Read Online Middle Ground by Denise Grover Swank - Free Book Online Page A

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