Page 179 of The Archer Brothers

CHAPTER5

EVAN

Years ago, Ryley told me she wanted to get married on our beach—Coronado Beach. I don’t remember when this became our spot, but it did. Maybe it’s because the weather is always perfect, even if it is too hot at times or because this is where my team would get together before we’d head downrange. Whatever made the beach our place, it’s all a moot point now because we live within walking distance and are finally getting married there. It seems like every dream we had as a young couple is finally coming to fruition. I thought after Tucker and Penny exchanged vows on the beach, Ryley would opt for another locale, but she’s never wavered. The only thing that has changed is the guest list. Years ago, it would have been a hundred or so deep. Now, it’s a handful. It’ll be our friends and family—the people we hold close to us. My teammates will be there, my mom and sister, my brother, and my son, and the two people I have considered a part of my life since Ryley and I started dating—her parents. Of course, my bride will be there, walking down the sandy aisle toward me and our son. We’ll finally share the same last name.

Today is our final suit fitting and it’s the last thing I want to do. I’m not a fan of strangers asking me how I hang. It seems like an intrusive question and I’m not overly keen with the store clerks asking EJ this as well. It seems like pants should be made to accommodate whoever, at least that’s how the NWUs are.

Everyone meets at my house. The ladies are dress shopping today, while us men are doing the least manly thing ever. I try not to let it bother me that Ryley hasn’t picked out a dress. She’s had our suits on order for months, but no dress. From what I gather, after looking at all her bridal magazines, this is not normal behavior for a bride. It’s probably a good thing I’m confident in her love for me, and honestly, I don’t care if she wears her robe. I know she’ll be walking toward me as the sun sets over the pacific.

Jensen decides to drive. I sit up front with him, while Nate, Tucker and EJ sit in the back. I stare out the window while Jensen makes small talk with the guys. They’re talking about soccer, which isn’t a sport I follow. I’m down for a Sunday afternoon of watching football with my friends, and love that our new house is accommodating for everyone. Part of me doesn’t want to admit that I’m happy we’re back. I refuse to let my guard down even with Frannie dead and her disgusting piece of shit brother behind bars. Now that I’m back, maybe I’ll pay a visit to Ted Lawson and make sure his life is a living hell. Honestly, hell is too good of a place for someone like him, and death is too easy. Even though I know he’s behind bars, I still look for him on the streets. Same with Frannie. I know she’s dead, but I also don’t buy that there aren't any other players in this game of theirs.

Jensen pulls into the parking lot of a strip mall in San Diego. I must’ve been so lost in thought that I don’t remember crossing the bridge to get off the island. It’s crazy how one thought can pull you away from everything around you. We get out of the car and follow Jensen toward the men’s fashion store. He holds EJ’s hand, while Nate, Tucker, and I walk side by side. There’s a lady walking toward us. She looks at us with wide eyes and then darts out of our way. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I imagine the three of us look rather frightening. Too bad she doesn’t know we used to be the guys who saved lives. I miss that life and hate that people ripped it away from me.

The salesclerk greets us as soon as we walk in. Jensen gives him our name and tells him that we have an appointment for a final fitting. While the clerk gets everything situated, I take a walk around, for no other reason than boredom. The last time I was in a store like this, it was to get my tuxedo for prom. I took Ryley and it was one of the best nights of my life. We were so young and had the world ahead of us. We thought we were going to conquer the world.

My fingers touch the material on the coat in front of me. While the fabric is nice, it’s not what I thought I’d wear to my wedding. This wedding should’ve happened years ago, before our son was born, with me in my dress uniform. But again, someone took it upon themselves to involve me and my family in their sick and twisted plan. The only positive from all of this is that Ryley sued the Navy on behalf of EJ and won big. Our son is set and probably won’t ever have to work a day in his life if he doesn’t want to.

Jensen calls my name and motions for me to follow him. We head to the back where the dressing rooms and mirrors are set up. Tucker and Nate go first, leaving Jensen, EJ, and I to whistle and catcall when they come out.

“You boys be fancy,” I say when they step out of the rooms. Tucker flips me off and Nate tells me to pound sand. Another clerk joins us and the two of them poke, prod, and pull every which way they can. I chuckle when Nate almost falls over.

“Just wait until it’s your turn,” he says, eyeing me. I salute him.

When they’re done, they change, and the clerks take their tuxes to the counter. EJ goes into the dressing room with me. The last thing I want is for him to have a meltdown because he can’t figure things out. I could have asked Nate to help him, but no. I want this to be an experience we share together. Once I’m dressed, I help EJ tuck his shirt in, and show him a trick by tucking it into his underwear and pulling the flaps down. He thinks it’s hilarious that his shirt is in his underwear, but whatever. It’ll stay tucked in longer this way.

We come out and sure enough, Nate is leading the catcalling. I tell EJ to bow and he does. I take my son to stand in front of the mirror. I want to get a good look at him. He’s growing fast and about to enter the second grade. His mop top hair is a combination of Ryley’s red and my deep brown, and the lucky guy even has curls. The girls are going to go crazy for the curls.

“What do you think?” I ask him while we stand there in our linen suits. The color is a light tan or khaki, I’m not sure what the actual name is. Our dress shirts are white, and thankfully I don’t have to wear a tie or bowtie, neither do the guys.

“We look nice,” EJ says. “Do you think Grace will like it?”

Grace, Carter and Lois’s daughter, who is the same age as EJ is over the moon happy that he’s back. She’s a little upset though because we moved to Coronado instead of San Diego and they won’t be in the same class together, but the playdates are scheduled. EJ informed us that he plans to dance with Grace at the reception. I don’t know if Ryley and I should be scared or what. I’m not ready for my son to have a crush. I feel like I’m still getting to know him.

“I think she will say you’re handsome.”

“What color is she wearing?”

I shake my head. “I’m not sure, bud. You’ll have to ask your mom.”

EJ and I stand there for another long minute, just staring at each other through the mirror. “Are you ready to be my best man?”

He nods. “I even wrote a speech.”

I turn his shoulders so I can look into his eyes. “You did?”

“Yep. Papa told me that as the best man I have to give a speech, so I wrote one.”

“I can’t wait to hear it, son.” Please call me dad.

EJ smiles, showing me that he’s missing his bottom two teeth. I never thought I’d find joy in being the tooth fairy, but damn, it’s been fun sneaking into his room to hide money under his pillow.

After we settle up with the clerk, we head back to the car and lay each suit bag in the trunk. My phone chimes and I step to the side to read the message from Ryley.

My love: I had a small panic attack. Wanted to let you know before someone mentioned it. I’m okay now.

What do you mean, small?

My love: Mom brought us to the Mexican cantina near base. It’s right by . . .

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