Long Road Home

By Mya O'Malley

Do you believe that some souls are destined to be together, even through hardship and deceit?
After 9-11, Declan’s heart is torn between wanting to stay with Morgan and needing to fight for his beloved country. Knowing that the future may be uncertain, he kisses his fiancée goodbye and focuses on his mission until that dark day from which he will never fully recover. Injured in Afghanistan, Declan has lost more than part of his leg; he’s lost part of himself, now plagued in grief and guilt. How could he possibly ask Morgan to take care of him for the rest of his life, being nothing but a burden to her? Which would be more heartbreaking, feigning his own death or bringing her unhappiness every day? If only he could eradicate her from his mind and be at peace with his decision.
Morgan prays day and night for Declan’s safe return, but when his letters stop coming, Morgan knows in her heart that she has lost him forever. Morgan has a hard time believing in fate and destiny after her fiancé is taken from her. With Declan gone, Morgan’s hope for true love is destroyed, but eventually she finds comfort in the arms of another, even though Morgan’s new love knows that her heart belongs to Declan.
Will Morgan eventually be able to move on, or will Declan haunt her dreams forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mya O'Malley
• Release date: Dec 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005817978

Mya O'Malley

Mya O'Malley was born and raised in the suburbs of New York City, where she currently lives with her husband, daughter and three step-daughters. The family also consists of a boxer, Destiny, and a ragdoll cat named Colby. Mya earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a graduate degree in reading and literacy. She works as a special education teacher and enjoys making a difference in the lives of her students.Mya's passion is writing; she has been creating stories and poetry since she was a child. Mya spends her free time reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She is a romantic at heart and loves to create stories with unforgettable characters. Mya likes to travel; she has visited several Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Costa Rica. Mya is currently working on her ninth novel.

Book preview

Long Road Home

by Mya O’Malley

Copyright © 2022 MYA O’MALLEY

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

Cover art by Jena Brignola

Formatting by Jill Sava, Love Affair With Fiction

Editors: Kathleen Payne and Kay Springsteen

This title was originally published as Wasted Time in 2015 by Blue Tulip Publishing. It appears here with revisions.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About The Author

For Alexandra

Prologue

Her face was the only thing that had kept him sane during his deployment. At this moment, however, thoughts of Morgan had been pushed to the side for reasons of pure survival. Declan wiped the mud from his eyes with a swift movement of his hand, just quick enough so that he could see again. He winced as booming thunder sounded, both near and far.

Swearing under his breath, Declan closed one eye and squinted the other as he spied his target. Breathe. One, two, three… he could do this. The first time he’d had to shoot another man he had faltered, hesitated only the briefest of seconds, during which time the man escaped his line of sight and shot a fellow soldier in the leg, causing serious injury.

This time, Declan concentrated, aimed his M4 rifle, and fired. The distinct thud of a man dropping to the ground confirmed the target had been hit. He didn’t miss a beat. Swiping at the sweat in his eyes from the sweltering mid-day heat, Declan gulped and struggled to his knees. Lining up his rifle again, he stretched his neck, just enough to release the last bit of tension. Declan bit down and gritted his teeth, tasting dirt while fighting off the pain.

It seemed as if hours had gone by, though in fact, it had probably only been minutes when finally, the haunting sound of gunfire ceased. Not one to trust silence in any setting, Declan mentally counted upward until he reached near fifty.

All clear, his buddy, Sean, called out. All clear.

Declan, always cautious, maintained his position until he heard his fellow soldiers from the platoon begin to speak. Peeking up from the ravine, Declan rose slowly to his feet, his rifle pressed firmly to his side.

Surveying the damage, he took in several of their enemies lying still on the ground, the man he had shot among them. Another man lay several feet away. He scanned the land beyond for any signs of movement until he was sure they had taken off, deserting the boundaries of the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. His platoon mates fell silent, all business as they quickly gathered their belongings to head back to base.

Declan clutched his rifle, drawing closer to his lifeless victim. He stepped closer. He had never killed a man before — injured, yes, but never killed. His tangled emotions took over, and he clenched his fists.

