around every day. They’re close and it will be an adjustment, one that would have happened whether she joined the military or went to college.”
“I appreciate you understanding.” C.T. turned away from the window to look back at her. “I wanted to speak with you because I needed you to know that it’s not only important for your students but also for those receiving the letters. What you’re doing with your students makes a difference. It’s important you continue to do it. The impact on my life is something I’ll always cherish, and I hope those who read my letters will remember some of what I said.”
“I’ve no doubt in that.” She leaned forward, placing her elbows on her knees. “When you’re done here, I mean I don’t know how long Kyle’s program is set for each person, but I’d like you to consider coming to Blessing. I know Chrissy and Ralph especially would love to meet you, but I also think you could make an impact on all of the students. I have a different group of students now. Chrissy and her classmates are in fifth grade now, but I can make arrangements to have you speak with those students.”
“Like this?” His eyes widened as he held up his hand. “What about what I said about Chrissy’s sister? The impact this could have on her, Ralph, and the others could change their future. They don’t need to see me like this.”
“I disagree. Look at what you’ve overcome. I think your story could teach them something. To remind them to never give up.” She rose from the sofa and stepped around the coffee table to get closer to him. “Blessing is a town like no other. It’s hard to describe to someone who hasn’t been there but it’s seclusion is one of the things that drew me. It’s safe and your neighbors are there if you need them. Still there’s one downside to the town.”
“What’s that?”
“Jobs can be scarce.” Daniel stood in the doorway. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, I only wanted to make sure everything was okay. It was quiet, and Emily, I know how protective you are of your students.”
“Are you saying I act like a mother hen?” She shook her head. “Forget it. I know I can be protective of them, which brings me back to Blessing. C.T. it’s a town you can’t believe exists until you see it. Children can play outside until the streetlights come on and their parents don’t have to worry about them.”
“All the more reason I shouldn’t come and show them how cruel the world can actually be.” C.T. reasoned.
“I agree with Emily. I think her students would enjoying meeting one of the service members they’ve corresponded with.” Daniel slipped his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and leaned against the door frame. “With jobs being scarce there are families who have a hard time making ends meet each month. More than that, it makes it impossible for some families to save money for their children’s college education. The military is a strong possibility for many in Blessing because it gives them the chance to go to college, but also because the patriotic spirit r
uns high there.”
“The veteran community is large, which helps to keep that spirit going. Even without it I think Blessing would be a hometown with a lot of American pride. I still remember the first time I drove into town. The houses along the main street into town all had American flags outside. It was beautiful.” She glanced back at Daniel. “You grew up there, tell him.”
“Words can’t do it justice.” Daniel stepped away from the wall and came to stand next to Emily. “You don’t have to commit to her students now, just think it over. If Emily thinks it’s worth it for you to talk to them, then I agree. She knows her students better than we do.”
“I don’t know.” C.T. glanced down at his robotic looking hand.
“Talk to, what’s the therapists name? Heather? Talk to her and see if she thinks it would be good for you to make the trip. I have a small cabin in the woods. It’s as peaceful as this without the horses. You’re welcome to stay with me.” She reached out and placed her hand on C.T.’s shoulder. “Think about it. I believe it could be good for you as well as them. If you’re worried about talking to a large group, we can break it into smaller groups. Whatever you need, just let me know and I’ll make it happen.”
“I’ll think about it and let you know.” With a short nod he glanced between her and Daniel. “I appreciate you giving me your time. I’ll let you get back to your visit.”
“No problem.” Daniel nodded. “We’ll be leaving early in the morning, but Kyle has both of our numbers. Whenever you’re ready, let us know.”
“Thank you.” C.T.’s gaze shifted back to her. “It was a pleasure meeting you in person. Please remember what I said. Don’t stop what you’re doing, it means too much.”
“The honor was mine. I’m glad you set up this meeting.” Maybe it was the motherly side of her but the sadness in his eyes made her want to step forward and wrap her arms around him. “I hope to hear from you soon.”
She watched as he walked out of the living room, leaving her alone with Daniel. She was roughly ten years older than him, but still she found herself wanting to comfort him. It was the same way with her students. Only this wasn’t a skinned knee on the playground. His injuries, physically and mentally, were more than she could heal.
She knew Kyle and Staci had put together an amazing thing here at United Homefront Ranch, she only hoped it was enough to help C.T. He had his whole life ahead of him and she wanted to see him happy again. It might have only been a picture that he sent the class, but she could see the spark in his eyes was missing now. Time heals all.
Chapter Twenty-Two: Blizzard
Snow fell like someone in the clouds was throwing buckets of huge white snowflakes down at them. Hours ago, the roads became treacherous forcing Emily and Daniel off the road and into a hotel to wait out the storm. Looking out of the hotel window she was thankful they made the call when they did. The snow was laying faster than plows could keep up with it, making it difficult to tell where the roads were and where the embankment began. It would have only gotten worse as they headed into the mountains. With every mile up the mountain they climbed, the storm would have gotten worse. It would have also decreased their chances of finding a hotel along the route. The possibility of being snowbound in Daniel’s truck during a blizzard was something neither of them wanted to risk.
From behind her Daniel let out a sigh and muted the television. “Looks like we could be stuck here for a couple days. This is the beginning of the storm and it’s only expected to get worse tonight into tomorrow.”
