Rapping the gavel upon the podium, Jillian called the Baytown American Legion Auxiliary’s meeting to order. The women in town had been excited to gain a charter for their organization after the veterans had chartered their American Legion.

“Rise for the Advancement of the Colors,” she announced.

The large group of women in the building rose to their feet as Ginny Spencer marched forward carrying the American flag. As a member of the American Legion and former Army Sergeant, and current Baytown police officer, she had been voted to the position of Sergeant at Arms.

A Methodist minister from the town said the prayer before Jillian led the group in the Allegiance to the Flag. After Ginny had taken her seat again, Jillian read the preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion and then called Nancy Evans, Mitch’s mom, to the podium for the reading of the last meeting’s minutes. After she completed her task, Jillian called Corinne MacFarlane, Katelyn’s mom, to read the treasurer’s report.

Katelyn, as Vice President, called upon the committee chairs to report as well. Tori, taking the stand, said, “Our first bake sale at the American Legion’s children’s ball game last month brought in over three hundred dollars—”

Applause interrupted, as the group was excited about their first fund-raising activity. Tori finished with information for the next sale.

“Next, we need to discuss the Cavalcade of Memories,” Jillian said. “If you look in your packets, you will find the type of things we want to collect and display. I’m sure we can gather a great number of items that reflect the history of our family members who served, but we will need to have volunteers to catalog and, then, if we have enough items, we can display them on a rotating basis.”

Several other committees reported as well, including Katelyn’s plan for getting more girls in the community involved in the sporting activities. Discussions ensued and after almost thirty minutes, the meeting came to a close.

With a final prayer and the retirement of colors, Jillian read the Auxiliary Charge. “Till we meet again let us remember that our obligation to our Country can be fulfilled only by the faithful performance of all duties of citizenship. Let service to the community, state and nation be ever a main objective of the American Legion Auxiliary and its members. Let us ever be watchful of our organization and ourselves, that nothing shall swerve us from the path of Justice, Freedom, Loyalty and Democracy.” After that, she pronounced, “If there is no further business to come before this meeting, the meeting is adjourned.”

As the women filed out of the room, the officers stayed behind to chat for a few minutes. Katelyn walked over to hug Tonya Bayles, Philip’s mom and the woman she had assumed would be her mother-in-law.

“Oh, sweet girl, how are you?” Tonya asked, her smile genuine as she looked at the younger woman.

“I’m good,” Katelyn said honestly.

“I’ve heard you no longer work at the diner,” Tonya said. “I have to admit, it will be strange to go in there and not see your pretty face.”

“Lord knows I’ve worked there for almost thirteen years,” Katelyn admitted. “I miss the people, but I don’t miss the smell of bacon on all my clothes!”

The two chuckled before Tonya said, “Well, gossip has it that you’re now working with Gareth Harrison.”

Hating to be the subject of speculation, Katelyn nonetheless knew how small towns operated. It was better to make sure you had no secrets because they would be ferreted out soon enough. “That’s right. He needed a receptionist and I wanted to do something besides just waitressing.”

Tonya smiled indulgently. “I understand, sweetheart. I was always afraid you had become stuck after Philip died and he would have never wanted that for you.”

For once, the mention of Philip did not bring the familiar sting of tears. Instead, Katelyn was surprised to feel strangely comforted at the thought of her former fiancé being happy for her. Grasping Tonya’s hands in hers, she smiled at the older woman. “Thank you for that.”

With a pat to Katelyn’s cheek, Tonya said her goodbyes and walked out of the room with the other women.

Turning around, Katelyn noticed the group behind her, standing in both curiosity and concern. Cocking her head to the side, she peered back at them.

Her mom spoke first as she walked over to Katelyn. “You okay, honey?”

“Yeah, Mom, I’m good.” Smiling, she embraced her mom, whispering in her ear, “I’m really good.”

Corrine MacFarlane smiled in return and then said, “Well, let’s head to the pub!”

Some of the American Legion members always had a beer at Finn’s after their meetings and the women decided that they wanted to continue the tradition. Of course, on Auxiliary nights, the men were already there waiting on them.

* * *

Aiden and Brogan worked the bar, keeping an eye on the waitstaff’s movements through the crowd, serving drinks and food.

“Gotta love American Legion and Auxiliary nights,” Aiden said. “Brings in business during the week to match the weekend’s.”

