So Good

by Kayla Carson

  So Good

  Good Intentions Book 2

  By: Kayla Carson

  Acknowledgments

  Editor: Kimberly Reese

  Cover Image: Canstock photo/ artofphoto

  Cover Design: Kayla Carson

  Copyright © 2017 by Kayla Carson

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or

  transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other

  electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher,

  except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other

  noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Chapter 1 Now

  I was trained to handle ISIS. Throw a grenade at me, and I'd dodge it. Aim a rifle at me, and I'd shoot first. From the time I was twenty years old, I had given my life to the army. I could handle anything that the enemy threw at me, but what I wasn't prepared for, was today. Today, my baby sister was marrying my best friend. I had known Wes for nearly ten years, and I would go into battle with him any day. In fact, we did just that a little over a year ago when I found out he was in love with Zoe. He'd proven himself though, and as awkward as it was to watch his hands on my baby sister, I had to give him that. He made her happy, and in the end, that was all that really mattered.

  Our parents passed away when Zoe was only sixteen, so I'd be giving her away today. She had been teasing me endlessly, calling me “father” of the bride. The wedding was being held on the beach, and the entire wedding party was going barefoot. I hadn't seen her dress yet, but I knew whatever she chose would be beautiful. My sister was one of the kindest people I knew, and she and Wes had done great things together by opening up a youth center for troubled kids. It was thriving, and I couldn't have been more proud.

  I adjusted my bow tie in the mirror once more, before heading down stairs to find Wes. He stayed with me last night. Zoe, being worried about bad luck and seeing the bride before the wedding. When I found him, he was leaning against the kitchen counter. He wore a tee shirt, and a pair of boxer briefs, drinking from his coffee cup. “Morning.” He said, raising his cup in my direction.

  “Where the hell's your suit?” I asked.

  “Relax Dad, we've got time.” He joked, draining the rest of his cup and placing it in the sink.

  “You do realize, if you're late to your own wedding Zoe will castrate you right?” I said, putting an emphases on the word castrate.

  “I can handle her.” He said, brushing past me and up the stairs.

  I let out a deep sigh. I hope he knew what he was getting into marrying my sister. She was a spit fire, who didn't take shit from anyone. It was something I'd always admired about her, not that I'd ever admit to that. My phone pinged with a text message, and I pulled it from my pocket checking the screen. Think of the devil, I smirked reading what my sister had sent.

  “Why aren't you here yet? Are you with Wes?”

  “We're on our way.” I lied, knowing any other answer would probably turn her into bridezilla.

  She responded with a smiley face, and I tucked my phone back into my pocket before turning towards the stairs. “She's ready to run!” I called up from the bottom. “You better get your ass in gear!”

  He was down the stairs in mere seconds, with a shocked look on his face. “She what?” He asked, doing up his belt buckle.

  “I'm just fucking with you man.” I said, slapping him on the back. “We need to go though, I already told her we we're on our way.”

  He flipped me the bird, before tucking his own phone into his pocket, and sitting down to tie his shoes. It was a wonder he didn't fall down the stairs he'd just descended. When we were sure we had everything we needed we got into my car, and headed towards the beach. We drove in silence, and I could feel the nerves rolling off of my best friend. “Relax man.” I said, pointing towards the glove box. Giving me the side eye, he opened the compartment, only to laugh out loud when he did so.

  “What don't you have?” He asked, grabbing the bottle of Jack and cracking the top open.

  Before I could answer, he took a nice long swig, quickly returning it to it's place.

  “Nope. That's open intox brother. You better finish it.” I goaded.

  “You want your sister to kill me?”

  “It would make for an interesting reception.” I laughed, but he didn't join me.

  Instead, he locked the glove box and turned his attention to the road in front of us. We were only ten minutes away from the venue, so I pulled a couple of cigars from where my pocket square should have been. “For old times sake?” I asked, tossing one in his direction.

  He smiled, bringing it to his nose. “Shit, I haven't smelled one of these since we were deployed.”

  “You miss it?” I asked.

  “I miss blowing shit up. But the life I have now, with Zoe, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's good brother, you need to get you some good.”

  “You know me. The army is all I'll ever need. She's a mighty mistress, keeps me on my toes.”

  “I never thought I'd be getting married either. Fate's a funny thing.”

  “You know I don't believe in all that mumbo jumbo. Things don't have some greater purpose. They just.. are. We all have one life, and we choose to live it how we wish. The universe, or the cosmos, have no fucking say in it.”

  “Believe what you want. But I never would have found Zoe, if I hadn't come with you.”

  I nodded my agreement, as we pulled the car into an empty parking spot. The small lot was already beginning to fill, and Wes and I were just able to slip inside without being noticed. We had a small building to get ready in before the priest arrived, with two separate entrances. One for the bride's party, and the other for the groom's. It wasn't a large wedding party. It consisted of the best man, and maid of honor of course, and then there was me. I was walking Zoe down the aisle, and I knew she was really missing our father today, so I tried to make sure things went as smoothly as possible.

  “You ready to sign your life away?” Cole asked, slapping Wes on the back.

  “Absolutely.” He said.

