Resilient Love (Navy Love Series Book 3)

by jc santo

  “She’s still around here, you know that?”

  “Hmm, I figured as much but I could care less to see her or know what she’s up to, to be dead honest with you. I don’t wish anything bad on her, but what she did to me was wrong. I don’t know that I’ll ever fully forgive her for it,” I state honestly.

  “Now, you know that isn’t the way the Lord intended, Jared. You need to forgive her in order to move on.”

  I release a sigh. I know he’s right but what he doesn’t understand is that I did forgive Maggie a long time ago, but with what happened to Jo recently, I can’t help but harbor new ill feelings toward her. Maggie chose to give up our child, Jo didn’t have a choice; she lost the baby against her will.

  “Dad, I know that. Something happened a while back with Jo that caused all of those old emotions with Maggie to come back.”

  I see it in his face the moment he realizes what I’m meaning. Jo was pregnant like Maggie.

  “What happened with Jo wasn’t the same as what happened in high school,” I clarify before he thinks low of Jo for something she had no control over, “but knowing she lost our child that she would have loved and cared for, brought back the anger towards Maggie that she chose to give that up. I know the two have nothing to do with one another but, for some reason, Jo’s miscarriage stirred up all kinds of emotions in me; old and new.”

  He doesn’t say anything, just sets his ball on the tee, lines up his shot, and takes it. I stand back, watching and anxiously waiting for some kind of response from him.

  “You know how I feel about premarital sex. Now, I know you’re grown and have your own life in Virginia, so I’ll spare you the lecture on that. Aside from that, I can tell you that anytime you’re faced with someone losing a child, whether it’s done intentionally or not, whether it’s a wanted or unwanted child, you will have to face those feelings.”

  I watch in fascination as he sets up another ball and takes the shot with a perfect stroke.

  “I know that you’re aware that your mother and I lost a baby before we were blessed with you. She had a late term miscarriage and it hit us both hard. When you came to us with Maggie’s news of her abortion, I won’t lie, I was thankful to an extent. But after I sat on it for a while, I realized I was hurt and upset that she chose to take my grandchild away from me. None of us were given the option. I put myself in your shoes and I thought about how I would have felt if your mother had done that to me instead of what actually happened to us. And it hurt to think about it. I can’t imagine what that felt like for you.”

  He takes a seat on the bench and motions for me to sit beside him.

  “I never told you, but I was proud of the way you handled the situation, son. And I don’t blame you for leaving town so quickly after that. I probably would have done the same thing had it been me.”

  “Why didn’t you ever tell me this before?”

  He chuckles. “Stubbornness? I don’t really know.” He shrugs. “I guess I was too proud to admit that you did the right thing, even without my support. You’ve been doing the right thing without my support for years now. And I hate that I’ve been the one holding our relationship back. I hope that you can forgive me and will let me be an active part of your life.”

  I wrap my arm around his shoulder and pull him into a hug. “Absolutely, Dad.”

  When we pull away, I can see that his eyes are watery from the talk. Maybe I misspoke when I said he’s cold and callus. Perhaps I’d gotten so used to the expectation of not living up to what he wanted, that I quit trying. Maybe I gave him the impression that I didn’t care for his approval. Whatever the case may be, this is an olive branch of sorts, one that I’m clinging to.

  Jo

  Lucy and I have been out and about all morning. We spent the morning shopping and she showed me around the small suburb of Brunswick that J.C. grew up in. She’s also spent the entire morning parading me around town and introducing me to any and everyone who knows their family.

  Everyone I’ve met, and don’t ask their names at this point because I couldn’t tell you who’s who, seems nice and was more than welcoming towards me, all the while the details of our marriage and the extent of our relationship remained undisclosed.

  I’m not ashamed of our past, it brought J.C. and I together. Our road hasn’t been an easy one, but I’m glad we went through what we did; it proves to me that both of us truly care about one another.

