A Soldier for Suzie: A Military Romantic Comedy (Love will OUT Book 3)

by D. E. Haggerty

  Grayson kneels in front of me and takes my hands. “Now, how are you actually doing?”

  Umm, I bite my lip before I can shout, I Love You!! at the top of my voice. No, I remind Adult Suzie. We are not telling him we love him yet. She pouts and goes off to consult with Little Susan. Great. We all know whose side Little Susan is on.

  “I’m okay. But when did this happen? Did you move in and forget to tell me?” I go for sass. My tried and true method of hiding how badly I’m freaking out.

  “I didn’t exactly move in.”

  Yeah, right. I motion with my hand to the closet full of his clothes. “How is this not moved in?”

  “I still have my apartment.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “And when was the last time you went there?”

  He takes a moment to think. “I picked up my mail there two weeks ago.”

  “Really? Because I’m pretty sure I found some mail from your college addressed to this address.” It may be painfully obvious what’s happening here, but I am determined to get him to confess.

  I try a different tactic. “I thought your counselor said you shouldn’t be making any big decisions now?” He’s been seeing a counselor since our big blowout over my visiting Liz.

  He shrugs. He hates talking about his counselor. Annoying.

  “You promised you would always be honest with me,” I remind him.

  “I thought if I moved in nice and slow you would accept it better than me showing up with boxes and boxes of stuff.”

  He’s not wrong. “Is there any stuff left at your apartment?”

  He shrugs. “The furniture. But it’s shit compared to yours.”

  Am I doing this? Am I letting him move in? Pfff. What am I thinking? The man has already moved in and I didn’t notice. I am such an idiot.

  “Fine. We live together now. Whatever. I expect you to start taking out the trash and helping do the dishes.”

  “Precious, who do you think’s been taking out the trash and shoveling the snow for the past two months?”

  He’s got me there. A-freaking-gain.

  “Since we’re finally discussing this, we need to talk about the mortgage and bills.”

  I stand. “Nuh-uh. I’ve had enough of the adult stuff for one morning. We’ll discuss financial stuff tomorrow.” Or never, I think but don’t say. “I have an Easter egg hunt to get to.”

  Grayson studies me for a long minute and I worry he’s going to push it. I check to make sure I have my big girl panties on in preparation for a fight. But, lucky for me, because we all know I’m bound to lose any fight this man starts, he drops it.

  “Why are we going to an Easter egg hunt anyway?”

  “Because it’s fun.” I don’t say duh, but I definitely think it.

  “You do realize they won’t let an adult participate, don’t you?”

  Oh, thee of little faith. Oh, thee of little faith.

  When we arrive at the Easter egg hunt an hour later, Grayson shakes his head at me when he figures out what’s going on.

  “You realize this is cheating, right?”

  “Cheating?” What is the man talking about? “I’m not cheating. I’m helping.”

  And I am helping. I may have a ball while helping, but that’s not the point. The point is I’m helping young mentally challenged children have an awesome Easter.

  “Ms. Langley,” a woman shouts as she rushes to me. “Thank goodness, you’re here. We have some last-minute details to discuss.”

  I roll my eyes. “It’s Suzie, Emily. You call me Suzie. What last minute details? We do this every year; we should have it down by now.”

  “Wait.” Grayson snatches my hand to stop me before I can follow Emily. “You organized this?”

  I blush. He wasn’t supposed to find out! I don’t need to brag about what I do. I don’t do this for me after all. I do it for the kids. In case there’s any doubt, I love kids. And not because I’m a big kid myself. Or at least, my disregard for anything resembling adulting isn’t the only reason.

  Grayson yanks on my hand until I’m in his arms where he squeezes me tight. “I always knew you were hiding a big heart under your sassy mouth but this? You humble me, Precious.” My face goes from a slight blush to code red on fire. “God how I love you.”

  My ears must be deceiving me. He did not just tell me he loves me, did he? I lean away and search his face. His smiling face greets me as if he has nothing to hide.

  “Suzie!” Emily yells to get my attention. The chant is picked up from the group of children waiting for the Easter egg hunt to begin. “Suzie! Suzie! Suzie!”

