Dylan gave him a disappointed look. “You’re not a giant, then. You have to be seven feet tall to be a giant. Did you get hurt too? Is that why you aren’t in the Army anymore?”

“Dylan, maybe they don’t want to talk about that right now,” Mom said softly.

“It’s okay, Dahlia,” Luke said. “We both got hurt.” He exchanged a look with Liam.

“A vehicle we were in drove over something that exploded, called an IED,” Liam told Dylan.

Dylan’s eyes got even bigger in his face. I hoped this would not be too much for him to hear. But it was a reality of life, his father’s life, and I couldn’t protect him from everything.

“Liam and I were lucky. Our other friends were not so lucky. We were the only ones who survived,” Luke said.

Dylan got up and hugged each of them. “I’m glad you both are okay. I’m sorry about your friends. You must miss them a lot. I miss my best friend, Mikey, and he’s just in Tacoma with Uncle Trevor.” He thought for a minute. “You can’t see your friends anymore, but they still love you. Just like my dad Will still loves me from heaven.”

Liam discretely scrubbed his hand under his eyes, then said, “I’m going to get a coffee. I’ll get yours too, Luke. Lily, Dahlia?” he asked.

Mom gestured to her coffee on the table. “I have one already, darling.” She smiled softly at him.

“I had my caffeine for the day, thanks, Liam,” I said.

Mom sighed. “I love you boys. Bring him with you to my house for dinner on Sunday, Luke. And every other Sunday too,” she demanded. “Six o’clock, like usual.”

“Dinner at your house is something I will never turn down. We’ll be there. Thank you, Dahlia,” Luke said.

“Yay! Can we have hot dogs, Grandma? Oh, oh, oh, bring Rocky!” Dylan said.

I laughed because my mother would never serve hot dogs to company. Us kids, yes. Company was for fancy food and her fancy dishes.

My laugh must have alerted Calla to my presence because she chose this moment to wake up and fuss. Mom handed her over.

“It’s time. Are you ready to eat some food?” I placed her into the little high chair and strapped her in. “Do you want to do the honors, big brother?” I asked Dylan.

He smiled and took the spoon from my mother. “This food looks gross and mushy. What is it?” he asked as I fastened Calla’s bib around her neck.

“Baby cereal. Put a little bit on the spoon and be gentle,” I instructed. “Wait for me to get my camera ready.”