Someday Never Came

Chapter Twelve

After settling in, the four of us make our way into the living room. I listen to what has to be hours of their military stories. Some are tales of each of their basic training experiences, while others were of the men they had lost in their last overseas deployment once they had been stationed together. They tell me tales of heartache and tribulations, but they also tell stories of honor, duty, and brotherhood—not just among the three of them, but of all the other men and women in their units.

As Wyhtt’s telling a story, I can see just how much my boys have changed over the years. I can see they’re affected not only by what they witnessed, but the acts they committed in the name of protecting our nation. I want to know more; I want to know what made the boys I once knew into the men now surrounding me, but that is information that needs to be given freely on their own terms, so I don’t push.

Jensen, however, is oddly quiet as Wyhtt and Grayson recount their stories. I wonder if he would tell me his experiences if I asked, or if he would shut down like he appears to be now. His eyes stare blankly ahead, glazed over as if he were somewhere else but in his own living room. As Wyhtt and Grayson start arguing over dinner, I move to sit beside Jensen, gently nudging his leg with mine.

“You good?” I ask softly.

A sad smile accompanies his one-word response. “Yeah.”

I nudge him again. “You lie.” I state simply, careful not to put him on the defensive.

“Promise, I’m fine, Serenity. It’s good to know you still care though.” He gives me a playful wink. I’m still searching his features for whatever truth may have been in those words when he continues, “I am fine, just tired. I might crash early.” He sighs, stretching out his long legs.

“Already?” I whine as he stands, preparing to go.

“Well, unless you wanna join me?” He winks again. I roll my eyes and flip him off as the dinner debate gets louder.

“Fine,” Wyhtt snaps, squaring his shoulders and putting his hands on his hips. “Just know you are a toddler.”

“Wyhtt thinks we need to order Chinese takeout because cooking at home is not good enough I guess.” Grayson catches me up on their conversation, clearly looking for an ally.

“Sounds good to me.” I grin. After the slight jet lag and drama at the airport, cooking was the last thing I wanted to do. Carbs sounded like the perfect remedy for the day I’d had.

“See, S wants it too, not just me.” Wyhtt grins triumphantly. His bright green eyes crinkle at the corners.

“Whatever,” he replies, throwing his hands up in defeat. “But you’re paying for it.” Grayson glares at Wyhtt, yet he too has a hint of a grin.

“Fine by me, calling it in now.” As Wyhtt leaves the room with his cell in hand, Grayson turns to me.

“How did you handle growing up with both of them?”

“It wasn’t too bad.” I chuckle. “They were only pains in my ass on days that end in Y.”

Jensen nudges me with his elbow before leaning to whisper in my ear. “My door is open if you change your mind about sleeping in your old room.” He playfully nips at my ear. I swat him away but can’t help the giggle that escapes me. Grayson lifts an eyebrow in question at us before Jensen answers with a smirk. “I was telling her not to sneak into my room later for a late-night booty call. I am more than a six-pack of abs you know, Serena. Shame on you.” His chuckle follows him as he wishes the others goodnight.

“Bastard!” I yell after him as I plop back on the couch.

“Couldn’t think of a more fitting name?” He shouts back. “Goodnight, Serenity.” With that, the sexy asshole is gone.

“Food is ordered. Should be here soon.” Wyhtt says, collapsing on the couch next to me, positioning his head to be in my lap. Light green eyes look into my own before his dazzling smile appears. “For what it’s worth—I never let him live down how he left, but damn am I glad you are here now.” I run my fingers affectionately through his strawberry blond curls.

“Missed you too, Wy.”

“So, beach tomorrow?” He asks, forever the upbeat goofball I love.

“Can’t, I have to go into town first. No clothes remember?”

Wyhtt rolls his eyes. “Just use your old stuff.” His tone is definitive, as if I should know what he is talking about.

“What old stuff?” I ask.

“Jensen still has all your old shit, held onto it like a pack rat. He wouldn’t let anyone go near it during renovations. It’s basically a shrine to the teenage version of you.” he finishes, stretching out so I can continue running my fingers through his hair.

“He kept it all the same?” I refuse to acknowledge the fluttering of my heart in my chest.

“Yeah, I think he did a few small updates . . . light fixtures and a fresh coat of paint . . . but that’s about it.”

I couldn’t help smiling, there was no hiding it even if I tried. “I can’t believe he didn’t change it.” My tone betrays me, despite the fact I’m trying to sound unfazed.

“Yeah, I can tell you are real torn up over it. You seem truly devastated.” Grayson remarks, cutting into our conversation, which earned him a crude gesture in response. Yeah, I like Grayson.

“So, beach?” Wyhtt repeats, pulling my attention back to our original conversation. “Then I promise to take you into town the day after for shopping.”

“Deal! Firework shopping is included, right?” I ask, matching Wyhtt’s energy. “Can’t have the fourth of July without fireworks.”

“Duh,” he answers in big brother fashion. Buzzing from his cell alerts us to our driver pulling in. Removing his head from my lap, he jumps over the back of the couch and races to the door. Moments later he reappears with an ungodly amount of Chinese food in his arms. “Food’s here!”

“Why did you order so much?” Grayson asks, shaking his head in disbelief as Wyhtt lays all the food out on the table. Without hesitation, he begins ripping into the bags.

“‘Cause I can, bitch!” He says, stuffing an egg roll into his mouth.