A Marine's Second Chance: A Marine for You/SEALed for You Crossover Novella (3 page)

T
he afternoon
of sister bonding time didn’t go as well as Wyoming had hoped. It would have been nice for their time together to shake the bad mood, but things only got worse after they left the house. Marqui’s Barbeque was closed because of a waterline break and the apartment they went to check out was horrible. Maybe the apartment not working out wasn’t such a bad thing, because she wasn’t looking forward to D leaving and the house being empty again.

“You know Mom, she’ll come around.” D leaned against the counter, knife in hand as she chopped the vegetables for the salad.

“I don’t know.” After checking the lasagna, she placed it back in the oven, shut the door, and turned back to her sister. “Maybe I don’t want her to come around. All our lives, we’ve walked on eggshells because of her moods, doing whatever we could so we wouldn’t cause another fight between our parents. I’m tired of it and it’s not something I want for my child. I guess I’m realizing that I would rather not have the baby’s grandparents in our lives if it means they have to deal with the same things we did.”

“Mom never meant any harm, she’s just…”

“Unstable?” Wyoming offered when her sister stumbled over the last part.

“No. Well, maybe, but I was going to use a different word.” D tossed the cucumbers onto the salad and sat the knife aside. “When she stays on her medication, her moods are more balanced and the fighting is minimal.”

“The problem is she won’t stay on it. She doesn’t like how it makes her feel and she refuses to try any other medications. Who ends up suffering? Dad and us. Not that Dad is innocent in all of this, either, but he’s better.”

“He does the complete opposite from what we do. Instead of doing whatever he can not to piss her off, he presses her buttons until she’s boiling for a fight.” D shook her head. “How did we ever end up normal with parents like them?”

“We stuck together and we spent as little time at home as possible. We didn’t turn out too bad compared to what we came from, did we?” She grabbed the loaf of French bread that she’d bought while they were out and placed it on the cutting board.

“No, we didn’t.” D leaned against the counter for a long moment before the corners of her lips curled into a smile. “You know I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time. I’m not sure if it’s the pregnancy or because things are changing with you and Jeffrey, but either way, I’m delighted for you. Now, why don’t you go get ready, take a few minutes to yourself, and I can handle the garlic bread.”

“Thanks.” She placed the knife next to the cutting board and stepped back. “If you want to make yourself scarce while the Dorsets are here, I understand. I roped you into this dinner when Mom and Dad were coming, but after earlier…”

“Not a chance. You might need my help when they ask where Mom is. I remember the last family dinner. Judy is sweet, but you know she’s going to wonder where Mom and Dad are. Peter, on the other hand, is great. He always makes me laugh. Now go get ready, they’ll be here soon.”

“Thanks, D.” Without further encouragement, she hurried down the hallway toward the master bedroom. Hopes of a peaceful dinner with her in-laws hurried her movements. Without her mother there to make uncomfortable comments, maybe her announcement would go smoother. Judy and Peter were like second parents to her, making her feel like a part of their family. They were the parents she always wished she had.

Jeffrey and Peter had their differences, most of it stemming from his father missing the majority of his childhood. Peter was career military, and deployments had played havoc throughout Jeffrey’s youth. Jeffrey had wanted his father to come to his football and basketball games, but too often his duty had interfered. It wasn’t until he was older that he realized his attitude was selfish, but by then it was too late. She encouraged him to fix the situation between him and his father, but whenever she brought it up he told her, “I don’t know how to fix it. There’s too much water under the bridge now.”

Stepping into their room, she wondered if they could change things just as she was beginning to change things with him. “Maybe you can help bring them closer together. You can force your daddy and granddad to work things out.” She could almost picture their little girl with both her dad and grandfather wrapped around her little finger.
There I go again, thinking I’m having a girl.
Even as she scolded herself for thinking that way, she couldn’t help but be excited at the possibility.

Without any time to spare, she hurried to change and touch up her makeup before her in-laws’ arrival. The last thing she wanted to do was leave D alone with them when she was doing her a favor by sticking around, even without their parents’ presence.

Setting her eyeliner pencil aside, she leaned closer to the mirror and took in her appearance. There in the mirror, her father’s eyes shined back at her, so full of suspicion and a darkness that she knew lingered within her. The tiny bump in her nose made it seem as though her nose was broken at one time, but it hadn’t been. Instead it had been a gift from her mother’s side. Would these features be passed on to her child? She hoped their child would take after Jeffrey’s natural good looks, but at the very least, she hoped they wouldn’t have the same doubt hidden within their eyes as she did.

“They won’t because they won’t witness the same shit D and I did.” She snatched the pencil off the bathroom counter, determined to make her eyes look different. The darkness might be within her, but the world didn’t need to see it whenever they looked at her. “The dark cloud hanging overhead that won’t go away…that’s what I am. How did Jeffrey ever fall in love with me when I’m such a pessimist?”

The doorbell rang, echoing through the house, and a moment later D’s voice carried down the hallway. “Take your time. I’ll get it.”

