9. Allison

I already missed Ghost;he left before dawn. It's astonishing I called him Ghost this morning. He didn't react, so maybe he didn't catch it. I headed over to Raider's place around ten. We planned to speak with Daisy Mae this morning. I hoped she didn't feel intruded upon.

Glancing around his property, I realized how beautiful it was nestled behind the tall trees. "This place is stunning. Did you build this deck yourself?"

"No, Joe helped me build it. He's really good at carpentry. How's your injury?" Raider asked as he hugged me.

"I'm as fit as a fiddle," I said.

He grinned, observing me. "And you remember everything?"

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The boys. You seem to know them pretty well for not remembering the last six years."

"I might as well spill everything to Ghost when he gets back," I said. I'm sure he's figured it out by now anyway."

"That's your call. Why didn't you just make up with him?"

"It's complicated."

"How about we take the truck to talk with Daisy? I hope Carly is right, and she won't mind watching the boys."

As we pulled into the driveway, I spotted Daisy in the backyard. She lifted her head and approached us. "Hello, Allison, Gideon. It's been ages since I've seen you. I saw Allison a few years back. Congratulations on tying the knot, Allison. Carly has kept me updated on everything. What can I do for you?"

"Daisy, it's lovely to see you again. I glanced at Raider, who was fixated on her. He must have forgotten how beautiful she was, or maybe the sorrow in her eyes caught his attention. It made me want to hug her, but I stopped myself before making her uneasy.

"Daisy," Raider began, stepping close and wrapping his arms around her. At first, she stiffened, then took a deep breath and wrapped her arms around him. They stayed that way for a few moments before Raider stepped back.

"Gideon, I'm so sorry about your wife. That must have been hard to witness, especially with your boys standing there the entire time."

"Thank you. I'm sorry about your family. The pain gets better, but it never truly fades. I work with the Delta Force Team now, and I wanted to see if you could look after my boys while I'm away. I understand if you don't want to. I would want someone to stay at my house so the boys won't have to leave their home. We've moved so many times in the last few years. They are finally settling in."

"I don't know, I don't even know your boys. Would it be strange for them to be looked after by a stranger?" Daisy asked.

"You aren't a stranger to me, even though it's been a while since we've seen each other. I leave in nine days. You can come over and meet the boys. Why don't you join us for lunch? Allison can come too," Raider suggested.

"I have to meet Mr. Grover at the clinic because Flo is getting a chest X-ray," I interjected, noticing movement from the corner of my eye. A small raccoon climbed up Daisy's leg, and she lifted it onto her shoulder.

"Well, would it be alright if it's just you?" Raider asked.

"Of course it would. I'll meet the boys and see how we do together. I'm starting to feel excited about this. Can I bring all my painting supplies if I stay with the boys?" Daisy Mae asked.

"Absolutely. You can even bring this little guy," Gideon said, nodding toward the raccoon.

"This little guy comes and goes; I was surprised when he started coming to me like a pet raccoon. I don't feed him, but he still comes around. He might be someone else's pet. Sometimes, it gets lonesome up here painting all the time, and I'm looking forward to meeting your boys."

"Why don't you come with us now, and you can meet them before we have lunch? They already know I'm looking for someone to stay with them," Raider said.

"If you don't mind waiting for me to tidy up my paint supplies, I'd like that. I'll take my car; that way, you don't have to bring me back." Daisy said, turning back to her painting supplies.

"I don't mind giving you a ride back. Do you need help putting things away?" Raider offered.

"No, it'll only take a moment."

Watching them, I couldn't help but think they'd be perfect for each other. But I wasn't about to meddle in anyone's life. I've only just sorted out my own life, and I'm still worried about how Ghost might react when I confess I remember everything from day one.

As we approached our small town, I tapped Raider on the shoulder. "You can drop me off here, and I'll walk to the clinic," I said. I walked inside and waited anxiously for Flo and Mr. Grover. I was relieved when I saw them walking inside. "I have your prescription right here," I said when I saw them. I gave Mr. Grover the meds, and Flo and I walked to the radiology department for her X-rays.

"I'm so happy you are back; this mountain missed you. Where's James?" Flo asked.

"He left to rescue some Americans from Afghanistan. I already miss him, and he left this morning. I don't think he would like having a clingy wife," I said.

"I know James loves having you for his wife, clingy or not. And I absolutely know you are not the clingy type," Flo reassured me. "I have to stay strong for Mr. Grover. His health isn't what it used to be. I'm grateful you stopped by yesterday. If you notice anything in my lungs besides Pneumonia, we'll keep it between us. I don't want to worry, Mr. Grover."

"Let's hope for the best," I said, accompanying her into the room. I knew she would not be comfortable with anyone else helping her.

"Even if there is something, I'm not going to any hospital," Flo asserted.

"I understand," I nodded.

It didn't take long for me to confirm that Flo had Pneumonia. I wrote them a list of things to do and told her I'd be over to see her tomorrow.