Embattled Ever After: Lost and Found, #5

By J.M. Madden

Duncan Wilde has avoided long-term relationships very well since his fiancée left him wounded in the hospital years ago. That one harsh lesson—that he needed to guard his heart—has stuck with him for years. Besides, he's a beat up old Marine well past his time for love. The fiery young doctor from Kansas City seems to think otherwise, though. Too bad she's so damn young.

Alex Hartfield grew up as a military brat, but she sees something in Duncan that makes her think of permanence and starting a family.  She wants someone to come home to every night and love, and he's the first man that makes her guarded heart race with hope and excitement.

 

Now… as they try to understand the dangerous incidents going on around them, they fight to find common ground. But it seems as if fate has some tricks up her sleeve.

 

WARNING- This is the fifth book in the Lost and Found series and as always, there are ups and downs. Readers need to be aware that I deal with PTSD issues, suicide, and miscarriage. But, as always, there is a happy ending!!!

 

Lost and Found Series Reading Order

 

The Embattled Road- Prequel- 0.5

Embattled Hearts- Book 1

Embattled Minds- Book 2

Embattled Home- Book 3

Embattled SEAL- Book 4

Embattled Ever After- Book 5

Embattled Return- Book 6

 

Connected Novellas- 

SEAL's Lost Dream- Book 2.5

Her Forever Hero- Book 3.5

Unbreakable SEAL- Book 3.6

Embattled Christmas- Book 3.7

Loving Lilly- Book 4.2

Her Secret Wish- Book 4.3

SEAL's Christmas Dream- Book 4.7

Mistletoe Mischief- 5.1

Lost and Found Pieces 1- Book 5.2

Lost and Found Pieces 2

 

Connected Spinoffs-

The Lowells of Honeywell, Texas

Forget Me Not- Prequel

Untying His Not- Book 1

Naughty by Nature- Book 2

Trying the Knot- Book 3

 

The Dogs of War-

Genesis- Prequel

Chaos- Book 1

Destruction- Book 2

Retribution- Book 3

Catalyst- Book 4

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.M. Madden
• Release date: Mar 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9780998647517

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Alex felt like she was somebody important or something. A tall handsome guy with dark hair, wraparound sunglasses and a service dog at his side met her at the airport taxi area, white cardboard sign in his hands. When she stopped in front of him he reached out to shake her hand. Alex Hartfield?

Yes, she nodded.

Flynn. I'm your ride. Is this your only bag?

Yes.

He hefted the full-sized suitcase into the back of a truck nearby as if it weighed nothing, and she knew for a fact if she hadn't flown first-class it would have been over the weight limit. The airlines were a little more lenient when you spent more money with them.

He moved to the passenger side of the vehicle and held the door open for her. Alex moved forward but yelped as the service dog—looked like a shepherd mix—jumped into the seat before she could.

Maya, the man growled.

The dog gave him a wounded look before hopping over the seat and into the second row of seats.

Sorry about that, he murmured.

Alex could have laughed, but she was afraid if she did it would sound slightly maniacal. Instead she climbed into the seat and allowed him to shut the door behind her. Then she fastened the seatbelt across herself.

She was so off balance in this situation and it was not a feeling she was used to. Normally, she was the one calling the shots—directing nurses, ordering tests, guiding patients. It was what she was comfortable doing. It was what she had been raised to do, trained to do. But trekking across the country to tempt a man into a relationship was definitely something she'd never done before.

This...adventure, yeah, that was a good word, was very different.

Flynn pulled the truck out into the traffic streaming toward Denver. It was the day before Christmas, and people were out in droves, trying to pick up last-minute gifts. Alex could see the skyline in the distance, but it was a little hazed by snow flurries.

Was your flight okay?

Alex glanced at him. It was. There was a little turbulence but not too bad. The crowds were a little crazy though.

The man nodded but didn't say anything else. To Alex it seemed as if he didn't like making small talk, but was trying for her sake. She could at least reciprocate.

So, do you work for the Lost and Found company?

Flynn nodded without looking from the road. Yeah. Been there a couple years now.

And, can you tell me about your dog?

Flynn glanced up in the rearview mirror to look at the animal. Even through the dark glasses Alex could tell his expression softened. Maya kind of adopted me earlier this year, when I rescued her from dying.

Alex glanced back at the dog, intrigued. Really?

As if she knew they were talking about her, Maya stood up and popped her head between the front seats.