Tossing her eyeliner pencil into her makeup bag, she stepped back and let out a sigh. “Here goes nothing. Hopefully they take it better than Mom did.” Even with her nervousness about how the Dorsets would handle the news, she knew they’d take it better than her own mother did. Mr. and Mrs. Dorset were a normal family, at least compared to what she had to judge them against. They’d welcome the new addition to their family just as they welcomed her.

“It’s so good to see you again.” Judy’s voice was almost musical as she wrapped her arms around D as if she was another daughter.

“You too, Mrs. Dorset.”

“Now none of that Mrs. Dorset stuff.” Judy had been adamant that they call her by her first name, or Mom.

Five years ago when Wyoming joined the family, she had been reserved when it came to calling Judy Mom, fearful she would be too much like her own mother. Now it was nice to have someone down to earth and sane to consider a mother, even if it was only through marriage. Soon she’d be a grandmother and at least their child would have one sane grandmother in her life. For the first time since she found out she was pregnant, excitement bubbled within her and she wasn’t sure if she could make it until dessert to make the announcement, like she planned.

“Mom…” Wyoming stepped out of the hallway from where she had paused, watching the two of them. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“We’re a little early, but you know Peter, he hates to be late.”

“You’re always welcome here. Where is he?” Expecting him to stroll into the house at any moment, she glanced toward the door.

“Business call.” Judy shook her head as she hugged Wyoming. “Why I ever got him involved in flipping houses, I’ll never know. This latest house has been one problem after another and his contractor called as we were pulling in. I don’t know what it was about, but Peter didn’t look happy.”

She returned the hug and allowed the feeling of comfort she found in their embrace to wash over her and calm her. “I know you love to see the houses go from the state you purchase them in, to the dream house that someone will raise a family in. I’ve seen the work you and Dad put into those houses and it’s nothing short of spectacular. You nag at him for working too much, but you work just as hard. You might not realize it, but every time we’ve gone shopping together, I see you looking at things you can use. You specialize in the design features and because you enjoy that, it doesn’t seem like work to you.”

“You’re one to talk. Everyone who checks out our website wants to know who created it. You’ve worked your magic to showcase the houses and what we’re doing.”

“That’s why my business took off like it has. The best form of promotion is word of mouth.” She extended her arm out to the living room behind them. “Let’s sit. Dinner’s not quite ready yet.”

“Too busy for another client?” Judy asked as she took a seat on the sofa.

“Depends on who, the project, and the timeframe.” Wanting to feel closer to Jeffrey, Wyoming sat in his recliner as her sister moved to the remaining chair. “You know I always make time for you and your friends.”

“Actually it’s not a friend of mine, but a Marine that Jeffrey served with, Kyle Phillips. Him and his wife, Staci, bought a ranch and are now operating United Homefront Ranch for service members. They focus on helping veterans adjust to civilian life, and those who are suffering with PTSD. The one-time horse ranch is becoming a safe place for those who risked so much for us. Now he’s looking to create a web presence so that others can find him, and naturally I thought of you.”

“I read an article about him recently. He’s come so far since…” D’s words trailed off as she glanced over at her sister. “I’m sorry.”

Memories of that day washed over her and she could almost picture herself standing on the porch with D as the dark sedan pulled onto the block. For a moment she thought her worst nightmares had happened and they were coming to her door to tell her Jeffrey wouldn’t be coming home. But it wasn’t her door, it was Cassy Weber who lived directly across the street. Weber served with Jeffrey’s unit, and they were deployed together. Everyone knew something happened to their unit, but Weber’s death hadn’t been what she expected. Cassy was now a widow with a young son. In the weeks following her husband’s death, Wyoming watched as the woman tried to hold it together for her son’s sake. Their lives would never be the same.

Cassy hightailed it out of Virginia, and rushed back to her hometown where they’d bury Weber. She couldn’t handle being surrounded by the military any longer. Now living across the country, she was turning things around and made Weber’s death mean something. She built her business Sewn With Love, in memory of her husband, turning the uniforms and clothes of fallen service members into something special for their spouses and families. It began as a way to remember those who were killed in action, but it had gone far beyond that. Any spouse or family member could send in clothes and she would turn them into whatever they wanted. Quilts were the most popular, but she also made pillows, purses, and more. The newspaper article Wyoming read about Cassy’s business flashed in her mind:
Cassy Weber has done something for his memory, and for the memories of others who died during their service to our country. She’s turning tragedy into something that’s cherished. She gave her husband’s life and his death meaning, and by doing that, she’s giving others closure.

It could have easily been Jeffrey that day. She was forever thankful he made it home to her, even if he was a slightly different man now. She placed her hand on her stomach, gently rubbing over the spot where their baby was growing.
We’re going to make that change. We’re going to help him see there’s still good in the world, and that it’s okay to be happy.

