Loved by a Soldier: A Military Romance Collection

by Alison Mello

  “Rach?” I hold the dress out to her. The immediate reactive expression on her face answers the silent question before her words do.

  “That’s the one.”

  ***

  The dress is a pale blue that meets my mid-thigh. The sleeves are loose and end at my elbows. There is a thin white belt at the waist, accenting my hips. The back has a crisscross cut out. I finish my outfit with a messy bun, light makeup, pearl earrings, and white wedges.

  Taking a deep breath, I walk up to Reid’s apartment complex, buzzing his room. I wait a few minutes before I’m let in and walk up the steps to the second floor, where Reid is waiting in his threshold.

  He smiles warmly at me and I copy him instantly. Reid wraps an arm around my shoulder, his hand gently gripping the nape of my neck and his lips brushing against the skin below my ear. I practically melt in his embrace, simply enjoying being in his company. “Glad you made it,” he whispers.

  Reid leads me into his apartment. I’m early. I got off work and changed in the Starbucks’ bathroom before heading over. I had texted Reid this morning, asking if it would be all right, and of course, he said yes.

  Rachel and Talen will arrive in an hour, and Reid’s parents won’t make it for another three.

  Reid grabs a beer from the fridge and then a Mike’s Hard Lemonade for me. He unscrews the cap and slides the bottle over the counter. I sip the chilled drink, watching as Reid uses a bottle opener on his MGD beer.

  “I’m going to grill some steaks, make mashed potatoes, and grill corn on the cob. Sound good?” Reid asks, leaning on the counter across from me, taking a swig of his beer. I watch him carefully, every movement and every glance.

  I’m seeing him…as he sees me.

  “Yes. Can I help?” I ask. Reid raises an eyebrow before he shakes his head, a large smile stretching across his face.

  “No, Poppy. You’re here to have a good time. I don’t want you lifting a finger.” I bite my bottom lip, looking down at the counter to avoid his intense gaze. My heart is nearly beating out of my chest.

  Every time, it seems Reid has the same effect on me.

  Will there ever be a day when I can have a conversation with Reid without feeling self-conscious? Without blushing at every little word he speaks?

  “All right. Well, we have about four hours until your parents get here…what shall we do?”

  ***

  “You cheated!” I cry out, glaring across the board at Reid. His eyes are wide with horror.

  “You can’t cheat in the Game of Life, Poppy!” he defends himself.

  “You have the penthouse, two kids, and you’re a doctor! I got the tepee, six kids—they don’t even fit in the car anymore. Some are walking!—and I am a salesperson!” I blame the three Mike’s Hard Lemonades for my sudden burst of confidence, even as I toss my cards at Reid’s head.

  He’s having a field day with this. I have never seen Reid laugh as hard as he is right now. Even though we’re sitting cross-legged on the floor, he is doubled over, laughing his lungs out.

  I sit there watching him as I fight the smile that’s trying to cover the scowl on my face. But eventually, I am laughing with him. It’s hard not to, it’s simply contagious.

  Once we catch our breaths and are able to make eye contact without snickering, I’m able to gather my pathetic cards. “It’s just sad,” I whisper, looking down at the image of the tepee I reside in. How do my six kids live in there? “And to think my husband divorced me too…” I look up at Reid. His lips are pressed together tightly. The skin around his eyes wrinkle and I know he’s laughing. His shoulders are shaking slightly.

  “Your life is just pathetic, Poppy.” Reid shakes his head, looking down at his cards.

  Even though I’m fully aware that Reid is referring to the game, I can’t help but flinch at the accuracy of his words. My life is pathetic. I’ve always known it, but to hear him say it seems to make it a harsh reality.

  I look down at my hands that are in my lap, biting the inside of my cheek.

  “No, Poppy. I didn’t mean—” Reid cuts off, scrambling to his knees as he shuffles his way toward me. He kneels in front of me, sitting back on his feet. His warm hands cup my cheeks, forcing my head up so our eyes meet. “There is not one single thing about you, Poppy Evans, that is pathetic. You don’t know how special you are.”

