8. Fourth of July
8
FOURTH OF JULY
T he fourth of July dawned bright and full of potential. Brandon opened the shop for a few hours in the morning but closed by noon. He almost hated to flip the closed sign because he had been so busy, but he didn’t want to miss a chance at spending time with Summer.
He hadn’t talked to her at church, but he had come to a decision while observing her from his pew. She had looked beautiful in the sundress and jean jacket—and so much like the old Summer he remembered—that it was hard to stay away. However, he could tell she was overwhelmed by the people who stopped to chat with her. While he wished to hold her, maybe even whisk her away, he gave her space instead.
Why? Because he realized he wanted her in his life no matter what. If that meant as friends only, he’d take it. Knowing she was in town to stay had already made him happier than he’d been in a long time. Perhaps that wouldn’t be enough in the long run, but for now, he would be content to rebuild their friendship. Brandon knew she needed a friend more than anything.
There had been a moment at church when they locked gazes. Summer’s eyes had begged him to tell her everything would be okay. He silently sent positive thoughts to her for the entire hour. After the sermon, she slipped away during the prayer, and he let her go. But today, he would show Summer he could support her without crowding her.
The Fletchers and Blakelys had been friends for as long as Brandon could remember. Perhaps that’s why it was inevitable that he fell in love with Summer. They often gathered for the town events together and shared the experience. The Fourth of July was no exception. They always found a spot on the beach close to the band and set up their chairs and coolers.
Brandon swung by his parent’s house and helped his mom load their car with food. He headed to the beach to find a good spot before it got too crowded. There were already lots of families enjoying the water and the sunshine. Going early had become a tradition, and the city council started hosting games for the kids at the top of each hour.
There were races on land and in the lake. Impromptu sand castle wars popped up throughout the day, but nothing official. Anything related to food happened at the square or one of the food trucks. It was always fun, but it meant someone had to stay at the beach for hours before the fireworks show to save the spot.
Brandon spread out three blankets and weighed them down with the folded chairs for later in the night. He took off his shoes and wondered who would join him first. Would it be some of his family, or would Summer come early? He hoped for the latter but didn’t hold his breath. She still acted skittish around him.
After thirty minutes of people-watching and baking in the sun, Brandon removed his shirt and headed for the water to cool off. He swam out to the floating dock and hauled himself on top to lay there soaking in the sunshine. After some time, he heard the gentle sounds of someone swimming close. Fearing it was a group of kids trying to sneak up on him, he sat up to find Summer floating by the ladder. She wore a long-sleeved swim-T instead of a traditional swimsuit.
“Hey,” she said.
“You’re here,” he replied .
“Yeah. Austin didn’t need me for the afternoon, and after being busy for the last week and a half, I got bored. Can I join you?”
That was a stupid question, but he didn’t say that. Instead, he waved at the space beside him. “Anytime you want.”
Summer grabbed the top of the ladder and pulled herself onto the rungs. Her shirt matched the swim shorts that fell mid-thigh. While it was more fabric than a swimsuit, it clung to her curves and stole his breath. She was a beautiful woman in every way.
She sat beside him and put her hand over a spot on her left leg. It was an awkward position and drew his attention. Jagged pale skin peeked from under her fingers. The color didn’t match the rest of her leg, and he realized they were spots where she’d had a skin graft or maybe where they’d harvested skin. He wasn’t sure, but he hated that she tried to hide it.
He reached over and shifted her fingers. Summer jumped and slammed her hand back down over the scar.
“You don’t have to hide from me,” Brandon whispered. “You can relax and just be you. This is part of you now. Don’t be ashamed of it.”
“I’m not,” she said with an uplift of her chin.
“Then why cover it up?”
She shrugged but slowly moved her arms to a more natural resting place. Then she lay down and stared at the sky.
“You don’t have to notice everything, you know,” she said in a low voice.