  Once we’ve finally finished meeting everyone for the day, Lucy drives us to the Piggly Wiggly to pick up supplies for dinner tonight.

  Piggly Wiggly.

  I didn’t think those existed except in movies!

  Honestly, as nice as this morning was, and as welcoming as Lucy has been, after the late night I had with J.C., I’m more than ready for a nap.

  He texted me earlier to say that he and his dad were out golfing together. From all that J.C. told me before our trip here, I hope they’re focused on hitting the balls on the ground and not beating each other with the clubs.

  Lucy has reassured me multiple times that they are getting along well, she’s positive. Apparently, something that was said or seen at dinner made Stephen open his eyes and realize that he’s been missing out on what a wonderful man J.C. has become.

  I’m not questioning it. I just hope she’s right and they’re making amends.

  I steer the ‘buggy’, as Lucy calls it, while she leads us down each aisle we need items from.

  For some reason, she seems a bit off since we walked in. Her happy, carefree mood from earlier is gone, replaced by a more anxious one.

  “Lucy, what’s wrong?” I finally ask after what seems like the thousandth time of her peeping over her shoulder to look behind us.

  “Oh. Nothing, dear. Don’t worry about it.”

  She still seems frazzled, but I let it go for now.

  After another two aisles and more of her erratic behavior, I question it again.

  “Lucy, you need to tell me what is going on. I’m starting to worry now.”

  She wrings her hands together and her eyes cast down to the ground. She looks like a child who’s gotten into trouble.

  “I didn’t even think about it until we were inside. If I had, I wouldn’t have brought you to this store. We could have gone somewhere else. Just, please don’t be mad at me. I’m not even certain she’s here.”

  My eyebrows draw in at the mention of her.

  “Her?”

  Well, apparently my filter from my brain to my mouth is broken today.

  “What are you rambling about, Lucy? Who are you worried about us seeing?”

  She takes a deep breath and releases it slowly before answering.

  “It doesn’t matter, let’s just finish our shoppin’ so we can get outta here.”

  I nod and we quickly pick up our last few items for dinner tonight. Although Lucy has tried to calm down, I can tell she’s still anxious about something, I just don’t know what. My mind races through who she could be worried about us seeing, but no one comes to mind. There isn’t anyone in this town I know, so why would she be worried about us running into someone?

  There isn’t much of a rush when we get to the front of the store to pay, so we walk right up to an empty lane and strategically place our items on the belt, as per Lucy’s request.

  The clerk makes small talk with Lucy, it’s obvious they’re friendly with one another, and I’m, once again, introduced to another person whose name I will forget shortly.

  I smile politely and thank her when she congratulates me on my marriage to J.C. She retells the same tale as everyone else about how J.C. was the local football star; they all thought he’d go on to play in college, never thought he’d join the military. It’s neat to hear that so many people know him and are proud of his life choices, but after about the third or fourth time, the dialogue is becoming repetitive to my exhausted mind. I’m just ready to get back to his parent’s house and relax.

 
; My aching feet are thankful when Lucy pays the total and we make our exit.

  The trunk is popped and I’m loading the bags when I hear Lucy say hello to another person. A female voice responds back, but there is a bite to her tone. As welcoming and sweet as Lucy has been since meeting me, I’m already protective of her and don’t care for whoever this woman is.

  Once I place the last bag in the trunk, I shut it with a bit more force than necessary, drawing the attention of both women.

  I don’t know who this woman is but my defenses are immediately on high alert at first sight. She looks like she just rolled out of the local trailer park. Her hair is greasy, makeup caked on her face and she smells like a dirty ashtray.

  Don’t get me wrong, J.C. smokes occasionally and I’m fine with it, but this girl reeks of tobacco.

  While I take my time appraising her, she dismisses me in an instant and goes back to the conversation with Lucy as if I’m not there at all.

  “I heard J.C. is back in town. He finally give up that dumb dream of the Navy? Came back to beg y’all to let him work for Stephen again?”

