Page 10 of Heart of a Hero

Both children smiled at her, their resilience shining through despite their circumstances. Waving goodbye, Karen hurried to her car, her thoughts heavy as she drove away. As she made her way home, her mind drifted to her own children and how lucky she was to be able to tuck them into bed each night, safe and loved. The thought filled her with gratitude and an aching worry for Zannie and Marty.

4

Mark parked on the street, two blocks down from the Baytown Methodist Church. The church's basement reception hall was large enough for groups to have meetings, and tonight was the American Legion monthly meeting.

He walked into the room, immediately recognizing almost everyone there. For someone who didn’t care for large groups, he found it comforting to have a camaraderie with these men and women veterans. Lifting his chin as he made eye contact with several, he walked over to a group of law enforcement friends. As he neared, he heard Ginny MacFarlane say, “I’d like you all to meet Karen Drummond if you haven’t already met her. She works for the county health department as a home nurse.”

His view of Karen was hindered. Ginny was tucked next to her husband, Brogan, who was large enough to hide whoever was on Ginny's other side. Brogan dipped his chin and said, “Nice to see you again, Karen.”

“Thank you. The girls have been begging to get back to the Pub. They love it there.”

Mark walked to the side so his gaze could land on the pretty blonde who had occupied his mind since he’d met her. He discovered her voice was as soft as he’d remembered.

Brogan replied, “That’s what we like to hear.” Brogan then turned and spied Mark approaching. “Hey, man. I heard you’re going to talk about the youth running club.”

He nodded, but his gaze only shot to Brogan briefly before returning to Karen.

Ginny piped up. “Karen, this is?—”

“We’ve met,” Mark said, his smile directed at Karen, noting the slight blush that crossed her cheeks.

“Yes… at Brad’s house,” she replied, her smile inviting.

“Oh, that’s right. You had to see Bess, didn’t you?” Ginny asked before turning to Mark. “Karen and I met in the Army.”

That news surprised him, but he didn’t get a chance to respond before Ginny lifted on her toes and kissed Brogan quickly before turning to Karen. “I hate to say hello and run, but Brogan’s mom has the kids, and we just got a call that the youngest is running a fever. I’m going to head home.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I hope he’s okay,” Karen said.

“Kids and viruses… but then I’m sure you know all about that,” Ginny said. “I’ll call, and we’ll get caught up, okay?”

“Sounds good.” Her gaze moved to Mark’s face before she cleared her throat and looked around the group. “It was nice to meet everyone. I’m going to get some coffee before the meeting starts.”

She walked toward the coffee and pastry table at the back of the room. A few others in the group started meandering toward the chairs, but Mark remained standing with Brogan.

“Ginny knows her well?” He felt self-conscious but didn’t want to ask anyone from work. The last thing he needed was to give his coworkers a chance to needle him about his interest… especially as it might be inappropriate if she was married or dating someone.

Brogan held his gaze, making Mark fight the urge to squirm. Finally, with a slow nod and lips twitching, Brogan replied,“Don’t know much, man. I know she and Ginny met when serving. Their paths crossed, and they hit it off. She’s been in the area for about a year. Comes into the Pub with her two girls.”

He nodded slowly, taking in what he could while still wanting Brogan to get to the one point Mark needed to know. Inwardly wincing, he couldn’t define why it was so important, but just when he thought he’d gotten what little Brogan knew, his friend added one more tidbit.

“She’s a widow, raising her girls on her own. Ginny had me and a couple of others help Karen move in, but since then, she works, and other than seeing her occasionally, I don’t know anything else.” Brogan pierced him with a hard stare. “I take it you’re interested?”

He opened his mouth, and the instinct to deny it immediately bubbled up, but no words came out. He clamped his jaw shut, the weight of Brogan’s question settling over him.

Brogan shook his head, and a low chuckle slipped out as he glanced to the back where Karen had gone. “Go on, Mark. You know I’m the last one to get into anyone’s business. But from what I know, she’s a good woman. I have no problem telling a good man to take his shot.” With that, he walked toward the seats, leaving Mark alone to stare at Karen’s back.

“What the hell am I doing?” he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. The last thing he needed was someone else’s opinion, but it didn’t stop his feet from moving in her direction. When he reached the back table, Karen was pouring cream into her coffee, holding a sweetener packet in her other hand. For some reason, the small detail stuck with him. He made a mental note of what she liked in her coffee, though he wasn’t entirely sure why it mattered.

She seemed lost in thought, her gaze scanning the platters of pastries as she stirred her coffee absentmindedly. He hesitated for a moment, then stepped closer.

“Excuse me, Karen,” he said, reaching for a cup near hers.

Startled by his voice, her hand jerked and spilled coffee over the rim of her cup. “Damn!” she cursed softly as the liquid splashed onto her hand.

“Shit! I’m so sorry!” Mark fumbled, dropping his empty cup and grabbing a stack of napkins. Without thinking, he reached for her hand, dabbing at the spilled coffee with a frantic urgency. “Are you burned? I didn’t mean to?—”

“No, no,” she said quickly, taking a few napkins from him and gently pulling her hand away. Their eyes met, and she shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Honestly, Mark, it’s okay.”

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