Flynn reached a hand up to the dog's neck, ruffling the hair. If you look you can see where she had a cable embedded in her neck because of a careless owner. I took her to the vet but she escaped and kind of moved herself in.

She chuckled, liking the man more now that she could see he had a soft spot for the dog. Sounds like she needed a home.

"Yeah, and Willow, my girlfriend, uh, my wife, refused to take her back."

She glanced at the dark band on his ring finger. She was your girlfriend then?

Yeah, we just got married. With a proud grin he ran his thumb over the band, like he was still getting used to the fit.

That was sweet. He had that dazed look of a guy that couldn’t believe that the woman of his dreams had accepted him.

Sounds like she couldn't take her back if Maya adopted you.

Reaching up she scratched under the dog's chin. And do you mind if I ask what the service vest is for?

Flynn glanced at her, his eyes weighing her even though she couldn't see them.

She's going through training right now to be my PTSD service dog.

His hands tightened on the steering wheel as if she were going to scoff at the thought, but she'd dealt with enough patients to know how to calm their fears. Ah, very smart. She seems to be doing a good job. I couldn't tell you were affected at all at the airport.

Some tension eased in the cab of the truck. Well, if I’d have had to go into the terminal to find you, it probably would have been a different story. It was best that we stayed outside.

Alex appreciated a person that understood his or her own limits. Too many times she saw people who thought they were still as young as they used to be, or as strong as they used to be and hadn't modified their behavior according to their age or medical conditions. Then they paid the price for their misjudgment.

As they wound around the loop onto the interstate the afternoon sun glinted off the skyline. What a beautiful city.

Yeah, it's not too bad, Flynn agreed. There's plenty to do here if you're a tourist. And it's got several cool shopping districts if you're into that.

Alex shrugged. She could shop as well as any girl if she needed to, but there were usually other things she wanted to do. I prefer to see things, experience things.

Then you can check out any of the gold mining towns not too far away. There's skiing for every skill level, mountain biking, there are even some zip line tours popping up here and there. Horseback riding. Trail climbing. You name it and it's around here probably. Not sure how long you'll be here but you should take a trip into the mountains and explore.

I'm not sure how long I'm going to be here either, she admitted. It depended upon how well everything went tonight, didn’t it?

She looked at the jam-packed interstate. It was hard to believe the year was almost over. Christmas was tomorrow. Then another week and it would be a new year.

She leaned her head against her hand as they sped along. It was only about thirty degrees outside, but the way the sun was shining, you would think it felt warmer. Her monster suitcase was packed with plenty of sweaters and warm leggings. Alex had grown up in mostly tropical climates so the winters in Kansas City and Colorado definitely took some getting used to.

Flynn flicked his turn signal on and exited the ramp on the northeast side of the city, then drove through a developed suburban area populated with strip malls. They pulled up in front of a restaurant or bar in a fairly trendy area. Maybe it was both. Flynn parked the truck and turned off the ignition. I'll bring your suitcase in if you can get your carryon.

Alex slid down from the cab and looked down at the snow on the ground. Maybe she should change her shoes. Stepping carefully, she crossed to the rustic wood front door of the Frog Dog. Christmas lights outlined everything. A large sign warned the public 'Closed For Christmas. See you next week!'

It was warm inside, and as soon as she entered, people rushed toward her. One petite young woman with curly brown hair stepped forward. "You must be Alex. Oh, my gosh, you're gorgeous! You're so perfect. I'm Shannon."

Alex grinned at the woman, already feeling a kinship with her. They'd spoken on the phone several times and now that she had connected the voice with the face, their connection seemed so natural and she returned the hug happily. It's such a pleasure to meet you as well. I can't believe I finally made it.

She didn't mean the plane ride. She meant the situation itself.

Shannon's kind expression turned serious. Yes, I know. Let me introduce you around. Duncan won't be here for at least an hour, but if I know him, he'll be even later. That man is a true workaholic.

Shannon turned to a slender blond-haired woman. This is Lora. Her daughter Mercy is over there in the corner booth with her coloring book. Chad, she called.

A tall man with a genial smile and a cowboy hat on turned from the bar and walked over. He wrapped his arm around Lora's shoulders, his bright blue eyes shining.

This is Chad Lowell. He's one of the partners and I think you've spoken to him on the phone a time or two. John is around here somewhere. She glanced around but didn't see her boyfriend. Alex had heard enough about the man she could probably pick him out of a crowd, but there weren't that many people in the bar.