  “I need to go,” I say and try to conceal the relief on my face. I am not ready to talk about whether he loves me or not. No way, Jose. That particular discussion can wait a while. Like maybe a year or two.

  Grayson isn’t fooled for one minute. He chuckles and pats my ass. “Go. Go find those Easter eggs.”

  Two hours later I’m exhausted as I walk toward Grayson. My knees ache and I think I have a bump on my head. I’m also rethinking giving out prizes for the most Easter eggs found next year. One thing is for sure. I’m wearing protective gear next time.

  “Why are there grass stains on your jeans and leaves in your hair?” Grayson asks as he plucks a leaf from my hair.

  “It was an accident.”

  Accident my ass. I know Denny pushed me on purpose, but when I spun around to confront him, he looked too dang cute with his bottom lip in a pout and batting his eyelashes at me. I couldn’t force myself to yell at him. I am such a pushover.

  “What’s next?” he asks.

  “You can find a chair and relax. Lunch will be ready soon.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I need to help prepare the food.”

  He takes my hand. “Come on then. Let’s go help get lunch ready for the kids.”

  Damn it. He needs to stop being so darn sweet and helpful. How am I going to manage to stop myself from telling him I love him when he is helping out the kids? How?

  Chapter 35

  Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, life’s a bitch and beer’s a must.

  I’m trying really, really hard not to get excited, although it’s difficult. Incredibly difficult. But I refuse to bounce in my seat all excited when we’re driving to Grayson’s hometown to commemorate his best friend’s death. And yes, I realize how fucked up I sound.

  Before you bring out the rocks to stone me, let me explain. I’m not excited we are commemorating Bill’s death. What happened to Bill and how Grayson handled his death is nothing short of tragic. Then, why am I literally sitting on my hands to stop myself from dancing in my seat?

  Because Grayson asked me to accompany him to meet Liz today. Eek! I know he told me he loved me at Easter, but we haven’t talked about it in the two months since then. Not due to lack of trying on Grayson’s part, mind you. He has brought up his love declaration more times than I can count. And I have had an onset of stomach cramps forcing me to rush off to the bathroom every single danged time.

  I expect Grayson to recommend I see an internist any day now. Who am I kidding? The man knows exactly why I rush off each and every time he starts talking about his feelings. Because I’m a big fat chicken. Bwak! Bwak!

  I’m working on it, promise. I’ve been practicing telling him I love him in the mirror for weeks. I have no problem telling the mirror I love it, but whenever I can sense the words coming out of my mouth in the presence of Grayson, I freeze, and panic ensues.

  Hailey would laugh her ass off if she knew how tongue-tied I am around the man. Me? Tongue-tied? I can hardly believe it myself. Good thing my best friend has no idea I forget how to speak when Grayson is around.

  The man himself pulls my hand out from underneath my thigh and places it on his thigh where he laces his fingers with mine. “Don’t be nervous.”

  I’m not nervous. Oh shit, should I be nervous? Now, I am nervous.

  He squeezes my hand. “Thank you for coming with me.”
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  “Of course. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

  I’m not blowing smoke up the guy’s ass. I’m serious. I don’t care where I am as long as Grayson is next to me. I could be hiking through the jungle surrounded by snakes and other creepy crawlers and I’d be fine as long as the man is next to me. And if I had any doubts as to whether I loved the man, those thoughts would have cleared it up.

  I cannot allow my thoughts to go down this path. I am not going to blurt ‘I love you’ out to him while we’re on the way to a cemetery.

  “What’s on the agenda for today?” I ask to get my mind off emotions and feelings and all the icky stuff.

  “First, we’ll meet Liz and little Grayson at the diner. After lunch, we’ll head to the cemetery to see Bill.”

  “Is Bill buried in Merrill?” He nods. “Is there a veteran’s cemetery in Merrill?”

  Unlike Hailey, I didn’t grow up with a father and a bunch of uncles who served in the military. I don’t know much about how these things work.

  “No. Bill wanted to be buried near his family.”

  “His family? Will there be other people there today besides Liz and her son?”

