Never Forget Read online

  Never Forget

  Marie Savage

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Note From the Author

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Marie Savage

  Copyright©2019 by Marie Savage

  All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are either products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  First edition November 2019

  Editing by Kathie Spitz

  This book is dedicated to all that have served in the Armed Forces and for the loved ones left behind.

  1

  “It’s good to be home . . . I hope,” Sgt. Adam Brody thought to himself as he sat in his truck and patiently waited for the light to turn green. It was a gorgeous fall morning as he drove away from Fort Rucker Army Base. Most soldiers he knew, dreamed of this day and would be happy to return home. Adam, however, was melancholy. He knew that his good fortune came from someone else’s sacrifice.

  His best friend Mike would’ve loved a day like this. He loved Enterprise, Alabama even more than Adam did. No one had more hometown pride than fellow soldier Michael Hargrove. The town loved him, too, which was evident when Mike came home for the very last time six months ago. Adam never witnessed anything like it. People stopped on the side of the road as the funeral procession drove by. The men removed their hats, the women placed their hand over their hearts, and American flags were waved in honor of the fallen soldier.

  Adam shrugged off the memory. He wasn’t going to do this, not now and not without a bottle of Jack Daniels to keep him company. He was determined to forget about the Army and move on with his life—a new life. No longer was he a Staff Sergeant barking orders in the mess hall, he was a civilian now, albeit with an uncertain future.

  The light turned green and Adam continued his journey out of town to the little house in the country where he had always enjoyed visiting Papa and Nana. A heart attack took his papa about a year after Adam enlisted in the Army. His nana, on the other hand, was alive and kicking, and probably creating a ruckus living with his folks now. His father insisted she move in with them after her husband of fifty years had passed away. The one thing about the Brody family, they always took care of their own.

  That’s why Adam couldn’t bear the thought of having the house he spent so many summers in to be sold to anyone else and he was pleased to be the new owner. It was important to Adam to keep the family homestead, especially being the oldest grandson. He wanted to make sure future Brodys knew all about where they came from.

  Adam continued his journey until he saw the familiar fields of cotton almost ready to harvest. He was sure his dad was busy managing the crops and would need his help, the sooner the better. He never thought he’d return to be a farmer, but after life in the Army, it felt like a dream come true. Nothing mattered more than to return to civilian life and make a new life for himself, but first, he’d make good on a promise. Mike’s last words to him before taking his last breath haunted Adam every day. Until he could make good on the promise, he felt his life would be in limbo. But was he strong enough to face Shannon once again?

  The last time he saw her was at Mike’s funeral. It had been tough enough to escort Mike’s body home but seeing the sadness in Shannon’s eyes as she stared at the flag draped casket, crushed him. Throughout the service she wouldn’t look at him, fueling his guilt even more. Once she finally did make eye contact, he didn’t have the chance to say he was sorry as she fainted in his arms. He figured if she was upset with him to the point of passing out, it wasn’t the time to beg for her forgiveness. Once he knew she was in good hands with her friends, he had quietly stepped away, and hadn’t returned until today. Coming face to face again with the woman he once loved was going to be one of the hardest things he ever done..

  Driving down the red clay road leading to his grandparents’ old farmhouse, Adam was relieved to see the place didn’t look too bad for being vacant for over five years. He was sure his father had something to do with that. The lawn still looked as green as it would in the spring and the trees surrounding the house were loaded with pecans..

  It felt good to be home.

  Adam got out of the truck for a better view of his new project. The outside paint and trim could use a touch-up. He made his way up the front porch steps. Gone were the potted plants and flowers his Nana had taken such pride in. He’d have to remedy that; maybe she’d even want to help him. The porch swing still looked in good shape, again, maybe needing a fresh coat of paint. As he fumbled to find the keys, he was greeted with the small, pitiful meow of his first visitor.

  Adam looked down at the tiny orange kitten sitting before him. It was young, barely old enough to be away from its mother, maybe too young, in fact. He looked around the porch to see if she were nearby. No sign of her or any other kittens; just this little one whose meow was getting louder by the second.

  “Easy there, little guy, I hear you,” Adam said as he squatted down to pick up the kitten and praying he wouldn’t get scratched or bitten.

  The kitten immediately started purring, which Adam took as a good sign and proved that he most likely had been handled by humans before. With the house being so far from others in the area, he seriously doubted the little guy made it here on his own. Most likely he was dumped.

  It was a shame, but unfortunately a common thing around these parts, for folks to drop off unwanted animals. He guessed they thought there would be plenty of mice and other varmints for them to catch and eat. This little one, however, was fortunate that a coyote or hawk hadn’t spotted him yet. He was too small to defend himself.