Brogan grunted his agreement, his eyes continually darting toward the door.

“You got someone coming in you want to see?” Aiden asked, noting his brother’s behavior. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think some honey was on their way.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Brogan said, scowling. “Just checking the crowd, that’s all.”

Aiden’s attention was quickly pulled away as he moved down the bar toward some of their friends. “What’s goin’ on in the police world?” he asked Mitch, sitting with Grant. They were joined by Mitch’s father, Ed, the former police chief.

“Not much right now,” Mitch said. “Still got some drugs running up and down the county, but for now, things are quiet.”

“As soon as the tourists start coming in, the department will be too busy,” Grant added. “Hell, just the teen shoplifters and adults drinking alcohol on the public beach will take up time.”

“Always liked the warmer weather,” Ed said, “but gotta admit the tourists, which are needed for the town’s businesses, can add a layer of need to the department.”

Gareth, sitting on the other side of Ed, nodded toward Brogan as he served him another beer. Like the others, he found himself looking up every time the door opened, hoping to see Katelyn. Hell, I just saw her at work today. But he could not deny the desire to see her again. Shaking his head, he tried to empty his mind.

“Thinking of work?” Brogan asked, his deep voice cutting through Gareth’s thoughts.

Startling, Gareth’s gaze jumped to his friend. “Uh…yeah. Just got some cases on my mind.”

“Katelyn doin’ okay for you?”

Gareth knew Brogan’s abbreviated verbiage held a lot of brotherly concern, but refused to wither under the intense stare. Used to doing what he wanted, when he wanted, he chaffed at feeling the need to explain himself. “She’s doing great. She fits in easily and, to be honest, I now wonder how I managed without her.”

Brogan stared wordlessly, non-blinking, and Gareth wondered if he caught the double meaning of his words. Before he could reply further, Brogan just nodded and walked away.

* * *

As they walked out into the night, Katelyn realized that almost all the women walking with her down the street had someone to meet at the pub. Jillian had Grant and Tori had Mitch. Their moms were all going to be meeting their husbands. Smiling at Belle, she looped her arm through hers, deciding to keep her company as the only other single woman in their group.

Entering the pub, the familiar warmth and smells hit her, bringing a sense of peace. Nodding toward her brothers, she fought the urge to move behind the bar with them on her night off.

Ed slid off his stool to greet Nancy with a kiss, mirroring the behavior of his brother, Steve, with Jillian’s mom, Claire. Katelyn watched as her mom and dad embraced as well. Smiling, she realized how lucky she was to have such long-term, committed relationships amongst family and friends. She noted Mitch and Tori, as well as Jillian and Grant embracing. Feeling a pin-prick to her heart, she turned toward the bar and ran into a wall. A human wall. Throwing her hands out to catch herself, she found strong arms holding her as she steadied her feet. Jerking her eyes upward, she viewed Gareth’s smiling face staring back.

“Gareth!” she exclaimed. “I’m sorry…I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“My fault,” he replied, his nostrils filling with her soft scent.

“I didn’t know you would be here tonight.”

“Any reason I shouldn’t be?” he asked, reluctantly letting go of her arms.

Smiling up at his face, she shook her head. “No, I can’t think of one at all.”

He jerked his head toward the bar. “Do you have to work?”

Her gaze cut over to the bar and she noticed Brogan’s eyes were pinned on her before she looked back up into Gareth’s face. “Nope, not tonight.”

“Then can I buy you a drink?”

Laughing, she said, “I might not be working, but in my bar, my drinks are free. But how about I buy you one?”

Grinning, he offered his arm and she slid her hand into the crook of his elbow as they walked toward their friends.

An hour later, as the group dispersed, Gareth and Katelyn walked toward the door. Hearing her name, she twisted around and looked over toward the bar, cocking her head in frustration toward Brogan.

“You gonna help close up tonight?” he asked.

“It’s my night off—”

“We got a lot to do,” he barked.

Pinching her lips together, she glanced apologetically toward Gareth. “Guess I’ll help my brothers. See you tomorrow.”

Not wanting to make things uncomfortable for her, he nodded, but shot Brogan a narrow-eyed glare. With a smile toward Katelyn, he walked out of the pub, leaving her fuming.

Whirling around, she stalked over to the bar. “You want to tell me why I have to help close tonight when it’s my day off? I’ve rarely had one of those, you know. It’s not like I don’t pull my weight around here.”

