Taking Chances(134)

“That just seems…” I trailed off not knowing what word to use.

“So unlike Sir?”

“Yeah.”

“Shocked me too when it happened. So maybe you can understand why I was so miserable, and I guess I wanted you to know how miserable I was. I know how stupid that was, but I just couldn’t stop. And Ashley, well, that was a mistake.”

I shook my head slightly, “I still can’t believe you did that, what were you thinking? Did you not learn how bad of an idea that was from any of the other guys in the unit? Like Ramos? You were there when he found out about his girl! You could have your pick of girls that would love you and would be faithful to you while you’re deployed, instead you went for one of those skanks? They sit around waiting in the parking lots on base for a guy to come hit on them, when their guys go off on a deployment, you know they’re waiting on base the very next weekend for another guy.”

“I know Blaze,” He snapped, “you think I don’t fucking know that?!”

“I would strongly suggest you don’t talk to my wife that way.” Brandon said through clenched teeth.

Carter took a deep breath in to try to calm himself, “Sorry,” he said to both of us, “Harper I know it was stupid, I knew what would most likely happen when I left, but she looked like you and I couldn’t help myself.”

Oh that’s creepy.

Brandon’s face hardened even more and he quickly turned his attention to our son. Thank God he was holding him. From the way the muscles in his arms were flexing, I knew Brandon was itching to hit something and Liam was the perfect thing to calm him down. I flashed a small smile at them before looking back at Carter.

“And now? After all that, what have you been doing this last year since you got back from Afghanistan? You still drinking all the time?”

“No, other than a beer or two with the guys every now and then, I don’t do much of anything. I knew if I wanted any chance of getting you, I had to stop what I was doing. And then of course, I find you again, and you’re married and have a baby.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and dropping his head in his hands, “I can’t believe you have a freakin’ baby.” He whispered.

“I am sorry that you spent all this time, and moved to California, thinking that we would be together. I don’t want to hurt you, but Carter I never saw you as anything more than my friend, and I’m sorry I didn’t make that clear enough back in North Carolina. But I’m not going to be sorry for being with Brandon and having Liam, I can honestly tell you I’ve never been happier than I am now.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to understand that. Congratulations, by the way.” He said grimly, “How old is he anyway?”

“He’ll be a year in two weeks.” Brandon smiled down at him and bounced him up and down on his knee.

“Wow.” Carter looked at him for a long time before looking back at me, “Really cute kid.”

“We think so.” I beamed. It got silent for a few awkward moments so I looked back at my old friend and sighed, “Well Carter, I don’t know what you think about anything now that we’ve talked, but if you think we could go back to being friends, or I guess…what I thought was friends anyway, then I want that. But if that’s not enough for you, then this is the last time I’m going to see you.”

He furrowed his brow and leaned away slightly, “Blaze, I can’t – I hate not having you there. I get that we’re never going to happen. I know it took me probably too long for your liking to understand that, but I know now. I still want you around, or for me to be around I guess. Brandon, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want that though. I know I acted pretty shitty before, but I would never try anything now that you’re married. I’m not that much of a douche.”

Bree and Konrad walked in with wide eyes when they saw Carter with us. “Uh, we have the food?” Bree said it like a question and mouthed What the hell? from behind Carter’s back

I shook my head at her and looked back at Brandon as he spoke again, “If you want, we’re having some friends over for a barbecue next Saturday, you and your friends are more than welcome. Harper can text you our address.”

My eyes widened.

Um, what?

Carter took that as his cue to leave and stood from the chair, “That’d be great, thanks man.” He shook Brandon’s hand and brushed his knuckles against Liam’s arm. “Thanks for this Blaze.” He hugged me tightly for a second and backed away, probably trying not to push his luck further. “Guess I’ll see you next weekend?”