Love's Sacrifice (6 page)

“If I said yes, are you just going let me in without verifying who I am?” Cody twisted around and continued toward the double doors.

“Good morning, Cody.” Crystal smiled as they entered the center.

“Hey, Crystal,” Cody replied.

“You see, Michele, your dad made it after all.” Crystal touched Michele’s arm.

Susan watched Crystal’s interaction with Cody. “You know him?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes, this is Michele’s dad.” Crystal began writing in a note pad she had in her hand. “Shon introduced us weeks ago. Why, is there a problem?”

“No, there’s no issue, Crystal.” Cody swiped the card the youth center had given him when Shon signed him in as Michele’s dad. At the center, every time you dropped off or picked up a kid, the adult needed to swipe their card. Susan looked at the card in his hand. “Susan didn’t know Michele had a father,” he said with sarcasm in his tone.

“What!” Crystal arched her eyebrows, looking at the blonde lady.

“Sir, you could’ve just told me.”

“Ma’am, you were rude to my child and me.” Michele pulled his hand. “I will be complaining.”

“Dad, come on.” She guided him down the hallway. “They are about to start the father, kids dance challenge.” She giggled. “I hope you can dance.”

“Oh, baby girl, your daddy has moves,” he chuckled.

“We’ll see.” She smiled up at him, opening the door to the lunchroom.

Music blasted from the center speakers. They’d turned the lunch area to a dance hall. All the chairs and tables were pushed to the side of the room. There was a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. The boys and their fathers were on the far right, standing by, and the girls and their fathers were in the middle of the floor, getting ready to dance.

“Come on, Dad, they’re about to start.” Michele guided him to the front of the other girls.

“Dads … and daughters…” Crystal yelled into the mic. “Are you ready to wobble?”

“Yes!” Michele giggled, jumping up and down, clapping her hands with the other girls.

Everyone lined up when the music began playing. Michele started dancing next to him. She moved her hips from side to side, jumping forward, and she shook her body before jumping back. Michele stepped to the right, left, and then back. “Dad…” She stopped dancing, looking at him. “You don’t know how to wobble?”

Cody smiled and jumped in, following the group to the right, left, and then back. He added swag with every step he took, dropping it low, swaying from side to side. He doubled stepped, making his little girl laugh as she followed his lead. They were laughing and having fun. She turned to the side, and they continued the dance routine. Michele’s smile made this all worth it. He didn’t realize how much he needed her in his life. He had everything a man his age wanted, except a family, and now they were at his fingertips, and he would do everything in his power to hold on to them.

The song ended. “Dad, you were great. How did you learn to dance like that?”

“Friends.”

“Black friends…” Michele giggled.

“Yes,” he chuckled.

“Ms. Linda,” Michele called out.

A young brunette in her twenties walked over to them. “Hi, Michele.”

“Ms. Linda, this is my dad.” Michele looked up at him. “Dad, this is Ms. Linda

Cody extended his hand and shook hers. “Hi, Linda.” She was a tall, beautiful woman, and she wore her long hair in a ponytail. Linda smiled, showing her pearly whites.

“Hi, Michele’s dad.” Linda’s hazel eyes sparkled as she chuckled.

“Oh, I’m sorry, it’s Cody.”

“This is my craft teacher, Dad.” Michele kept glancing over at the doors. “She keeps me busy.”

Cody stared at his daughter. She was up to something, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. It seemed like she was trying to get him to notice her teacher in a much too friendly way.

“Dance With My Father,” by Luther Vandross, began playing. He took Michele’s hand in his. “Excuse us… May I have this dance?”

“Yes, Dad.” Michele beamed.

“It was nice meeting you.” Linda walked away. She was too skinny for his liking.

Cody wrapped his hands around his little girl’s waist, and they swayed from side to side. “What are you up to?”

She covered her mouth, laughing. “Nothing.”

“Are you sure?” He took her hand, spinning her around. He would cherish this moment for a lifetime. Michele was beautiful, and her curls bounced as he spun her again; her laughter made his heart smile. He was so proud of her, and he couldn’t wait to tell the rest of his family and friends about her. Barkley was surprised but happy for him. He sent pictures to his parents and siblings. His brother and his son video chatted with Michele, and his mom and sister called her every day.

“Dad.” She stared up at him with those mesmerizing eyes.

“Yes.”

“I was trying to make mom jealous,” she admitted with a sly nod.

“Huh…”

“Oops…” She looked over to her right. “You didn’t know mom was here.”

“What?” He peered around the room and saw Shon standing in her khaki uniform with her arms crossed over her chest.

Michele cocked her eyebrow. “Mom needs a push in the right direction.”

Cody shook his head.

“Please forgive her.” They danced, swaying to the music. “Dad, she made a mistake. I was mad too when grandma told me, but I love her. We all make bad choices.”

“Sweetheart, she kept you from me. I missed out on so much.” He touched her cheek.

