by Kirsten Lynn
“I’m so sorry, Caleb. But she was more concerned that you said you should have never come home.”
We both cut a quick glance at the gravestone bearing the names of our siblings. “If I wouldn’t have come home, he never would have made a move for custody.”
Her hand turns cold. “I’m not sure about that. He wasn’t happy with me. But, we won’t let him win even if he’s stupid enough to try. We’ll fight him together.”
“Absolutely.”
“And Michael and Ella are thrilled you came back. And I think I’ve made it clear how I feel.”
I hold her hand to my chest where she can feel my heartbeat. “It was said coming out of the blow he delivered, but it was a stupid thing to say. I think I was just pissed he could still get to me; that I had any reaction to anything he said or did.”
“What he said to you, was monstrous. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t react.”
“Just wish I could have kept from giving him the pleasure of knowing it.” I shrug. “And if I’m a hundred percent with you, I’m floundering a bit outside the Corps. I knew how to lead there. I have no idea what I’m doing ninety percent of the time here.”
“I know, love, I struggled for months, I still do, and then with Michael and Ella…Marines are definitely easier to control.”
“And you did it alone. At least I have you.” I hug her hand. “I am sorry I didn’t talk to you at the funeral. It was chicken shit, and you never deserve to be treated that way. On top of feeling like I belonged in the dirt, I’d promised my Marines one more year and I knew if I talked to you, I’d be staying. But I should have told you. I should have held you. Brynn, I never should have let you go to begin with.”
“It was chicken shit, but I’m understanding a bit more why now. Why didn’t you ever tell me how bad it was between you and your father? I knew it was bad, but not like this.”
“Who wants to tell his girlfriend his father hates him and home can be hell? I just wanted to get out of there.”
“Yeah, but I wish you could have told me.”
“It’s over now. And we know the source of Michael’s insecurities, which thank God wasn’t Mark and Liz.”
“My hap-hap-happiest Christmas is unwrapping fast.”
“Let’s go get the kids and get it back on track. Mark would try to kick my ass sitting up here giving Hal a second thought.”
“Caleb, before we go, we need to talk.”
Those words rarely mean anything good, so I brace myself for the next punch. “I thought that’s what we’ve been doing.”
“Yeah, but this couldn’t have come on a worse day—Michael wanted us to take you out to dinner for a welcome home party.”
“Are you kidding me?”
Her gaze drops and she starts drawing hearts on the palm of my hand with her fingertip. Even through the coat and Henley T-shirt, I feel her touch to my soul. “He doesn’t know. He remembers me mentioning something about it at Thanksgiving and how you didn’t have anyone with you, and he wants to welcome you home.”
I let me head fall back. “Tonight?”
“Well, no, he asked if we could include the family and dress up.”
“Dress up?” I know I’m a step away from whining, and the humor in Brynn’s voice confirms it.
“Don’t sound like Ella. Yes, dress up. If you don’t want—”
I snag her hand and press a kiss to her palm. “Plan it with him. I’ll dress up.”
“He will be thrilled.”
I tip my head forward. “Will you wear that red dress?”
The curve of her grin is trouble and her voice lowers to a husky whisper. “Yes.”
“Then I will be thrilled.”
“I love you.”
“Love you right back.” I press a quick kiss to her lips. “We better get back before Mom sends someone else to find both of us.”
She shifts in the passenger seat and opens the door. After stepping out, she turns back. “If you need more alone time, I can tell Audrey and the kids you’re okay.”
“Negative. I’ll follow you back. We better get back to the island.”
I catch her hand before she can close the door. “Thanks for coming for me.”
“Always.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Brynn
The side zipper closes without issue and I smile at my reflection in the mirror. It fits. It’s a miracle. I haven’t worn the red dress since before our last deployment together, and the past couple years haven’t left much time for obsessing about keeping my recruit weight.
The front of the dress is quite subtle. Red lace overlay, form fitting to mid-hip, with cap sleeves. But it’s backless, not daringly so, but low enough it made Caleb’s nostrils flare when I wore it to an engagement party for mutual friends. His rough hands had driven me crazy all night as he made a point of touching me whenever he could until it ended in a quickie in the bathroom.
Caleb’s image joins mine in the mirror, and then he skates his hands over my sides and the curves of my hips and then lower to the hemline. His fingers curl and I slap my hands over his, meeting his frown in the glass. “No, Caleb. We don’t have time and the children are waiting.”
His ice-blue eyes melt to the rough waves of a freshwater bay. “Tonight.”
“Absolutely. All night.”
He steps back, still keeping me surrounded with his size, and traces the line of the dress around my back. My skin rises in tiny bumps, eager to reach for his touch. His gaze lifts to my face and then shifts to my hair, fashioned in a pile of curls. He doesn’t have to say how much I please him; his eyes tell the tale.
I smile when he chuckles, as I walk around him inspecting him in a navy suit with a simple white button-down shirt and matching blue tie. His laughs ends on a groan when I skate my palm over his ass. Turning back to the mirror, I give him a wink. “You look yummy.”