Then a scowling man in a wheelchair rolled out from a dark hallway. His lap was laden with several cases of beer, but he balanced them perfectly as he rolled to the entrance to the bar. There was some grumbling and a giant of a man stood from behind the bar. He must have been stocking down low because she hadn't seen him. The guy was huge.

John, Zeke, come over here.

The two men looked at the group at the door, then made their way over. Alex, Shannon continued, this is John Palmer, second partner of the company, and my boyfriend.

Alex reached out and shook his hand, impressed with the man's almost palpable personality. Yes, he was in a wheelchair, but he had so much spirit it was almost hard to look at him.

His dark eyes narrowed on her as he sat back in his chair. So, you're the doc from Kansas City, huh? Shannon's been shittin' kittens to get you out here.

Shannon gasped and smacked him on the shoulder. John!

Alex laughed, enjoying the camaraderie she could feel between all these people, and she knew that she had just been offered the chance to be part of them. No kitten shitting on my behalf, please, Shannon.

They all laughed and she felt like she had gained a toehold in the mountain. The big man at John's shoulder stuck his hand out. Zeke. My g-g-girlfriend Ember and I r-run this place right now. Welcome to D-d-denver.

Alex looked up at the big man and it took every bit of her professional experience not to flinch at the man's massive facial scarring. Damn. This guy had been through a lot in his lifetime. Thank you very much, Zeke. And thank you for having the party. Not sure how it will go over but we'll see, huh?

He nodded and turned as the swinging door to the kitchen opened at the far end of the bar. A dark-haired woman walked out carrying a tray of snacks and set them on a table in the middle of the room. She smiled when she saw the group and walked over to tuck herself beneath the giant's arm. And this is Ember. She and h-h-her dad own the F-f-frog Dog.

Ember skipped the handshake altogether and leaned in for a quick hug. Welcome, welcome. Can I get you something to eat or drink after your trip?

Alex shook her head, but she found herself with a bottle of water in her hand and a plate of appetizers at her elbow as they settled her to a table. The women all gathered around as the men returned to doing whatever they'd been doing before she arrived. Flynn rolled her suitcase down the hallway to the left.

Flynn, Shannon called. When will Willow be here?

Any time, he called back. I'll send her a text. She might have had an emergency come in late.

The women very subtly peppered Alex with questions about her background. The military brat status gained her huge points and she told them about the extensive traveling she’d done in her childhood.

Another dark-haired woman entered the bar, stomping her boots free of snow. She pulled the toboggan off her head and shrugged out of her big winter coat. Before she could even say hello, though, Flynn had materialized out of nowhere and dragged her into his arms for a welcome kiss. Willow sagged into him, obviously very happy to be there. One of Flynn's hands drifted down to her rounded belly and Alex realized the woman was about halfway through a pregnancy, if not more.

The women at the table looked at the couple, smiling. Shannon leaned over conspiratorially. Flynn was pretty stubborn but we knew he had someone in his life. He didn't tell us about her for a while.

Alex smiled, loving that all of these people seemed supportive of one another. The dog, Maya, wandered around the bar accepting attention. The Christmas lights glittered gaily and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. She could feel her tension easing as they drifted through the conversation.

They talked about everything under the sun for an hour and a half before somebody hissed that Duncan was on his way. Alex's stomach bottomed out and she didn't know if she wanted to run or throw up. Maybe both. Chad crooked his finger at her and guided her back to the office. I hope you don't mind waiting just a bit. We want to get the Santa bit over and all that. There are some big presents being exchanged tonight, and you're one of them.

Alex lifted a brow and eyed the puppy in the crate in the corner. The dog snored lightly. Okay...

Settling into the office chair behind the desk she pulled her phone from her purse and started checking email, trying to find something mundane to do to ease her nerves. She hadn't been this shaky since she'd gone in for her medical boards to complete her residency.

The tension and the travel of the day settled onto her shoulders and her eyelids began to droop. She didn't know when she fell asleep, only that it seemed like seconds later and Chad was gently shaking her awake. I'm taking Shannon's big present out now, then it'll be your turn. Are you okay?

Alex nodded, reaching for her purse. Yup. Give me a minute to spruce up and I'll be ready to go.

No rush. You've got a few minutes. If you want to step outside the office door, you should still be hidden from where Duncan is sitting, but you'll be able to see Shannon get her present. It's going to be something. Zeke just proposed to Ember.

