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

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