Aiden walked over, his gaze jumping between his siblings. “What’s going on?”

“Just thought we could use some help closing tonight, that’s all,” Brogan answered, his eyes watching Katelyn closely.

“You know I’ve done nothing but waitress my whole life…since I was sixteen years old. I’ve finally got another job that I really like, where I can develop other skills besides do you want a side of bacon with that or are you ready for another beer? So, having a night off, for once, doesn’t seem to be too much to ask!”

Aiden stood back, unusually quiet, letting her talk as his eyes jumped between his siblings. Brogan grunted as he mumbled, but Katelyn was not in the mood for his surliness.

“You got something to say? Then say it,” she demanded, her hands planted on her hips.

“I said it just seemed like you and Gareth were kind of chummy.”

The silence between the three filled the air, so thick she thought she would choke on it. Chest heaving, she said, “You did not just say that to me.”

Brogan grimaced but held his silence as Aiden stared wide-eyed at his brother.

Sucking in air through her nose, she lifted her chin in defiance. “You all need me, I’m always here. You want the books done, I do them. We need an extra pair of hands, I always fill in. I’m part owner and have never shirked my time at this pub. This very building is like family to me. But I have a chance to learn a new job with a good man and I do not expect to have to take crap from my brother. Gareth is your friend. You know him…you trust him. He’s been nothing but professional to me.”

Katelyn felt the sting of tears hit her eyes as her voice broke. “But if he felt more, I wouldn’t mind exploring that too…and I haven’t felt that in a long time.” Swallowing deeply, she said, “You’re not the only one with war scars, Brogan.” Her finger hit her chest right over her heart and she choked out, “I carry them too.”

Hanging his head, Brogan sighed heavily. Lifting his gaze, he said, “Katelyn, I’m sorry.”

She felt her chin quiver as a solitary tear slide down her cheek. Both brothers looked at her aghast, having not seen her cry in years. “I…haven’t had a relationship since Philip. And Gareth was not here as my date…but as my boss and someone who’s becoming my friend.” The air in the room hung heavily over the trio, making it hard to breathe. Sucking in a shuddering breath, her chest heaving with emotion, she added, “You know what? Close the bar yourself. I’m going home.”

Turning on her heel, she stalked out of the pub, the door banging in her wake.

“Fuck,” Brogan growled, tossing the rag onto the bar. He started to head toward the door, but Aiden caught him by the arm.

“Don’t go, Bro,” Aiden warned. “Let her be for now. You can talk to her tomorrow, but leave her alone tonight.”

“I need to make this right,” Brogan said, jerking his arm away.

“Then do it tomorrow,” Aiden said. “You know her…she hates to cry in front of anyone and, right now, she needs to cry.”

Brogan turned his gaze to Aiden and said, “Since when did you get to be such an expert?”

“Maybe you should just start paying attention to what’s right in front of your face,” Aiden snapped back, gaining a raised eyebrow from his brother. “You still see her as our little sister. Hell, man…she’s twenty-eight years old. She got up at the ass-crack of dawn to work at the diner every fuckin’ day and then came over here to work from mid-afternoon to closing just about every night. You think that’s enough for her? Enough for anyone? Jesus, Brogan, she gave up college ‘cause you and I went off to the military. And hell, don’t even get me started on Philip!”

At Philip’s name, Brogan growled, starting to turn from Aiden, who stopped him once more.

“He was our friend, but man, he’s gone. And Katelyn mourned him, but she deserves a life…she deserves a love. Don’t you want that for her?”

Brogan ran his hand over his face in frustration. “Of course I want that for her. I just…I just…hell, I don’t know.” A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he dropped his chin to his chest for a moment. “I guess I just see her as our little sister that needs protection. I just don’t want her to have any more heartache.”

Aiden’s voice softened as he nodded. “I get that, Bro. But that’s no life for her. She’s lived in the past for so long, we gotta let her move toward a future.”

Lifting his face to his brother’s, Brogan asked, “And you think Gareth’s her future?”

“I got no way of knowing,” Aiden said, sighing as well. “But a job change that she’s excited about is a start. And Gareth’s a good man…a good friend. He looks at her as though he knows she’s special. Maybe something will happen and maybe she’ll get her heart broken again. But it’s living, man. It’s living.”

Brogan nodded slowly as he picked up the rag from the bar and began wiping down the polished wood once again. “Yeah…you’re right. She deserves to live again.”