by Laura Acton
Beaming, Scott said, “Boy or girl?”
Dan glanced up. “What?”
“Do you want to hold my girl or my boy?”
The pink bundled infant took that moment to blink open her eyes. Innocent light blue eyes met his. “What is her name?”
“We named her after both grandmothers. We added an A to my mom’s name, so Anna and Lily’s mother’s name was Lynn.”
With great care, Dan slipped one hand under her tiny torso and his other behind her head, then lifted Anna, cradling her near his heart. Gazing at the adorable little girl, he said, “Welcome to the world, Anna Lynn Broderick, I’m Uncle Dan. You and your twin brother are lucky. Your mom and dad are the best, and your extended family will always care for you both.” He kissed her forehead before shifting his gaze to Scott’s boy. “And your son’s name?”
Scott proudly picked up his son, and the motion roused the sleeping boy. “Jerrell Scott Broderick. After Lily’s father and following our tradition of giving our first names as middle names for each son.”
“Hello, Jerrell.” Dan moved and leaned over to kiss the sapphire-eyed infant too. As he stood, he peered at Scott, his eyes misting. “Thank you for allowing me the honor of being the first besides you and Lily to welcome your children.”
“Let’s move to the viewing window. I think everyone is anxious.” Scott led the way, to the pane of glass where the Broderick clan, young and old, all stood waiting for their first glimpse. After allowing them to ooh and aah for several minutes, Dan and Scott carried the newest Brodericks to meet their grandparents.
After arriving in the room, Dan handed off Anna to his uncle and went to stand next to his mom. He put his arm around her shoulders. “Sorry I haven’t come up for a visit since returning.”
Yvonne pulled her eyes away from the twins and peered up at Dan. “I understand. You are busy building the life you must live. Your happiness brings me joy.” She landed a light kiss on his cheek.
Anna and Jerrell were passed between grandparents, each one enamored by their tiny fingers and Dan grinned observing two high ranking officers speak in baby babble to their first grandbabies. He released his mother as her sister brought Anna over to them.
Smiling, Ann gazed at Yvonne. “Anna Lynn, this is your Grandaunt Yvonne.”
Yvonne took the wee bundle, gazing down. “She is lovely. Anna’s got baby blue eyes like her mother’s.”
Ann stepped back, happy tears in her eyes as she watched Yvonne open her heart and embrace her grandniece.
The tiny spark of new light in his mom’s eyes, as she held Anna, brought both gladness and sorrow for Dan. As the pure love shining in everyone’s expressions warmed his heart, he wished Scott and Lily all the joyfulness life offered and hoped they never experienced the pain his parents had.
What made him a tad sad is that although he once vowed never to have children and to end his line of Brodericks, he dearly wished he could bring such joy to his mom by providing her a grandchild. But that would never come to pass, because the only woman he would ever love, his beauty, his soulmate, his Lexa, moved on and was dating another man. He resigned himself that hope faded when Duke came to the picnic, and now he must come to grips with only being her friend … thus he would never be able to give his mother a grandbaby.
Scott brought over Jerrell, placed him in Dan’s arms, and leaned in close as he whispered, “One day you and Lexa might have kids.”
Dan sucked in a breath. Crap, I never told him we broke up. He didn’t want to put a damper on today, so only shrugged and decided to tell Scott soon.
“How long can you stay, Dan?” Lily asked from the bed.
Lifting his eyes from Jerrell, Dan replied, “Only a couple of hours. Need to be at work tomorrow at noon.”
Lily reached out a hand to him, and Dan moved forward as she said, “I’m so glad you came. Scott and I would like to ask you something important.”
“Okay.” Dan shifted his gaze to Scott as Lily did.
Scott smiled. “Would you do us the honor of becoming Jerrell’s and Anna’s godfather?”
Any lingering doubt he was an outcast vanished as Dan flashed a WOW smile. “Yes. Thank you.”
Toronto – Ray’s Apartment – 6:00 p.m.
Pacing his front room, Ray’s hand kept going to his pocket and fiddling with the small box. When the doorbell sounded, he halted and drew in a calming breath. He hated what he was about to do tonight, and hoped he didn’t hurt Loki too much nor make him feel like a third wheel.
