The Texas Soldier's Son. Karen Whiddon

she’d been followed.

      When no other vehicle showed up, he opened his front door and went out to help her. She unlocked the trunk, asking him if he’d mind getting the portable Pack n’ Play. While he wrestled this out onto the sidewalk, she handled the baby and a large diaper bag.

      Inside the house, he set down the contraption in the middle of the living room. To his surprise, once he opened it, the thing practically set itself up.

      “Thank you.” Nicole smiled at him, and the entire world shifted.

      He blinked, turning away until he could ground himself back in reality. “Would you like something to drink?” he asked, his voice gruffer than he intended.

      Barely looking up from getting her baby settled, she responded. “Water would be great.”

      Listen to them. Talking in careful platitudes as if they were complete strangers. In a way, they actually were.

      Except that only one year—one stinking year—had passed since he’d kissed her goodbye and gone off to serve his country. How could so much have changed in such a short period of time?

      But it had. Returning with two bottled waters, he handed one to her before taking a seat in the armchair, leaving the entire couch for her.

      “Nice place,” she commented, glancing around the small room.

      “Yours is much nicer,” he pointed out. Not to be cruel, but because it was. But her smile faltered and for one second she looked sad.

      But then she lifted her chin and willed herself out of it. “Thank you. It isn’t what I would have chosen, but it’s a decent house.”

      Decent.

      A flash of anger ripped through him. He realized he couldn’t just sit there and act as if they were casual acquaintances, like nothing had ever happened between them. As though she hadn’t been his entire reason for living.

      “I can’t do this,” he growled. “I know you’ve moved on—I get it. For you, it’s been a long time. For me, it feels like it was just yesterday when you kissed me and told me you’d love me forever.”