Before Sunrise

by Sienna Mynx

  ***

  “Girl, stop. Are you serious?” Angelina laughed.

  “Yes,” Kennedy said into her earpiece. She kept both hands on the steering wheel, easing toward the exit lane approaching. “Mackenzie woke up. I wanted to die.” Kennedy smiled. She checked the rearview mirror and saw Mac playing with the bell on her elf hat.

  “Well, honey, when the twins were toddlers I could tell you some stories that could compete. I felt like I was split in half. Anthony could be such a big baby about it. I walked around with no panties on, so I could sneak a little in between feedings and diaper changes.”

  “Oh no. I can’t do that. Especially with her in the room.”

  “You’re going to be surprised what you will do.” Angelina laughed.

  Kennedy rolled her eyes, but didn’t deny it. Maybe if they had separate beds she would have been even more tempted.

  “So what’s the plan? You got your man back. I know you have to work things out with Phil, but how will you do both?”

  “Not sure. Daddy and mama are going to stay at the house with Mackenzie today. I just got off the phone with him. Sally had to go back to Chicago. She’s going to try to be here for Christmas, though. I plan to call Phil and have him come over this evening to help Mac decorate the Christmas tree, the way they usually do. That means Mackenzie’s day will be filled.”

  “And? You and Liam? What will you be doing?”

  “Furniture shopping.”

  “You kidding, right?”

  “No. He’s already making plans and demands and he doesn’t even have a chair. So I have to make some things happen pretty quickly.”

  “True. That is really sweet of Eric. Anthony told me about it last night.”

  Kennedy smiled “I love Eric. So does Liam. He’s the best friend to us, next to you guys, of course.”

  “You know Harper has a crush on him.”

  “Yeah, Eric has had to deal with that crazy girl’s crush for a while. She hasn’t been really good at hiding it. She nearly drools when he walks through a door. He can handle her, I’m sure.”

  “I don’t know, she was talking kind of crazy at the house yesterday. Said he was going to be hers. She said she had a plan.”

  Kennedy frowned. “I’ll talk to her. Liam would flip out. No more drama, please.”

  “Why? Seriously, if anybody should understand it’s you two.”

  “Eric’s a brother to him. For Liam, it would be incestuous. Plus, Liam will never admit it, but he still carries guilt over how young I was when we started out. I can’t explain it. I just kind of know it. He would never accept a Harper and Eric hook-up. Harper needs to fixate on getting through the first year of college, not Eric. I’ll talk to her.”

  “So you and Liam will buy furniture. Then what?”

  “First he has to go on base to meet with that witch. And I have to get to the office so I don’t lose my job. Make sure everything is okay. We’ll meet this afternoon. Do some furniture shopping and…well, I’ll probably stay the night with him. I’m thinking that I should go and get something. I don’t know. Sexy.”

  “Definitely. You got time to get your hair done, toes done, coochie shaved.”

  Kennedy laughed. “I think I can manage.”

  “I’m just glad the pregnancy scare is over. I never thought your uterus would agree with you carrying any man’s child but Liam’s.”

  Kennedy laughed. “Funny, but you were the one telling me to get pregnant. Now you knew I couldn’t? Right.”

  Angelina spoke through her laughter. “Whatever. You better be prepared, girl. Five years is a long time. The man probably will have you sitting in a tub of ice after he’s done. You know I know.”

  Kennedy smiled, wheeling her Camry into her driveway. “I sure do hope so.”

  ***

  “Mrs. Washington? Is that you?”

  Gail heard her name. Halfway to the door, she stopped. She turned in time to see a distinguished woman in a dark suit walking toward her. She was quite beautiful, with shoulder length reddish-brown hair pulled back under a service cap and clear blue eyes. Gail recognized her. But from where, she wasn’t certain.

  “Hi. It’s me, Alexa. Alexa Sinclair.”

  “Oh! Of course, forgive me.” Gail smiled and returned Alexa’s embrace. She remembered her during the time of Liam’s supposed death. Alexa hadn’t said much then, just sat through the service and at the house, pale and weepy. She was a very pretty woman, who seemed to grieve as much as Kennedy. Gail found that odd. Gail thought at first she was a family member, the way she carried on, but Kennedy said Liam and this woman were nothing more than friends. “How are you?”

