Like his father before him, Sterling was honored to serve his country, but his contract is up and he’s ready to come home to her. Abby is the girl. The scars of war will heal, with her help, but he is a damaged man and then…there is Phil. The loser ex Abby can’t-or won’t let go of. Things have changed. Or have they? She still says I love you. Sterling only wishes she meant it the way he always has, but he’s the best friend, so he will stand and watch her make the mistaken choice and embrace the suck. **Content warning: elements of PTSD; Military romance, new adult, best friends to lovers, HEA