Middle Ground Read online

  MIDDLE GROUND

  The Chosen Series Short #2

  Denise Grover Swank

  Books by Denise Grover Swank:

  Rose Gardner Mysteries

  (Humorous southern mysteries)

  TWENTY-EIGHT AND A HALF WISHES

  TWENTY-NINE AND A HALF REASONS

  THIRTY-AND A HALF EXCUSES (Winter 2013)

  The Chosen Series

  (Paranormal thriller/romance/urban fantasy)

  CHOSEN (The Chosen #1)

  HUNTED (The Chosen #2)

  SACRIFICE (The Chosen#3)

  REDEMPTION (The Chosen #4) (October, 2012)

  The Chosen Shorts Series-- Prequels

  Emergence Emma’s story (The Chosen Short #1)

  Middle Ground Will’s story (The Chosen Short #2)

  Untitled (Reader’s Choice) August 1, 2012

  On the Otherside Series

  (Young adult science fiction/romance)

  HERE

  THERE (December 2012)

  Copyright 2012 by Denise Grover Swank

  Copy Editing by Jim Thomsen

  Cover art and design by Cynthia Moyer

  All rights reserved.

  This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locations are intended only to provide a sense of authenticity, and are used factiously. All other characters, and all incidents and dialogue, are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

  Chapter One

  The sounds of laughter hit Will before he walked through the door of the banquet room. He took a deep breath and forced himself to relax, not an easy task. Only a few days before he’d been in charge of a unit that had raided an Iraqi village, and now he was at his sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner in Morgantown, Missouri. The change in environments was always jolting, but becoming harder to manage every time he came home.

  His best friend James put a hand on his shoulder. “Hang in there, buddy.”

  James served in the same unit, but he never seemed to struggle as much as Will with his reacclimation.

  Will stepped into the room and found Meagan sitting at the center of the table, surrounded by her friends. A pang of happiness and nostalgia washed over him. He still couldn’t believe his baby sister was getting married.

  “Will!” Meagan called out, jumping from her chair.

  “The hero’s come home!” someone shouted, and everyone in the room turned toward him.

  Uncomfortable with the attention, Will cringed.

  James face lit up with a big smile. He’d always loved the limelight more than Will. “It’s good to be home.”

  Meagan made her way through the crowd, throwing her arms around Will’s neck. “You missed the rehearsal. I was worried you weren’t going to make it!”

  He held her tight, as memories of their childhood rushed through his head. “What? And miss my baby sister’s wedding? Our plane was delayed, but if I had to, I would have walked to make it to your wedding.”

  She pulled back smiling, love in her eyes. “I would have held the ceremony until you got here. I can’t get married without you.”

  Will’s eyes scanned the room. “Has Dad made it yet?”

  Her back tensed. “No.”

  “He’s coming though, right?”

  Her smile fell. “He said he’d try. Mom’s not very happy.”

  Will hid his disappointment. “Well, he’s got a lot going on, although I was sure he’ll be here.”

  She shrugged. “We learned a long time ago to never count on him.”

  Will was about to protest when James grabbed Megan and pulled her into a hug. “What’s this terrible rumor I’ve heard that you’re getting married, Meghead? You were supposed to wait for me. Now you’ve broken my heart.”

  She giggled as James nuzzled her neck.

  Her fiancé watched with anxious eyes, but Will knew he had nothing to worry about. While Megan had had a crush on James when they were younger, they were more like siblings than friends.

  She pushed away from him and hugged Will’s arm, snuggling into his side. “I couldn’t wait forever. Dan swooped in and stole my heart.”

  “Well if you decide he’s not man enough for you, you know where to find me.”

  She laughed, then stood on her tiptoes and kissed Will’s cheek. “I’m glad you’re here, Will.”

  “Me too.”

  Winking at James, she laughed again. “And you too, as long as you don’t go stirring up any trouble.”

  James tilted his head with a cocky grin. “Who, me?”

  She gave him a fake scowl. “Stay away from my friends.”

  “Hey, it’s been a long eight months.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Even more reason to stay away.”

  Will laughed. “I’ll keep him on a leash.”

  “Somebody has to.”

  “Where’s Mom?”

  “In the back with the manager, making sure everything’s perfect.”

  “I thought the groom’s family took care of the rehearsal dinner.”

  She waved a hand. “You know Mom.”

  He did, only too well. She had always gone out of her way to make sure their birthday parties were close to perfection. He’d always assumed that was her way of making up for their father’s absence. He could only imagine the lengths she was going through to make sure Megan’s wedding turned out to be a fairy tale come true.

  Glancing over at her fiancé, Megan twisted her mouth with uncertainty. “I really need to get back to Dan…”

  He gave her a gentle push. “Go. I’m fine. This is your weekend, Meg. You’re the star attraction. Don’t worry about me.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “I always worry about you.”

  “I’m here safe and sound.”

  She hesitated before putting her hand on his chest, staring into his eyes. “That wasn’t what I was talking about.”