  “I know you’re talking about the game, Reid. It’s just—she’s been right all these years. I rely on you and Rachel. Without you guys, I’m nobody. And it is pathetic, Reid.” I reach up, pushing his hands away from my face.

  “Stephanie? I swear, if I hear another story about her, Poppy, I’m driving over and not leaving until she understands you’re off-limits. Stephanie is not God. She is not some divinity. What she says is not automatically right. You are so beautiful and I see you without me or Rachel. I see your heart. You’re not pathetic because you’re not engaged or have your whole life figured out. You’re twenty-two, sweetheart. Please, ignore everything she says and listen to what I am telling you. She doesn’t love you, but I do. And I will always tell you the truth.”

  Reid’s whole speech touches my heart. No one has cared so intensely about me before. But the last two sentences really throw me. He couldn’t possibly mean what he said…could he? “You love me?”

  “Poppy, I’ve loved you for so long. I mean it. It’s a relief to finally tell y—” I cut him off by practically launching myself into his arms.

  …I blame the Mike’s….

  Reid catches me, his arms a steel vise around my frame, holding me in his lap. I tuck my head under his chin, my nose pressed into his chest to breathe in his masculine scent.

  I’m not sure if I’m in love with Reid. I know I love him. He’s been an amazing friend and brother figure for many years. It’s hard not to love him. But I am now just beginning to see the start of a different stage with Reid. I’m moving toward having Reid Holt as a boyfriend, so naturally I’m uncertain of my true feelings. But I am elated to know his.

  “Thank you.”

  Reid places a kiss on the top of my head, letting out a soft moan. “Never thank me for loving you, Poppy,” he whispers.

  I am light. Weightless in his arms. I don’t remember the last time I have been so blissfully content.

  I lean back to look into Reid’s shining eyes, holding his gaze briefly until it drops to my lips. I feel my heart race in my chest at the thought of what might come. Reid dips his head forward a few inches before he jerks away at the sound of his door buzzing. I scramble out of his embrace, standing to my feet as he shoots me an apologetic look while he lets our company in.

  ***

  “What exactly did we walk in on?” Rachel asks, sipping her own bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade. I casually drink water, deciding I have allowed alcohol to make enough of my decisions for the night.

  I blush harshly at her question. Rachel and I are sitting on the couch after we put away the game Reid and I had out. We have been talking for a few minutes while Reid begins to fire up the grill with Talen. His parents called and said they managed to leave earlier than expected. They’ll be here in an hour.

  I am beyond nervous to meet them as Reid’s girlfriend. Is that what I am?

  “Nothing,” I whisper, scolding myself for denying another Mike’s.

  Mrs. Holt is going to be ten times worse…Mr. Holt a hundred times. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to make it through the night without burning my face off.

  Rachel giggles beside me but I attempt to ignore her. “What would you say I am?” I ask. Rachel stares at me with a confused expression, shaking her head. “To Reid, I mean. A girlfriend? Love interest? Friend?”

  Rachel barks out an unattractive laugh, making me jump in my seat. “Friend? Please…Poppy, in every sense of the word, you’re his girlfriend. He will ask you officially, just as our parents have taught him. But the way he sees you…you’re his, now.” Rachel smiles proudly and my insides warm at the thought of being Reid’s
girlfriend.

  To think, of all the years I have never paid thought to such a notion. And now, it’s causing butterflies to flit around in my stomach. And I want nothing more.

  “Rachel!” I hear Talen yell from the balcony. She rolls her eyes before she jumps up and runs to the door. I slowly follow after her, walking into the cool evening air to hear laughter.

  Reid is holding a spatula in his right hand as he takes a swig of beer with his other. He’s standing behind the closed grill. Talen is leaning against the balcony railing, his own bottle in his hand with Rachel’s arms wrapped around his waist. Talen’s arm is slung around her shoulders as he places a kiss on the top of her head.

  I blush, remembering the same affection Reid had shown me earlier. I peek at him, to see his smiling face directed at me. I return the smile, stepping out onto the small balcony. Reid sets his beer down and reaches around the grill to grab my hand. He pulls me to him, turning me so my back is against his chest. He wraps an arm loosely around my waist, knowing not to keep me prisoner in his grip. I could easily walk out of his embrace…if I wanted.