Brandon followed her example and lay down as well. “I can’t help it. You’re all I’ve been able to see since our first ski camp. I mean, you were around before, but that winter was the first time I really looked.” He stretched his arm enough so that his fingers brushed hers, and she didn’t move away. They lay quietly for several minutes, barely touching each other, and then Brandon said, “You look happier after a week roaming the lake and mountain with Austin. I’m glad you took the job.”
“I am, too. Thanks for sending Ellie. I would have said no if anyone else had asked. ”
Brandon laughed. “Is that so? What did Ellie do that others wouldn’t have?”
“Well, she was so energetic, and I got the sense she wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“Other people can be that way.”
“But Ellie has these big doe eyes that stare at you innocently, even though she’s pulling you around to where she wants you.”
“True. Still, you could have said no, but I’m proud of you for leaving that house and rejoining our community.”
“Thanks. Brandon, can we lie here and not talk?”
“Yep.”
Summer’s heart beat like crazy. She had planned to work all day and show up at the last minute for the fireworks, but Austin had sent her home by lunchtime. Then her mom kicked her out of the house with an order to get reacquainted with Sugar Creek properly, not just the wilder areas surrounding the town.
She would have strolled around the square and called it good, but Griff was incredibly pushy. He even resorted to dragging his charred body along the sidewalk beside her. The gruesome image almost destroyed her. She climbed into her car and yelled at him until a family paused to ask her if she was okay. Knowing she looked certifiable, she drove away and headed for the beach, begging Griff to change his appearance or leave her alone. He said he’d go when she was with Brandon.
Summer was picking her way through the crowd when Brandon left his blanket for the water. She watched him swim out to the floating dock with confident strokes. She couldn’t believe the dock was empty at the moment. Usually, the teenagers claimed it for themselves, but it looked like Brandon would enjoy some quiet until she joined him .
She put her bag by Brandon’s, kicked off her shoes, and shimmied out of the pants she wore over her swim shorts. Then she sank into the wonderfully cool lake. She took her time swimming to the dock, wondering what she would say when she arrived.
Brandon sat up as soon as she reached the ladder. His eyes zoomed in on her, and she trembled in the water. Needing time to calm her mind, she said hi or something. Her mouth was operating on autopilot while her brain tried to regain control. Like every time she’d seen him since returning to Sugar Creek, Brandon did everything possible to help her relax.
That’s how she found herself beside him, with the sun beating down on them and the gentle lap of the water slapping the dock. Lake Champlain always had a breeze, which cooled her enough to lay there for a long time, especially since he had agreed not to talk. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to tell him everything. She didn’t know how to start or how much to say. More importantly, she didn’t know if she was ready.
They had been lying there long enough to feel hot and sweaty again when Brandon sat up.
“I’m going to cool off. Be back.”
He dove off and swam underwater for thirty feet before popping back up. Brandon shook the water from his hair before turning around and doing the breaststroke back. Everything felt so normal. It could have been any summer day from before their senior year.
Brandon didn’t use the ladder but pulled himself out of the water and onto the platform with his glorious muscles. That said something because she knew it was almost two feet above the waterline.
This day wasn’t like those from years ago because Brandon didn’t have the sculpted chest, shoulders, and arms that he did now when they were teens. And there were water droplets in his beard.
They had both changed. Brandon might think he was still in love with her, but he needed to know how she was different. And she was the only one who could tell him.
“Are you going to cool off?” he asked.
“Yep,” she squeaked and ran past him. Instead of diving in like he did, she performed a cannonball. She hoped her splash reached him but didn’t turn to see if it did.
Summer lay on her back and allowed her body to drift. The water buoyed her, cooled her heated skin, and calmed her heart. When she felt ready, she returned to the dock. Brandon was lying on his stomach this time, so she did, too.
“Brandon?”
“Yes, sweetheart?” He turned his head so he could meet her gaze.
Summer’s stomach fluttered. He shouldn’t have called her that or looked at her as if she were his whole world—at least not until she’d told him everything. She’d missed that sweet word on his lips, though.