  He didn’t get a chance to question what she meant before she returned to Dan’s side, a smile lighting her face. She was like a warm spring breeze. Everyone loved her. Dan was a lucky man.

  His mother appeared in the doorway on the opposite wall. She paused and her face lit up with happiness as she rushed toward him. Will reached her first and threw his arms around her, lifting her off the ground. “Mom.” His voice choked on the word.

  She squeezed him back, clinging to his neck before relaxing her hold. “William Marcus! Put me down. You’re not in high school anymore, showing off to your friends!”

  He chuckled in her ear and set her down. “I have to continually prove myself to James over there.”

  “You proved yourself enough to that boy years ago.” Reaching a hand to his cheek, she gazed at his face. “Let me look at you.”

  “I look exactly the same as I did eight months ago, Mom. Only a little more tan.”

  She bit her lip, shaking her head. “No, there’s something else different. Like you’re more of a man.”

  He looked down, embarrassed, even though he was sure there was truth to her words. A person couldn’t see what he saw and do what he did without growing up and hardening inside. Still, she studied his face every time he came home. While he suspected she really searched for something else, he had yet to figure what she looked for.

  “I’m another year older,” he teased. “I’m an old man of twenty-eight.”

  She shook her head. “You’ll always be my baby.” Her voice lowered and her chin trembled. “I’m so glad you’re home.”

  “There’s no place I’d rather be.” He meant it, and not because he was grateful for a break from military action. His mother and his sister had always been his anchor in life, and he felt adrift when he wasn’t near them. The three of them had been
close as long as he remembered, bonding during his father’s long absences as Marine officer.

  James moved next to them. “Don’t keep her all to yourself, Will.”

  His mom turned to James and smiled. “I’m so glad you could come, James. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

  His eyes widened for a moment before his cockiness returned. “What would be the same without me?”

  She laughed and hugged him. “Oh, James. Never a dull moment with you around.”

  “I’m going to pretend that’s a compliment. I’ve missed you, Mrs. Davenport.”

  “It was a compliment and it’s good to have you home. Are you boys hungry?”

  James patted his stomach. “Always.”

  “Dan’s mom has you both at the end of the table by Megan. I’m stuck with Dan’s parents, but we can catch up later.” Will heard the disappointment in her voice. He knew from their e-mails that she didn’t care for Dan’s mother. She’d rather sit with Will since they only had a few days before he left.

  “Is Dad coming?”

  She hesitated. “He said he was going to try.”

  “He’ll do whatever he can to be here.”

  Uncertainty wavered in her eyes before she gave him a tight smile. “Of course he will.”

  After Will and James took their seats and dinner was served, Will studied the people around him. Several of Megan’s friends from their childhood were seated around him, and they made small talk. A few unmarried ones looked at him with a hint of appreciation in their eyes. A familiar pang of regret filled him and he wondered if he’d ever find someone to settle down with.

  The clang of silverware against glass got the attention of the room, and the voices hushed. Megan stood and raised her glass. “Dan’s too shy to say anything so I want to thank everyone for being part of our wedding.” She looked around the room, her eyes resting on their mother. “Thank you, Mom for everything.” She turned her attention to Will. “And I’m so happy my big brother’s here. Will’s always been my hero. He doesn’t need some fancy medal to prove it, but I’m glad the Marines think that he does.” She lifted her wine glass. “To Will and his Medal of Achievement.”

  “To Will!” voices called out, followed by clinking glasses.

  Will lifted his glass and took a sip of his water, hoping his face wasn’t as red as if felt.

  James leaned into his ear. “Don’t let this go to your head, asshole.”

  Will snorted, turning his attention to his plate before he felt his eyes pulled to the entrance of the room.

  His father stood in the doorway, wearing his uniform, his jaw set in determination. Colonel Michael Davenport assessed the room before his eyes landed on Will.

  Will stiffened from years of reflex, lifting his chin in respect. “Megan.”

  Her face turned him, her eyes wide. “He’s here,” she whispered. The color left her cheeks and Will wondered if her reaction was relief or fear. Probably a little of both. She stood as he walked across the room, his face stoic as always.

  “Colonel, I’m so glad you made it.” The tone of her voice belittled her words.

  He stopped next to her and she kissed his cheek, but it was cold compared to the reaction Will had received from her earlier.

  “I couldn’t miss my little girl’s wedding. You only get married once.” His gaze landed on Dan, who squirmed under the scrutiny. “Remember that, Morris. Davenports do not get divorced.”

  Dan swallowed. “Yes, sir.”

  “Thanks for the reminder, Colonel.” Megan’s mouth pursed. “The Morrises have placed you down with them and Mom at the end of the table.”

  The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. “It’s good to see you, Megan.”

  Her eyes softened. “I’m glad you came, Dad.”

  He nodded again, then glanced at Will. “Lieutenant, we’ll talk after dinner. We have a lot to catch up on.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Megan’s friend leaned over the table and whispered, “Your dad calls you Lieutenant?”