  Now, I am starting to get nervous. Don’t get me wrong. I usually charm the daylights out of families. I’m the fun sidekick after all. But this is a serious occasion. I can hardly laugh and joke and be klutzy when we’re remembering the death of Grayson’s best friend.

  Grayson squeezes my hand. “His family as in his wife and son.”

  I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Good. No family to impress.

  “We’re here,” he announces as he parks his truck in front of an old-fashioned diner. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Liz forgives you for ambushing her.”

  My jaw tenses and I snarl at him. How dare he say those words right before we walk inside to meet her? Oh, he is mean.

  “I’m teasing,” he says as he helps me out of the vehicle.

  I slap his shoulder. “You are not funny.”

  “I’m a little funny.”

  I purse my lips. “Whatever.”

  He chuckles as he takes my hand, and we walk into the diner holding hands. As soon as the door opens, little Grayson shouts and runs to us. “Uncle Grayson!”

  Grayson picks him up and twirls him around. “What’s happening, little man?” he asks when he sets him down.

  “It’s Daddy’s birthday,” he announces with a loud voice causing everyone in the place to look our way. When their eyes catch on the little boy, sympathy blooms in their faces.

  Geez. Does everyone in the town know Liz’s story? I’m not sure I could live in a small town. Oh no. Does Grayson want to move back here since he’s finally dealt with his guilt over Bill’s death? Grayson takes my hand and drags me back into the present. I guess I can worry about stupid stuff like where I’m going to live for the rest of my life later.

  “Liz.” Grayson drops my hand and hugs her.

  While the hug lingers, I kneel down to face her son. “Hi, Grayson. Do you remember me?”

  He nods but moves to hide behind his mom’s leg. I tug on my ear lobes and my tongue pokes out. He giggles, which of course encourages me to make more faces because I’m an adult like that.

  Grayson pulls me to my feet. “You remember Suzie?”

  I smile and wave at Liz and then I ruin everything by opening my mouth. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have ambushed you. It was unfair to you and—”

  She cuts me off when she hugs me. “Thank you. I can never thank you enough,” she whispers.

  Tears gather in my eyes at her sincere words. “Why are you thanking me?”

  “You got him here, didn’t you?”

  I bite my lip to stop the tears from falling. “I’d do anything for him,” I confess in a soft voice.

  She ends the hug but keeps her hands on my shoulders. Her smile is blinding. “You would, wouldn’t you? I’m glad. Make him happy.” She shakes her head as her hands drop. “What am I saying? Keep him happy.”

  A man behind Grayson clears his throat. “Sweetheart?”

  Liz’s eyes light up. “Jerry,” she murmurs before walking around Grayson to greet him. “I thought you couldn’t make it.” Jerry? Who’s Jerry? Is this Liz’s boyfriend? Oh shit, I’m not sure how Grayson will handle his best friend being replaced.

  Jerry’s cheeks darken. “I, um, switched shifts.”

  Liz draws him closer. “Grayson, I’d like you to meet Jerry.”

  Grayson swallows before offering Jerry his hand. “Nice to met you, man.”

  “I’m sorry for your loss,” Jerry says as he engulfs Grayson’s hand with both of his. “And thank you for your service.”

  Grayson coughs and tugs his hand away. “Thanks.”

  “Should we sit?” I ask to try and draw Jerry’s attention away from Grayson who – judging by his inability to look Jerry in the eye – is feeling uncomfortable.

  “And this is Suzie,” Liz introduces.

  I wave and move to take my seat, but Jerry doesn’t let me escape. He enfolds me in his arms. “Thank you.” Geez. What is it with people thanking me today? “Liz missed Grayson. Thank you for bringing him back into her life.”

  I can feel the heat emanating from my cheeks. “I didn’t do anything.”

  Grayson hauls me away from Jerry and helps me into a seat. “You did everything,” he whispers into my ear before taking a seat next to me.

  “Now,” he says in a louder voice, “who’s hungry?”

  “Me!” Little Grayson raises his hand.

  I giggle. “Your mini-me is hungry.”

  Grayson messes with Liz’s son’s hair. “Then, we shall feed him. What do you feel like? Waffles and ice cream?”