“When did you grow a beard?” she asked.
He grinned and rubbed his fingers over it, essentially ridding it of the sparkling drops of water. “I grew it out in November and decided I liked it. So, I kept it.”
“Oh.”
“Do you hate it?” he asked.
Summer tried not to overthink how her thoughts on the subject would matter to him. Instead, she shrugged. “No. It’s taking some time to get used to it.”
He nodded, and then his brow wrinkled. “Is it weird to say I’d shave it if you wanted me to?”
Summer laughed. “Yes, it is.”
“Okay, then I won’t say it.” He reached over and took her hand, intertwining their fingers. “What else should we talk about? I’ll listen to anything you want to share.”
The familiar symptoms of anxiety prickled under her skin. “What do you mean?”
“I’d like to get to know who you are now,” he said. “Plus, I’ve always heard that talking about the things that bother you is helpful.”
Summer squeezed his hand with relief. The building pressure on her chest lightened, and she could breathe easier. “I have a therapist that I talk to on the phone every week. Can we just be quiet together? That was nice earlier.”
“Sure thing, but I meant it when I said you don’t have to hide from me. Your scars and memories are all a part of who you are. I want them all, but only when you’re ready.”
That overwhelming feeling of love and heartache hit Summer hard, and she couldn’t help but tear up. She blinked the moisture away, and not a single drop fell from her eyes.
“You’re too good for me, Brandon.”
“Not even close.”
They lay on the dock, occasionally jumping into the lake to cool their bodies, for at least an hour before Brandon spoke to her again.
“Summer, we should head to shore. You don’t have any sunblock with you.”
She tried not to smile, but he knew her so well. At least he knew the part of her she needed to reconnect with. They dove in side by side and freestyle swam to the beach. In the old days, they would have turned it into a race, but today, she was content to swim with him instead of against him.
“I’ll grab us some drinks from one of the food trucks,” Brandon said before jogging off.
Summer walked to where she had left her things. Her sisters had found the cluster of blankets and were sunning themselves. When they saw Summer, they jumped up, squealing to hug her.
“Summer!” May, the youngest in the family, held her extra tight. “I’ve missed you so much. Are you truly okay?”
“Yes, I’m good,” Summer replied. Then she turned to Autumn. “You didn’t bring that adorable niece for me to meet?”
“Next time, or you could come visit me. I’m sorry we couldn’t come last week.” Autumn hugged her as if she didn’t want to let go and whispered, “So, Brandon Fletcher. Are you two back together?”
“No?” She hated it was a question, but Autumn knew how much Summer had loved Brandon when they were younger. “We’re friends. ”
“That’s a start.” Autumn smiled. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been home in a while,” Summer said.
“Well, you’re home, he’s home, don’t keep us guessing for long.” Autumn laughed, and so did May.
“I like her,” Griff piped up from where he sat on the blanket with his Army boots digging into the sand.
“We’re just friends,” Summer rolled her eyes in an effort to convince her sisters but sent a thought to Griff: Can’t you put on swim trunks? You look silly in fatigues on the beach.
Griff studied his clothes. “Not how this works. Seems I have two settings, just before, and you know.”
Fatigues are good .
Brandon returned and handed her a soda. “Did you bring a hat?”
“Gag,” May giggled. “You need lessons in flirting, but it’s still sickly cute.”
Summer thought Brandon blushed, but he turned away too fast for her to be sure. She sent the kill signal to her sister by swiping her hand across her neck.
“I didn’t bring my hat,” Summer said out loud.
Brandon bent over and pulled something from his bag. When he turned around, he handed her a ball cap with the Cabins by the Bay logo and a spray can of sunscreen.
“Thank you,” she said before placing it on her head. He was sweet and cute, doing his best to care for her while making her feel comfortable. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“I hope so,” he said, acting like he hadn’t meant to say that. “Um, I’m going to take a walk so you can visit with your sisters. I’ll be back in a while.”
