Securing Samantha: Serenity Mountain Series, #5

By Cassie Colton

Samantha O'Neil's world is turned upside down when she discovers her husband, Liam "Whiskey" O'Neil, is alive after three years of believing he was lost forever. However, the joyous reunion takes a heartbreaking turn as Whiskey, haunted by the demons of his past, refuses to reconnect with Samantha and their son LJ.

As Samantha battles confusion and hurt, she is determined to remind Whiskey of the deep love they once shared. But Whiskey, grappling with PTSD and a profound sense of loss, returns home as a mere shell of the man he used to be.

On Serenity Mountain, Whiskey begins the arduous recovery journey, questioning the man he has become. His love for Samantha and LJ remains unwavering, yet he fears he can't be what his family needs. When an extraordinary opportunity beckons for Samantha, Whiskey must confront his past, overcome his fears, and rediscover the strength within to fight for the love he thought he lost. Can Whiskey rise above his obstacles, conquer his inner demons, and prove that love can triumph in the face of adversity?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mystic Marigold Publishing
• Release date: Mar 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9798988600787

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Samantha O’Neil closed the door to her parents’ room as she made her way down the hall. Her parents lived with them over the past year because her mom needed help with her dad. He suffered from Alzheimer’s, and frequently took midnight strolls. Patrice Harris feared for her husband’s safety if he managed to escape. Liam Whiskey O’Neil with all his stealth as a Navy SEAL often woke in time to catch his father-in-law trying to leave the house. Now, they converted their garage into living quarters for her parents and helped pay for his medical expenses.

Music started from the kitchen causing Samantha to smile. Whiskey performed the same ritual every time he spun up for a mission. By the time she made it into the room, Whiskey pulled out his Irish soda bread and seafood chowder.

Dad’s down for the night, Samantha told him as she placed the bowls on the table and smiled at the X in the bread. Whiskey told her it warded off evil and it became a tradition of theirs to have it when he received orders for a mission. Her stomach always tightened when he left, and she breathed when he pulled her into his strong muscular arms when he returned. She never showed him how much his missions bothered her. Whiskey didn’t need the distraction because of her insecurities.

Ahhh, Sunshine, he and I discussed the fact I want some time with me wife this evenin’. His Irish lilt always came out when he attempted to seduce her. He didn’t need to try for long, she melted like putty in his hands between his accent, looks, and the man carried the biggest heart she ever knew.

Samantha smiled. Whiskey treated her dad as if he remembered his wife and daughter. Oh, and what do you have planned for her? She walked into his arms as he adjusted the volume of the music and turned on You’re the One as he led her into a slow dance.

I’m dancing with my lovely bride, feeding her a wonderful meal and then making love to her until the sun comes up, he whispered in her ear.

She closed her eyes as he held her tightly and moved about the tiny room. Her world began and ended with him. But tonight, she held a surprise. She raised her head from his shoulder to cup his cheek. I went to the doctor today. They did an impromptu ultrasound.

Whiskey immediately raised his head in concern.

Everything’s fine, my love. One of my tests came back questionable and they performed it as a precaution, she assured him.

Whiskey immediately relaxed.

I thought you might like to know you have a son. Which explains things, he’s already as mischievous as his father. She laughed softly.

We have a son. A son? As long as he’s healthy and can watch after his mum while I’m away. Samantha, don’t say such things about our boy, you know I’m as innocent as a newborn babe. Liam attempted to appear all sweet, but his warrior build, and the serious expression he tended to get before missions, gave him away. You make me proud, Samantha. Our son will be blessed to have you as a mum.

I’ll miss you, she whispered to keep the sadness from seeping in and alerting him.

Aye, I’ll miss you, lass. I’ll be home before you know it. We’ll invite the boys for pizza and beer and hand them a paint roller as they arrive when I get home. We’ll have the nursery up in no time, he assured her.

Whiskey leaned down and brushed her lips sweetly with his before holding out a chair for her at the tiny kitchen table. They ate and put the dishes in the sink, not wanting to waste a moment together. Then Whiskey made good on his promise, loving her until the wee hours of the morning.

Samantha dried her hands and waddled to the front door. The doorbell rang a second time, causing her to place one hand on her belly and another on her back as if it helped her along the hallway.

I’m coming! she yelled.

She opened the door to see Leo, Whiskey’s friend and leader, standing in the doorway. It meant the team arrived home! Her eyes searched the driveway for the love of her life to walk in and scoop her into his arms.

The smile she carried faltered as she saw the haggard man in front of her. Leo’s red-rimmed eyes and sunken cheeks instantly sent up red flags. Her heart skipped a beat.

