Chapter 25
Alex
Aunt Lynn called Alex and asked him to come over early Saturday morning. She needed help to weed in the backyard. After completing the yard work, they sat in the living room with Shadow resting at their feet. They took a break and drank some peach tea.
Alex heard a car pull into the driveway. He glanced out the window, his brow furrowing in confusion at seeing an unfamiliar car. The door opened. Jordan stepped out. His expression was a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.
Two figures followed Jordan—Amanda Decker, Brian’s widow, and their young son, Michael. The sight of them struck Alex like a physical blow, a rush of emotions flooding him. He stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest.
Aunt Lynn touched Alex’s arm, sensing the moment’s emotional gravity. “It’s okay, honey—Brian is here with us today, too. Go to them,” she murmured, her voice soft and encouraging.
As Alex stepped outside, the reality of the situation hit him. Amanda’s eyes met his, a world of shared grief and memories reflected in her gaze. They moved toward each other almost instinctively. Their embrace was a powerful expression of mutual loss and understanding.
Michael clutched a small toy. He looked on with wide eyes. Aunt Lynn, ever the nurturing presence, took his hand. “Hi, you must be Michael. I’m Alex’s aunt Lynn. Do you want to come inside for some peach tea?”
Michael grabbed her hand and said, “Can we go see Shadow? Mr. Jordan told us all about him on the drive over here.” Then she led him away to give Alex and Amanda some space .
Alex, still holding Amanda, turned to Jordan, his eyes brimming with tears. “How... how did you do this?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.
Jordan stepped closer, his hand resting on Alex’s shoulder. “I wanted to give you this moment,” he said. “I know how much Brian meant to you, and I thought seeing Amanda and Michael might be good for all three of you.” Amanda reached out and hugged Jordan.
The conversation between Alex and Amanda was a mix of laughter and tears. It was a cathartic release of pent-up emotions. As the afternoon progressed, Aunt Lynn fired up the barbecue. They talked about Brian, sharing stories and memories. Each anecdote was a bittersweet reminder of his absence.
Their pain seemed to lessen as they spoke, if only for the moment. They forged a connection in the fire of shared tragedy.
Meanwhile, Aunt Lynn and Michael played with Shadow in the yard. Shadow’s playful energy brought smiles and laughter.
Aunt Lynn filled the day with warmth and a sense of family. She prepared a feast, filling the house with the delicious aromas of a home-cooked meal. As the day ended, they planned for Amanda and Michael to stay at Alex’s house. Alex would spend the night at Jordan’s.
As they prepared to leave, Alex found himself in the backseat of the car with Michael, with Amanda driving them. She followed Jordan in Alex’s truck. The soft hum of the engine and the gentle movement of the vehicle created a cocoon of quietness. It felt safe and intimate.
Sitting next to Alex in the backseat, Michael looked up at him with curious eyes.
“Can you tell me something about my dad?” he asked, his voice soft but filled with longing.
Alex’s heart clenched at the question, but he found a smile for Michael. “Your dad... he was an incredible person,” Alex began. “He was brave, one of the bravest men I’ve ever known. He saved my life once.”
Michael’s eyes widened. “He did?”
Alex nodded. “We were on a mission, and things got... messy. Your dad, he didn’t hesitate. He put himself in danger to get me to safety. He was a hero, Michael. Not just because of what he did that day, but because of who he was every day. ”
The car was silent, the weight of Alex’s words hanging in the air. Then, with a sudden movement, Michael leaned over and hugged Alex tightly. His tiny arms held on as if he never wanted to let go.
“I miss my daddy,” he whispered, his voice muffled against Alex’s chest.
Alex wrapped his arms around Michael, holding the boy close. He felt Amanda’s gaze in the rearview mirror, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I miss him too, buddy, so much.He was my best friend, and I considered him a brother.”
Michael pulled back and said, “If he was like your brother, that makes you like my uncle, right?”
Alex’s voice cracked as Amanda remained silent. “That’s right, Michael. It would be an honor if you considered me your uncle.I’ll always be here for you and your mom.”
“Mom, do you hear Mr. Alex is my uncle?Can I call him Uncle Alex, Mom? Please?”
Amanda could hardly contain her tears as she followed Jordan on the dimly lit side street. “Of course you can, honey. Uncle Alex will always be a part of our family.” Amanda looked at Alex in the rearview mirror and he saw tears streaming down her face.
The moment’s emotion was palpable as they approached Alex’s house. Alex helped Michael out of the car, his eyes moist, fighting back tears. Amanda reached out to Alex, squeezing his hand in a silent thank you.
There was a shared sorrow and healing as they walked to the door. The stories of Brian, the memories shared, were not reminders of his loss, but of his love and heroism.
