Danny's War (Rolling Thunder Series Book 3)

by Pj Fiala

  Taking a calming breath, Danny finally said, “Here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to call the police and have them come out and take your statement.”

  Scott’s unshed tears actually started sliding down his cheeks, leaving a clean trail in their wake.

  Danny pulled out his cell phone and tapped the numbers to dial the police department. He stepped outside with a nod to Ryder and spoke for a few moments before returning to the smelly house.

  CHAPTER 43

  STANDING ON THE SIDEWALK across the street from Stateside, Tammy clapped her hands as the last of the screws was inserted into the new sign.

  “It’s so beautiful,” she cheered as Danny stood next to her, lovingly watching her delight.

  She looked up at him and smiled her brightest smile. Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed her lips. “You’re chilly. Let’s get you inside, we have a lot of unpacking to do before going to Paul and Grace’s.”

  “Oh, my God, I’m so excited. I can’t believe Noah's sitting up now. And so damn cute.”

  “Language.”

  Laughing she said, “Right. Sorry.”

  Walking into the new Stateside Home for Retired Veterans, Tammy’s smile was bright. Employees and the residents and their families were bustling about as everyone was moving in today. Charles and his company, LexRanch, built them a beautiful new building on the edge of town, nestled on fifty acres. They were able to add things they wouldn’t have been able to add in their old building. They had gardens and those who were able and willing would be able to work in the gardens where they intended to grow vegetables for their meals. They had a veterinary clinic at the front of the building which doubled as therapy for the veterans but also as an income source for Stateside as they would be able to care for pets, either in the ‘extended stay’ area or just as a daycare. Grooming stations were set up as well and the small pet store attached should act as a fabulous income source. LexRanch ensured they had beautiful medical facilities on site and the kitchen and dining rooms were spacious and highly appointed.

  Danny and Tammy walked hand-in-hand into the activities room which was comfortable and relaxing. The furniture and colors of soft tans, deep brown-oranges and soft greens were inviting. The light oak wooden tables glistened with a high polish and the soft floral arrangements beautifully decorating various tables and shelves added the feel of home. The large entertainment center graced one wall in dark mahogany. But Danny’s favorite wall was across from the entertainment center.

  Charles had personally spared no expense to make sure Tammy’s mural wall was carefully cut out of the former Stateside building and brought to this new building. Upon installation, Tammy set out to finish her mural. Lex, Dirks, and Coop came back to visit and talked her through their experiences in Afghanistan, Danny right there with them. The residents sat and listened and asked questions as she worked her brushes across the wall, adding a perfect picture of each of them in battle.

  She looked up at his beautiful face now and softly smiled as she saw the pride so often on his face when he looked at the mural. He led her to the end where he and his friends were lovingly memorialized and he smoothed his hand over the soft cool texture. He slowly turned toward Tammy and held her face between his palms. Staring into each other’s eyes, each were lost in the other. Slowly, Danny knelt on one knee as Tammy’s hands flew to her face.

  “I love you, Tammy. More than I'll ever be able to tell you. More than I'll ever be able to show you. Because of you, I’m whole. Because of your love, I’m strong. Because of you, I see a future with little brown-haired, brown-eyed babies. I want our house full of them. Tammy Davis, will you marry me?”

  Tammy gasped as she wrapped her arms around Danny and fell on her knees to the floor in front of him. She buried her face in his neck as her tears wet his shirt. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close and waited for her to compose herself. This year had been one of struggles, awareness, truths coming out of hiding, finding strengths where once weakness had been, learning to share, and gaining self-confidence. Danny turned his head slightly and breathed in the scent of her hair as he closed his eyes and committed it to memory once again.

  Tammy pulled back and held his face between her hands. She looked into his chocolate eyes, bright with moisture and watched him swallow a large lump in his throat. She cocked her head to the side and her brows furrowed just a bit.

  “You didn’t answer me.”

  “Oh, my God, how could you think anything other than yes, absolutely yes?”

  He squeezed her again as cheers erupted behind them. Tammy turned to see their friends and family standing there witnessing this momentous occasion in her life. Her brows shot up as she saw them. She turned and looked at Danny, who shrugged in return. He reached into the breast pocket of his deep purple dress shirt and pulled out a beautiful two carat oval diamond ring with two smaller pear-shaped diamonds framing the oval.

  “Let’s make it official, babe. Will you marry me?”

  “YES!” she squealed. Danny slid the ring on her finger and the tears flowed down her cheeks like rain.

