Chapter 67

“Edward?”

“Yeah?”

“What’s this all about?”

“Nothing really,” Ward lied.

“Didn’t things go all right with dropping off Addy?” His mother sounded concerned.

“Oh, it went great. The boys are real happy. Addy’s doing great. No accidents so far,” Ward said, trying to make his voice sound lighthearted. “Listen, I need to get back to Tyler and the boys.”

“All right. Tell them I’m glad Addy has such a good home.”

“Bye. Love you,” Ward said, again trying to sound bright and chipper.

“I love you, too,” his mother replied. The line went dead.

Ward turned to face the group, who stood looking at him. “Um,” he said. “Just a little problem at home I needed Joe to help me with. But I couldn’t get him. Nothing to worry about.”

Eddie and Jack went back to playing with the puppy.

Tyler approached. Ward could tell Tyler hadn’t bought his dismissing the little problem at home as nothing to worry about.

Ward shrugged and said, “I put my reenlistment letter in the mailbox before I came over here. I guess the mail’s been picked up.”

“Oh,” Tyler said, letting out a long breath. “What does that mean?”

Ward shrugged again. “I’m not sure. At the bottom of the form there was a line that said commitment signature. I signed it. I don’t know if that means it’s a done deal or not.”

Tyler took another step toward Ward and put both hands on Ward’s shoulders.

“I’m sorry,” Ward said. “I didn’t think we had a chance of working this out. I figured it would be better for us not to be in each other’s faces every day. I put the letter in the mailbox cuz I knew I’d chicken out once I saw you.”

“It’s my fault,” Tyler said. “I was the one who pushed you away, didn’t give us the chance to work through this. Do you think it’s possible for you to go to the recruiter in Westbrook and say you changed your mind?”

“I didn’t send it to Westbrook. I sent it to the national recruiting office.”

Tyler pulled Ward into a tight hug. Ward lay his head on Tyler’s shoulder. What had he done? In his hurt and heartbreak he’d acted rashly once more. Now he might well be back in the army and his dreams of a life with Tyler would be put on hold.

He looked at the boys playing with Addy on the floor. Addy would probably be grown by the time he’d see her again, and he’d miss a couple years of the boys growing up. Eddie and Jack were his boys now, as well as Tyler’s. He’d heard how hard it was to miss your kid’s growing up from the married guys with whom he had served. Now he understood. Ward closed his eyes tightly as if that would block out the reality of what he had done.

His phone rang. He and Tyler separated and Ward pulled the phone from his pocket. “Hello”

“Hey, big brother,” came Joe’s voice. “Mom says you wanted a favor. What can I do you for?”

“Nothing now.” Ward said. “It’s too late. The mail’s already been picked up.”

“Well, it’s true the mail’s come, but there wouldn’t be anything in the mailbox for ‘em to pick up.”

Ward shook his head sadly. “Yeah, there was. I put the letter to the recruiter in before I left to bring Addy over to Tyler’s.”

“Why’d you do a dumb thing like that?” Joe asked chuckling.

“It’s not funny,” Ward snapped. “Tyler and I are working things out, and now I messed it up by reenlisting.”

“Yeah, you would of messed up royally if the mailman had got his hands on the letter.”

“Huh?” Ward grunted. “What do you mean? I put it in the mailbox.”

“Yep, you did. I saw you. And as soon as you were outta sight I went and took it out. I had a feeling you’d regret mailing it.”

Ward’s mouth dropped open. For a moment all he could do was blink stupidly at Tyler, who was still standing in front of him, brow furrowed.

Then Ward said, “Joseph Eldon Cartwright, I could kiss you!”

Joe laughed. “Shit! Ya can save that for your boyfriend. What should I do with the letter?”

“Tear it up, burn it. Just get rid of it!”

“Done,” Joe said. “We’ll talk about compensation for me saving your sorry ass later. Mom’s got dinner ready. Say hi to Tyler and the boys for me. Bye.”

Tyler was looking expectantly at Ward.

“Joe took the letter out of the mailbox,” Ward said, relief spreading through him.