He had a plan … well sort of one … which depended as much on Loki as it did Dan. And if it worked would kill two birds with one stone and ease his conscience. As he approached his door, Ray glanced in the mirror hanging on the wall, one of Maurita’s touches. His place gradually morphing from bachelor pad to well, a mix of him and Maurita.
Yanking the door open, Ray put on a grin. “Hey, glad you could make it.”
Carrying in a pizza, with several DVDs on the top and a six-pack of beer, Loki grinned. “Better than spending the night alone. Ma’s gone to visit Sonia for three weeks before Sonia’s next semester starts. Then Ma’s going to Gina’s. Not sure how long she is planning on staying. Gina’s schedule changed, and Ma’s looking forward to being Grandma and taking care of the three kids after school. So, I got the house all to myself now.”
Loki set the stuff down on the coffee table before straightening and directing his gaze at Ray. Though not usually one to pick up on undercurrents, Loki detected something off in Ray, mainly because he called out of the blue and asked if they could hang out tonight. “So, what’s up?”
Ray palmed the box. “Um, well, I needed to talk to you.” He drew out his hand, his fingers closed tight. “About the vacation we planned.”
His mien changing to one of concern, Loki stepped closer. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, well, um, I don’t know how to say this, I should just show you.” Ray took a step back, and as he did so, he released his death grip on the red box causing it to tumble to the carpet and roll under the chair. Ray dropped to one knee as he scrambled to grab it.
Finding Ray tongue-tied surprised Loki, so he remained silent.
Ray lifted the hinged lid as he peered up at Loki.
“Yes! Yes! I gave up hope you would ever ask me. A thousand times over, my answer is yes!” Loki grabbed Ray’s biceps, pulled him to a standing position, and landed a juicy wet kiss to his lips before he snatched the ring box. He slipped the emerald-cut diamond on his finger. “Our vacation is going to be our honeymoon!”
Ray wiped his mouth, shocked, he only gapped at his best friend. Holy shit! I never, whoa! Damn, did I miss his signals? Did I inadvertently send out signs?
Unable to hold back, Loki released gut-deep laughter. Bending over he slapped his knee as his chortling increased. Sucking in a breath, he straightened up, his face beaming. “Got you! Holy smokes, you should see your face.”
Ray chuckled with relief. “Damn, you, Loki. You scared the shit out of me. I thought you seriously thought I was asking you to marry me.”
Loki slipped off the engagement ring, put it back in the velvet box, and handed it over to his friend. “Maurita will love it. When are you going to pop the question?”
“Next week when our schedules align, and we both have two days off.”
“So, is this what had you wrapped up tighter than a drum when I came in?” Loki moved to the table, opened a beer for each of them, and gave one to Ray.
“No. um.”
“Just say it, brother.”
“I blew all the money I saved for our trip on the diamond ring. I was at the mall today, and when I walked past the jewelry store, my eyes landed on this ring. Well, with Maurita’s move to Toronto, it seemed like providence calling, such perfect timing, so I bought it. Now I can’t go on holiday.”
“Whoa, back up!” Loki pinned Ray with a severe expression.
Ray dropped his gaze to the floor. Loki’s tone bothered him. I hurt him.
He’ll think I don’t care about him. Ray mumbled, “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Life goes on. But … we are all about words, and I want you to get something straight.”
Ray raised his eyes, meeting Loki’s. “What?”
“You did not,” Loki made air quotes with his fingers when saying the next word, “‘blow’ your money on a ring for Maurita. The right words are, you invested in your future. I for one, am excited for you. I’m confident she will say yes. Just tell me one thing.”
“What?” A grin began to grow as Ray absorbed the joy from his brother from another mother.
“Am I your best man? I better be.” Loki’s eyes shone with enthusiasm.
“Absolutely!”
Loki slung one arm around Ray’s shoulders and moved them to the couch, where they both sat. Loki clinked his bottle with Ray’s. “Let me be the first to congratulate you prematurely.”
Ray leaned back. “So, you’re not mad? You don’t feel forsaken after all the planning we did?”
Chuckling, Loki shook his head. “I’m happy for you. Hopefully, one day I’ll find someone who makes me want to take the plunge.” He perked up even more. “Hey, we can have your bachelor party at the Mexican bar.”