Before leaving, Alex did a full sweep of the house, accounting for all his firearms and ammunition. He placed them in his truck while Michael was with Jordan and Amanda. They said their goodbyes and agreed to meet the next day.
The drive back to Jordan’s cabin enveloped them in thoughtful silence. Only the soft hum of the truck and the occasional rustling of Shadow in the back seat broke the quiet. Alex’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions .
Once they arrived at the cabin, the place seemed familiar. Shadow bounded out of the car, even with his limp. As they entered the cabin, Alex turned to Jordan.
“Jordan, bringing Amanda and Michael here... I can’t thank you enough,” Alex said. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms tightly around Jordan.
Jordan returned the embrace, holding Alex close. “I got her number from your phone,” he admitted, a hint of hesitancy in his voice. “I hope you’re not mad about the snooping. We’ve been talking every day for the past week, planning this.”
Alex pulled back slightly, looking into Jordan’s eyes. Jordan’s honesty and care in his actions were evident. They made any thoughts of intrusion irrelevant. “Mad? I could never be mad about this. It was... it was perfect,” Alex replied.
Jordan smiled, relief clear in his expression. “Amanda thought it would be good for Michael to meet you. To connect with someone who knew Brian so well.”
The following morning, Alex awoke with excitement. Shadow picked up on Alex’s mood. He wagged his tail enthusiastically.
“Ready to head back?” Jordan asked as he watched Alex prepare for the day.
“Absolutely. I can’t wait to see them again.”
The drive back to Alex’s house starkly contrasted the previous evening’s quiet journey. Alex chatted animatedly. The prospect of spending more time with Amanda and Michael lifted his spirits.
They arrived at Alex’s house, and excitement filled the air. Amanda and Michael greeted them with bright smiles and eager anticipation. The plan for the day included a sightseeing tour of Brookings, which showcased the town’s landmarks and the stunning beauty of its beaches.
Jordan, taking on the role of driver and impromptu tour guide, led the group to his Jeep. Michael’s enthusiasm was contagious.
Their first stop was a cozy breakfast spot, a small diner that was a Brookings staple. Photographs of the town through the years adorned its walls. Michael’s chatter filled the air as they enjoyed their meal outside on the patio. He asked questions about his dad and wanted to know everything about him. Alex filled his mind with stories of heroism and practical jokes.
After breakfast, they headed to Brookings’ most scenic location—the beach. It was a picturesque scene that never failed to impress. They took a leisurely hike along the shore.
Michael stayed close to Alex. He clung to Alex. His small hand often found its way into Alex’s larger one.
They admired the natural beauty around them, making the hike relaxed. Jordan pointed out various landmarks along the coast. Amanda walked alongside them. She captured the moments with her camera as they explored.
The afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the beach. Shadow and Michael made their way to the water’s edge. They played in the sand and chased the waves as they lapped at the shore in the cove. Shadow’s barking, mingled with Michael’s laughter, was bright and joyful.
Alex, Jordan, and Amanda watched from a short distance, taking in the peaceful moment. They sat on a weathered picnic table near the shoreline.
Alex turned to Amanda. “Amanda, thank you for coming. It means a lot to me...” He trailed off.
Amanda nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. “I’m glad we could make it. It’s been... healing in a way. A way that I didn’t expect.”
After a moment of comfortable silence, Amanda spoke again. “Alex, if you don’t mind me asking, how are you doing?”
Alex exhaled, his eyes tracing the horizon where the sea met the sky. “The last two years have been tough,” he admitted, taking in a steadying breath. “I’ve struggled a lot with survivor’s guilt over Brian and the others’ deaths. I felt like I should have been able to do more to save them.”
Amanda listened intently. “It’s a heavy burden to carry. From everything I know about that night, you saved your other two men. The army would never have given you the silver star if you didn’t earn it,” she said.
Jordan, looking surprised, said, “I didn’t know you received the Silver Star. ”
Alex looked at Jordan and Amanda. “I don’t talk about it. It is a piece of metal with a ribbon telling me I failed.”
Amanda spoke up. “You didn’t fail, Alex. You lived. You saved your men. Your training saved you. Don’t ever forget that.”
Tears fell down Alex’s face. “Amanda, I’m so sorry I couldn’t save him.”
Amanda reached across, hugged him, and whispered, “I don’t blame you. I’ve never blamed you. Brian loved you. When you told me that his dying words were of me, that was your gift to me. Please come back to us, Alex. It wasn’t your fault.” She held him tightly as they both cried.
Jordan wiped the tears from his face and slipped off the bench quietly. He ran toward Michael and Shadow. He approached them and led them down the beach to play. Alex was grateful that he was giving them time to themselves.
