More Than a Soldier

Chapter 71 - Morning Talks

Y/n's POV:

Coming to New York was the best decision that we made. Don't get me wrong, I love our family and friends, but everything in LA was becoming a little too much. We both just needed some time to be away from everything. What was important for me was that Scarlett was around her family too. It's hard when we live on the other side of the country. I was lucky to have my parents there when it happened, I want Scarlett to have her family with her too.

Hunter arriving was a surprise for all of us. Though I'm not surprised. He may come across like a man child, but he loves Scarlett so much and I know how much he would want to be around for her. She seemed to instantly feel more relaxed having him around. She seemed lighter and I'm so happy to see that.

It gave me an idea to make sure that she has some time to herself. She has been amazing to me since everything that has happened. She is the most supportive person I know, and I know that she pushed her own feelings down to be there for me. I hate that she did that, but we've worked really hard to be as communicative as possible. We're both going through this loss, and she deserves to feel as much as I do.

So as soon as Hunter arrived, it made me think about giving Scarlett some time with her twin. Whilst she was out in the kitchen I had asked if he would mind taking her out to dinner. I knew she wouldn't be too happy about leaving, so I made sure Melanie and Karsten were ok to stay around so she didn't need to worry.

Thankfully, she went without too much argument. I think that's because deep down she knew that she needed it. Later that night, we hear them both laughing as they come back through the door. It makes me smile to hear her laugh so freely again. It's not a sound that I've heard much recently. But it warms my heart to hear it now.

I put my laptop on the table and look to the door with a big smile as the two of them walk in. "Hi angel. Sounds like you're having fun." I smile at her, and she nods, falling into the sofa next to me. "We are. Hunter here was just telling me about how he locked himself in his office and had to stay in it over night until the staff came in the next day." She laughs as she recalls the story. "And hello to you too babe." She locks eyes with me and leans forward to capture my lips.

"How are you feeling?" She asks me, resting her head on my shoulder. "Much better actually. But I put that down to your mum's lasagne." Inform her and she looks offended. "It's the same recipe as I cook!" She huffs as Melanie laughs on the sofa opposite.

Scarlett snuggles into me as her and Hunter settle down with a drink. Though her eyes land on my laptop on the table. "Were you working?" She asks me, sitting up to look at me. "I just wanted to check in with a few things for Alan. I've fallen behind a little and wanted to make sure I'm still up to date when I go back to work." I tell her truthfully, but she frowns at me. "You know that Alan wouldn't have minded. He understands the situation." She scolds me lightly. "I know angel. But I didn't move from the sofa and it was just a few emails and sound bites. No strenuous activities. I promise." I try to reassure her.

"Did you just send me to dinner so you could work?" She asks with a harshness to her tone. "Scarlett." Melanie warns lowly, but I shake my head to her. "No angel. I actually wanted you to have some time with your brother away from the depressing reminder that I am. I only worked because I felt well enough and wanted to take my mind off things for a bit." I defend, but I keep my tone soft, not wanting this to become an argument.

Her gaze softens and she reaches out to cup my cheek. "I'm sorry love. I didn't mean to accuse you." She apologises. "That's ok." I respond, leaning over to peck her lips. "Her eyes don't leave my face, clearly analysing to make sure that I'm ok. "I'm feeling better now. The distraction helped." I comfort her, which seems to make her relax.