  His new furry orange friend scurried up to his neck and nuzzled himself there, still purring away.

  “Okay, I get the message you’re cold and hungry, let’s see if I can find you something to eat,” Adam said as he unlocked the door.

  He’d been paying his father to keep the electricity running on the place—with no one living here—didn’t cost too much. The house smelled musty, but nothing having a few days with the windows open couldn’t cure. With the kitten in tow, he made his way to the kitchen. Everything looked nice and clean and luckily there was no sign of unwanted visitors, besides his new friend.

  “Not sure if anything is in here for you, but let’s check,” Adam said as he opened the refrigerator.

  He’d hoped, but to his delight, his mama hadn’t let him down. Inside was a not completely stocked refrigerator, but there was bread, lunchmeat and cheese, a jar of mayo, a jug of sweet tea and thankfully, a quart of milk. His mom was good about keeping some items on hand since the house was close to the fields. Just in case his dad or some of his hired hands got hungry.

  “It seems to be your lucky day, little guy,” he said as he searched the cupboard for a small saucer.

  With the kitten snuggled up to him, the task was more difficult, but he still managed to pour a little milk in the saucer with one hand before he set it on the floor.

  Gently, he removed the kitten and once it smelled the milk, it went to lapping it up imme
diately.

  “There you go. It’s probably not the best thing for you, but it’ll have to do until I go into town.”

  The milk faced kitten finished and began attempting to clean itself as Adam left it to look around the house. The furniture had dust covers over it and the walls needed a fresh coat of paint, as well. The carpet was dated and he’d bet money there was some good hardwood floors underneath. He was going to be busy. In the corner of the room sat the boxes he had shipped earlier in the week. He didn’t have much as far as belongings, but that was okay. Less to worry with until he got the house done like he wanted and there was no time like the present to get started.

  As the kitten slowly made his way toward him, a decision had to be made. Either find him a new home or go into town and buy some supplies to keep him.

  “Now what to do with you when I’m gone,” he said as he lifted the kitten and once again it snuggled at his neck.

  “Okay, I guess I’m taking you with me,” he said as he zipped up his jacket to keep him from falling out.

  Adam drove back into town to the local pet shop with the kitten still sleeping inside his jacket. He was to meet with his family tonight for dinner and maybe he could give it to his nieces as a present. If he bought the necessities, maybe it would sweeten the deal with their mother, who was his baby sister.

  It had been years since he set foot in the store, as memories of begging his parents for a puppy came to mind. It hadn’t changed much since then, only that it seemed smaller than he remembered. He checked on his little friend who was still sleeping. He just prayed it wouldn’t shed or have fleas.

  Adam was busy loading a cart with the essentials that he felt the kitten would need and hoping his sister would let the girls have the kitten. He wanted to get started on renovations right away and didn’t need the little freeloader underfoot.

  “Adam?” A voice from behind him caused him to pause. Before he thought better of it, he turned and came face to face with the person who haunted his dreams, Shannon Hargrove. He stood in silence, not sure what to begin to say.

  “It’s you. I didn’t know you were here visiting,” she continued, and to Adam’s surprise and delight, she seemed happy to see him.

  “I’m not. I mean I got out. I’m home now for good. How’s it going?” He finally spoke as he began to take in her bright brown eyes and her long, shiny chestnut hair. She was practically glowing and as he continued to look at her, he understood why. She was pregnant, very pregnant.

  As he continued to stare at her stomach, she placed her hand on it and gently moved it around. He never understood why pregnant women did that. Was it a protection thing? Or was it a way of soothing the baby growing inside them? Or was it because, like him right now, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

  “Well, I guess now you know why I fainted on you at the funeral.” She tried to laugh as she continued to caress her smock covered stomach.

  “Wow. Did he . . .” Adam tried to say, but the words got caught in his throat, he already knew the answer to that.

  “No. I didn’t find out until after,” she said as her smile faded away.

  They stood there in awkward silence until Adam’s new friend decided to make his presence known by poking his head out of the jacket.

  “Who do you have there?” She smiled once again.

  “Not sure yet. I found him on the front porch of my grandparents’ house. I think he’s orphaned or maybe someone dumped him off.”

  “Oh, poor little guy. I see you’re getting some things for him.” She nodded toward his cart.

  “Yeah. So, you work here now?”

  “Part-time. I wish I could work full time, but the doctor said I’m putting too much strain on my body, so he cut my hours.”

  The guilt was washing over Adam once again. If Mike were alive, she could be at home and getting ready for their child, not waiting on customers at the pet shop. Mike would have never let her work in her condition.

  “Did you need some help picking things out? It looks like you have all the essentials.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to have anything that will convince a stubborn sister to adopt a lost kitten, do you?”

