Chapter Twenty Four
It had been an emotional reunion with her parents and Maddie, who had come by with Dave and the kids.
Maddie had left a short time ago and Charlie sat opposite her folks, having just told them the truth about the night Nate died.
Tense seconds of silence passed as they exchanged a look. Charlie thought it was confusion, but she couldn't be sure. She waited nervously.
Her mom got up and came to sit beside her.
“Charlie, what happened to Nate was a terrible accident. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been anyone, and sadly it was your brother.”
“But if Donnie hadn't have come over, he wouldn't have canceled their plans, and Nate would not have been there at that time.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“No, darling. That’s not what happened,” her dad said.
“What do you mean?” Charlie looked between them. Now she was confused.
“We know Donnie canceled their plans. We didn’t know why until now, but that doesn’t really matter,” her mom said softly.
“You knew? But you didn't say anything?”
Her dad sat on her other side and took her hand.
“Nate hadn’t even got Donnie’s text when the crash happened.
We know because the police checked his phone to make sure he was not on it while driving.
They saw the text on his phone from Donnie.
The text was unread. The crash happened before Nate even knew Donnie had canceled. ”
Charlie frowned. “But Donnie said Nate was driving home when it happened?”
Her mom placed a hand on her cheek. “He must have assumed that. I’m not sure where Nate was driving to. Maybe to the diner to grab a bite on the way to the movie theater. We will never know.”
“That poor boy didn’t say a word and left because he thought he was to blame.” Her dad shook his head sadly. “Donnie’s been carrying this all these years. I wished he’d said something.”
“He was ashamed. He said he couldn't face us knowing what he’d done.” Now knowing the truth, Charlie’s heart ached for him. His whole life changed that day. Set him on a different path because of something he thought he was responsible for.
“He has nothing to feel ashamed about. He is a fine young man. You on the other hand. Asking him over to sleep with you?” Her mom raised her eyebrows. Charlie blushed. Maybe she shouldn't have shared so much, but she was a terrible liar.
“I’m sorry. For the record, Donnie was the perfect gentleman.” She didn’t want them thinking badly of him.
“Now that sounds like the nice young man I remember Donnie to be,” her mom said. “So why did he suddenly tell you the truth now? Are you two dating?”
“Not exactly. He was there for me when I ended it with Simon. We’ve grown close, and he wanted to be honest and get it out in the open.” If only he had done it sooner, they may not have lost ten years.
Her mom put an arm around her shoulders.
“Even if Nate had seen that text and was heading home, we still would not have lay any blame with you or Donnie.
What happened was an accident. We don't even blame the driver.
He didn't know his brakes would fail. Donnie is a good man. We love him like family. You have to put this behind you. Both of you do.” Her mom kissed her hair.
“Nate would never want either of you to feel this way. The three of you were so close.”
Charlie cried. Relief, sorrow, happiness. She wasn't sure what tears they were, but she desperately wanted to tell Donnie. To relieve him of the guilt.
“Is he here at home? I think perhaps your mother and I should talk to him and set the record straight about that night.” Her dad said, clearly thinking the same thing.
Charlie shook her head. “No, he’s deployed right now.”
“That’s too bad. He needs to know the truth. He told me he was a SEAL when he was here last. Was it his team that got you out of Daram?”
“I... don’t think so,” she stammered. The question caught her off guard, but she remembered the “debriefing” she had when she arrived back warning she must not mention the team.
“It’s alright, darling. I shouldn't have asked. Whoever it was, I am very grateful to them for bringing my little girl home safely.” Her dad stood and held out his arms. She went to him, hugging him tight.
***
DONNIE PARKED THE MUSTANG next to the white Mini and followed the directions Mr. and Mrs. Weston had given him. He couldn’t resist renting the Mustang again when he landed at Albany airport. Still not giving up his Bronco, but he had to admit he liked this.
He’d taken the shot in Daram and hit his target. The Aziz brothers were dead. Ryan’s knife wound had missed anything vital. His hand would take a while to heal, but he would be fine. Dex was bruised and battered, but not out of action. Onyx had come home safe.
More importantly, all fourteen hostages were home and unharmed. Sadly, the ambassador’s death had been beyond their control, but they brought her body home, and she was going to receive a funeral with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
When he neared Nate’s grave, Charlie was sitting on a blanket, chatting to her brother like it was the most natural thing in the world.