Leo. Where’s Whiskey? When did you arrive home? she licked her lips dreading his answers.

Samantha, why don’t we have a seat? Leo took her arm and led her into the living room. He sat her in Whiskey’s favorite chair. A tear fell from his cheek. I regret to inform you⁠—

No! She shook her head, denying him the opportunity to finish. Don’t say it Leo, he’s my life, she begged.

The chaplain rounded the corner and stood stoically as Leo softly talked to her. He gripped her hand as if to lend her strength. Her heart stopped as if it already knew the dreaded words Leo prepared to utter.

I’m sorry, Sam. Whiskey is gone.

She adamantly shook her head as tears rolled down her face. She held on to her stomach as if to protect her unborn child from hearing the horrible words threatening his world of innocence, love and security. She stuck out her chin and stared into Leo’s watery eyes.

No. I want to see him! He can’t be dead! He promised to come home. We planned to paint the nursery. Leo, take me to him, she demanded.

Leo glanced up at the chaplain before responding. He breathed a heavy sigh.

I can’t. Leo’s voice lowered to soften the blow. Whiskey was involved in an explosion. He watched her sympathetically waiting for her to understand what he said.

Samantha stared at him confused, she tried to grasp what he said. The sound of her heart ramped up and the roaring in her ears got louder.

What…did…you say? she cried.

Whiskey isn’t with us anymore. Leo rubbed her back in a comforting gesture, but she didn’t feel anything. Her body went blissfully numb. A world without Whiskey meant a world without air.

The team and I will help you. We won’t let you down, Leo cried as he vowed their commitment to her family.

I want you to go! You’re lying! I’d know if he died. He’d find some way to tell me. Samantha shook her head. Whiskey believed in signs.

The sound of someone playing music in her kitchen caught her attention. She stood and walked toward the room. Her father stood with her phone in his hand. You’re the One echoed over the speaker. Her dad didn’t know how to navigate her phone. He barely remembered how to use one. Everything became real. Samantha O’Neil’s heart died as a gush of water ran down her legs. Leo barked orders to the chaplain as he scooped her in his arms to carry her to his truck. He backed out of the driveway as he braced her tummy with his hand. She watched as the home Whiskey purchased for them faded from her sight. The happy beautiful life she and Whiskey created disappeared, leaving Samantha all alone.

CHAPTER ONE

Sitting across from Rick Ash Mitchel, his teammate and friend, Liam Whiskey O’Neil contemplated the cards he held in his hand. He scratched his jaw in concentration as he watched his friend place down the last card he waited for to make a full house. The doorknob rattled as the key slid into the lock. He didn’t bother to glance up, knowing Leo promised to bring pizza and beer later for a poker game with all the guys except Doc. Chase Doc Winters and his wife, Kassie, left the day before for a two-week honeymoon.

The sound of the door opening and bags rustling indicated his leader must’ve arrived. With a smug smile he threw his hand down on the counter as Ash uttered a low curse. The sound of bags crashing to the floor and a feminine gasp caught his attention. He turned his head to see the woman he loved more than life itself cover her mouth with her hand. His stomach dropped when she called out to him.

Liam? she uttered his name in disbelief and shock.

Whiskey slowly moved from the chair as Ash headed toward his wife. Tears pooled in Samantha’s eyes as she shook her head. Her body lunged toward him, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

How did you get here? Where have you been? Oh my God, Liam, I prayed they made a mistake. You’re home, she babbled and sobbed.

Sunshine, he whispered as he pulled her away from his body. She stood too close. His anxiety rose as he stepped away from her.

Samantha’s confused gaze met his. Catherine turned and stomped out the door and Samantha followed her outside. Whiskey trailed behind.

Leo, his leader, stood stoically as Catherine beat on his chest. Whiskey saw the hurt flash in Leo’s eyes as he allowed her to take out her frustration on him. Samantha ran to Leo and pelted him in the jaw. Damn, he didn’t imagine her hitting anyone. She barely raised her voice, much less punched anyone. Leo barely moved but took the brunt of the women’s anger.

Whiskey pulled Samatha away as she wailed. The sound grated on his ears as she screamed at Leo. The anguish of the two women screaming and crying became too much for him to process. Whiskey covered his ears as he walked back into the house. He walked into his bedroom and opened the closet door and sat on the small cot. His heart throbbed a million beats a minute, as he breathed in and out as Claire directed him to do when he felt overwhelmed.