  “You’re going to give the kitten to Maggie?” She started to laugh.

  “Well, actually her girls, but I know Maggie will have to approve.”

  “Audrey and Grace would love another kitten for sure. They’re always coming in to see what kittens the shelter brings in for adoption. But I don’t think Maggie is going to go for it.”

  “Wait, you said another?”

  “Uh-huh. They adopted a kitten a couple weeks ago. Actually, two kittens from the same litter. It took a lot of convincing to get Maggie to commit to two kittens.”

  “So, what you’re saying is I don’t stand a chance of pawning this little guy off on them?”

  “Pretty much, but I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask.”

  “How about you? A cute little kitten for the baby?” He laid on the charm as he grinned at her.

  “Sorry, I’d love to, but my apartment doesn’t allow pets.” She frowned and reached out to scratch the little guy on the ear. The kitten started to purr once again.

  The ringing of a bell pulled her attention away as she looked toward the front of the store.

  “I’ve got to go help at checkout,” she said as she turned and started heading to the registers.

  Adam watched as she slowly waddled away. She must be ready to pop the kid out at any time and he realized he hadn’t asked her if it was a boy or a girl, or even so much as offering congratulations.

  A small meow caught his attention.

  “Okay, I hear you. Let’s get this stuff and get out of here.”

  Adam made his way to the registers where Shannon was finishing up with a customer.

  “$5.11 is your change. Thank you and come back to see us soon,” she said.

  Adam put the few things he grabbed on the counter.

  “Have you decided on a name?” she asked.

  “I think I should be asking you that question. Congratulations. Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

  “Thank you.” She smiled as she started ringing up his items. “It’s a boy. I’m naming him Michael but calling him Mikey for short,” she said not looking at him. He could feel her pain at the mention of his name.

  “He’d have liked that,” Adam managed to say.

  “So, when is the baby due?”

  “November 30th.”

  “That’s just a month and a half away.”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  Adam wanted to say more, much more, but the words wouldn’t come out even though they were practically screaming inside his head. Look at what you’ve done. Not only is she a widow, but now a child will have no father.

  “Shannon, when you’re done ringing up this gentleman, you can go clock out,” an older woman said as she made her way behind the counter next to them. Adam eyed her name badge and the title Manager stood out. He prayed he hadn’t got her in any trouble.

  “$25.02 is your total,” Shannon said.

  Adam pulled out the debit card and paid for his items.

  “It was nice seeing you again, Adam. Take care of that little cutie,” she said before walking toward the back.

  Adam slowly made his way outside and to his truck. Some part of him wanted to race away to avoid seeing Shannon again while another longed to do just that . . . see her again. Even with child, she was still as beautiful as the day he first met her over twelve years ago when she walked into tenth grade homeroom. Adam was smitten with her right away and avoided all the whispers and rumors surrounding the new student.

  His stroll down memory lane stalled him long enough to see her walk outside. She bundled up and started walking as he watched to make sure she made it safely to her car. He was stunned, however, when she kept on walking out of the parking lot and toward the sidewalk.

  Did she live close by? he wondered. Where’s her car? In fact, where
’s the car? The Mustang that Mike proudly owned and that they both worked on all summer of their senior year. Why wasn’t she driving it? It was hers now or at least it should be.

  This made no sense, but no way was he going to allow her to walk home, especially in her condition, no matter how far it was. He made his way out of the parking lot and into the street before pulling up beside her. She took a few glances his way and finally stopped.

  Adam lowered the window, happy that she didn’t avoid him, even though she probably should.

  “Is everything okay?” he asked.

  “Yes, just going home.” She leaned in still hugging herself.

  “Need a ride?” he offered.

  “I’m okay, it isn’t too far.”

  “Nonsense, it’s getting cold. Hop in. I’ll drop you off.”

  “Are you sure? It’s not out of your way, is it?”

  “Shannon, just get in the truck,” he ordered as he reached over and opened the door.

  She gently eased her way in, and for a moment he felt bad for not getting out and helping her inside. His nana would have boxed his ears for not helping a lady into a vehicle.

  “Thank you, but you don’t have to, it’s not that far,” she said as she buckled her seatbelt, being careful to tuck it under her belly.

  “Nonsense. So where am I going?”

  “Lakeview Apartments. Do you know them?”

  Adam knew all right, and he also knew it was the lowest rent apartments in town, not to mention a hangout for drug dealers and other undesirables. At least that’s the way it was when he lived here. Why on earth was she living there?

  The kitten started to get restless and worked itself out of his jacket.

  “Here, you better let me hold him while you drive,” she said as she reached over and picked him up.