“Lots of cars are here today,” I say.
“Clients,” Chris says quickly.
I nod, making sure I’m walking straight, because the least bit of uneven ground is making me unsteady.
“You want a coffee?” I ask.
“Sure.”
“Then you can tell me what has got you talking in one-word answers.”
Chris rolls his eyes and smiles. “We’ll see.”
Chris opens the house door and I walk in steadier than I have in what feels like forever. My next goal is to get rid of these damn sticks.
“Surprise.” The room erupts into cheers and laughter.
“What is this?” I look around my family, Clay’s family, Shawland Security, and even Josh’s mum and dad.
Arms circle around my waist and Chris elbow bumps me and walks forward toward the gathering of people.
“What are you up to, Clay Shawland?”
Clay turns me in his arms and places hands on my cheeks. “I’ve never loved another person as much as I love you. Finding out you were missing the first time crucified me, but the second time very nearly killed me. I can’t live without you, Short stuff. I don’t want to live another day without you by my side. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, making memories, spending all the time we have together. I love you. I always have. I always will. Nothing will ever tear you away from me again. Shay, will you be my wife?”
Tears roll down my cheeks. Clay has never been the type to divulge his feelings, but since I’ve been back, he’s never let one moment go by without telling me how he feels, and I love him for that.
“What do you say, Short stuff?”
“Yes. Absolutely.” I’m lifted into his arms and thrown around in circles. The room erupts into cheers and wolf whistles.
“Disappointed, bro. You should have been down on one knee,” Caleb jokes.
Clay drops to one knee, takes out the box from his pocket and places a beautiful diamond on my finger. “I’ve never been the type to do things in the right order, but I’ll spend the rest of my life loving you.”
He stands up to his full height, kisses me softly, and rests his head against mine.
“I love you, Clay.”
“I love you too, babe.”
“You two make a stunning couple, but I can’t wait to see your beautiful babies.” Josh’s mom embraces me and Clay together.
“How is Josh? He still won’t see me.”
It kills me that Josh is pushing us away, but I’m happy he’s getting the help he needs in the hospital.
“He’s got a long road ahead of him, sweetheart. He’s only seen us once since he woke up. Don’t think it’s anything against you. He cares deeply about you.”
I squeeze her hand gently. “In the meantime, don’t forget where we are. I want to keep in touch with you.”
“I will. The best news is that… monster has been charged and remanded in custody. Bail was refused. We couldn’t ask for better news.”
I nod. “Caleb has been keeping us informed about the case. It was good to hear. The president is sending out a team of trusted soldiers to track down the camp and close it. I can only hope that we’ll get many soldiers home where they belong. However, a part of me feels sorry for Michaels wife and kids. This isn’t ever going to be over for them.”
“We’ll all pray for our American soldiers, my dear. But don’t you concern yourself about that monster’s family. I’m sure they’ll have a lot of help and support from family and friends. Now, go and celebrate with your future husband. You have a fabulous family.”
“Yeah, they’re not too bad.” I smirk cheekily. “I’ll come back and speak to you in a little while.
Before I walk into the heart of the living room, Clay lifts me off my feet and walks us out to the porch where we’re all alone. He lowers me down until I’m sitting on his swinging canopy. A place I like to sit at night and read.
Clay sits beside me, and I rest into his side, laying my head on his chest.
“I dreamed many times that we’d finally come out of the other side alive and well, but I never thought it would happen. I have you and your brothers to thank for that.”
“You don’t need to thank us, honey. We’ve got you home, Josh is in therapy, and the president is working to get this camp closed. I’d say that that’s a positive outcome. Now, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving you.”
“I can’t wait to be loved by you, Clay. It took us long enough to get here, but we finally made it… together.”
Clay leans down and places a kiss on my forehead. Right here, right now, everything is good. We all have a long way to go to be normal again, but I’ve learnt that when you have family and friends by your side, you’ll get through anything. This is just the beginning for us all, but as the days, weeks, and months pass, we’ll only become stronger.
Read on for a small chapter of book 3, which is Chris and Josh’s story.
Shawland Security: Book 3
Chapter 1
Josh
Lying in a hospital bed in my own country should feel euphoric, but I have so many thoughts running around my head. I’m damaged goods. I’ve spent so long acting for the enemy that I don’t feel like myself. My shoulder will heal, my injuries from the past year have healed, but my mind is another thing. I don’t think I’ll ever feel like me again. I’ve lost so much from my time in captivity.
“Morning, Josh,” says Clara, the cheery nurse who greets me every morning.
She’s too cheery for me. I want to just get out of here, but between my mom, dad, and the doctor at Chicago General, they thought this rehab facility a few miles away from where my parents live would be good for me.
“Morning.” I dryly acknowledge her, because the longer I sit in this pity party, the longer I’ll be kept here.
“How was breakfast?”
“Good.”
It was edible. I don’t want to tell her that any food is good after you’ve been stuck with the enemy, living from slops.
“How about a shower before your physical therapist comes in to do work on your shoulder?”
I sigh. “Look. I know you mean well, but I’m a big guy. I can shower myself. I can make the decision to walk in that bathroom and get myself washed.”
“I-I…” she stutters. “I’m sorry. Can I help you with anything?”
“No. I’m good.”
“Okay then. Just call if you need anything.”
I nod.
The door closes behind her and I take in a deep breath and lean my head against the pillows. I’ve spent so long being dictated to, I’ll be damned if I’m going to be told when I need to shower now.
I throw the blanket back and sigh. I’m pissed off that I can’t just laze around and get up in my own time. Saying that, I’m pissed off with everything lately.
I pick up the cell from the table that my mom and dad left for me. I’ve had several missed calls from Shay daily. I know I should see her, but I can’t, not right now. I need time to get my head straight before I socialize.
The cell vibrating in my hand startles me, but Shay’s name flashes on the screen. I take in a few deep breaths and bang the cell on the table.