They sat there for several minutes, watching Jordan play with Michael. Shadow limped but still acted like a puppy when Michael was near.
Amanda reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “Jordan is a good man, Alex. He cares about you.”
Alex looked at the two of them playing in the waves. “He gives me strength. I haven’t known him long, but it feels like a lifetime.”
Amanda laughed. “Brian used to say the same thing about you. He told me once that within a week of knowing you, he found his gay soulmate. Remember that asshat you brought as a plus-one to our wedding?”
Alex put his face in his palms. “Oh God, yes. Mark. I forgot all about him.”
Amanda continued, “Brian wanted to punch him out. He embarrassed you by hooking up with that waiter and getting caught. He told me that no one messes with his family. I loved Brain for that. We both loved him for that. You will always be my family, ‘Uncle Alex.’ Start living again. Michael needs a role model, and you are my top choice.”
Alex hugged her so hard that she gasped. Her words meant more to him than she could ever have imagined .
“Thank you, Amanda. I have been so afraid to face you—to face him.”
Amanda held on to his arm and smiled. “We’re always here for you, Alex.”
Amanda’s expression softened further, a mix of sorrow and gratitude in her gaze. “It’s been hard for Michael and me, too. But seeing Michael smile so much this weekend has been amazing. It’s a gift, Alex. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Alex felt a swell of emotions at her words. “Seeing Michael and you smile, Amanda... it’s worth everything.”
They had another wonderful dinner at Aunt Lynn’s house. She continued to amaze everyone with her incredible cooking skills. She made an excellent lasagna, followed by s’mores around her fire pit. Michael was covered in melted chocolate and graham cracker crumbs. Jordan pulled Shadow back while Amanda cleaned Michael off, and they all laughed together.
Jordan reprimanded Shadow. “Chocolate isn’t good for you.”
The evening ended with Alex carrying Michael into the house and placing him in bed. Amanda and Jordan watched him from the doorway. As Alex approached them, he saw tears streaming down Amanda’s face. The three of them hugged in the darkness.
They agreed to meet the following day at Pawsitive Vibes.
As Amanda and Michael prepared to visit, anticipation filled Alex. When they arrived, the clinic was already buzzing with activity. Alex and Jordan led them on a tour.
Alex, Jordan, Amanda, and Michael were in the middle of their tour when they entered an examination room. An unexpected, slightly embarrassing incident occurred. As Alex bent down to pet a friendly golden retriever, he let out an unmistakable fart. A specific odor filled the small room.
Michael’s eyes widened in surprise. Then he burst into laughter, unable to contain his amusement.
“Whoa, Uncle Alex! That’s the smelliest fart ever!” he exclaimed between giggles .
The room erupted in laughter. Even Alex couldn’t help but join in. His initial embarrassment turned into amusement. The staff, trying to maintain professionalism, couldn’t help but chuckle. Seizing the moment, Michael began to christen Alex’s farts with comical names. He did so with the unabashed honesty of a child.
“Call that one ‘Thunderbolt’!” he suggested, laughter filling the room.
“Or how about ‘The Stink Tornado’?” Jordan chimed in, winking at Alex.
Amanda, laughing, added, “‘Eggzilla’ fits perfectly!”
Alex, now embracing the humor of the situation, played along. “I’ll have to be more careful around you, Michael. You’re the official fart-namer now,” he said with a grin.
Michael kept coming up with hilarious names for imaginary farts. Each name was more outrageous than the last. His creativity brought smiles to everyone’s faces. It turned an awkward moment into a day’s highlight.
As the morning wore on, the inevitable moment of departure drew near. The clock ticked closer to eleven a.m., and melancholy began to settle over the group.
Standing outside the clinic, the time for goodbyes had come. Michael, who had grown attached to Alex over the weekend, clung to him.
“Bye, Uncle Alex,” he said. His voice quivered.
Alex’s heart clenched at the words. He knelt at Michael’s height, wrapping him in a gentle embrace. “Goodbye, buddy. You take care of your mom, okay? And remember, I’m a phone call away.”
Amanda stepped forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She hugged Alex. “Thank you, Alex. This weekend... it’s meant everything to us.”
Alex looked over at Jordan, his eyes conveying a world of thanks. Jordan, in turn, nodded, his own emotions mirrored in his gaze.
“We’ll come visit you in Sacramento,” Jordan said. “It’s a promise.”
Amanda hugged Jordan next, whispering, “Please take care of him.”
As Amanda and Michael climbed into their car, Alex and Jordan stood side by side, watching them drive away. The clinic staff, who had come out to say their goodbyes, waved until the car was out of sight .
Alex turned to Jordan. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Jordan reached out, taking Alex’s hand in his. “Brian would be very proud of you, Alex.”