  “You know as well as I do that’s not like J.C. at all, Maggie.”

  Maggie.

  “I couldn’t tell you what J.C. is like now. Haven’t spoken to him since he ran out of town and out on his responsibilities.” Her voice is laced with venom as she speaks about J.C.

  “Excuse me?” I interrupt.

  Again, that damn filter must really be broken.

  She finally looks over and takes me in. I’ve since moved to stand beside Lucy.

  “I’m sorry, who are you? And why are you in our private business?”

  Oh no...no, no. I know this girl did not give me attitude.

  “First off, let’s dial back that sass, shall we? I’m Jo, and I’m here with Lucy. I’m visiting with J.C. for the weekend and I don’t appreciate you speaking negatively of him.”

  I could tell her that I’m his wife, but that might make this end so much faster than I’d like.

  “I’m not sure his mother wants to hear you degrade her son either.” I look to Lucy for confirmation, but all I get in return is a slight smile.

  Looking back to Maggie, I arch an eyebrow and wait for her to say anything in response to me.

  “I don’t know you,” she finally says; again, with sass.

  “I’m well aware that you don’t know me, I know you though.” I watch as she flips her terribly dyed hair over her shoulders, an obvious attempt to show confidence. “We don’t talk about our past mistakes much, but when we do, you’re definitely one that comes up. I’ve tried explaining to my husband that everyone makes these,” I wave my arm up and down at her body, “types of mistakes, but he still has a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he wasted so much time on trailer trash like yourself.”

  “Excuse me?” Her face shows shock.

  Yeah, I bet she didn’t expect that.

  I step up closer to her; I want my point made very clear here.

  “Listen, let’s be real here, you have no business discussing my husband, at all. You lost that privilege the moment you decided to have an abortion without his knowledge or consent. And as far as I’m concerned, you don’t have a reason to speak to my mother-in-law, but if for some reason you do, you should do it with respect.”

  With wide eyes, she nods her head and I take a step back out of her personal space.

  “Now, is there anything else that Lucy or I can help you with?” I notice she’s carrying a brown Piggly Wiggly smock; she must be coming into work. “Or would you like to go on with your day while we do the same?”

  “Whatever.” With that, she turns and walks into the store.

  Scared to see the look Lucy is giving me, I don’t make eye contact and quickly walk around to the passenger side of the car and climb in.

  Lucy’s driver side door opens and she slides in, cranks the ignition, and shuts the door.

  No attempt to leave the parking lot is made.

  I finally look over to see her staring at me.

  “I’m sorry,” I apologize. “I couldn’t help it. She’s an asshole and needed to hear all of that. I didn’t like the way she spoke to you and I really don’t like the way she spoke about J.C. I shouldn’t have went off on her like that but I couldn’t help myself. Please don’t be upset with me.”

  Great, I’m a rambling mess.

  “Joanna!” Lucy’s voice shuts me up. “Thank you.”

  I look at her with confusion, why the hell is she thanking me?

  “I have never seen someone stand up for my son the way you just did, let alone for me. Maggie has been a thorn in my side since the day J.C. left. I just never had the courage to tell her to shove off like you just did.”

  “Uh, well, you’re welcome then.”

  We both break into a fit of giggles and we recount the entire scene the whole way home.

  While it felt great to tell J.C.’s ex and the woman who hurt him to go to hell, what really felt great about the entire meeting was that I finally felt like the old Jo again.

  She’s back, finally.

  Jo

  Last night was a lot of fun. The four of us—Stephen, Lucy, J.C. and I—shared a dinner that Lucy and I prepared and then we all sat on the wrap around front porch while they shared memories of J.C. growing up and we told stories of Navy life.

  J.C. told them that when we got back to Virginia, he would sign his paperwork discharging him from the Navy and would start work with Marshall. They were both proud of him and understood why we were staying in Virginia and not returning to his hometown; my career. Most people wouldn’t understand why J.C. is choosing to get out and I’m staying in. I don’t know if this is a permanent decision for me, but for now, I love my career and I’m interested to see where else it will take me. It brings comfort knowing my husband is supportive and understands my need to stay in.