“Don’t get ahead of me … Maurita still needs to say yes. And then she will want time to plan a wedding. Logistics will be difficult with my family here and all hers in Jamaica.” Ray took a sip of beer.
“How about a Jamaican beach wedding? If the team can’t come, you can always have a reception here when you return.”
“Not a half bad idea. My parents would be willing to travel, and so would Father Lopez. We could combine it with a humanity project.” Ray sighed, and his smile grew yet again. “Perhaps a little vacation with you after all. While Maurita spends a few days with her family prepping for the day, you and I could do some of the things we planned.”
Loki flipped open the pizza and grabbed a slice. “Me like … lots. All the babes for me … since you’ll be a captured man.”
His worries about hurting Loki vanished, but he still liked the plan he devised earlier. “You know … Dan and you will be the only bachelors on the team.”
“Not true … Boss—”
“Will probably never marry again, and besides he sees Christiana on a steady basis. But what I mean, is you two are the only young dudes.” Ray chose his words carefully. “I’m not sure, but I think maybe the reason Dan requested the unscheduled vacation is a woman broke his heart.
“I mean if you consider how mopey Dan was right before his time off, and how Jon got on him for being distracted … well, the signs make me think, girl problems. Dan’s always been tight-lipped about the women he goes out with, so although we believe he often dates, what if there was a special lady and Dan kept it under wraps because he is a private person?”
The idea rolled around in Loki’s head, his pizza hanging limply in his hand, forgotten. “Wow, never thought of something like that, but it would fit how Boss let him take an unscheduled break, Jon ripping him a new one the day before he left, and why Dan didn’t give a reason. You’re right. He never talks about the ladies.”
Ray nodded. “I think he needs a friend … a buddy to hang out with while he licks his wounds.”
Loki met Ray’s gaze. “Me. I can be his friend.”
“We, brother, we.”
Loki picked up a DVD, showing it to Ray as he chuckled. “Three Amigos.”
Ray groaned then chuckled.
“We’ll start before Dan can go out for drinks, maybe a movie night with him.” Loki’s eyes lit with glee, beginning to plan new ways to befriend Dan. An idea popped into his head. “Do you know if Dan skis?”
“Not sure. I guess you can ask.” Ray turned back to Loki after inserting the movie in his player. “Do you truly want to watch this again?”
“Yeah, it’s funny. Bet Dan would laugh. He’s got a wicked sense of humor.” Loki took a huge bite, settled back, happy for Ray and eagerly anticipating growing his friendship with Dan. Before pushing play, Loki said, “Tomorrow’s going to be a Lextastic day. She’ll be back, and our whole family will be together once again.”
Kiss of Hope
68
August 27
Dan’s Apartment Hallway – 6:45 a.m.
Running a tad behind for his dental appointment, Dan locked his door then rubbed his sore jaw as he turned, ready to jog downstairs. The entry across from him opened and he grinned as Mrs. Stark appeared along with Mr. Waggles. “Morning.”
“Beautiful day,” Eleanor said. “Dan, I hate to ask, but would it be possible for you to pick up Mr. Waggles’ food for me today?”
Dan shoved his keys in his pocket. “Didn’t the market deliver yesterday?” Upon returning home from Kandahar, guilt arose when he realized his abduction prevented him from bringing her the dog food he promised and caused his elderly neighbor to lug tiny bags of puppy chow up ten flights every couple of days. To ensure that never occurred again, he arranged for the store down the street to deliver a larger bag regularly. Unbeknownst to Eleanor, he also paid the delivery fees and subsidized the cost of the food, because the growing pup’s voracious appetite pinched the dear lady’s budget.
Eleanor shook her head. “They called and said he up and quit without notice and they are searching for a new worker, but it will be a day or two, and well, Mr. Waggles ate the last of his kibble.”
Crouching down, Dan ruffled the puppy’s fur and scratched behind his ears. “You must have four empty legs … you eat more than me.” He received a soft wuff and a lick on the cheek. Standing Dan grinned and shifted his go-bag. “I’m running late for an appointment, but I don’t need to be at work until nine. I’ll grab a bag afterward and bring it up.”