Kassie gave him a phone with pictures of Samantha, his Sunshine, and their son, LJ. She appeared more beautiful in person than in the pictures. He silently cursed. He wished he had the phone in his possession, but he carelessly lost it a week ago. Kassie also sent him pictures of the salon Samantha opened at her home. She took the photos on the night of her spa party. Samantha smiled, unaware of the camera as she held a glass of wine. Another text showed his son, five years old, hugging his mum’s leg as she smiled lovingly down at him. LJ’s face beamed in pleasure, making Whiskey feel more guilty.

The week before, James Stanton, a mafia leader who held a vendetta against Kassie, held his wife and son hostage while he hid on the mountain. When Leo returned from rescuing Kassie and her daughter Emma, he told Whiskey about Samantha and LJ. James held them hostage with a gun to Samantha and a knife to his son’s throat. Whiskey leaned against the wall as his stomach rolled. Once he had strong muscular arms, his chest bulked with muscle, and he radiated confidence. Now, he barely handled lifting a ten-pound weight for any length of time. Doc encouraged him to keep working on strength training. What good did that do him when he didn’t have the ability to protect his wife and child? He’d paced the floors as he waited to hear how both faired after the ordeal. He cried helplessly when Leo told him LJ refused to sleep without his mum. Upon Kassie’s insistence, Samantha attended therapy sessions with Claire due to the traumatic event. Their friend and pediatrician, Michael Harris, recommended a children’s therapist for LJ. And he stayed away. What kind of man allowed his wife and child to suffer alone? One like him.

The pounding in his chest slowed as he took another deep breath. He closed his eyes and imagined Samantha in their sunny yellow kitchen swaying to the music as she smiled at him. No. The man she loved no longer existed. He spent four years praying to get back to the woman he loved and the child he never met. He slowly realized life continued without him. His son grew into a rambunctious boy and Samantha moved from the home where they planned their lives into the town below the mountain.

His vision began to focus as he calmed. Whiskey knew Leo accepted the blame for hiding him and Ash on the mountain. He always took responsibility for the team. Whiskey mustered the courage to open the door to the closet and made his way across the room. He heard his wife crying and sniffing as Leo explained how the team found them and how Whiskey didn’t tolerate noise.

Where did Whiskey go? Doesn’t he want to see me? she asked.

We found Whiskey malnourished and suffering from various torture methods. He struggles with loud noises, screaming, and any fast movement. Kassie made a decompression chamber in each of the bedroom closets. It's soundproofed, and he'll come out once he calms. Seeing you shocked him as much as it did you.

Shocked felt like an understatement.

CHAPTER TWO

Samantha blew her nose with the tissue in her hand. Catherine jumped up and left her alone with Leo. He sheepishly glanced in her direction. Out of the corner of Samantha’s eye, a thinner version of the man she dreamed about every night walked slowly into the room. His sunken cheeks made his blue eyes appear gaunt and haunted. He weighed half the size of her Liam, yet she knew him.

She clenched the tissue in her hands as he neared. This man didn’t like the fact that she ran into his arms. He held her back from him. What should’ve seemed a joyous moment at his return, felt uncomfortable. Her senses went into overdrive as the man before her walked over and sat on the edge of the chair across from her. His eyes darted from her to Leo. His hands balled up into fists and she felt the tension radiate from him. He resembled her husband. His voice sounded like him. Yet, he didn’t act like the loving Liam she prayed for every night when she went to bed.

She shook her head in disbelief and hiccuped trying to distinguish if the man before her remained a figment of her imagination. Lord knew she spent days numbly caring for her son as she prayed for him to walk in the door, pull her into his arms, and tell her they made a mistake. Every time LJ laughed or called her mum, she heard her husband’s voice. When he did something wrong, he flashed a smile exactly like Liam’s.

Claire’s on her way to come talk to you both. She’ll help you navigate through all your feelings.

Whiskey moved closer to her and put his arm around her. Even his touch felt off. He felt like a stranger. Leo slightly nodded his head at his friend.

How long did Kassie know they hid here in the cabins? she asked.

She suggested they stay here. Whiskey suffered from injuries and struggled with crowds. We felt it best if Claire scheduled sessions with them to orientate back to society. Doc’s treated him and Ash. Whiskey’s skin infection remains under control and he’s healing, Leo answered. Whiskey stayed silent.

I didn’t ask you about his condition, I asked you how long she knew my husband lived on the same mountain? Samantha’s eyes narrowed at Leo.

She discovered them the same day we returned. She insisted on talking to Saint. She wanted to inform him about Nugget. I demanded she keep it a secret from you and Catherine. The military’s conducting an investigation and Kassie’s helped care for them, he offered.

