Returning Home

by Riann C. Miller

  “I love Katie. Hell, I think I fell in love with her almost on sight. I’m not sure what super powers you ladies hold, but whatever they are, they work like magic on me.”

  I roll my eyes and lightly smack him on the shoulder.

  “Hey now…I’m being serious,” he says, chuckling.

  “So am I. What if…what if it doesn’t work out? Katie just lost Margie I don’t think she’ll bounce back from losing you too.”

  “What do you think is going to happen? That I’m just going to up and leave town?”

  His eyes narrow as I mumble, “Yessssssss?”

  Instead of acting mad, he nods before brushing his thumb across my cheek. “I get it. My past behavior caused us years of suffering but Sam…” Luke trails off before inhaling a deep breath. “If I had the power to go back and do things differently, I think I’d still walk away from you.”

  My eyes widen but he ignores my expression and keeps talking. “I wish I’d gone home instead of going to that party and getting drunk. I wish I never called Casey, but I know in my heart I still would have done everything in my power to ensure you went to KU. What kind of life do you think we’d have if I let you give up your dreams for me?”

  A tear falls down my cheek but he quickly wipes it away.

  “The army whipped my ass into shape; not just physically, but it gave me a real purpose in life. Before then I didn’t have a goal in mind. I liked partying, drinking and hanging out with you. If I had continued down that path, I would’ve brought you down with me and I don’t think I could’ve forgiven myself if I did.”

  My mind attempts to grasp at an idea where we would have stayed together but deep down, I know he’s right. I never would have agreed to leave him behind and if I stayed, eventually, my resentment would have taken root and possibility destroyed the life I was all too desperate to keep in the first place.

  “Sometimes in life, things happen for a reason, and you don’t discover that reason for years to come.”

  I freeze. “She told me the same thing.” Another tear leaks down my cheek but for a different reason. Unbeknown to me, Margie was doing everything she could to keep our connection alive.

  “When I woke up in a hospital after I was shot, I never felt more alone in my life. I wanted to die. I actually wished for it, but after a few days I picked up the phone and called Mom.” He gives me a grim smile. “Mom repeated the same thing to me then, and I rolled my eyes. I didn’t want to come home and that was before I knew you lived in Jasper, but I had to. I had to come and see her because she never gave up on me.” His voice softens. “I knew she had some health problems but she played down what she’d gone through and I felt like a real dick when I saw how bad she was. But that first day I saw you, I was hit with twelve years of built up love, love I never once considered giving to anyone else.” He brings his other hand up and cups my face. “You’re it for me and I hope like hell that you give me a second chance to prove to you I’m the only person for you.”

  I can’t stop the smile that forms on my face. “You’ve always owned my heart and always will.”

  Luke smirks before placing his lips on mine. Our mouths are moving fast, almost greedy as years of tension officially melt.

  “Excuse me?” Pam mumbles next to our table. “I know you two love birds are making up for lost time but I think it’s time to shut the show down. Mr. Walker almost fell off his bar stool trying to get a better look at the two of you.”

  My face reddens while Luke full out laughs. “Sorry,” I grumble.

  “Don’t be sorry sweetheart, just save the show for closed doors is all.” Pam turns on her heels and walks off at the same time Luke drops a twenty on the table. “Yes, let's head home and have a private show.” I shriek as he pulls me out of the booth and drags me to the door.

  “Someone is in a hurry.”

  “Hell yes, I am. We have lost time to make up and I plan on doing a lot of making up.”

  With the sun brightly shining through the windows, Luke kisses his way down my back. Goose bumps breakout over my skin when his hand slides between my legs.

  When we left the diner, we drove straight to Margie’s house where Luke all but dragged me to his room. After ripping each other’s clothes off, Luke began to make up for years of lost time. Our first time alternated between desperate and rushed. We both did our best to make it last but the finish line was closer than either of us were ready for.

  Thirty minutes later, we’re both lying naked as the day we were born in his bed. “I don’t think I can get enough of you.”

  My hips rock back and forth, looking for relief while his talented fingers slide over my silky core. “Fuck, I definitely need you again.” Rubbing his finger over my hardening clit, he straddles my hips, lines himself up, then shamelessly drives into me. “You feel so fucking perfect. You are so fucking perfect. Perfectly mine.”

  I arch my back with every thrust until Luke grabs my arms and pulls my back up to his chest. With his hands wrapped around my neck, he turns my face to the side while his mouth consumes mine. My brain completely shuts down while every nerve in my body is on fire. My release builds and builds until I’m screaming his name. Swallowing my moans, his thrusts increase until nothing else exists except this moment.

  He gathers my long hair, keeping my head exactly where he wants. Tremors rock through me while he growls my name and comes deep inside me.

  Our heavy breathing is the only sound in the room as we collapse on the bed.

  With his hand stroking up and down my back, he cups the side of my face. With our gaze locked, he places a soft, sweet kiss on my lips. “I love you. I’ve always loved you and I always will.”

  “I believe even during the darkest moments, I’ve always known you were the person I was meant to be with. I think that’s the reason I never completely gave up on you even when I was convinced I hated you; I knew that was lie.”