  With one last handshake, Wes headed out to the beach to wait for Zoe. Cole was paired with the maid of honor, a friend Zoe worked with named Marcie, and as for me, I had a bride to walk down the aisle. I found Zoe sitting on a bench in her dressing room. Her veil was flowing down her back, and when she stood to greet me, I couldn't help but smile. She looked beautiful in her dress. It was strapless, and fitted in the bodice, with intricate beading throughout. And it flowed down around her ankles in a way that would make it dance in the wind as she walked.

  “They're playing our song.” I said, pointing to the speaker in the ceiling. “You still have time to run, just say the word.” I teased.

  She slapped me playfully on my chest, and I pulled her against me for a hug. “Te amo, Hermana.” (I love you, sister.)

  “Yo tambien te amo.” (I love you too.)

  When Zoe's arm looped in mine, it was me who took a deep breath. I knew she wasn't a little girl anymore, and I knew Wes would protect her with his life, but it was still a bittersweet moment. Her veil hung over her face now, hiding her expression from his. But the expression he wore, was all I needed as reassurance. He had tears in his eyes, and anyone who knew Weston Granger, knew he didn't cry.

  I released my sister, placing her hands in his, before taking my place beside her. I watched as he lifted her veil, mouthing the words “I love you” as the preist began the ceremony. When he got to the part about objections, I opened my suit jacket. I always carried, and the guests laughed, when I gestured to my gun. Zoe, rolled her eyes before returning her gaze back to the man she would now cal
l husband, and for the first time, I wondered if Wes was right.

  I glanced around at the guests, noting most of them were couples. They were holding hands, whispering contently, even snuggling together, just watching in bliss. For the last six years I'd given my life to the army, and as much as I enjoy what I do, it's a lonely life to live, especially when you don't have anyone to come home to. For the first time, I found myself wishing for some of that good.

  Chapter 2 Then

  “Zoe, don't argue with me today alright. I get it, your sixteen, not six, but you cannot wear that dress to school today.” I said for the third time this morning, and also for the third time this morning, I was flipped the bird. Our parents had been gone for six months, and while Zoe and I had gotten into a new sense of normalcy, I wasn't exactly what you would call a father figure. I was eighteen, and had no idea what to do with my life. I'd graduated high school, and my only goal now was to make sure that Zoe did the same. Letting Zoe go into foster care wasn't an option. I obtained legal guardianship of her, and the rest was history.

  I knew she was still mourning our parents, as was I, but the attitude from a sixteen year old girl wasn't something I was prepared to deal with. The eight hours a day that she was in school was the only time I felt at peace. And then there was Evangeline. We had been friends since we were kids, and she was the only person who stuck around after my parents died. She brought over food, and even taught me to cook a few simple meals. I was grateful to have a friend, and she was grateful to get out of her house. Evie was the main reason I didn't want Zoe in foster care. I'd seen the bruises, and the dark circles under her eyes. It broke my heart seeing her that way.

  “Happy now?” Zoe asked, when she came bounding down the stairs in a pair of jean shorts.

  “Open your backpack.” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

  “Seriously!” She said, stomping her foot and rolling her eyes, before removing her backpack and tossing it at me.

  I caught it with an umph, and checked inside. It wouldn't be the first time she tried to sneak a different outfit inside only to change once she got to school. Satisfied that I'd won this round I tossed the bag back to her. “You better get going, or you're going to be late.” I said tossing her the keys to our mother's car.

  “Thanks.” She said, before letting me hug her goodbye.

  We were close, and even more so now that we'd lost our parents. You never knew how much time you truly had in life, and for that reason, we decided to never let each other feel alone. It was a silly promise, but one that I held onto. I was terrified, but I couldn't let her know that. For her, I was steel, and kryptonite, all at once. I watched her pull out of the long driveway, and let out a slow, deliberate breath before reaching into my back pocket to dial Evie.

  She answered on the second ring, and I smiled. “Morning.”

  “Morning stranger.”

  “You wanna meet for breakfast?”

  “Could I just come over there?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “See you soon.”

  “See you soon.”

  Looking around the kitchen, I quickly realized what a mess it was and began tossing all the dirty dishes into the dish washer. I ran through the house grabbing dirty laundry off the floor, and shoving random things into the hall closet. I don't know why I was nervous, it was only Evie. When I was sure the house was somewhat presentable, I ran upstairs to jump in the shower.

  I had just made it to the bottom of the stairs when the door bell rang, and I half jogged to answer it, still pulling my tee shirt over my head. “Sorry.” I laughed, taking in Evie's expression. “I needed a quick- what's wrong?” I asked, studying her face more carefully this time. Before she could answer, tears began to fall from her eyes, and I pulled her inside, and into my arms in an attempt to comfort her. “Evie.. talk to me.” I whispered.

  Pulling away, she slid her sweater from her shoulders, and let it fall to the floor. Arms trembling, she turned them over to reveal small round burns on her upper forearms.

  “What happened? Who did this to you?” I asked with more anger than I intended.

  “I forgot to wash his work clothes, so.. he punished me. A burn for every pair of pants I'd forgotten. He said next time, it will be worse. Jake, I didn't know where else to go, I just I needed to talk to someone.”