She brought me a phone, Liam’s scratchy voice responded. She sent me pictures of you and LJ.

Samantha seethed because her friend deceived her. When Chase brought Kassie to the mountain, she seemed terrified, and she took her under her wing and made her feel welcome. They grew close, almost like sisters. When Leo called to inform her Kassie left the mountain and needed a friend, she didn’t hesitate to ask LJ’s grandparents to care for her son while she supported her friend. When one of James Stanton’s henchmen held Kassie hostage, she stayed diligently by her side while she recuperated, only leaving when they moved her to a rehabilitation center. She sent encouraging notes when Kassie struggled with depression and anxiety. Chase and the team protected the family and eventually Kassie came out of her shell. Samantha helped Chase propose to her. She held the bridal spa day and Kassie knew how much she missed her husband.

In fact, everyone in the small town knew about her husband. She placed a shrine in her home to ensure LJ never forgot his father died for his country. He risked his life to save others. She told LJ stories. Samantha allowed Liam’s parents to take him for weekends. Liam lived on through LJ. Kassie sneakily sent pictures of them to her husband who wanted nothing to do with her.

Leo stood. Where’s Ash?

Liam pointed toward the cabin next door.

The leader nodded. I’ll tell Claire to come here first. I’ll check in later.

Whiskey moved closer to the edge of the couch as if his security left him stranded with a crazy woman. In her defense it’s not every day you find out your dead husband is alive and living less than ten minutes from you. She acted a bit weird between shock and the grief of all they missed out on together. Obviously, the discomforted man suffered from a huge ordeal. Her eyes raked over him checking for infections, wounds, and signs of anything cluing her into how he sat next to her. What happened to the man she loved? It didn’t matter. They’d face it together. Liam Whiskey O’Neil remained the love of her life, and she received the second chance she always prayed for.

CHAPTER THREE

Claire smiled as she walked into the cabin. Whiskey moved to sit in the chair across from Samantha. He needed to breathe. He felt her anxiety as they waited for Claire to show up.

I know you have a million questions running through your mind. We’ll take turns to decide where to start. Leo explained how you found out, Samantha. I’m sure you’re shocked. I want to assure you the cabins offered a temporary solution to this situation. Whiskey’s needs at the time required he stay here for his wellbeing and yours. We can delve into the details, but do you want to ask any questions? Claire asked. Her calming demeanor seemed to relax Whiskey.

Where did they find you and what happened? Samantha hesitantly asked.

They moved us around a lot. We mainly stayed in Afghanistan, he softly volunteered. I don’t remember much. I see flashes. I came around the corner and Olaf got shot before an explosion from a grenade. I woke up with a man standing over me tending to my wounds.

They told me about the explosion. Didn’t they search for you? Her mind searched for answers. Leo held responsibility for the team. Why did he leave her husband and presume him dead? Rage grew toward Leo and Kassie.

What happened to you? she asked.

The rebels tortured Whiskey and he suffers from PTSD. I meet with him and we’re discovering his triggers. He survived a horrific ordeal, and he has difficulty discussing it. Claire came to his rescue.

Where do we go from here? How do we tell LJ? Oh Liam, LJ and your parents will be thrilled to see you. Your parents supported me all this time. They take our son at least once a month. They haul him camping to all your favorite places. He’ll be excited to go with you since he’s heard all the stories about you when you were his age.

Whiskey stood and stepped closer to Claire. He seemed almost panicked.

Why don’t we give Whiskey some time to get used to you and slowly introduce him to the rest of his family? Overstimulation triggers Whiskey. I brought along pamphlets for you to read concerning PTSD. I suggest we continue to hold our private sessions and then add in couple appointments. Samantha, you’ll find some excellent resources available to you in the form of support groups. Chase plans to hold counseling sessions at the hospital and you’re welcome to attend there. Claire gave her a compassionate smile.

What do we do now? When can he come home? Samantha turned toward Whiskey.

I’m not ready to go to your house. I prefer to stay here, he told her.

What can I do to help you? Samantha licked her lips. Her heart raced. She observed Whiskey’s stance. He made it apparent he didn’t want to go anywhere with her. She didn’t know what to expect. His haunted eyes tore at her heart. She noticed the loose skin hanging from his arms and his stick thin body. She knew they needed to tread carefully, but it still hurt to know the man she loved hesitated to see their son, his parents and her.

Why don’t we schedule a session tomorrow? Whiskey, why don’t you make a list of questions you might have for Samantha? Then she can answer questions about her life and LJ, Claire suggested.