  I run my hands through his wavy blond hair with a smile that doesn’t want to fade away.

  We have a lot to figure out but I’ve surrendered myself to the idea that this man is my past and my future.

  Luke

  When I checked out of the VA hospital, Mom had to practically beg me to come home. I planned to hole up in my crappy little apartment, wallowing in self-pity but there was something in the tone of her voice that I couldn’t ignore. I figured after a few weeks in Jasper, I’d come up with a good reason I’d need to leave. Now, six months later, after burying my last blood relative, I finally feel whole.

  Forgiving myself for what happened to Casey was the hardest thing I’ve done. It wasn’t until Sam asked me if the roles were reversed if I’d want Casey to live the rest of his life under a cloud of guilt that I finally let go of the pain that night inflicted.

  Casey was the best brother a guy could ask for but we were nothing alike. Like Sam, he always had his shit together. He had goals and he was well on his way of achieving them when he died. I’m not sure if it was Casey’s destiny to die at a young age but I’d still give anything for a do-over but that’s not how life works. I’m only left with the decision to finally forgive myself and live a life that not only Casey but our parents would be proud of.

  Once my shoulder was completely healed, I found a job twenty minutes away working as a driver for FedEx. Between my pension from the army, my new job, and my excessive savings account, I have enough money to buy Sam the house of her dreams. The only thing left to do is ask her to marry me and ask if I can adopt Katie because my life would be meaningless without them.

  “I think this is the one,” Katie sings, holding a diamond ring in front of me.

  “You do?”

  “That ring screams Mom’s name.”

  A few days ago, I asked Edward’s permission to marry Sam and the old fart teared up. Afterwards, I asked Katie’s permission. My ears still hurt from when she screamed yes. What Katie doesn’t know is I plan to buy her her own ring, one that will hopefully brand her to me the same way this ri
ng will with Sam.

  “I think you’re right. This is the one.” I nod to the sales clerk. “This is the one we want.” Katie claps her hands together. “She’s going to be so excited.”

  “I hope she says yes.”

  Katie’s mouth drops open the same way Sam’s does when I say something that shocks them. “Are you kidding? She’s going to scream louder than I did.”

  My eyes widen. “God, let’s hope not.”

  “When are you going to ask her?”

  I would love to create a perfect moment but truthfully, every moment with Sam feels perfect.

  “Soon, so keep your lips sealed for a few more days.”

  I bust out laughing when Katie pretends to zip her lips. God, this girl is perfect in every way and I’ll be forever grateful if I’m allowed to call her my daughter.

  “Katie, did you get your homework done?”

  “Yep. Luke helped me when he got home from work.”

  Home... a feeling of peace washes over me seconds before Sam mouths thank you.

  “You don’t need to thank me.”

  “Are you kidding me? You’re a lifesaver. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  I know Katie was hoping for some magical moment but my gut is telling me this is it. The three of us in Edward’s old farmhouse doing everyday things. “I don’t want you to know what life is like without me either.” I drop down to one knee as Sam’s eyes widen. “Samantha Harris, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” She looks down at the ring I’m holding in front of her.

  “Oh my God.”

  “Well?”

  She nods seconds before tears trickle down her cheeks. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.” With a huge smile, I slide the ring on her finger.

  Katie squeals, running up to us, wrapping her arms around both of us.

  Sam takes a step back, holding her hand up in the air, staring at the ring her daughter picked out.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  Katie beams with pride. “I helped pick it out.”

  Sam gives me a soft look and once again, mouths thank you.

  I’m about to make this moment better or ruin the amazing vibe but it’s now or never. “Katie.” I nervously clear my throat.

  “Yes?”

  I pull another, smaller ring out the same pocket. After Katie and I picked out Sam’s ring, I went back and bought her one that’s much smaller than Sam’s but practically the same style. Dropping down to one knee, I pull out the second ring. “Would you do me the honor of making me your father?”

  Both of their mouths drop open.

  I’ve hinted around to Sam that I want to adopt Katie but I haven’t flat out asked her. I did ask Edward permission and he told me he couldn’t have picked a better father for Katie if he tried but fear has kept me from asking Sam.

  “Yes.”

  Laughing, the two of us place our hands over our ears when Katie jumps up and down screaming. “Oh my gosh, Mama, he bought me my own ring.” Katie wraps me up in a tight hug. Nervously, I take a glance at Sam. Tension drains from my shoulders when I notice how incredibly happy she appears.

  “Luke, you’re already a great father to Katie, but thank you for giving her this.”

  “Yes, Luke or I mean…” Katie trails off and looks over at Sam.

  “Katie, I want you to call me whatever you’re comfortable with.”

  Katie’s smile almost reaches her ears. “Thank you for my ring, Dad.”

  Dad.

  My heart momentarily stops. I never planned to be anyone’s father but I can’t picture a life without this little girl. I open my arms and the two of them fall in for another hug. When my left arm wrapped around Sam, I was expecting the normal ache in my shoulder but it’s not there. Instead, the only thing I feel is the love I have for my girls.