She wore a white sundress, and her golden hair was loose over her shoulders.
God, she was beautiful. His heart squeezed.
He loved this woman, and the thought of what might have happened in Daram...
He stopped, shook the thought away, and got himself together. She was here. Safe.
He was just a few feet behind her when he heard her say, “What do you think Nate? Me and Donnie. Would you be OK with that?”
Donnie smiled.
“I think he would be fine with it,” he said.
Charlie jumped at his voice, then gasped, scrambling to her feet and running straight into his arms. He squeezed her to him, and she wrapped her arms around his neck so tight he thought he might choke.
“I can’t believe you're here. I was coming back to Coronado and I—”
He crushed his mouth over hers. She melted instantly and kissed him back. The kiss was hungry and hot. If they hadn't been at a cemetery, he might have stripped her naked and taken things a whole lot further. Pulling back, he gazed into those baby blues. Seeing her. Really seeing her.
“Hello, beautiful.” Damn, he’d missed her.
He’d got back to Coronado forty-eight hours ago, but then there were the debriefs.
The team had then celebrated the Aziz brothers’ demise.
He’d ducked out and with Sam’s permission, got on a plane.
Not until now, with her in his arms, did he really feel like he’d come home.
“I can't believe you’re here,” she whispered again.
“Nowhere else I want to be.”
He had the woman he loved in his arms. And he could see her. Every delicious, sexy inch of her.
“And your sight is still good?”
Donnie thought about the shot he’d had to take. “I’m not sure it’s quite as sharp as before. But I was able to do my job. And I’m able to see you. That’s all that matters.” He kissed her forehead.
“I’m so happy for you. How did you know I was here at the cemetery?”
Donnie loosened his grip. “Let’s sit down.”
They settled onto the blanket.
“I went to your parent’s house first.”
“Oh. Did they...”
“They told me.”
It had taken a minute for what they told him to sink in, but when it had a huge weight had lifted. What had hit him harder was Mr. Weston saying he would never have blamed him, even if Nate had seen the text.
“Donnie, people change their plans all the time. I bet this wasn’t the first time you canceled on Nate”
“No, sir, it wasn't.”
“And I’m sure Nate canceled on you a few times.”
“Yes sir, he did.”
“And if you had been the one to get in a car accident because Nate canceled plans, would you blame him?”
“No!” Donnie had instantly answered, and Mr. Weston smiled.
“And Nate would not have blamed you. Neither would we. The only thing you did wrong was hanging on to this for ten years. But I understand why. I’m just sorry you were carrying this guilt for so long.”
Despite the tough guy he was, Donnie had felt the tears run down his cheek. Mr. Weston didn't comment, and Mrs. Weston just handed him a tissue.
He had stayed and talked with them a while longer. When he finally went to leave, Mr. Weston had stopped him by the front door.
“I know it was a special forces team that went to Daram to rescue those hostages.
I don't know if it was you, and I know you can't tell me. So, I’m saying this to you as you represent the very best of our military. I am indebted to men like you for bringing my little girl home. I will never be able to thank you.”
“Thank you, sir.” Donnie shook his hand, not confirming or denying that it was him. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything, Donnie.”
“The thought of you blaming yourself for Nate’s death all these years. Then the way I reacted. I feel terrible.” Charlie’s words brought him back to the present.
“Don’t. I should have had the courage to say something. That’s on me. I’m glad it’s finally out in the open. No more secrets.”
“Me, too. I feel like we have a lot to talk about,” she said quietly.
He placed a hand on her cheek, smiling when she nuzzled into his palm. “We do. Can I go first?”
She nodded.
“I love you.”
She straightened her head, her mouth slightly open.
“I love you,” he repeated.
A huge smile spread across her face. “I love you, too.” She launched at him, kissing him hard. He kissed her back but then eased her away.
“I’m not done.”
“Oh.” She looked at him confused.
“Charlie, I think I fell in love with you ten years ago. I’ve never met anyone who makes me feel like you do.
I know you may not trust me yet, and I know we had a rocky start, but I swear, I will do everything in my power to be the man you deserve.
The man you trust with your heart. I asked your dad’s permission to marry you. ”
Charlie gasped, her hands going to her mouth.
He smiled. “I’m not asking you yet because we’re going to do this properly. I just want you to know I plan to. I will marry you and we will spend the rest of our lives together.”