  “I’m well, thank you. What are you doing here?” Alexa asked.

  Before Gail knew it, Alexa led her back through an office door. She didn’t mind small talk but she found the gentle persistence uncomfortable. She really didn’t know Alexa personally to have a visit. When Gail thought to stop and excuse herself, she didn’t. Alexa had the presence that kind of directed things, Gail supposed. “I came to see Phil.”

  “Ah, yes, it’s so upsetting, all of this. Isn’t it?” Alexa smiled. “I mean we’re all happy Liam’s back. But it’s been hell on everyone, including him.”

  “Yes, it’s upsetting to us all.”

  “I saw your television interview.” Alexa added. “You were very eloquent. The media can be vicious.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Very touching, how you protect your daughter, her family. A mother’s heart can help the healing process. That’s what I think.”

  “Do you have kids?”

  Alexa chuckled. “No. Not the mothering type. Though I have so much respect for women who can toe that line. I remember how nurturing you were to Kennedy after the tragedy. I always admired you, Mrs. Washington.”

  “Oh. Why, thank you.”

  “No problem. How is Mackenzie by the way?”

  Gail beamed. She reached in her Chanel bag and removed her matching wallet. She handed it over. “She’s my angel. Look at her.”

  Alexa studied the photograph. “She is precious. She has her mother’s eyes. A very unique beauty.”

  “Yes, she’s an angel.” Gail accepted the wallet back. She stared down at her grandbaby. She might not care for Liam, but she couldn’t deny he’d left them with a special gift. Mackenzie was her heart. “She’s the one bright spot in all of this. She’s growing like a weed.”

  “I’m sure she is, making room for the next grandchild.”

  “Well, who knows what the future holds.” Gail sighed sadly.

  “Certainly this future is promising. A new baby is always exciting.”

  Gail frowned. “I don’t follow?”

  “Kennedy’s pregnancy. Does she even know her delivery date?”

  “What?”

  “Your daughter didn’t tell you?” Alexa put her hand to her chest. “I am so sorry. Please, Mrs. Washington, please don’t mention this. I just assumed you knew. Phil was so excited.”

  “Kennedy’s pregnant? With Phil’s child?” Gail couldn’t believe it. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I am. But I think Phil and Kennedy are trying to work this out. To keep it quiet for now. Mrs. Washington, I have to share with you, Liam may not know this. I fear that…well, he has stressors, so maybe it’s best no one knows until they can get him the help he needs.”

  “What kind of help?”

  Alexa sighed. “Men who have gone through what Liam has often suffer from PTSD.”

  “Post-traumatic stress disorder?” Gail asked.

  “Yes. Our doctors think he might need some professional help dealing with his trauma. We’re trying to assist. But things are being handled delicately since the world is watching. Privately, I can share with you that until he gets the help he needs he really isn’t fit to deal with a wife, child, anything.”

  “I had no idea,” Gail said.

  Alexa pressed her lips together. “I honestly thought you would have known. But I
-I’m glad you know now.”

  ***

  Liam knocked again. It was cold outside. Where the hell had Eric gone? Liam would have to get used to the weather. At the moment he felt as if his balls were frozen and his dick reduced to ice. He glanced back over his shoulder. Cloudy puffs of air escaped his nostrils. There was a car he didn’t recognize in the drive. Eric had to be home. Then he heard the engine of a car parked in front of a house across the street turn over. His gaze swung toward the source in time to see a black Chrysler with tinted windows drive away. It was parked there when I arrived, wasn’t it? He’d thought he saw a car similar to it when he changed lanes on the expressway.

  No, Liam. You didn’t. And if you did, it’s a coincidence. Liam frowned. He kept his gaze trained on the vehicle until it disappeared. He wasn’t a believer in coincidence. An icy-cold dread covered him and he felt his anger surface. If he had a tail, then that was to be expected. He just wanted it confirmed.