Summer watched him leave. Part of her was glad he wouldn’t be there to hear her sisters tease her, but she’d enjoyed every minute with him and suspected she might miss him. He had a calming influence on her. That was something new, and she liked it.
“Told you,” May said, pointing at Brandon’s retreating form. “That man is still in love with her.”
“I never said he wasn’t,” Autumn replied .
“But you said they’d never get back together.” May plopped down on the blanket.
“I didn’t think they would. Summer always said they wouldn’t.” Autumn joined her and patted the spot beside her. “Sit and spill.”
Summer took her place beside her sisters and shrugged. “There isn’t anything to tell.”
“Whatever. He’s acting like you’re his to take care of,” Autumn stated. “And you let him. Last fall, you left home two days early because you ran into him at Vincenzo’s.”
“Yeah.” Summer reached over and sifted the sand at the edge of the blanket with her fingers.
“So?” May prompted.
“I never stopped caring for him, but—” What could she say? Her sisters didn’t know about that summer, and she wanted to tell Brandon before she told them. “It’s complicated.”
“Stop making it complicated,” Autumn said. “It’s clear you’re the one holding this relationship back. Jump in that man’s arms and get on with it. Haven’t you made him wait long enough?”
“A woman after my own heart,” Griff said.
“Shut up,” Summer muttered.
“I won’t,” Autumn answered. “I saw how you watched him leave. You love him as much as he loves you. Tell him.”
Summer swallowed the need to apologize to her sister. She’d been telling Griff to shut up, but oh, well. Instead, she twisted on the blanket to face her sisters.
“There are things I need to tell him before I can hope for anything. It’s hard to start the conversation because there won’t be any turning back after.” She met each of her sisters’ stares and tried not to flinch away. “I want to enjoy being friends with him first. I missed that.”
Autumn’s expression softened. “I get that. I do, but don’t take too long. You guys need each other.”
“I know.” At least she needed him.
The next few hours passed with less drama. Various members of the Blakely and Fletcher families arrived and joined the party. There were enough of them hanging out that Summer wasn’t the center of attention when other townies stopped by. It made it easier to get used to being home for good.
Brandon did an excellent job of giving her space and keeping her company. They sat together while they ate their sub sandwiches, laughed, and joked with everyone else, and Summer was mesmerized when he held his nephew.
She’d never seen him with children, but he was a natural at holding the two-month-old boy. Brandon smiled and cooed while the baby held the finger he offered. A deep longing surfaced that she’d long ago buried. Brandon would make a great father. He should have been the father of her children, but she’d run away, denying both of them the opportunity.
Brandon looked up and caught her staring. “Would you like to hold him?”
“No. You’re doing great,” she answered.
Brandon scooted closer and held the tiny body out. “Come on, you know you want to.”
And she did. Today had been about pretending she was that carefree, happy girl from a decade ago. What would it hurt to let go of the past for the evening and allow herself to feel something good?
“Okay.” She reached out and took the warm body into her arms. He wasn’t as floppy as she imagined he’d be. She held him closer and bent down to smell his soft cheek. That baby smell twisted something else deep inside. She wanted a baby of her own to love.
“I know how you can get one,” Griff teased. “Stop running from your life.”
Maybe I will . She smiled at the baby and believed she could stop running.
Eventually, the sun set, and the sky darkened enough for fireworks. Jackie took her son from Summer, put headphones around his head, and placed him in his car seat. After plopping a binky in his sweet little mouth, she draped a blanket over the seat handle. Everyone else spread out so they could watch the show.
Brandon sat beside Summer on the blanket and stretched his arm behind her. Even though the night hadn’t cooled much yet, she liked that he moved closer—his warmth brushing against her. He smelled of sunscreen and bug spray, but the scent of fresh outdoors and mountain fresh air was underneath.