“I did too. She loves us both.” She sighed. “Do you love my mom?”

“Yes…” he answered honestly, staring at Shon. She was attractive even in uniform; her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, no make-up.

“This song used to make me cry, but now that I have you, it makes me smile.” She held on to the side of his camouflage blouse. “This is the beginning of our memories together, Dad.”

“Yes it is, sweetie,” Cody voice cracked with emotions. “To memories.” He stopped dancing, dug in his pocket, pulled out his cell, and then took pictures of them together.

The song ended, and Michele ran over to her mom. Cody followed her. “Mom… what are you doing here?” she asked, excited.

“Cody said he couldn’t make it.” She glared at him. “So I wanted to be here for you.”

“Awe thank you, Mommy.” She hugged her. “That’s so sweet.”

Shon smiled, accepting her embrace. “Are you having fun?”

“Yes!” Michele blurted out. “Dad surprised me. We did the wobble, played some games.”

Shon fixed their daughter’s hair. “You look so happy.”

“I am, Mom.” Michele looked at both of them. “I have the greatest parents in the world, that’s why.”

“That’s sweet of you to say that,” Shon smiled. “I hope you remember that when we don’t see eye to eye.”

“Yes mom… nice way to kill the mood,” Michele cooed. “Do you want something to drink?” Michele hopped from one foot to the other.

“Yes,” Cody answered.

“I’m okay,” Shon responded. “Linda,” she watched him, “already gave me some water.”

“I’ll be right back.” Michele skipped away.

“I thought you couldn’t make it.” Shon entwined her fingers.

“I finished early.” He moved to stand next to her. He noticed the way the other parents and staff watched them. “I guess the rumors will start soon.”

“They already started.” She glanced over at him.

“What happened?” he asked concerned.

“Nothing,” she sighed. “Thank you for being here for Michele.”

“You don’t have to thank me for being here for my daughter.” He touched her hand. “Here is where I want to be.”

“Cody.” She moved away from his touch. “We’re in uniform, and we can’t…”

“Why?” He raised his voice.

“Fraternization, Cody, that’s why.” Her tone was stern. “I looked up the Navy’s policy on fraternization.” Her eyes shined. “It doesn’t matter that we share a child together or that our relationship started when we were both enlisted. What matters is that when you were commissioned, we weren’t in a relationship, we weren’t married.”

“But we share a child.” His voiced came out louder than he expected.

“It doesn’t matter. We can be parents to her, but we can’t be romantically involved.”

“Who the fuck has to know what we do behind closed doors.” Cody was pissed. “I have loved you since we were E1s.”

“Look around you.” She glanced around the room. “People are already talking about us, because we share a child.”

“They don’t know our past, Shon. We do.” Cody cracked his neck. “This is not the place to talk about this.”

“Why don’t you date someone like Linda?” Shon stated.

“Is that what this is about?” He chuckled. “You’re jealous of Linda.” Michele’s little game did work.

“No!” Her lips thinned. “I was just making an observation.”

“Shon.” He stepped in front of her. “No one else will ever do but you. Get that through your head.”

“Here, Dad.” Michele handed him a cup of juice.

“Michele,” Shon moved away from him, “I’m leaving. Have fun with your father.”

“Okay, Mom. What are you cooking tonight?”

“I forgot I’m your personal chef.” Shon shook her head.

“Lets give your mom a break.” Cody winked at Michele. “We’re taking her out for dinner.”

“That sounds like a great idea, Dad,” Michele replied. “It’s a date, Mom.”

“Yes, it’s a date. See you guys later.” Shon kissed Michele and exited the room.

“Do you want to do an obstacle course outside?”

“Why not? Let’s show them how it’s done.” They both strolled outside. Michele introduced him to all her friends and the staff. They spent the entire day together; playing games, dancing, getting to know each other better. Shon and her mother did a great job raising her. Michele was a respectable, smart, loving, well-rounded young lady. Cody missed too much already… He had to make it right. Yes, he was still mad at her mother, but she did it out of love not malice. Her action affected their future, but now it was time for his actions to correct Shon’s mistake.

Chapter Six

They were at a small, soul food restaurant right outside the city limits. It was nice and quiet; Shon and Michele usually went there to get away from the military surroundings. This was Michele’s favorite place to eat; she loved their chicken wings and mac-n-cheese. She inherited Cody’s genes in the eating department. Michele could eat her food and Shon’s left overs, and she was still skinny. If Shon even thought of eating as much as her daughter, it would go straight to her thighs and ass.

Michele’s laughter echoed through the restaurant as she covered her mouth with her hands.

“It wasn’t that funny,” Cody mumbled, taking a sip of his drink.

Shon laughed too. She could just imagine a big man like him inside of a potato sack.