“I love a good snowstorm but…” She turned away from the window to look back at him. “I know you had an appointment to look at some houses.”
“I’ll call later and reschedule. It’s not worth risking our lives driving through this.” Daniel turned onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow. “I’m sorry you got dragged into escorting me across country and now you’re stuck in a single hotel room with me.”
“It could be worse, we could hate each other.” She raised an eyebrow at him. “Unless being stuck with me in the car for so many hours has already changed your opinion of me.”
“If anything, it’s given me insight to you. It’s given me a chance to get to know you better than I already did. You’re as amazing as I knew you would be.” He patted the side of the bed. “Come here.”
“Should we call Hazel and let her know we’re snowbound for a few days?” She kept her gaze locked on his hazel eyes as she crossed the small room to the bed.
“That’s the last thing on my mind.” As she neared the bed he reached out and took hold of her hand, gently tugging her toward him. “Being stuck in the truck these last few days have been amazing. Besides stopping at United Homefront Ranch, all we’ve done is drive. Still I can’t think of a time when I’ve had more fun than being with you these last few days. When I received your letter, I was annoyed at Hazel. I almost wrote the whole thing off without replying to you, but I couldn’t get you out of my thoughts. We grew close and I’ll admit it you got under my skin in a way that’s never happened before. I couldn’t wait to come back home, back to Blessing, and finally meet you in person. Then you arrived in South Carolina and I was both stunned and thrilled to see you, even if my matchmaking sister tricked us both.”
“She’ll pay for that.” Emily let out a light chuckle as she sat down onto the bed with him. “As much as we’ve enjoyed this we can’t let her get out of this without some payback.”
“Don’t worry sweetheart, our revenge is still on.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. “During this trip I realized something.”
“Really? What’s that?”
“You complete me. I knew before I laid eyes on you I was in love with you, but the more time we’re together I realize how absolutely perfect we are for each other.” He let go of her hand, slipped his arm around her and he pulled her down so that her chest was pressed against his. “I didn’t believe it could happen. I mean I knew there was something happening between us, but I never realized how deep it was. I didn’t know I was capable of love and romance. The Marines always came first. I can’t say when it started but I’ve been thinking about the future more and more since you came into my life. It started slow. Now anytime I think of the future I always see you there with me. Moments ago, as I sat here watching you more than the weatherman. All I could think about is how much I wanted to slip up behind you and kiss you, just like that night on the beach. I want to show you how much you mean to me. We’ve spent every waking hour together and I still can’t get enough of you.”
“Now we’re stuck in a single hotel room for the next few days you might start to feel different.”
“Not a chance.” He leaned up and lightly pressed his lips to hers. “I’m planning on making the most of this snowbound experience.”
“Really now?” With her chest still pressed against his she ran her hand down his arm. Her thoughts threatening to drift to how the day would end. With only one bed in the hotel room, she was excited to see exactly how that ended. Would they stick to the edges of their respectable sides or would they end up cuddled together? She was hoping to feel his body pressed against hers in more than one way.
“I’ve made dinner reservations for us downstairs. Unfortunately, it won’t be anything special, considering the small restaurant in the hotel is the only place to eat. Still I convinced the owner to allow us to use the room, so we’ll have some privacy. This place is booked solid, which is why we were only able to get the one room, so the dining room will be busy. Since they’re not used to having a full house, many will have to share tables in order to get through dinner before the chef is done for the night. Call me selfish but I wanted you all to myself.”
“Maybe we should have done room service then.” She teased.
“Trust me I thought about it, but you deserve better than room service.” His hand slid along her back. “If I had my way I’d take you out and show you off to the world. This snowstorm has other ideas. So tonight, I have to
be satisfied with only the other guests seeing the beautiful woman on my arm.”
“When you say things like that the butterflies dance within my stomach. It makes me feel as if I’m special when I know I’m just an average woman.”
“You’re special to me. You make me feel things I never thought possible.” He lifted his hand to cup the side of her face. “I love you Emily.”
“Daniel.” She brought her hand up to lay over his. “I’ll let you in on a secret. I fought your sister when she asked me to contact you, but it was the best decision I’ve made. Through our e-mails I got to know you and I was already in love with you when you picked me up at the airport. These last few days have only cemented that bond. I love you, Daniel Fitch.”
With a gentle shift he had her back on the mattress and he was arched over her. His face hovered over hers as she waited for him to kiss her. “The matchmaker is going to be flying high when she learns this.”
“Right now, I can’t find it in me to care.” She teased her fingers along his side, working her way lower so she could slide her hand under his shirt. Skin to skin, that’s what she wanted most right then. “Kiss me.”
The words barely left her throat as he pressed his lips to hers. The soft and sweet kiss shifted into a passion filled one as he moved his hand away from her cheek and tangled his fingers in her hair. Her mouth opened, giving him better access and his tongue slipped between her lips. Tongues danced together as she arched up into his body.
A soft moan escaped her throat and he broke the kiss, pulling back slightly. “Daniel?”
“We should stop.”
“What? Why?” Even as she questioned him she slid her hand out from under his shirt, putting distance between them.
“Don’t get me wrong Em, I want this more than you know.” He kept his hand in her hair, keeping her close. “I want to make tonight special for you. To start this relationship right.”
Touch of Home (Blessing Montana Book 2) Page 10