S
eated
at the head of the table, Wyoming reached up to caress her earrings, reminding herself that even though Jeffrey was missing this moment, he would be back for the birth of their child and that was what really mattered. This wasn’t the first time he hadn’t been there and it wouldn’t be the last. When she married a Marine, she knew he’d be away occasionally and there would be holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions he’d miss. Because of that, she always planned to cherish the moments he was there.

“Dinner was delicious.” Judy placed her napkin on the table next to her plate. “With all your spare time, you should bottle your pasta sauce. It’s better than anything on the market.”

“My spare time will soon be more limited.”

“Oh, Wyoming, if this is because of the job”

“Mom. This isn’t about the job for Kyle. I’m more than happy to do that, and I’m looking forward to that project.” Wyoming pushed back from the table. “I’m pregnant.”

“Oh, Wyoming.” Tears leaked from Judy’s eyes as she pulled back from the table. “Jeffrey…does he know?”

With a nod, she let out the breath she had been holding. For a brief moment, she almost thought Judy was going to ask if it was his child, and just the thought that her mother-in-law would ask that tightened her chest. “The doctor called confirming what I thought the morning he left and I told him before he left. He thinks it’s going to be a girl.”

“Our family wives’ tale.” Peter shook his head. “It’s true, but Jeffrey has always done things his own way. I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if you end up giving him a son instead.”

“This is wonderful news.” Judy rose from her chair and came over to her. “We’re going to be grandparents. Something I wasn’t sure would ever happen.”

“Why?” she asked as Judy embraced her.

“I didn’t even know you two were thinking about starting a family,” Judy said quickly without looking at her.

“Don’t lie to her. She deserves the truth.” Peter shook his head. “Jeffrey always resented my military career because it took me away from him. He saw every missed football or baseball game as a direct hit against him. He asked me once if he was a better son, would I be there for his games like all of the other fathers.”

“It wasn’t only that, but Jeffrey has been so distant since the last deployment.” Judy stepped back toward her husband, placed her hand on his shoulder, and he reached up to lay his hand over hers. “Even though neither of you said anything, I could see the distance between you. Over the years, every military spouse goes through it. We did. A marriage with one of the spouses in the military has challenges that others don’t, but if they love each other enough to fight for their marriage like they’ll fight for their country, they’ll get through it. I had hope you and Jeffrey would get through it.”

She didn’t know what to say. Things were still rocky between them, but for the first time she could feel Jeffrey trying. Would it continue? She wasn’t sure. But not just for the sake of their child, but for the sake of their marriage, she was willing to fight for him. She loved him and she knew he loved her. The distance he put between them wasn’t because of her or a lack of love between them. He would see the walls he built, keeping her out, as a way of protecting her. She didn’t want to be protected or sheltered from him.

“I shouldn’t have said anything.” Judy took a step closer to her, but paused as if she didn’t know what to do.

“It’s fine. Like every marriage, we’ve had our problems but we’re getting through them. Things are working out and he’s ecstatic about the pregnancy. We both are.” She looked up at her in-laws and smiled. “He’s going to make a great dad.”

“And I’m going to be the kid’s favorite aunt.” D returned to the table with the cake in hand. “Which is why we’re going to celebrate right now with chocolate cake, because it’s Wyoming’s favorite.”

“Did you miss that you’re their only aunt?” Wyoming let out a light chuckle and shook her head. “We’re a small family but we’re close, and that’s what I want for my little girl…or boy.”

“What about your parents? Have you told them? I thought they’d be here today.”

“Something came up.” D answered before Wyoming could.

“They know.” Wyoming nodded. “Let’s have cake. I’ve been eyeing it since D baked it this afternoon.” Anything so they wouldn’t have to talk about her parents. She was still a rollercoaster of emotions when it came to the whole situation. How dare her mother blame her? But more to the point, why did the reaction even surprise her? Her mother had always been like that.

The rest of the evening was spent talking about the baby and reminiscing about Jeffrey’s childhood. His face would have burned red with mortification at the stories his parents shared. If they had known what the night’s news would have been, she didn’t doubt they would have brought their many photo albums of embarrassing baby pictures. While she was sure that would have been something to remember, she was also relieved on his behalf.

There were things about her childhood that she never wanted him to learn. If her parents had cared more about her and D while they were growing up instead of themselves, maybe there would be uncomfortable stories and horrifying pictures for him to see as well. Instead they had their hospital birth pictures and a scarce few others from their whole lives. Her parents, on the other hand, had pictures from their trips around the world while the girls were stuck with their grandparents.

Someone once told her that if you wanted to see what someone was afraid of losing, see what they took pictures of. If that was true, did it prove how little her parents valued their own children? No, they’d shown that with their actions. She never wanted her children to have the same doubts that she had about her parents. Her children would know she loved them and they’d have a home filled with love. Even if things don’t work out with Jeffrey, she knew he’d be in their child’s life.
Things are going to work out and our baby will have both parents in the same house filled with love. She’ll have grandparents and an aunt that will spoil her rotten. Our baby will never question whether she was wanted or loved, because we’ll show her every day that she is.