  Embarrassed with the sudden display of affection, I risk a look at Rachel to see her shoot me a wink before she begins a conversation with Talen. With their attention preoccupied, I relax against Reid as he opens the grill and flips the steaks.

  Bravely, I grab the spatula from his hand and take over the task. I manage to flip two steaks before Reid snatches it back, his lips at my ear. “You’re not to lift a finger,” he whispers. I bite my bottom lip and I feel Reid smile against my skin.

  “Reid, stop eating her ear,” Talen shouts rather loudly. I jump, stepping out of Reid’s arm, which he drops upon my movement. I peek a look at Talen to see him laughing as Rachel punches his arm.

  “You ruined their moment, idiot!” Rachel growls. Reid chuckles beside me, drinking his beer. I roll my eyes at the three of them.

  Today has been a great day…I finally feel at peace.

  Just as Reid cuts the steaks to check the insides, I hear his buzzer go off. My stomach immediately drops. I meet Reid’s eyes. He’s grinning like the Cheshire Cat while I’m sure I look as if I am about to meet my maker.

  Rachel is already letting them in, leaving the three of us out on the balcony.

  Putting the steaks and corn on a plate, Reid grabs my hand and leads me into the apartment with Talen following behind. I squeeze Reid’s hand tightly and he pulls me into the kitchen, hiding me from view.

  Their parents will be distracted with Rachel and Talen for a moment, allowing myself to mentally prepare.

  Reid drops my hand as he finishes with the mashed potatoes, putting them in a glass bowl. He sets all the food on the kitchen counter, along with beer and Mike’s.

  “Hello!” I hear Mrs. Holt call out and nerves overwhelm me.

  Reid turns me so I am facing him. “Poppy, you’ve been around my parents hundreds of times. They will love you just as much, if not more, after they hear our news. Please, sweetheart, calm down.” Reid’s bright blue eyes are a haven as I look into them. They are so warm and trusting, I can’t help but nod my head. “Good girl.”

  Reid holds my gaze even as his mother enters the kitchen, acting as my strength until I’m pulled into a bone-crushing hug.

  And just like that, all insecurities are gone. In the arms of Mrs. Holt, as with the rest of the Holts, I feel safe.

  Chapter 10

  The Scars

  Reid

  June 4, 2016

  I lean against my kitchen counter when I see Poppy relax within my mother’s embrace. I watch them with a proud smile. Poppy was nervous, no matter how irrational it was, and she overcame it. I’ve always known the brave side of Poppy, the one no one sees. The one that Stephanie has managed to bury deep.

  I plan to dig it back up. Poppy will soon see just how brave, beautiful, and special she truly is. She will learn to ignore the insults thrown her way and resort back to the compliments—the truths—I tell her.

  My mother proceeds to tell Poppy how gorgeous her dress is. I decide to leave them to catch up and go greet my father. He’s talking with Rachel and Talen, his arm around his little girl’s shoulders. My father is a large man, tall and built with intimidation. His hair is jet black and his eyes are very nearly the same color. Rachel and I both take after our mother in every way except I have my father’s mannerisms and Rachel has his nose.

  Lucky her.

  “Reid,” my father says, and I smile, stepping forward to give him a firm handshake.

  “Hey, Pop.” My father was in the Army, and though he is tenderhearted, our grandfather was not. He taught us to call our father “Pop.”

  That’s one of the reasons I never use the nickname for Poppy. One, she will always be my Poppy. Second, it would remind me of my father every time, and quite honestly, I don’t wish to think of him when I’m with her.

  “You look well,” my father says. I nod my head and look over at Rachel, who is grinning from ear to ear. She can hardly contain her excitement.

  “Let’s get our food and sit in the living room. There’s a reason for your visit, after all.” I point to the kitchen, leading the way. Poppy and my mom are still talking, Poppy wearing a wide smile that quickly drops and is replaced with a blush when we make an appearance. I smirk, walking forward to hand Poppy a plate, meeting her eyes.

  I ask her a silent question, are you okay?