The city had set up speakers along the beach, and a voice came over them. It was probably a Sugar Mama, but Summer didn’t care which one. The woman welcomed the crowd to the fireworks show and reminded everyone about the Rosie Run coming up on the weekend. Then, the music started with the Star Spangled Banner.
Summer turned her gaze to the night sky, ready to enjoy a tradition she’d missed out on for years. The first explosion echoed through the air, and she felt it in her bones. A sudden wave of panic washed over her, sending her heart racing. Her breaths came in shallow gasps as the light flashes and loud booms transported her back to the convoy. Memories of gunfire and explosions flooded her mind.
"Summer?" Brandon's voice broke through the haze of her panic. His arm wrapped around her, concern etched on his face.
She vaguely heard her mom and other voices calling her name, but she couldn’t focus on them.
I’m in Sugar Creek. I’m safe . She blinked rapidly, trying to ground herself in the present, but the sights and sounds of the fireworks continued to assault her senses and overwhelm her. Brandon was the only other thing that felt real, so she reached for him.
"Brandon, I-I can't," she managed to choke out, her voice trembling with fear.
Brandon shifted her around so her face was pressed to his chest as he shielded her from the chaos in the sky above. It muffled the sound, but they were sitting so close to the staging area that it didn’t help much. She could feel every rocket firing and exploding above her. Her body trembled harder, and Brandon pulled them to standing.
The sand tugged at her legs, slowing them down as they made their retreat. Brandon supported her as he guided her away from their family and the crowd, leading her to his car. She didn’t want to let him go when they reached it, but she sat in the passenger seat anyway. He ran around and had them backing out of the lot before she could say anything. As they moved farther from the beach, the explosions grew muffled.
When they reached the square, Brandon reached for her hand. “It's okay, Summer. You're safe,” he said.
Summer clung to him, her grip desperate and needy, but she concentrated on breathing instead of talking. How embarrassing that he had to save her from a celebration. Why did she think she could be normal and embrace the life she had secretly wanted all these years?
She didn’t say anything until they pulled up to her house. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Brandon turned in his seat and placed both hands on the side of her head. He pulled her close enough that he could rest his forehead on hers. “I’m sorry I didn’t think about how that might look or sound. Forgive me?”
“There’s nothing to forgive,” she sighed. Her panic subsided, replaced by a profound gratitude for the man beside her for not giving her a hard time about freaking out. “Stay awhile?”
“Of course. Stay put.” Brandon walked around to her door. Once he opened it, she got out and moved into his embrace. "You're not alone, Summer. I'm here with you.”
She buried her face in his chest, seeking solace in the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Focusing on the warmth of the embrace, she let it anchor her in the present moment.
When she felt strong enough, Summer lifted her head, meeting Brandon's gaze with tear-filled eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice raw with emotion.
Brandon brushed away the tears with gentle fingertips. “Any time. I’ll text your dad and let him know you’re okay.”
“My family! What are they thinking?”
“They were worried about you. Especially when you didn’t respond to them as we left, but I’m sure they understand.” He held up his phone to show a glowing text from her dad. “They are glad you are doing better and said they’d be home as soon as the show ends. Now, how about we sit in the backyard? ”
“That sounds wonderful. I’m sorry you’re missing the show. We might see some of the big fireworks from the back.”
“I don’t care about that. You’re more important.”
That need to cry returned, but like the soldier she was, Summer didn’t give in to it. Instead, she sat in a chair and waved Brandon into the one beside her.
Brandon felt awful. He should have known better than to invite Summer to the fireworks, but he hadn’t thought twice about it. Maybe she was right. He only saw her as the girl he’d known, but too much had happened to her for that to be true. If he wanted this to work, he had to let the past go and get to know the woman beside him.
“Summer, do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
“Maybe.” She sighed and closed her eyes. “Yes, I do, but not tonight. Can I tell you about some of my good memories from the Army instead?”
“I’d love that.”
Summer took a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing. "I loved the sense of purpose, the feeling that I was part of something bigger than myself. There's a camaraderie among soldiers, a bond forged through our trials that's unlike anything I've experienced elsewhere."