“Mom.” Michele wiped at her eyes. “Dad was almost at the finish line, and he tumbled over, rolled, and crawled to the finish line.” She giggled some more. “You should have seen his face.” She gazed over at him. “When he made it to the finish line on his hands and knees, dad looked up and asked Ms. Linda,” she gasped, “did we win?”

Shon touched his hand, trying not to burst out laughing again. “Did you get hurt?” She caressed his knuckles.

“Now you ask, after laughing at me.” He frowned and then smiled. “We won that’s all that matters. Right, pumpkin?” He raised his hand in the air, and Michele tapped it.

“Yes, we did!” Michele beamed.

Her daughter was having so much fun getting to know Cody, making Shon feel worse everyday about the poor choice she made in not bringing them together sooner. She lovingly gazed at her little family. Cody would leave in a week, and Michele’s life would be turned upside down again, but this time she would always have him no matter where they were.

“Hold up,” Shon yelped. “Michele, didn’t you say he crawled to the finish line?”

“Yes,” their daughter replied.

“Aren’t you supposed to finish in the potato sack?” She arched her eyebrow.

“That’s just a technicality,” he chuckled. “We won, square and fair.”

“Are you sure about that?” Shon glanced between them.

“Well, Ms. Linda said we won.” Michele eyed Shon.

“So she cheated for you.” Shon bit into her food, staring at Cody.

“May I go to the bathroom?” Michele shoved back her seat.

“Yes,” Cody answered before Shon even had the opportunity to.

Michele stood and trotted to the back of the restaurant.

“It sounds like you two had fun today.” Shon wiped her mouth.

Cody placed his utensils down and gazed at her. “We did, but you were missing.”

“It was father and kids day not moms.” She pushed her plate away. “She needed this.”

“I needed it.” Cody moved back in his seat. “I need this, Shon.” He brushed his fingers in her hair. “I need us—her.”

Shon shrugged away from his touch. “Don’t you think I need this too?”

“Then show it, take a chance on us.” He moved his chair closer to her. “I made a mistake in not fighting for you before, but believe it when I tell you I won’t be making that mistake again.” His voice was stern.

“Good evening, Senior Chief,” Petty Officer Brown cackled, walking up to their table, staring at her and Cody with a smirk on her face. “Nice seeing you again, Lieutenant Commander Mitchell,” she said it with heavy sarcasm in her voice.

“Good evening,
Latoya
, we’re not at work.” Shon glared at the fake smile on her face.

“Oh, I noticed that.” She observed Cody. “Well okay then, have a great evening together.” She turned and walked away.

Cody went to say something, but Shon put up her hand. “Let it go.”

“Shon.” He went to touch her hand, and she thought about pulling away, however she couldn’t. He caressed her wrist. “You can’t let her, or anyone, talk to you in that manner. Regardless of where you are, you are still her Senior Chief. We haven’t done anything wrong.” He squeezed her wrist. “At least that anyone knows of.” He smirked, making her smile. “You have changed. What happened to your sharp tongue?”

“Oh, it’s still there, but a certain someone taught me to only use it when necessary, and right now, I’m not going to let Latoya ruin our night out.” She leaned in closer to him, whispering, “I love having you around.”

“I love being around.” Cody twisted his head, facing her. He eased forward barely touching her lips and then pulled away. “I wish I could kiss you right now.”

Shon looked over to her right; sure enough, Latoya stared right at them. “I wish things could be different too.”

Michele shuffled back from the bathroom and sat, admiring him. “Dad…” she paused. “I’m going miss you.”

“Where did that come from?” Cody tilted his head in her direction.

“I was just thinking of how much fun we’ve had the last three weeks.” Michele grinned. “I’m really not sad. I’m actually happy, because I met you, and you didn’t reject me. You love me.”

“Sweet heart.” Cody’s eyes shined, and he pulled their daughter’s chair closer to him, and he hugged her, giving her tiny kisses on her cheeks. “I loved you even when I didn’t know you existed.”

“Really, Dad, how is that possible?” She placed her forehead on his.

“Because I loved your mom, and you are a product of that love.” He hugged her tighter. “You are my everything, and I will never let you go.”

“Promise,” Michele whispered.

“Promise.”

“You swear to call me at least every other day and video chat once a week.”

Cody chuckled. “That’s it?”

“Oh wait, you have to vow to dance with me at my sweet sixteen.”

“I promise.”

              Shon saw the way Latoya looked over their way and shook her head. Shon ignored her; she wasn’t doing anything wrong. She was out with her daughter, and her child’s father, which just happen to be an officer. She took a deep breath and finally let the weight off her shoulders go. She wasn’t going let anyone make her feel as if she was doing something wrong, when she wasn’t. They weren’t sneaking around, and they weren’t having a romance, not for his lack of trying. Shon’s core tingled, remembering their night of passion. The way her body danced to his music. She needed more … she wanted Cody like she’d never wanted anything else. He was it for her. Was she willing to risk it all and make another sacrifice to make things right?