Alex gasped. Really? Oh, that's wonderful! I wish I had seen that.

And she did wish she had seen it. Though significant relationships in her own life were few and far between, she definitely believed in love.

Chad put the sleepy puppy in a box, then inside another big silver box with a red bow. Then he pushed it out of the office and down the hallway.

Alex swiped on some lipstick and fluffed her hair, then carefully stepped out into the hallway. It was tempting to take a few steps just to see where Duncan sat, but she curbed the urge. She would see him soon enough.

The entire group stood around watching Shannon. She was just taking the top off the silver box, frowning. Then she took the lid off the second box and the puppy tumbled out. Alex was too far away to hear the words but Shannon looked stunned, then pissed, even as she cuddled the dog to her chest. Then John murmured something and Shannon ducked her head to look at the dog's collar. Alex wasn't sure what she found there until Shannon set the puppy down and lifted the ring between her fingers. John took the ring and slipped it on the appropriate finger, then they collapsed into an embrace. The puppy tumbled away to get attention somewhere else.

Alex's heart was beating hard with shared joy. It was obvious that the two of them were very much in love.

Duncan watched the interplay between John and Shannon. Most of the group watched the kids play with the puppy, but the interaction between his second-in-command and his new fiancée was much more interesting. There had been a lot of tension in that little corner of the room and he was tickled he got to see the shocked look on John's face before he buried it in Shannon's neck. Palmer didn't show emotion like that very often. Duncan smiled to himself. He had an idea what they were talking about.

Now to wait for the confirmation.

For the first time in a long time he thought about Melanie. A few years ago he'd checked up on her. She'd married the guy she'd cheated on him with and they lived back in Ohio somewhere. It had been almost eight years ago now that he'd come back after being blown up, hurting, afraid he’d never walk again, only to have her abandon him in the hospital.

Damn. Nine years was a long time to be alone.

Duncan jerked when little Drew slammed into him, laughing. When he looked up, most of the group had crowded around him. He grinned, embarrassed to be caught woolgathering. He adjusted his glasses on his nose. What?

Chad stepped forward to speak for the group, his arm looped around Lora's narrow shoulders. Well, we wanted to get you something special for Christmas, but you kind of have everything you need. Except one thing.

The crowd parted to reveal the hallway across the room. There, with the shine of the multi-colored Christmas lights glinting off her dark auburn hair, stood Dr. Alex Hartfield. Square, narrow black glasses framed laughing eyes and her lips were pursed in a mischievous smile as she watched his reaction. Unable to help himself, Duncan glanced down her frame. A gray sweater hugged her chest and rested lightly on her tight, jean-clad hips. When he looked up a spark had entered her vibrant green eyes, her lips had spread into a broad smile and she started to walk toward him.

Oh, bloody hell...

Hello, Duncan.

Then, she leaned down to press a kiss to his cheek. Duncan held completely still as she touched him, wondering what the hell she was doing here.

Then he realized the rest of his crew was waiting for some reaction, so he forced a smile and waved her to the seat across from him. With a few slaps on the back, his people began to fade away.

Duncan made himself lean back in the booth and try to look collected. Hard to do with Chad's crazy-ass 'Save a Humvee, Ride a Marine' t-shirt on over his polo and a stunning woman sitting across from him. I'm sorry you got dragged into this madness. My men seem to think I'm in a rut.

She smiled, her lips a pretty shade of dark pink. Well, she murmured, voice teasing. Maybe the rut isn't easy to see to the person that's in it.

Duncan tilted his head in ascent. Perhaps. Can I get you a beer or a drink?

I'll take a beer.

Since no one had a spare in their hand, Duncan pushed himself up out of the booth and limped to the bar, cane clicking softly on the hardwood floor. Zeke had already told them to help themselves to anything they wanted, so he found the cooler and dug out a couple of longnecks, then carried them back to the table.

Alex smiled when she took hers. My favorite. Thank you.

Blinking, he sank down onto the cushion. The brand was his favorite as well. For some reason, he'd thought she'd be too good for a regular beer. It seemed a little low-class for her. But as he watched her lift the bottle to her lips, fingernails gleaming on the low bar light, she totally made it work. I'm curious why you’re here.

Pursing her lips, her eyes lifted to his. Well, I called out originally to check on Mr. Willingham. You haven't heard anything from him?