His heart raced as his fatigues clung to his body, stifling him. He inched closer still. For God’s sake, the man was a baby, only in his early twenties at best. What have I done? What are we doing here? Declan swallowed, choking back the rising vomit.

Hey! Step back! Sean called out. Move out! I repeat, move out!

Hearing his friend call out to him, Declan turned toward the sound of his voice, realizing his mistake seconds too late. He should have known better; dammit he should have. But no amount of training can prepare you for taking another man’s life.

Glancing swiftly at Sean through tear-stained eyes, he saw the movement in his peripheral vision. Sean raced to the open dirt road. They were sitting ducks, in plain sight. Sean slumped to the ground, and there was not a damn thing Declan could do to erase the timeline of events that would follow.

Sean! No! Declan spun his head, his feet cemented to the ground. Morgan’s face was the last thing in his mind before the final shot shook him and left his world black.

Chapter One

Two Years Earlier

Morgan hustled down the hallway — traffic had been awful that morning due to a nearly thirty-minute delay. One thing Morgan despised was being late, for anything, but especially for work. It wasn’t like she worked in an office where she could slide in and nobody would notice. Being a teacher meant being there on time. She clutched her books to her chest as she scurried toward her classroom.

Oh!

The force of impact sent her reeling as her books and papers scattered across the floor. She bit back a curse; she was at school after all. Piercing dark blue eyes met hers and she stood, silenced. He finally cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

I… I’m sorry. I didn’t see you. She took in the huskiness of his deep voice.

Irritation now gone, she ran her gaze over his shaggy black hair and fair skin. He was dressed in camouflage and damn did he look hot. She gulped and swiped her hand through her hair.

Here, let me help you. He bent down to gather Morgan’s books and papers.

Thank you. She shook her inappropriate thoughts away and helped to gather her things. The morning bell pierced her ears and brought her back to focus.

Thanks again. She pulled the rest of the books out of his arms and then headed for her classroom.

As the bell rang its final call for line up, Morgan mopped the sweat from her brow and dropped into the chair at her desk.

Good morning. She glanced up at the sound of Elle’s voice. Apparently, her classroom aide had hit the same traffic.

Hey, morning. Do you mind bringing the kids in? I just have to check on something.

Elle nodded as she placed her bag and jacket down in the closet.

Morgan’s gaze lingered on her friend for a moment. Elle was new to this; it was her first experience working in a school, but so far she was proving to be reliable and great with the kids. The class was an inclusion Pre-K class, some of the children had Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) stating their goals and objectives; others did not. Morgan made a mental note to ask Elle if she had ever considered going back to school to become a teacher; Elle would be wonderful at the job.

After perusing her schedule for the day, Morgan sighed as she realized she had forgotten to get more celery and cream cheese for her snack project later that afternoon, when her second group of students arrived. She would have to run to the store at lunchtime.

A picture containing text, dark, image Description automatically generated

Good day today, huh? Elle noted as they sat on the bench near the swings. The wind whipped across the playground and Morgan swiped a strand of hair from her eyes.

Hectic, but good, yes. Morgan nodded while she scanned the playground.

How’s everything with Billy? With her eyes glued on the children, Morgan multi-tasked like a pro.

Billy had come by to pick Elle up a few times and Morgan liked him immediately.

He’s great. We’re great. How about you? Elle’s eyes rested on Morgan’s face. When are you going to make time in your life for a guy?

Ah — haven’t we been through this before?

Morgan would rather be alone than jump through all the exhausting hoops of dating. Thinking back to Sam, her old high school boyfriend of three years, she bit her lip. She and Sam had been good together, but it seemed that he couldn’t wait for Morgan to return home from college. Perhaps he wasn’t to blame, four years was a long time to wait. Seeing each other on random weekends and breaks hadn’t been enough for him. They had parted ways amicably enough, but no longer stayed in touch. When and if the time came for another boyfriend, Morgan would be open to the idea, but no, she wasn’t about to go out searching for the guy.

If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. Side by side, they chuckled as Elle finished the sentence for Morgan.

Elle reached for Morgan’s hand. We should grab a cup of coffee one day after work. How does that sound?