  “I'll fucking kill him.” I said, reaching around her for the door. “Stay here.” I said with bite.

  “Jake no!” She all but screamed, blocking my way. “Think about Zoe! They'd take her away.” She sobbed.

  “Alright. Alright.” I said, pulling her into my embrace in an attempt to comfort her. “What can I do?”

  “Just.. this.” She whispered.

  I nodded against her head, kissing the top of it, before leading us both to the couch to sit down. I held her there while she cried, her body shaking against mine, wanting nothing more than to bust out of that door, and over to her foster family's house, but knowing this is where she needed me. “One more month right?” I asked, in a soothing tone. “You'll be eighteen, and you'll be out.”

  “I'm sorry.” She said easing away from me, and sitting up. “You're my only friend Jake.”

  “And you're mine.” I said with a small shrug. “You want to eat?”

  She laughed, nodding enthusiastically. Evie loved food, and I loved watching her. She had a passion for cooking, and even her grilled cheese sandwiches tasted better than anything I ever could have made. We sat across from one another eating our impromptu breakfast and laughing like we always did. Everything was so easy Evie, and I wished that the rest of my life could be that way.

  “How's Zoe?” She asked, around a bite of her toast.

  “Pushing every limit known to man kind. I'll tell you one thing, I'm never having kids.” I joked.

  “Never?” Evie asked, arching a brow. “I'm sure having your own kids would be entirely different. I want at least four.” She smiled, laughing at my facial expression. “I never had a mom and dad growing up, I'd like to think that I could give that to someone else.”

  I nodded in understanding. “You will.” I said, reaching across the table to grip her hand. “Have you thought about what you want to do when you move out?”

  “I got accepted to USC, and with my poor girl scholarship I should cover all expenses including the dorm room.”

  “Don't call it a poor girl scholarship Evie, you've worked hard to get where you are. How you mange a 4.0 every year with everything that goes on at home is beyond me.”

  “What about you?” She asked shrugging her shoulders, and changing the subject.

  “I'm going to keep working at the supermarket until Zoe's eighteen, and then I've been thinking about enlisting. I just need to get away you know, clear my head. Find something to keep busy. I think it will be good for me.”

  “The army? Wow.” She said, pulling her hand away.

  “Hey it isn't for another two years, and besides I'll be home all the time to visit.” I assured her.

  “It's a big step. But I can see you doing it. It suits you.” She smiled.

  “What about you? You'll be doctor Evangeline Perez.”

  “Yea in about seven years.” She joked, taking a sip from her Pepsi.

  “It'll be worth it.” I said, sincerely. “It will all be. Everything we've gone through will eventually be worth it. Right?”

  “I have to believe that it will be.”

  Chapter 3 Now

  The DJ announced the couple's first dance, and I watched as Wes spun my baby sister around in the sand. The entire beach was full of solar lights, and Christmas lights were strung from the chairs. It was a beautiful night, and a beautiful wedding. As sad as I was to be officially losing Zoe, I was also grateful. She had a tough time after losing our parents, and she deserved to be happy.

  When the song finished, other couples began to fill the space in the sand. I sat, and watched as they all swayed to the music. I smiled, and laughed, when an older couple did
a dramatic dip. That would be Zoe someday, but it wouldn't be me. I never had time for any kind of relationship other than a sexual one, and there was only ever one girl that I truly cared about.

  Evie Perez, my best friend as a teen, but I haven't seen her in two years. She was on her last year of residency, and was probably living her dream by now. She was the only person I could truly be myself around, I wasn't exactly a sociable kid, and she pulled me out of my shell just by being her. Night's like this, made me realize how much I truly missed her.

  A tap on my shoulder, shook me from my thoughts as I starred up into my sister's big brown eyes. “Dance with me?” She asked, with a smile.

  “Of course.” I smiled back, standing, and taking her hand in mine. “You look beautiful.” I said, when I was holding her on the dance floor.

  “Thank you.” She sighed, looking around at her guests. “You know, I have a few single friends here tonight.. I'd be happy to hook you up.”

  “Zoe.” I warned, making her roll her eyes.

  “Alright.” She said, giving up for now, and allowing me to lead her around in the sand.

  The song had only been over for a matter of seconds, before Wes was stealing her away from me again. I gladly dodged the blind date bullet, and slipped away towards the open bar. Grabbing a beer, I took a seat on the bar stool, and took a long pull from my bottle.

  “Mind if I join you?” A familiar voice asked.

  “Why not.” I said, patting the stool beside me.

  Cole took the seat I offered, and grabbed a beer of his own. He was Wes' foster brother, and served as best man in the wedding today. He had become like a brother to me as well, especially after what happened last year. Zoe was kidnapped by Wes' crazy ex foster sister Vanessa, and Cole, was almost destroyed. He'd been turned into a drug kingpin, and locked in jail, all because Wes left a foster home they shared without her. To be fair, he didn't know she wanted to come along, but in her eyes, he did. Cole saved all of our lives that day, and even though I always thought he was a bit of a fuck up, he earned my respect.