  “Yeah.” Will knew it seemed weird to anyone outside of his family, especially since they didn’t live anywhere near a military base. But he and Megan had always called his father by his rank.

  The Colonel joined his wife and greeted her with their usual formality. A quick glance to Megan assured him she hadn’t settled for what their parents had. Dan gazed at her with adoration and longing. Will released a sigh of relief.

  At least one of Davenports would have a love-filled marriage.

  Chapter Two

  The rehearsal dinner ended a couple of hours later, but Megan and her friends moved the party to the bar next to the restaurant. The parents went home, and Will wished he were going with them. He hadn’t seen his mom in months and he’d rather spend time with her than hang out in a bar with people he hardly knew. But she insisted that he stay and have fun. Hanging out in a noisy bar was at the bottom of his list of fun and she knew it, but he suspected she wanted some time alone with the Colonel.

  Will sipped his bottle of beer, hoping the cold liquid would settle his nerves. The overwhelming anxiousness that plagued him as a child every time his father came home had carried over to adulthood, even though Will told himself time and time again that he wasn’t the scared little boy he used to be. It was different now.

  If only he believed it.

  “God, I’ve missed all of this.” James placed another beer in front of Will and slid into the seat next to him.

  Will chuckled. “This was always your element.”

  “The lack of ladies is a serious drawback to our career, dude.”

  Smirking, Will leaned back in his chair. “No argument there.”

  James’s smile faded. “We have to talk.”

  Will’s back stiffened, but he winked, trying to ignore the dread burrowing in his gut. “You’re not breaking up with me, are you?”

  Casting a glance at the dance floor, James paused. “Kind of.”

  He hadn’t expected that.

  James took a drink then gripped the bottle with both hands. “A career in the Marines was always your dream, Will. Not mine.”

  Will had always been the leader of the two, with James following. Except for the times James instigated mischief.

  “You’re not going to reenlist?”

  He didn’t answer, shifting in his chair.

  “So what are you going to do?”

  Leaning forward, James twisted his head to look at Will. “I found out my grandma willed her lake house in Minnesota to me. I’m thinking about becoming a fishing guide.”

  “No shit?”

  James shrugged and took another drink. “It’s time for a change.”

  Will felt like he’d been punched in the stomach. He hadn’t seen this coming. “Look, if this has anything to do with that stupid medal—”

  “No.” James shook his head. “That’s you, Will. Being a Marine officer is who you are and what you’re destined to do. You’re a natural-born hero, dude. In the middle of that skirmish, your first instinct was to save those people. My first instinct is to turn tail and run. I fight it every fucking day.” He leaned back and closed his eyes. “I’m done.”

  “I…” Will didn’t know what to say. His life plan had been laid out since childhood, but it always included James. What the hell would he do without his best friend?

  Lowering his face to Will’s, James narrowed his eyes. “I don’t expect you to quit. This is your life, not mine. I won’t lie and say I like it. The way you just jump into the middle of shit over there, you’re going to get your head blown off. But if you ever decide you’ve had enough, you’re always welcome to live in Minnesota with me.”

  Will placed both hands on the table, trying to ground himself.

  “I know it’s a lot to take in and I’m sorry I sprang this on you now. I’ve been thinking about it for months but coming home just confirmed my decision.”

  James was right. The Marines was Will’s dream. If he were honest wit
h himself, he was surprised James stuck with him this long. “I wish you the best, James.” He meant it.

  “Thanks, Will.” James’s usual sarcasm was absent.

  They sat in silence for several seconds before James announced, “We need to get laid.”

  Will shook his head and laughed. “You know I’m not into one-night stands.”

  “Come on, live a little. Finding a woman shouldn’t be too hard for a war hero.”

  “Speak for yourself.”

  “Just pin your medal to your shirt. That’ll draw the women. How can they resist?”

  “Maybe you want to borrow it, since you’re so obsessed with its aphrodisiac qualities.”

  James scrunched up his face with a smirk. “Nah. I don’t need any help. You’re the celibate one.”

  That wasn’t what Will was looking for and they both knew it. Will searched the dance floor and found his sister laughing with Dan. That was what he was looking for.

  Meagan caught Will’s eye from across the room and pointed to Dan, who wore a pained expression. Will had to give him bonus points for trying even though he was the worst dancer on the floor. Megan waved to him, motioning for him to join them. He lifted his bottle in salute and smiled before taking a drink. Will had bought himself a short reprieve. He knew Megan and she’d drag him out onto the dance floor by force before the night was done.

  God.

  He took a long drink.

  James stared at Will with a cocky grin.

  That smile usually meant trouble was behind. “What?”

  “Trisha’s back in town.”

  The hair on the back of Will’s neck prickled. “Oh, yeah?”

  James winked. “I figured that would get your attention. Maybe you’ll get laid after all.”

  Will ignored his statement. “I thought she moved away.” He hadn’t seen his old girlfriend since they’d broken up several years ago. “How do you know?”

  James pointed with his finger, still holding his beer bottle. “She’s sitting at that table across the room.”