  The door slowly opened. Liam turned and his mind cleared. Eric wore nothing but his pajama pants, his Wolfpack tattoo on his chest, and the meat-tags on his left side. Liam frowned at the look of confusion on his friends face.

  “You going to let me in or what?” Liam pushed past Eric and stepped through the door. It felt much warmer inside. He had been grateful for the escape from the chill. Liam walked into his friend’s living room on his cane. He turned when he heard Eric approach. “It’s eight. You forget we have to meet with Alex?”

  “Um, no. I…the meeting isn’t for another two hours. Just trying to get some sleep.” Eric looked to the hall.

  Liam’s gaze followed. It dawned on him the source of his boy’s discomfort. “Oh shit, brother. I’m sorry. I didn’t think you had company. I’ll head out and see you there. I just wanted to tell you about Kay.” Liam started for the door. “Things are good, man. Real good. She loved the party, even wearing my ring again. We back together. It feels right this time.” Liam smiled.

  “That’s great. You did it, bro. You look good, too. I’ll meet you on base—”

  “Eric, where are you?”

  Stopping his approach to the door, Liam turned his attention to the sound. Harper emerged in a gray T-shirt and a pair of boxer shorts. Liam stared at her, confused at first. Her presence made no sense. Why would she be in Eric’s house at this time of morning? He looked back at Eric. Undressed. His friend sighed and threw up his hands.

  He was banging her?

  “You fucking Harper?” Liam asked.

  “I can explain—”

  “Explain? Are you fucking Harper?” Liam spat the words at Eric. The pressure in his brain made his ears pop. His vision became darkly focused on Eric, only Eric.

  Eric wouldn’t do this. Not Harper. She is a kid. He wouldn’t touch her. What is she…seventeen? Just like Kay. Dammit. He wouldn’t dare do this. Fuck. No. No. No. This is not happening.

  “Answer me!” Liam seethed.

  “Liam, it’s my fault,” Harper said weakly. “Don’t be angry at him, okay?”

  Eric said nothing. He just held Liam’s glare.

  “Motherfucking asshole!” Liam swung, with either his fist or his cane, he didn’t know. He didn’t care. His actions were instinctive. It was all a flash, one strike, then another, like a strobe light kept going off in his head. He hit Eric. Punched him. Then his balance slipped and he nearly went down. He swung the cane wildly, shouting at the top of his lungs. Flashes. Hit. Uppercut. Hit. Punch. “I’ll kill you! You bastard!”

  The pressure in his head spread to his chest and his breathing became staggered. He saw her screaming, but couldn’t hear anything besides his own heart beating. But she threw herself on Eric and Liam stopped mid-swing. Seeing her crying and screaming for him to stop, he was able to. It’s Kay. My Kay. She was protecting Phil, and he…no, it was Harper…and Eric…but what happened? Liam stepped back, confused. He blinked at them, unsure of what was going on.

  “Stop it! Liam, stop! You’re hurting him!”

  All of it happened so fast he wasn’t sure if anything had happened at all. Maybe it was another one of his spells. But the dark fog in his head lifted and he could see their faces clearly. This was a nightmare. This time it was one he caused.

  “Are you insane?” Harper yelled at him through her tears. She tried to help Eric but he gently shoved her aside, spitting out blood. He swayed a bit as he tried to rise. “It’s cool, Liam. I’m okay. Just calm down.”

  Liam shook his head. There was blood on the handle of his cane. He dropped it and staggered back. He stared at his hands.

  When he looked up, Eric’s shocked expression added a new level to his turmoil. He’d violated a cardinal rule of their unit: never lay hands on a brother operator in anger. Before today, Liam wouldn’t have imagined it was even possible.

  “It’s okay, brother. Things got out of hand.” Eric held his palms out, kept his voice low and calm.

  “Eric, stay away from him, he’s crazy!” Harper cried.

  “Shut up.” Eric grabbed her by the shoulders. “Go in the room. Now!”

  She shook her head. Liam saw the fear in her eyes when she looked at him. He felt sick. He wanted to throw up. He had to get out of there. So he dragged his leg and headed for the door. He couldn’t breathe. If he got out the door, maybe he could. Maybe it would all make sense again.

  “Liam!” Eric yelled after him.