Duncan shook his head, sighing. For some reason I didn't think I would. He may show up later.

Alex looked sad at the news, but resigned. Your office manager told me that, but I was hoping maybe there was something. Do you come across vets like him a lot?

Duncan scraped at the beer label with his thumb. More than I like to admit. We have a lot of veterans out there right now and they don't always take care of themselves the way they should. We help the ones we can, but we only have so much work to go around. I have more applicants than I can ever hope to place.

Wow. I had no idea. She frowned, fine lines creasing the skin between her arched brows. I grew up on bases but it’s been a while. I mean, I’ve been away from the day in and day out life since I graduated high school. You see the war on the news but it seems very distant once you’re back in the civilian world with regular, non-military people.

Duncan grimaced. Yes. We've dealt with that for years. People are slowly becoming more aware, though. There are more veterans’ organizations popping up. And the government is realizing how behind they are.

Her shadowed eyes seemed sad. I have to admit I felt...outraged when I realized what had happened to Mr. Willingham. Somebody should have cared about what happened to him, someone should have noticed he was gone.

Duncan shrugged. Somebody probably did, but until the veteran feels secure enough to reach out, we can only wait.

Alex nodded, her eyes turning sharp. How long have you waited for Aiden to see that?

His smile turned wry. A while.

Silence stretched between them and Duncan shifted uncomfortably. It had been months since he'd been on a date, let alone in a relationship.

He swallowed, suddenly even more uncomfortable at the direction of his thoughts. This woman, as beautiful as she was, was not relationship material, not with him anyway. They were so different on so many different levels.

His heart thudded with awareness, though. And though he tried to play it cool his gaze kept coming back to her. The lighting in the bar made her eyes bigger and darker green than he remembered them. Her pale skin looked incredibly smooth and soft. And she wore some kind of scent that teased his senses.

Duncan took a swig of his beer, desperate to put some distance between them. It had to be because of the situation that he was responding to her so strongly. Two of his guys had just gotten engaged in front of him and he knew they loved their women more than their own lives. He remembered that feeling, it was a heady thing. Maybe what he was feeling was like a contact high, just with love. It was in the air and he was breathing it in.

John and Shannon were gazing at each other like lovesick fools.

Wow. They really look to be in love, Alex sighed, propping her chin on her hand and watching them cuddle, that damn dog wiggling between them.

They are, Duncan admitted. They've gone through a lot together and I'm happy for them. I think they'll be a strong couple and excellent parents.

Oh, she's pregnant? That's so wonderful, she sighed.

Duncan swallowed. Yup. Another mark on the con side. She wanted kids.

He'd always wanted kids, but that had been before he'd gone to war and seen so many young men being killed over there. When Melanie had shown up at Walter Reed after he'd been injured and he realized she was pregnant, for just the tiniest fraction of a second he had felt pure joy. Then he'd realized there had been no earthly way he could have put her in that condition and the disappointment had gutted him. Melanie had cheated on him with another man, but he felt strangely detached about the cheating itself. By that time he’d seen and learned a lot about being in a relationship while in the military.

Anyway, that had been many years ago. He was older and wiser now, and he wouldn't be letting himself fall for a woman practically young enough to be his daughter and who wanted kids. God. He'd be an idiot to get involved with her. Melanie had taught him well to guard his heart.

He told himself that many, many times throughout the night, but he still found himself intrigued by Alex. She'd lived the life of a military brat, thanks to her father’s military career; like Duncan, he was a Marine. Duncan actually remembered the man and knew he had a spotless record.

But her father was not that much older than Duncan was himself.

Tipping up the beer bottle, he drained it, then set it aside. Another one plonked down in front of him almost immediately as Zeke walked by. Alex laughed at the startled expression on his face.

I didn't realize he was behind me, Duncan groused.

This needed to be his last beer. He couldn't afford to be impaired with her sitting across from him.

I'm kind of surprised you didn't have plans for Christmas, he said carefully.

She shrugged and looked out over the group. Well, you know how it is with the military. Dad's in Afghanistan right now. He won't be back for months. I sent him my Christmas package already. And I don't have any other close family.

Duncan frowned. None?

Well, he had the unfortunate luck to marry a woman that only tolerates me and steps that don't even remember my name. I try to see them as little as possible. I have aunts on my mother's side, but we don't see each other often. We're kind of scattered to the four corners of the country. How about you?

"I have family here in Denver, actually.