“You can have a bite whenever.” His breath is warm on my neck as he bends and presses his lips there.
“I prefer the dress blues, though.”
“I know you do, Angel. You proved that a number of times.”
Pivoting, I’m pressed up against his muscled form and I could melt into his warmth. “We better go.”
He steps back farther and straightens his tie. “A man should get to celebrate coming home how he wants.”
I laugh and give him a slight shove. “You’ve been celebrating for a few weeks now, Marine. No acting all denied.”
“Not denied, just insatiable. You are the ultimate Christmas treat.”
“Treats after dinner,” I caution, and step around him while I can.
He stays behind me as we make our way downstairs and I feel the heat of his gaze as if he’s touching me. “Do you think we should get rooms for tonight? Looks like there might be a storm with high winds later.”
“It’s off season; we’ll be fine if we need something.”
When we walk into the living room Michael and Ella are sitting on the sofa like little mannequins, taking their father’s words to stay clean and pressed to heart. They look adorable; Michael in a dark brown suit and Ella in a forest-green dress with velvet top and full taffeta bottom.
Michael’s eyes grow wide. “You look so pretty, Mom.”
The word still hits me square in the heart. “You both look amazing.”
Michael’s gaze sweeps over Caleb. “You’re not wearing your uniform?”
“That’s not really done, son.”
“Oh.”
Ella slides off the couch and flounces to Caleb, lifting her arms. “Please.”
Without missing a beat, the big softie picks up his favorite girl. Michael stands next to me, and it feels like four puzzle pieces found their place.
Caleb sets Ella down. “Okay, get your coats. Let’s roll.”
He gets her into her coat, then opens my full-length wool coat and helps me. Michael follows his steps as they put on their winter gear. I pick up my red pumps by the door, wearing flat shoes t
o the dock, and take Michael’s hand while Caleb carries Ella.
As we walk to the boat, I take in the lights from Camden dancing on the water and the green light from the lighthouse stretching out, showing sailors the way into port. After years of war and noise, this island and the keeper’s house was a refuge of peace. It was like a sign when the town of Camden let me buy the house. But for the millionth time since the children came to live with me, I’m questioning if I need to give it up and move my family to the mainland.
I glance over my shoulder at the house. Even without the Christmas lights on this evening, there’s a peace I find looking at the old house. It will be harder to move now with so many more memories filling each room.
Caleb steps onto the boat and then lifts Michael and Ella, setting them both down. “Get below, so you’re warm.” No fights tonight, they scurry below deck. He holds his hand out for me and finds no arguments here either as he helps me aboard. “What are you thinking, Brynn?”
“It might be time to let the lighthouse go.”
He drops a kiss on my forehead. “Not just yet.”
Nodding, I silently agree not to think about things we can’t change tonight and follow him.
After a ride on the boat, and a brisk walk to the restaurant, I settle into my chair at Fresh & Co. I help Michael, while watching Caleb settle Ella in a booster seat. My parents’ gazes are focused on us. Mom opens her mouth to speak, but shuts it when Ella calls Caleb Daddy. I can only imagine the fresh pain of watching us become a family after being there from the first as Liz and Mark started their family.
Caleb sinks into the chair across from me, only to stand when Audrey arrives. “Sorry I’m late.”
Caleb raises an eyebrow. “Everything all right?”
“Of course, you know me—I like to make an entrance.” Audrey scans the table, and as she sits her mouth curves into a knowing smile. “It’s a bit of a shock how well they all fit together, right?
Dad finds his silverware interesting. “A little.”
She turns her focus to me. “That’s some dress, Brynn. You’re stunning.”
Heat touches my cheeks, and I refuse to meet Caleb’s gaze and the fire I know I’d find there. “Thank you. You look beautiful tonight, too.” And she does, with her silver hair cut in stylish bob and the blue dress that makes her eyes pop just as Caleb’s suit does for his.
“Thank you. Rose and Frank, you’re looking wonderful tonight. We all should fancy up more often. Michael, you’re so handsome. And Ella, adorable as always.”
My dad finally snaps out of his funk. “Agreed, Audrey. Do you need any help from us?”
“Not at all. Caleb has me well settled. I’ll find a permanent place after Christmas.”
I glance around the restaurant. “Where’s Brian?”
“Oh, he was called in last minute.” Mom smiles at Caleb. “But he says welcome home and then a few other words I won’t repeat.”
Caleb chuckles. My dad clears his throat and nods to Michael. “Okay, this is your show, young man.”
Bless him, when Michael speaks he holds eye contact and doesn’t fidget. “I want to welcome my dad home from the Marines. Me and Ella are glad you came for us.” He stops and flashes his gaze to me. “Not that we weren’t happy with you.”
I wave my hands like I’m pushing him on. “I know. Go ahead.” I choke the words through a closing throat. Caleb’s chest rises and falls as he struggles to keep it together as well.
