Home for the Holidays by Rochelle Alers Read Free Book Online Page A

detention center, but a month into his stay he realized he found his niche. He’d fallen in love with all things military. He knew he disappointed his mother when instead of enrolling in college he enlisted in the Army. His father had secretly wanted him to apply to West Point, but Collier redeemed himself when he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Green Beret.
    Life in the military wasn’t colored in shades of gray, but in black and white. He loved the success he had achieved and knowing he’d protected his country. But what would happen when Master Sergeant Ward returned to civilian life? What, if anything, would give him as much satisfaction? It was something he thought about constantly. And so far he hadn’t come up with an answer.
    â€œI’ve changed, Tracy.”
    She frowned again. “How?”
    â€œI only have two years left in the service. I have to decide what I want to do with the rest of my life.” He didn’t tell her he also had to focus on taking care of her and Layla, although Tracy constantly reminded him she wasn’t his responsibility. That she was able to take care of herself and her daughter.
    â€œIs getting married and having children in your future plans?”
    Collier successfully concealed his annoyance behind a closed expression when he met Tracy’s accusing eyes. “I’m in no rush to get married.”
    â€œHow old do you want to be before you become a father?”
    His jaw tightened as he clamped his teeth together. Tracy was like a dog with a bone whenever she wanted to prove a point. “I didn’t know there was an expiration date on fatherhood.”
    â€œThere isn’t, and I shouldn’t have to remind you that you’re the last male Ward on Cavanaugh Island.”
    The tense lines on Collier’s face relaxed. “I can’t concern myself with situations I can’t control at this time in my life. Did you finish your thesis?” he asked, changing the topic.
    â€œWhy do you always change topic when you don’t want to talk about yourself, Collier?”
    â€œChanging the topic is the alternative to telling you to mind your business.”
    â€œOooo-kaaaaay,” she said, drawing out the word into two long syllables. “We’ll talk about me, then.”
    Tracy launched into a lengthy discussion of the impact of nineteenth- and twentieth-century women’s literature on their respective epoch. She’d chosen Mary Wollstonecraft, Toni Morrison, Agatha Christie, Edith Wharton, and Anaïs Nin. As a child, Tracy had spent all her free time reading, and Collier knew she would eventually choose a career involving books. They sat on the porch talking until Layla announced it was time to come in and eat.
    A short time later, Collier refilled his plate with a second helping of rice, cabbage, and oxtail stew, smiling at Iris across the dining room table. “This food is amazing.”
    Layla wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I told you she cooks good.”
    He wanted to tell his niece Iris was better than good. “If I eat like this every day, I’ll have to run at least five miles to burn off the extra calories.”
    Iris glanced up at him through her lashes. “Well, you better prepare yourself since I’ve invited your family to join mine for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow.”
    Collier swallowed a bite of corn bread. “It looks as if I came home just in time to get my gobble on.”
    â€œBrother, that’s so lame,” Tracy said while shaking her head.
    â€œGobble. Turkey,” Collier intoned.
    â€œWe get it, Collier.” Tracy laughed.
    â€œKilljoy,” he mumbled under his breath. “Iris, do you need me to help you with anything?”
    Smiling, Iris shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    She nodded. “I’m very sure.”
    An expression of supreme triumph flitted across