“Thank you. You’re such a dear boy.” She clasped his hand and squeezed before waving as the young officer trotted towards the stairwell. The darned elevator must be on the fritz again if Dan is taking the stairs.
TRF HQ – Hallway – 8:40 a.m.
“Hey, hold up a moment,” Jon said as he jogged to catch up to Nick.
Nick halted on his way to deliver the monthly request forms for Alpha Team to Marian in supply. “Yes.”
Jon leaned on the wall but glanced both ways to ensure the hallway was empty. “You said Dan would be in at nine?”
“At the latest. Dan said he got the earliest appointment possible, but depending on what they had to do, it might take a bit. And he called before seven to tell me he needed to run a quick personal errand afterward. His neighbor needed puppy food, and apparently, the delivery guy quit.”
Distracted from his main reason for conversing with Nick, Jon chuckled. “Dan’s helpful like that. You know though, I can’t believe this is the first time he’s had a problem with a tooth. He is a bear when he’s suffering a toothache. The dentist is gonna use nitrous if she needs to numb him up, right?”
“Loki recommended her to Dan for that reason.” Nick grinned. “Loki hates going to dentists too but swears by Dr. Cay. She’s been treating him since he was a kid.”
Jon’s laughter increased. “Leave it to Loki to suggest Dr. Dee Cay. Wonder how many of her patients spot the pun.”
“Probably not many because she specializes in pediatric dentistry.” Nick joined Jon in chuckling. “Can you imagine Dan with a kiddie bib on and laying back in one of the tiny chairs?”
Jon’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “His ego is sure to take a hit. But hey, he might snag a date with an assistant. Loki said they are pleasant and I’m sure when they set eyes on Dano, well, he sure does turn the heads of ladies.”
Nick nodded, but said, “Did you need something specific, if not I need to take these upstairs, so I’m back in time to run our late briefing.”
“Yeah, wanted to say, we can discontinue our weekly pow-wows. For the past five and a half weeks, I have not seen any behaviors from either Lexa or Dan which raise red flags. If I didn’t know better, I would never suspect they shared a previous relatio
nship. Their work appears to be as smooth as we’ve come to expect from the pair.” Jon rubbed his neck. “At first I didn’t believe they could pull it off, but they proved me wrong.”
Pride shone in Nick’s eyes. “Both are exceptional officers. Professionals who focus on the situation at hand and don’t allow personal issues to interfere. I still perceive tension between them, but they do not let it color things while at work.”
Jon dropped his hand. “Lexa dating Duke … that’s gotta still hurt Dan.”
“I’m sure it does, but he’s handling it. Catch you in a bit.” Nick hurried off, hoping Marian was not in a chatty mood or he would be late.
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 9:35 a.m.
“Loki, ping Dan’s phone.” Jon paced, his concern edging up. It is so unlike Dan to be over thirty minutes late, and not call. Visions of May seventh plagued him, bringing forth worries one of Dan’s enemies from his military service or perhaps another asshole from the Fourteenth Division went after Dan. The thing with Barrios didn’t bring about the same repercussions, since few if any of the officers from Dan’s time there remained, and Captain Fleetwood didn’t condone the blue wall of silence, but Jon couldn’t help wondering if someone still held a grudge.
“His cell appears to be off.” Loki’s knee bounced. His plans for ramping up his friendship with Dan had been moving along swimmingly, and he eagerly anticipated going to the karaoke bar in a few weeks once Dan’s alcohol ban lifted. But now, his anxiety rocketed because Dan never came in late.
Bram kept his mind in the positive arena. “Perhaps the nitrous took a little longer to wear off. He planned on riding his bicycle. I doubt the dentist would allow him to leave until he could do so safely.”
“If that were the case, Dan would’ve called, and his phone would still be on,” Ray countered. His calm demeanor fraying at the edges. He worried about Dan lately. Although Dan went out with him and Loki when they invited him, and Dan was on-point at work, after hours he noted Dan struggled. And he blamed Lexa. He distinguished he might be unfair, Lexa had a right to date anybody, but Duke often showing up after shift was like rubbing salt in Dan’s wounded psyche … which Ray didn’t like one damned bit.