Chapter 36
36
M ason closed his eyes and enjoyed this quiet moment with Carley. He'd told her he loved her. What he hadn't told her was that she was the only woman he'd ever said that to. What did it say about him that he was forty-three and had never fallen in love? He'd always wondered if he was capable. Then when his PTSD had gotten bad, he figured it was best he hadn’t.
Then Carley came along, and there wasn't any way to not be attracted to her.
His phone rang and he grunted. She slowly sat up and he reached into the pocket of his shorts and retrieved his phone.
Glancing at the readout on his screen his stomach twisted slightly. He tapped the answer call icon. "Hey, Jace."
"Hi, Mason. I thought I'd let you know that Blossom Springs PD just called. They picked up the man who wanted the medallion."
Mason lay back against the chaise once more. Carley slowly turned and watched his face.
"Hang on. I'll put you on speaker so Carley can hear you."
He tapped the speaker icon and stared into Carley's eyes. "Go ahead, Jace. Carley's here."
"Morning, Carley. I just told Mason the police caught the man who wanted the medallion."
"Oh, my God," Carley whispered. "I'd completely forgotten about him."
Mason's leg itched where Isak Voss' bullet had finally stopped its journey. He scratched lightly as Jace spoke.
Jace chuckled. "There's been a lot going on."
Carley’s eyes dropped to his hand rubbing his thigh and she grinned. She asked, "So what's the story with the medallion?"
Jace chuckled. "It appears the medallion is his. He's sort of homeless and wandering. He was watching workers at the Barracks and would sneak in before they finished at night. He'd slept in Mason's closet the night before you found the medallion. He woke and left the building when he heard workers coming in to work on the other units. The medallion was something his father held dear to him, and he carried it. It's about the only possession he has to his name."
Carley nodded. "I remember fluffing the carpeting up before Mason got there and wondered what had pressed it down."
Mason took in a deep breath. How many close calls had this gorgeous woman had recently?
"Mystery solved," Jace responded.
Mason took a deep breath. "Jace, are you going to be around today? I'd like to chat with you."
Jace hesitated a moment, then said, "We'll be here all day."
"I'll be there in about an hour."
"See you then, bud."
Carley grinned. "See you later, Jace."
The call ended and Carley grinned at him. "You saw his name on your phone and groaned."
"I like him…very much. I guess I've been feeling guilty about the hospital and having to make a decision. He gave me a chance when he didn't have to."
Carley leaned forward and kissed his lips. "That's what Jace does. He gives veterans a chance."
She turned so she faced him. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Sitting here in the sunshine, her facing him, and the sun glinting off her long dark hair, she looked like an angel with the light behind her.
She picked up his hands in hers. "I'd like to ask a favor."
His brows shot up in his hair. "A favor."
She laughed. "I know you've practically given up your life the past two weeks to care for me, but I have one more favor. I'd like you to consider working with Jace, Sid, and Quinn at the Legion counseling veterans. No one knows more than you what PTSD can do. If you are serious and will work with a counselor, you'll have someone helping you while you help others."
He watched her face. She was serious and so insightful. She was most likely right. He nodded. "I'll talk to Jace about it when I go in and chat with him this morning."
"I'd like to go with you if you don't mind."
"Really?"
"Yes. I need to get out of the house. It's not far and it won't be too taxing. I can also see Margo."
"I'd never deny you any of that. As soon as you need to come back and rest, you'll let me know. Promise?"
She laughed. "Yes, I promise."
"Okay. Then let's go get ready. I'll buy you breakfast at Hanna's, then we'll go to the Sandbar."
"Thank you."
He helped her up, then he grabbed their coffee cups and let Carley hold his arm as they entered the house. She didn't need to hold his arm, but at this point she liked it. At least he hoped that was it.
Setting the cups in the sink and the plate on the counter, they moved to the bedroom together. He made the bed while she pulled clothing from her closet and started the shower.
He heard her enter the shower and he pulled his phone from his pocket. He dialed his high school friend, Bear. His stomach twisted a bit and he stepped from the bedroom and into the guest room.
"Hey there, Sad Sack. How are you?"
Mason laughed. "I haven't been called Sad Sack in a long time, so I thought I'd call you to hear it."
Bear laughed. "Happy to oblige. What's up?"
"Well, I'm actually calling for the call!"
"No shit? Are you serious?"
"I am. Never been more serious in my entire life."
"Well, shit. It's about fucking time. I haven't made any money on you at all. A couple of the guys I've made money on twice."
"I only want to give you money once."
Bear laughed. "Okay, give me the deets."