He wanted to ask how it was different from the bond she had with her family, but something held him back. Summer stared into the darkness as if she were back with her squad, so he nodded and encouraged her to continue.
When she spoke again, a hint of nostalgia colored her voice. “There were moments of solitude, too. Even in Afghanistan, which was by far the worst place I was stationed. Every once in a while, I’d watch the sun rise over the desert; in that moment, life was worth living. Germany was one of my favorite deployments. I still remember the cool breeze as I stood guard under the stars. There were other places, other memories I want to hold onto.”
She glanced his way, and he thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. It had nothing to do with the shape of her face or body. It had everything to do with her strength, her ability to focus on the positive things amid the awful things she’d seen.
“You should. They are a part of you and have shaped you into this amazing woman I see before me.”
“That’s more true than you realize. The skills I learned saved me when I couldn’t see anything good in my life.”
When she paused to swallow whatever pain she relived, Brandon squeezed her hand. He didn’t know what she referred to, and he had a feeling that was what he needed to coax out of her, but he instinctively knew tonight wasn’t the time. Instead, he held in his questions and waited.
“The discipline and resilience… gave me a safe place to rebuild myself. I’m discovering I also turned it into a hiding place. I don’t want to hide anymore, but it will take time to let go of that safety net.”
Brandon covered their joined hands with his free one. "I'm glad you're sharing this with me, Summer. It helps me understand a part of you I never knew. And if you need a new safety net, I’m here. Your family is here. All of Sugar Creek is here for you.”
“I’m starting to see that.” She smiled. “It makes it worse that I avoided home for so long.”
Dread filled Brandon’s chest. “I hope you didn’t stay away because of me.”
Summer met his gaze and shook her head. “No. Most of the time, you didn’t live here. I stayed away from the memories, from the interfering friends and family. I didn’t think I could face them if they knew.”
“You’re killing me. I want to know, but you said not tonight. I’m trying hard to respect that.”
“Thank you. When I do tell you, I don’t want anyone else to know.”
“I’d never share your story if you didn’t want me to. Even if we’re never more than friends, I’m here to support you. Whatever you need, you tell me. If I get overbearing or suffocate you because I want to be around you all the time, tell me. You’re in control.” Brandon hoped she could see the sincerity in his eyes.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” She leaned back in her chair and turned to where the sky suddenly blossomed with light.
They couldn’t see much of the fireworks; it was more of the glow they created. The sounds didn’t reach them so far from the lake, and Brandon hoped it didn’t scare Summer like it had earlier.
“Looks like the finale started,” she said.
“Ayup.” He watched her as she watched the sky. They didn’t talk, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. He was simply glad to be with her.
When the sky fell dark, Summer stood. “Thanks for bringing me home. I think I’ll head inside before everyone returns.”
He directed his gaze to the ground, then the fence, and finally back to her. “This might be overstepping, but have you considered joining a support group for veterans with PTSD?”
She tilted her head to the side as if considering his words. “Yeah. My therapist said he’d find me one when I was ready.”
The tension in Brandon’s shoulders eased, and he met her gaze again. “Oh, good.”
Summer reached out and touched his arm. “Don’t ever be afraid to ask or suggest something. I might not answer or take your advice, but I appreciate it all the same.”
“Okay.” The relief he felt made him wish the night wouldn’t end, but that gave him another idea. “Hey, want to go hiking with me tomorrow afternoon?”
She only thought about it for a moment before saying, “Yes. I’ll be on the lake with a tour until three.”
“Perfect. When you’re ready, swing by the shop, and we’ll hike to Little Sugar Falls.”
“Until tomorrow.” Summer leaned over and kissed his cheek.
Brandon stood in her backyard, entirely at a loss for words, until he saw her light turn on upstairs. Then he walked around the house to the front drive. He couldn’t help but smile all the way home. Tomorrow afternoon couldn’t arrive fast enough.