Morgan could use a friend. Most of her friends had moved away after college, started graduate school, got engaged.

Maybe one day next week?

Sure. Sounds great, Elle said. Hey, what’s going on over there?

Shielding her eyes from the blinding sun, Morgan saw one of the boys run toward the woods. She rose to her feet.

Sit. I got this one. Elle tore off, calling out.

Once again, the guy from this morning flitted through her thoughts. It seemed whenever she had any down time, her mind ran to him.

At 11:30, Morgan dismissed her morning class and then headed toward her car to make the run to the store. With her head down, she walked across the parking lot, mentally preparing for her afternoon class.

Hey.

It was that voice — again. She lifted her gaze and stopped walking. He was even more handsome than she had recalled.

Oh, hi. Red heat slowly traveled to her cheeks.

I never got the chance to introduce myself. You took off so fast this morning. I’m Declan. Declan Blake. He extended his large hand as Morgan reached over to shake it with hands that trembled against her best effort to still them.

I’m Morgan. Morgan Matthews. Pre-K Inclusion teacher here at Willow Brook.

Are you a Special Education teacher?

Yes. She cleared her throat. I am.

Wow, that’s a noble profession. My cousin was disabled. His eyes held hers for a beat. I think it’s a wonderful thing you do.

Thanks. How about you? I see that you’re in the service. Of course he is, she thought. He’s wearing fatigues.

The army. I joined a while back. I’ve always wanted to, but I got sidetracked for a while. I headed toward construction after school, the union benefits were great and all, but I didn’t feel fulfilled, you know? He shuffled his feet.

So, you signed on. Morgan began to feel a bit more comfortable.

Yes, I went to basic training, continued on to the army national guard, and now I’m back in construction and in the reserves.

Now that’s a noble profession. Morgan grinned, unable to look away. For a moment, they stood, neither speaking.

Morgan broke the awkward silence and glanced around the parking lot. Well, Declan Blake, it was nice to meet you. With a smile, she extended her hand. Declan took it and held on a bit longer than necessary as her pulse drummed.

Morgan Matthews, it’s been a pleasure. His smile reached his eyes. Hey, do you have time to grab a cup of coffee?

I’m sorry, but I have to run to the store for my next group.

How about after school?

Sounds great. She pointed straight ahead. There’s a diner right up the road.

I know it. Mellie’s Diner it is. Four o’clock. With a sexy salute, he sauntered off and jumped into his pick-up truck.

Morgan had no idea that she was holding her breath until she released it. Placing her hand on the car door, she watched him pull away.

A picture containing text, dark, image Description automatically generated

What the hell was that about? It had been quite a while since a woman had evoked that kind of reaction from him. From the moment he had smacked into her in the hallway, with her long, dark hair and sultry eyes, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his head. During the assembly, he had scanned the audience, looking for her, but he never spotted her. Nor did he run into her again in the hallway. At one point he had even walked the hallways, feigning he was lost, until a custodian directed him to the lobby doors.

Once he was in the parking lot, Declan took his time meandering over to his truck. He would wait five minutes. Five minutes — that was all.

With only two minutes left, his chest had thumped when he spotted her walking toward him, with long legs, and her dark wavy hair whipping in the wind. He could do this. All he had to do was walk up to her.

He could have made a complete fool of himself; a woman like that was bound to have a boyfriend, a husband even. But luck was on his side, and she had said yes to his invitation for coffee and now, here he was, sitting across from this stunning creature.

Did you always know that you wanted to teach?

Pretty much. I mean, my mom used to hear me every day after school playing teacher in my room. She blushed as she twirled her hair around her finger. Hell, what he would give to run his own hands through her hair.

I’m sure you’re wonderful at your job, he said.

He liked the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled; hell, he liked everything about her, from her eyes to her shy smile and sweet disposition.

Hours flew by, conversation flowed effortlessly. He needed to see her again, and soon.

Would you like to go to dinner on Friday? The words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

I’d like that. Without hesitation, she agreed as she reached into her bag. She jotted her number down on a napkin. He grabbed the napkin and called the number, ensuring she had his as well.

I had a nice time. Morgan spoke softly.