  Danny stood and folded Tammy into a deep hug as she squeezed him with all her might. As they pulled away, Molly ran forward and wrapped Tammy in a hug as the two girls jumped up and down together while embracing. Ryder stepped forward, a smirk on his face and shook Danny’s hand while loudly slapping him on the back with the other. Jeremiah and Joci came forward to congratulate them. Joci, about eight months pregnant, actually waddled. Danny’s mom hugged Tammy and welcomed her to the family. Grace, Paul and Noah were there with ready hugs and sloppy kisses. JT and Gunnar were there as well as the rest of the crew from Rolling Thunder. Tammy’s parents and her brother rounded out the family. Last but certainly not least were Charles, Lex, Dirks and Coop as well as many of the residents who'd grown to love both Tammy and Danny.

  ***

  “That was fun. I’m glad Danny was able to surprise you, Tam. He was worried about it.” Molly sipped her wine.

  “I never suspected a thing.” Tammy smiled as she looked across the room at The Barn, watching Danny, Jeremiah, JT, Gunnar, Frog and Chase from Rolling Thunder sitting around a table talking. The women had retired to the sofas in front of the fireplace about an hour ago. At eleven-thirty at night, it'd been a long day of moving and setting up.

  “That’s good, because he would've killed any of us who let anything slip out.” Joci laughed as she absently rubbed her baby bump.

  “How are things with you and Ryder, Mol?”

  Molly’s smile grew wide as she looked over and caught Ryder’s gaze. He returned her smile with one of his own and winked. “He’s still pissed that Lancaster isn’t going to jail. But, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about him ever again. The thought of going back to prison and the fines he had to pay seemed to send him packing. Last I heard he moved to Florida. Good riddance.”

  Tammy shook her head. “I just don’t understand our justice system sometimes. It seems criminals get away with far too much. Danny’s pissed that Hamilton isn’t going to prison for blackmail. But, basically, there wasn’t enough proof. Scott set the record straight on his part of the whole mess, but Hamilton is like Teflon. At least he’s out of the picture now.”

  Taking a drink of her wine, she leaned forward and set her glass on the table. Remembering something funny, she started laughing. “You should've seen the look on Zeke’s face when he found out LexRanch got approval to build the mall on the former Stateside spot. It was priceless. I think he’s more worried about LexRanch creating trouble for him in the future than he is about anything else.”

  Molly and Joci both smiled and nodded. Jeremiah walked over and kissed Joci on the top of her head. “Let’s get you two home, baby. We’re putting a crib together tomorrow.”

  Danny rolled his eyes as he settled in next to Tammy. “Good luck with that. I helped Paul put Noah’s crib together and it took us all damn day.”

  “That’s what
I’m afraid of. Good thing I have three smart, strong boys to help me. Right boys?”

  Ryder, JT, and Gunnar nodded, each looking a bit scared at the prospect. JT rolled his eyes as he gruffed out, “Man, I’m never going through that. You guys can have it.”

  Molly laughed. “You talk so big, but one day a woman is going to grab hold of you and you’ll be purring like a kitty.”

  That got the group laughing. JT shook his head as he downed the remainder of his beer. He stood and walked to the bar to refresh his drink as Gunnar laughed at him. Molly looked down the sofa at him and said, “You too, Gunnar.”

  He held up his hands in a defensive gesture, not saying a word.

  Joci scooted to the edge of the sofa as Jeremiah reached down to help her to her feet. “When’s the wedding?”

  Tammy smiled her brightest smile as she looked down at her ring, then up at Danny. He kissed her nose and looked at Joci. “As soon as I can get her to the altar. I know Ryder and Molly’s wedding is coming up in about four months, but I want to be married right after them.”

  Tammy’s brows rose. Joci laughed and shook her head. “Don’t even say you can’t get a wedding put together in that time. Jeremiah made me do it in less than six weeks. Two of those weeks I was in the hospital. If I can do it, you can do it.”

  Jeremiah smirked as he waved to the group, wrapped his arm around Joci and headed for the door.

  Tammy looked up into Danny’s face, cocked her head to the side and softly said, “How about September?”

  “September is perfect. Now, let’s go home and celebrate in private.”

  MEET THE AUTHOR

  I'm a wife of thirty years, mother of four grown children and grandmother of three lovely grandchildren. When not writing a new story, I can be found riding my motorcycle and exploring this fabulous country of ours. My writing revolves around people anyone would love to spend time with. No self-absorbed billionaires for me.

  Earning my Bachelor's Degree later in life fulfilled a dream for me. Then I found the courage to write and I haven't looked back. Currently I have four published books, Designing Samantha's Love, Dog Days of Summer, Rydin' the Storm Out, and most recently, Danny's War. I also serve as the VP of Communications for WisRWA and devote a large amount of my time helping other authors slog their way through this thing called publishing. I love to hear from fans, so look me up and touch base.

  I come from a family of veterans. My grandfather, father, brother, two of my sons, and one daughter-in-law are all veterans. Needless to say, I’m proud to be an American and proud of the service my amazing family has given.

  If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review.

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  Check out my website: pjfiala.com

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