  Poppy nods her head and stands in front of me as we all grab a plate full of steak, mashed potatoes, and corn. Poppy grabs another Mike’s and I grab a beer along with a bottle of water. I grab the couch and pull Poppy down beside me, causing my parents to take the loveseat. Talen sits on the La-Z-Boy with Rachel in his lap.

  “Reid, you go first,” Rachel says. I look over at her, frowning.

  I glance at Poppy. I had wanted to ask her formally, before I told my family.

  “Well…I’m being shipped out in January,” I say, setting a gloomy environment in the living room. I hear a clatter of silverware and flinch as I know my mother has just been struck. I seek Poppy’s hazel eyes and find them instantly. They are warm and comforting. “Also…” I grab her hand and slowly lift it to my lips, placing a kiss to her soft knuckles.

  “Finally,” my dad whispers. I smirk when Poppy’s eyes widen and look over at him with shock. “Darlin’, this boy has been gaga for you since senior year of high school.” It is my turn to blush when Poppy quirks an eyebrow. My father chuckles, and I can’t help but pull Poppy into a hug, crushing her to my frame.

  “Excellent. Poppy, welcome to the family,” my mom says.

  Oh, but Poppy has been in the family since Rachel befriended her and I developed a crush. My parents have always been very welcoming of her and have loved her as a daughter. I’m very blessed to have such a warm, loving family.

  “Rachel’s turn,” I mutter, releasing Poppy. She sits up straight and shakes her head, smiling down at the plate in her lap.

  “Well, we were thinking December would be a great time for a wedding, what do you think, Pop?” Rachel asks.

  My father obviously knew about the engagement; Talen had asked his permission just as he had asked mine. This whole gathering is purely for my mother’s benefit.

  “Oh my. Grant, do you hear this! We have a wedding!” My mom is on her feet in an instant, her long blonde hair fanning around her as she elegantly clings to her daughter.

  Talen stands and shakes my father’s hand before gathering Rachel in his arms and kissing her hard. I glance at Poppy to see her watching them, tucking her hair behind her ear. She has a small smile on her lips and her eyes are squinting with happiness.

  This is how it should be. How it will be.

  There will be many Christmases, birthdays, and random gatherings with all the people I love. Everyone is going to be happy. There will be no more tears or anguish. Poppy will smile every day if I have anything to do with it.

  “I’m going to be a grandma!”

  Everyone di
rects their full attention toward my mother, Poppy, my father, and I laughing as Talen and Rachel look completely horrified. “No! Not yet,” Rachel says.

  My mother’s eyes gleam mischievously before she nods her head and holds her hands up in surrender. Poppy giggles, slipping a piece of steak in her mouth, and looks up at me. Her face is red and her eyes are watery with laughter.

  Pure beauty.

  I lean forward, my eyes keeping hold of her own as I touch our foreheads together. I lift my right hand, brush my knuckles along her smooth cheek, and sink my fingers into her hair, which is miserably struggling to stay inside its bun.

  “Did I tell you how beautiful you are?” I whisper, my voice a mere breath. Poppy closes her eyes and I can feel her pulse racing through the contact of my hand against her skin. She shakes her head. “You’re gorgeous, Poppy Evans.”

  I watch her as a sudden tear trails down her cheek. My heart clenches tightly, and I lean away to set my plate on the black end table. I look up at Rachel and make a jerking movement with my eyes. Silently, my sister escorts my family out onto the balcony before I take up my previous position, this time cupping Poppy’s face with both of my hands.

  “You just don’t know,” she whispers, her eyes still tightly closed. I shush her, wanting nothing more than to take away the pain I know is in her heart.

  Some things have happened. Before I met her…and regrettably while I’ve known her. I wish to know what it is. If it’s so bad that she hasn’t even told Rachel…I can only imagine the worst. That’s why I need her to tell me that it’s not. She has to tell me that Gavin didn’t…

  I squeeze my eyes shut tightly and cling to her, my fingers tightening in her thick hair. “It’s all ugly, Reid. Everything.” She motions toward her body, her voice shaky as tears fall freely now. “I’m ruining today. I should go home. You should celebrate with your family.” Poppy pulls out of my grasp, getting to her feet. I stare up at her, a frown pulling my lips down as I watch her walk toward the kitchen to grab her purse.