Page 101 of Forever Fallen

Please tell me it’s not one of the creepy dolls…

I understand what you mean, and I was thinking about the time period this morning. Nine months. It’s been nine months since I have seen your smile and it feels like a lifetime.

It would have destroyed me to think of you being alone during a time where you could use a hand – and for a father not to be there to greet his first child. I want to be there, I want to hold your hand, get you ice chips, and help you get through the labor however I can… and when our baby arrives?

I want to cry happy tears, cut the cord, and share that moment with the woman who holds my heart and soul in her delicate, precious hands.

I love you so much and our time is coming, Sunshine. Be patient and things will work out – I swear it.

Love always,

Ryan

CHAPTER31

REAPER

“Reaper!”Vapor hollered, tossing a box at him from across the room with that arrogant, smug look that rankled him. “Mail call!”

“It’s a good thing I can catch almost as good as I can read gauges on my plane…” Ryan muttered, hearing several of the guys laugh easily at the dig at the other man.

Vapor walked away, mocking him in a high-pitched voice. Ryan just shook his head, glancing at Handsy, who rolled his eyes.

“Were we ever that young?”

“I don’t think we ever acted like that when we got out of the Academy?”

“Give him a few years here and he’ll mature…”

“Or someone will kill him.”

“True.”

“Did you get something from your wife?”

“Yeah…” Ryan hesitated, looking at the other man who was darker than sin from spending time outside alone. The quiet man liked to sit in the distance often and he wasn’t sure if he was praying, meditating, or what… but no one bothered Handsy when he was out there. If he was talking with the Big Guy, that was private, and no one needed to be involved anyhow.

“How are things, my friend?”

“The same.”

“Have you thought about talking to her?”

“The last time I tried to talk with my wife, she called the police,” Handsy said quietly. “The last thing I need is to lose the only thing I have left in my life right now.”

“I get it,” Ryan said softly. “If things are so bad, have you thought about a divorce?”

“Would you divorce Sophie?”

Ryan felt like someone had stabbed him in the chest just hearing those words said aloud. He once thought he could walk away and never look back – realizing now that he had been such a fool. He could never divorce Sophie… he would rather lose a limb.

“Exactly,” Handsy answered quietly. “I can’t and won’t.”

“I understand.”

“Now,” Handsy smiled tightly. “Let’s see what your wife sent you. In this place, we need to focus on a little peace and joy where we find it, right?”

“Yup.”

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