Whiskey nodded his head.

Good. Why don’t I walk you to your car and we can check your schedule? Claire stood and waited for Samantha to rise from the couch.

Whiskey fidgeted with the belt loop at his waist and refused to meet her gaze.

She swallowed down the hurt wedged into a ball in the back of her throat. She slowly stood and Claire moved to allow her to go out the door first.

She fought the urge to tell Claire to move the hell out of the way and let her talk to her husband alone. They always did everything together. If he needed counseling, fine. She had every intention of supporting him in whatever manner they suggested. Samantha only wanted him to heal and come home to them.

She walked to the hallway where the forgotten supplies lay on the floor. She almost laughed at the symbolism. Catherine and she carried the bags sorted and tagged in order. Their lives resembled the items haphazardly scattered across their floor, completely upended and in shambles.

I’ll see you tomorrow. Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out together, she reassured him. When he didn’t say anything, she felt the hollowness in her chest.

Claire walked beside her to the car. Why don’t I meet with you in the morning? I know this situation feels overwhelming and you must feel a hundred different things. It’ll take some time, but we’ll tackle it together, she reassured her.

No disrespect Claire, I understand Whiskey needs help I can’t provide. We always worked as a team and right now, I feel as if you’re acting as the gatekeeper to my husband, Samantha made her feelings known.

Claire sighed. Whiskey arrived in a terrible state. Your husband experienced severe trauma mentally and physically. He’s made improvement since arriving here. He still spends whole days in the closet when he’s overwhelmed. Some days, he doesn’t speak. Kassie finally convinced him to eat. Even the textures of certain foods bother him. The man you met in the cabin is facing a long road of recovery. I want to warn you about what to expect from him. He may walk out during conversations. Whiskey may not speak or refuse to meet his family. I don’t want you to feel I intend to block you from your husband. We need to take baby steps. Seeing you today, most likely will cause a setback. Not because he didn’t want to see you. He doesn’t know how to process things. Be prepared and hang in there. It’ll feel worse before it gets better.

Samantha nodded as Claire gave her arm a little squeeze of support. She made her way to her car and started the engine as Claire walked back to the cabin. She pulled out of the driveway and away from her husband. She couldn’t deny she felt emptier now than when she thought he died.

CHAPTER FOUR

Whiskey showered and laid out his best shirt. He took out the scissors and trimmed his beard. He needed a haircut. Kassie cut some of the length, but she didn’t feel comfortable styling it. He trimmed it a tad bit shorter before pulling it back in a ponytail. It remained a far cry from his usual high and tight cut. He wished he had found his phone. He missed seeing the pictures of his family. He wanted to text Kassie. She understood his feelings. The doc’s wife went through something similar, and they felt like kindred spirits.

The doorbell rang. Claire told him she planned to arrive fifteen minutes before his wife showed up. He opened the door to allow her entry.

How are you doing, Whiskey? Claire smiled as she walked in. She went through the hallway and set herself up in the living room, taking the chair and leaving him only the couch to sit on when his wife arrived.

I’m nervous. Yesterday got FUBAR fast, he told her.

She gave a slight chuckle. I don’t doubt it. We’ll continue to take it one day at a time. If you feel overwhelmed, I want you to try to communicate it before you go to the closet. Samantha feels shocked and confused too. Like you, she carries a ton of different emotions. I’ve already met with her and explained you might get up and go to your room. It’s perfectly fine if you need to gather your thoughts, she encouraged him.

Samantha’s disappointed. I saw it in her eyes, he stated.

Claire sighed, If this happened two months from now, she’d still struggle with her feelings. You’re her husband and the father of her child. She’s concerned. Don’t guess her feelings, ask her. It will help keep your anxiety down if you keep the communication lines clear.

The doorbell rang indicating Samantha’s arrival.

Samantha walked in wearing a purple sweater with jeans. It reminded him of her favorite color, lavender and she even smelled like it. She styled her hair in a thick braid. The exact way she wore it the morning he left for the mission. He wanted to reach out and wind the thick rope of hair around his wrist and pull her close. He guessed she tasted minty. She always wore mint lip balm.

Good morning, Liam, she politely greeted him.

Good morning, Samantha he responded. He didn’t miss the flinch she made. Shit! He already somehow screwed up and she only arrived!

Why don’t we have a seat? Claire broke the silence.

Whiskey rushed to sit in the seat Claire vacated. She gave him a pointed stare but moved to the couch.

Since you lost your phone, I brought you pictures of LJ as a baby up until now. You can see him grow. She held a big bag out