He reached across the table and held on to her hand. Sparks coursed through his body. He didn’t want to leave but knew from the darkness outside that it was getting late.

Let’s get out of here.

After helping Morgan with her jacket, he took hold of her hand, natural as could be, and led her to her car. The night air created a chill, and Morgan shivered. He leaned over and rubbed her arms.

They faced one another, neither speaking. Should he kiss her? He wanted nothing else. Nothing else would do at this moment, but should he wait until Friday?

Hell, he whispered as lifted her chin and placed his lips to hers. He felt it in his bones, and all he could think was that he wanted more.

Wow, Morgan whispered, gently breaking the kiss.

Yes. Declan’s whisper matched hers.

Miss Matthews, have a good night. He attempted to walk away, but it was as if he had no control over his impulses.

This time his mouth crushed hers with a passion that built itself on the first kiss. Breaking free before he got himself in trouble, he pulled back. You’d better go, or I won’t be held responsible for my actions.

Morgan shook her head. Good night, Declan.

Chapter Two

Morgan settled in for bed, her mind wrapped around Declan. This was nothing like it had felt with Sam, not even when they had first started dating. Hearing about love at first sight had seemed utterly ridiculous to her. Never a believer in such nonsense, Morgan grinned widely as she pulled her arms tightly around herself.

The jarring sound of her ringer startled Morgan, snapping her out of her fog. Glancing at the caller ID screen, she lit up — his number was programmed in her phone already. She chuckled to herself because it was unlike her to move so quickly.

Hi, Morgan. She clutched her phone.

Hey. Trying to play it cool, she steadied her voice.

Is it too soon to call? I couldn’t wait.

No, I’m glad you called, really.

Morgan hated all the game playing that surrounded dating, wondering when it was okay to call, how many times, was all nonsense. If you felt like picking up the phone and calling, then you should just do it.

I’m happy to hear that. I don’t play games, Morgan. Life is too short for that.

Clearly, they were on the same wavelength. Morgan soon discovered she could sit for hours and not tire at the sound of his voice.

A picture containing text, dark, image Description automatically generated

Summer was upon them, and Morgan looked forward to spending her break relaxing. Tonight, Declan was taking her somewhere special to celebrate the end of the school year.

He refused to tell her where they were going. All he asked was that she dress casually for the evening and let her inner child out. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

Dressed in denim shorts and a blue tank top, she peeked out her living room window. He was here, right on time. She grabbed her bag and ran to the driveway to meet him.

Hey, beautiful. Declan wrapped his arms around her.

She smelled his fresh cologne and breathed him in. Hey.

Ready to have some fun?

Morgan clasped his hand as they walked to his truck. What did Declan have up his sleeve?

Classic rock pumped through the speakers of the truck as they rode in companionable silence. Every once in a while, Declan chuckled and then turned his gaze to her, mischief in his eyes. She just might smack that grin right off his handsome face if he didn’t watch it.

We’re here.

The parking lot lay before them, cars and children visible in every direction. Signs advertising the fair were generously displayed around the parking area.

A fair? She threw her hands in front of her mouth as she laughed loudly. Declan! I haven’t been to a fair in ages. This is… amazing.

I aim to please, he stated, steering into a spot on the grassy section of the lot.

Come on, let’s grab some popcorn, I’m starving. Declan pulled her across the parking lot, his eyes wide.

What made you decide to bring me here?

He shook his head, a grin playing on his lips. I don’t know, Morgan. You kind of make me feel like a kid again.

What better place to feel like a kid than the fair, with all these wild rides that brought back memories of childhood. She got it.

Great idea, she clutched his hand tighter.

Popcorn and cotton candy filled her stomach as they walked from ride to ride. She could handle any of these rides, from the swings to the gravity rides. Fear of heights, however, was a different matter. From the time she was small, she had been petrified of heights. Standing before them was a Ferris wheel, a rather high Ferris wheel, even by usual standards.

What do you think? Declan raised his eyes to the size of the wheel. Hell no, she wanted to say but didn’t want to disappoint him or embarrass herself, standing there, a grown woman, afraid of this ride.

I don’t know. Morgan’s pulse ticked up and she could