  He would have made it to his car if his fucking leg would cooperate. Eric cut him off before he reached the car door. There was bruising darkening his face and cuts to the side of his head. His lip was split and bleeding. But his friend stood there in the cold, with no shirt, as if he was unaffected.

  “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have touched her. I was wrong. Man, please, let me try to explain.”

  “Why her? You could fuck anybody. Why do this to her? She’s family, yours and mine. Fuck it, maybe not. Nothing is like it was,” Liam said in a shaky voice. He squeezed his eyes shut and opened them, trying to breathe. “Get out of my way.”

  “I’m an asshole, man. I have no excuse. I messed up, okay? I did. I’ll fix this shit. I don’t want her family to know, Kennedy to know. Shit. Are you okay?”

  Liam shook his head. “I ruined Kay’s life. Couldn’t control myself, put her through hell. Now I’m cra-zy,” he said in a harsh breath. “No, I’m not okay, you bastard. She’s a fucking kid.”

  “What do you want me to say?”

  “Shut up. Shut the fuck up! You knew how badly I want to protect Kay, to protect Harper. I told you this. How many nights did we sit in shit, with our lives on the line, and talk about it? Huh? How many! We even talked about Harper and protecting her from fuckers like us. And you do this? How long have you been fucking her! Since she was what? Sixteen? How long!”

  Eric spat blood. He shook his head. “It happened once. Last night. I was drinking and hell, it’s on me. I should have sent her home. I didn’t. I’m sorry. I won’t lie to you, I never have. I knew she had a crush on me. I never discouraged it, not the right way. Before I knew it, she wasn’t little Harper anymore. It was wrong but I couldn’t…I didn’t want to…fuck, brother, I’m sorry.”

  “Fuck you. You aren’t my brother. Get the fuck out of my way.”

  “Liam?” Eric stepped in front of him. “Look man, I deserve what went down in there. I want to kick my own ass. I do. But don’t let this come between us. I fucked up, okay? It won’t happen again. Please. I lost you to that fucking war. I don’t want to lose our friendship. Don’t think I can take that again.”

  Liam looked back over his shoulder to the house. Harper stood in the window, crying. He remembered Kay, the way she watched from her window in tears as he was led away in handcuffs. Liam closed his eyes. He wasn’t even sure who or what he was angry at anymore.

  “Nothing is the same,” he stammered. He shoved Eric aside and got behind the wheel. He sped out of the driveway before anyone could stop him. “No one’s the same, not even me.”

  ***
>
  Kennedy couldn’t decide what to wear. Mackenzie remained downstairs with her dad. The laughter rising up from the entertainment room was evidence of the joy in her house. Her mother, she supposed, was out doing last-minute Christmas shopping.

  The phone rang. She walked out of the closet and checked the ID before answering. “Hello?”

  “Hi, it’s me.”

  “Hi, Phil. Thanks for calling me back.”

  “I was surprised when I got your message.”

  Kennedy sat on the bed. “You okay?”

  “No.”

  She scratched her brow. “I called because I thought you’d like to come over and help Mackenzie decorate the Christmas tree. She’s all excited about it. And you know it’s your job to untangle the Christmas lights.”

  “Really? Are you sure?”

  The ring of hope in his voice made her sad. Her baby girl had asked for him the moment they stepped through the door. Christmas wouldn’t be the same if he weren’t there for Mackenzie. “Yes, really. Dad’s here and mom will be too.”

  “Will you be there?”

  “No. You know that. We discussed—”

  “I know. I understand. Yeah, I got some work to do here today, then I’ll be on my way. I want to bring her some presents to put under the tree. Can I put them in your room and have you wrap them? Not really good at that.”

  “Sure. Go ahead. And Phil, I went to the doctor.”

  “We said we wouldn’t do this over the phone, Kennedy.”

  “I’m not pregnant. We don’t have to have lunch to discuss it. We’ve talked everything through. I’m not pregnant.”

  He didn’t speak. She wished he would at least pretend to understand. Make an effort to let go. Anything. She cleared her throat. “I know you’re disappointed.”

  “I know you’re not,” he said bitterly.