  I’ve lived, loved and learned and when I look back on my life, I know I’ll never forget every painful chapter because life isn’t always about the difficult journey, it’s about the destination and that’s something I finally managed to get right.

  Acknowledgments

  Publishing wouldn't be possible without the help of my family. I love them more than they'll ever know.

  Aaron & Mandy-Thank for everything. You two are my rocks and I couldn't imagine life without you.

  The Wit & Wonder Agency- Thank you!!! You ladies rock!

  Lou Holroyd, Gina Morgan Moody & Amber Ryan Goodwin-Thank you!!! Your dedication, especially in the last few months has blown me away.

  Kellie Montgomery-Thank you! I'm not only proud to be a part of the Eye Candy Bookstore but thank you for editing Returning Home.

  Jo-Anna Walker-Thank you for designing a beautiful cover and for returning the final copy so incredibly fast.

  Readers-Thank you, thank you, thank you. There are millions of books to choose from and I'm humbled you picked mine.

  About the Author

  Riann’s love for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published her first book in 2015. Since then she’s published six more full-length novels.

  * * *

  Riann lives in southeast Kansas with her husband and two teenaged children. When she’s not reading, writing or spending time with friends and family, you’ll often find her with a beer in her hand while watching the Kansas City Royals.

  www.riannmiller.com

  authorriannmiller@gmail.com

  Also by Riann C. Miller

  Living With Regret

  Living With Doubt

  Meeting The Unpredictable

  Beneath The Lies

  Locked Away

  Unlikely Love

  Damaged Love

  Meeting The Unpredictable

  Chapter 1

  Lennie

  After spending the last six days in my car, I’m at the last place I should be. I should walk away, but instead, I lift my hand and knock. Instantly, dread sets in. I shouldn’t be here. I know people. I have other places I could crash. Suddenly, I’m hoping like hell that she’s not home. I pick up my bag, ready to get the hell out of here, when the door opens.

  “Lennie?”

  I plaster on a smile. “Hey, sis.”

  “You’re early.” My face falls with the knowledge that she’s been counting down the weeks until I would be forced to return.

  “I’m in between jobs. I figured I could crash here for a while if that’s okay.”

  “In between jobs or boyfriends?”

  I laugh. “Both.” Jodi cracks a smile and opens her door.

  “Thanks.” I dart past my sister, and instantly my eyes start taking in her picture perfect apartment. Nothing has changed since the last time I was here. “Fancy.”

  Her tone changes. “Don’t start with me, Lennie.”

  My sister is three years older than I am. She’s the stable one. She’s the daughter my parents brag about to their stuffy friends. We couldn’t be more opposite if we tried. Then again . . . I try.

  “I can’t believe you’re already here.” I shrug and continue to take in her apartment. I would bet my life that she had someone come in and design this place. My next bet would be that no one other than our parents ever visit her.

  “You think you can stay in one place for longer than a month?”

  “You think you can go one week without wearing designer shoes?”

  “Funny, I’m being serious,” she says dryly.

  “So am I. I’ve seen how many pairs of shoes you own.”

  Jodi rolls her eyes. “My guest room is down the hall. Second door on the left.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, and Lennie?” I glance at my sister only to find a serious look cross her face. “It’s good to have you back, even if it’s not for long.”

  More anxiety settles in the pit of my stomach as I slowly nod my head, because no matter what my sister says, it doesn’t feel good to be back.

  I pick up my bag and make my way to her spare room. I’m not shocked to find it’s just as frilly
as the rest of her apartment. I run my hand over the bedspread, wondering why she’d spend this much money on a room no one uses. Then again, this is exactly how we were raised.

  I don’t spend my money on things that don’t matter. I drop to the bed, which is unbelievably comfortable. Who knows, maybe in my sister’s fucked up way of thinking, this room matters, but it doesn’t. I learned a long time ago that the things that matter in life never come with a price tag.

  “Call my cell if you need me. If I don’t answer and it’s important, call my secretary. She’ll be able to get ahold of me. I’ll be in court this afternoon, so please don’t call unless it’s necessary.”

  “Got it. Call after two.”

  Jodi stops fumbling with her purse and looks over at me. “I’m serious.”

  I roll my eyes. “Has there ever been a day when you weren’t?”

  “Funny. I’ll see you tonight.” Seconds later, she’s out the door, leaving me all alone to play with her stuff. Jodi is beyond a neat freak, and I’ve always taken enjoyment in messing with her. I wander to her closet and start mixing her casual and business clothing together. Immature? Absolutely, but she’ll expect nothing less.

  I move to her DVD collection, and I can’t help but laugh. She has them in alphabetical order . . . well, she did. I lay down on her bed and pop in a movie. Three hours later, I wake up, sweaty and hungry.

  After a quick shower and a change of clothing, my stomach growls. I open Jodi’s fridge, but nothing catches my eye. I move to the pantry where my hunger gets overlooked as I start removing the labels off everything I can find. We used to do this to our mother all the time when we were kids. I smile as I remember how different things once were.

  Stop it, Lennie. You can’t go back now even if you wanted to. I sigh, ready to give up my search for something to eat, when I spot a box of blueberry muffin mix.