  I’m happy to say that they are planning a trip to Norfolk soon. Now that J.C. isn’t living in the barracks on base, they won’t have to stay in a hotel and can spend more time with him and me.

  The weekend has been great; I feel as though I’ve formed a bond with Lucy that is a lot like the one I share with my mom. She’s sweet, kind, and incredibly supportive. I’m sad to see it come to an end, but I know I’ll see her and Stephen again soon.

  After dinner, once we all retired to our rooms for the night, J.C. told me about the enlightening conversation with his dad at the driving range. I don’t think he knew how much of a grudge he was holding against his father.

  He noticed a difference in my demeanor right away, but it wasn’t until we were alone that I confessed that I felt back to my normal self. Although it probably wasn't right, putting Maggie in her place and standing up for someone I care about deeply whom she wronged was exactly what I needed.

  I truly can't wait to be around our friends again. Even though things have been fine with everyone, I haven't quite felt like I belong. It'll be nice to not have that lingering guilt hanging over my head anymore.

  Our flight home was relaxing and a perfect ending to a nice weekend. Once we landed, J.C. and I stopped in for a quick dinner at Qdoba, one of our favorite restaurants, before heading home.

  I texted Tegan to let her know that we’re back and there’s no longer a need for her to come by and check on Chachi and arranged for dinner one night this week.

  Lying in our bed, I can’t help but think how fortunate I am. My depression from losing my baby could have led me in a completely different direction. I’ve never been a huge fan of J.C.’s persistence until he came after me.

  Arriving at work a few days later, I’m called to the admin office to finish signing the last of my paperwork. I’m now officially Joanna Collins. J.C. will be elated.

  He starts his new job this week with Marshall, and while I’m happy for him, I’m also kind of bummed out. First Tess left me and now J.C. Miller is still around but she’s alwa
ys on deployments so I don’t get to see her too often; I need someone else around here to hang out with, make the work day go by quicker.

  Halfway through the day, unable to keep my excitement to myself any longer, I call J.C. on my lunch.

  “Hey Darlin’,” he answers on the first ring.

  “Shouldn’t you be working?” I ask with mock sternness.

  His laughter sends a slight chill through my bones. “You’re right, I probably should be. But when a beautiful woman like you calls, how can I not answer the phone?”

  “Oh boy, layin’ that southern charm on thick today, aren’t ya?”

  He laughs again. “I figured it might be important. What’s goin’ on?”

  Without asking, I know what he’s referring to about being important—my mom. Miguel and Joseph have kept me informed about her since our return from California, but sadly, things are in a steady decline. Mom isn’t faring well anymore; she barely gets out of bed, and even if she does, she only moves down the short hallway to her recliner in the living room. She’s becoming more and more reliant on Kandice and the pain medication to help her. I fear that it won’t be long until my worst fear becomes a reality.

  “Oh, no, nothing too important.” Actually saying the words ‘it’s not about Mom’ are even too hard to say. Her health has become the giant elephant in the room. “Something happened at work and I thought you might like to know about it…”

  “Oh yeah? And what’s that?”

  “I signed all the paperwork and everything was approved. I’m now known in the military as Joanna Collins.”

  “Woo! It’s about damn time! Gah, that makes me happy, Jo. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. I just wanted to call and tell you that, don’t want to keep you too long. Everything going okay at with the new job?”

  He scoffs. “I feel like you’re doubting it wouldn’t go great. I really think you underestimate your husband’s mad skills.”

  “Oh, so sorry,” I say teasingly.

  “Just don’t let it happen again. Nah, honestly, things are great here. I’ve updated all of the company’s social media sites, reorganized all of the clientele in the computer, and now I’m working through late fees, cancellations and new recurring clients. For having no professional experience, Jeremy has kept things pretty organized.”