  His eyes widen. “You can have ice cream on waffles?”

  I laugh. “Little one, much to teach you we have.”

  To Liz’s credit, he looks at his mom. “Can I, Mom?”

  “Whatever you want, baby.”

  He grins. “It’s Daddy’s birthday. Mom said I can have whatever I want.”

  I tilt my head and tap my cheek as I pretend to study him. “In that case, I think we’re going to need some cake too.”

  Grayson throws his arm around my shoulders. “You are going to be a great mom.”

  I snort. “I’m corrupting the child.”

  He kisses my temple. “No, you are comforting a child who has lost his father on the toughest day of his year.”

  My stupid eyes well with tears again. What is wrong with them? Do I have extra tears or what? “I’m happy to help,” I quip in an effort to tone down this stupid emotional reaction I’m having.

  “You’re a miracle worker is what you are. I can’t wait until you shine your light on our children.”

  “Grayson Eliot Neill, you will not bring up having children with me today!”

  And at least not for a year. Maybe longer. Definitely longer. Much longer. I am not ready to discuss having children with him. Adult Suzie laughs. Wrong. You want those children bad. Shut up, I tell her. This is going to be fun to watch, she says in a voice full of glee.

  Grayson the boy giggles. “You got the middle name treatment. You’re in trouble.”

  I laugh with him. For the rest of the meal, I keep my attention centered on Liz’s son. I’m not ignoring Grayson the man. Seriously, I’m not. And I’m not a liar. Well, maybe a little.

  Chapter 36

  You can’t find happiness at the bottom of a beer. Obviously. Who’s happy when their beer’s gone?

  I sigh as I collapse on the bed in our hotel room that night. Today was exhausting. Not exhausting as in I walked five miles – although we did walk around the cemetery a lot – but mentally exhausting. To my surprise, it was also a fun day.

  Liz and Grayson told a ton of hilarious stories about Bill and how much trouble they got into growing up. Grayson’s mom is a saint to have put up with his shenanigans. How many times can a kid get suspended from high school? Isn’t there a limit?
I should probably feel sorry for all the kids who ended up with frogs and other icky stuff in their lockers, but Grayson says they only targeted kids who were bullies. Bullies suck.

  When Grayson and Jerry stalked off to have a man to man talk, I panicked and rushed after them. Liz held me back. I had nearly bit off all my fingernails by the time they returned. I grabbed Grayson’s hands and checked his knuckles for bruising and blood. To my relief, there was no sign of a fight. Although I’m sure Grayson could cause a man a ton of damage without getting a mark on himself.

  After the cemetery, Liz invited us to her house where we had dinner and cake. Jerry appears comfortable in the house. It’s obvious he’s spent a lot of time there. I kept my eye on Grayson, but he seemed to handle the replacement of his best friend in stride.

  We finally left when it was time for little Grayson to go to bed. But first, he insisted Uncle Grayson read him a story. I may have snuck to the door of the bedroom to watch. My heart about melted when I saw the two of them cuddled up on the bed.

  Grayson lays on the bed next to me and wraps his arms around me.

  “Now, it’s time to talk.”

  I groan. “We’ve been talking all day. Can’t you just rip my clothes off and ravish me?”

  He smirks. “While your idea has merit, we do need to talk.”

  “About what?” I ask all innocent like.

  Grayson chuckles. He doesn’t buy my innocent act. Of course not. It is an act after all. He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I told you something important on Easter and you never responded.”

  I close my eyes and bury my face in his chest. Ugh. His declaration of love is the last thing I want to talk about. “Why can’t we avoid talking about this for a bit longer?”

  He threads his fingers through my hair and tugs my head away from his chest forcing me to look up at him. “I think two months is enough avoidance.”

  “You do?” I wrinkle my brow. “Two months is nothing.”

  His hands tighten on my hair. “Don’t be glib.”

  “But I’m so good at it.”

  “Enough,” he growls. “I know you’re scared.” I bristle. “No. Don’t try to deny it. I know Toby messed your head up to the point you are now afraid I’m going to betray you or some shit.”