Michael shrugs. “Well, I don’t know what grown-ups do now, but that’s it. Welcome home, glad you’re not hurt, and we love you.”
“Here, here!” Dad lifts his glass of beer.
We all join, until Caleb waves us to stop. “Thank you, Michael. It’s my honor to be a part of your life and Ella’s.” He tips his head to the little girl looking at him like he controls the tides.
Before he can say more, people from other tables stop by to welcome him home. We’ve known these individuals all our lives, but Caleb’s shoulders are so tense I can almost feel the pain, guilt, and all-around awkwardness flowing through him. He plasters on a smile and shakes each hand as they remind him who they are, like he doesn’t know, and slaps his back.
When the last one departs his haunted gaze collides with mine and all air leaves my lungs. The fire is still there, but more, he’s reaching for a lifeline, a Marine calling for his doc, but I can’t reach him.
Audrey comes to our rescue. “Caleb, take Brynn to get a little air and check the specials board.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He stands so fast I’m surprised he doesn’t sprint from the restaurant.
I push my chair back and address Michael and Ella. “You two be good and order what you want.” I pin Michael with my gaze. “What you want, not what you think you should have.” I give Mom, Dad, and Audrey a look, and they nod in agreement.
Caleb’s hand spreads over my naked back the second I’m next to him, and we grab our coats and step out on the patio. He inhales, filling his lungs with the crisp air and the sea. I expect him to ravage my mouth the second we step outside, but instead he cups my face and gently presses his mouth to mine. My lips part on a sigh with the sweetness of the touch and as I inhale his scent. He still doesn’t deepen the kiss, but nips on my lower lip, and then with just the tip of his tongue he enters me. I open my eyes and gasp and attempt to step back from the intensity of his gaze, but he presses his hand over my back and brings me back into his orbit.
I caress his cheek with the backs of my fingers. “What hurts?”
“It was too much. Michael’s pride in me, not as a Marine, but as his father.”
“He should be proud to have you as his dad. You’re really more dad than father.”
He rests his forehead against mine. “And you are one hell of a mom.”
“Thank you. And then all the people?”
“That took me over the edge. There’s so many of my Marines heading for conflict, I don’t want a slap on the back for coming home.”
“I felt the same, Caleb, but so many are truly grateful allow them to show it.”
“I’ll get there.”
“I’ll help.”
When his mouth covers mine again, the gentle caress turns controlling and claiming. I slant my head, accepting the demanding touch. Leaning into him, I stroke my tongue against his, letting him lead the way. Whatever he needs, I’ll give it.
He shifts, dragging kisses up my neck and then presses his mouth to my ear. “You are home, and Christmas, and love, and joy to me, Brynn.”
“You’re everything to me, Caleb.”
He brushes his lips behind my ear, then steps back. I study his strong profile. He’s looking beyond me to the inlet and then the ocean beyond.
“We better get back inside.” I smooth my palms over his chest, wishing layers of clothes didn’t keep me from his flesh.
His ice blue eyes lock on me like heat-seeking missiles. “Go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.”
I frown. “I can stay.”
“Seriously, Brynn, I’ll be just a second.”
“Okay.” I lift and drop a kiss to his chin, then turn and walk back into the restaurant and to the table.
Michael touches my hand. “Is Dad okay?”
“He is. He’ll be right back.” I meet everyone’s gaze, answering them while answering Michael. Squeezing his hand, I smile. “What did you order?”
“Pasta.”
“Pasta?”
He glances to my mom for help. “He wanted chicken alfredo. Ella wanted spaghetti.”
“Yum.” I look back to her. “And me?”
“Sirloin steak with garlic mash like your father.”
“Thanks, that’s perfect.”
“And I ordered Caleb the porter house with the garlic mash.”
“Sounds good, Mom, thank you.”
Caleb nods to Audrey, then slides into his chair and winks at Ella. “I’m getting ghetti.”
“That sounds yummy.” When he lifts his h
ead, he smiles at Michael. “Alfredo?”
“How’d you know?”
“I’m psychic, and I heard your grandma tell your mom that.”
Michael’s chuckle lightens the table even more. I meet Caleb’s gaze for a second, and he winks at me, the spark is back.
The conversation around the table turns to plans for the upcoming week and the most recent forecast for a snowstorm. When the food arrives, I cut Michaels noodles and Caleb helps Ella. He has always been a sexy man, whether in full dress blues at the Marine Corps Ball or in utilities out on the battlefield calling out orders. But nothing prepared me for the ultimate hotness that is Caleb Quinlin cutting spaghetti noodles and tucking a napkin over the dress of a four-year-old while answering her questions and responding to her endless chatter. It isn’t just that he responds, but he sounds as if he was talking to a private under his command instead of a little girl in a fluffy green dress.
I finish cutting Michael’s food and slide the bowl back in front of him. “There you go.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome.”
Audrey clears her throat, and I have a feeling it’s something that might disrupt my meal, so I rush a bite of steak and potatoes. “Not to interfere, but the manager at the Camden Harbor Inn told me they had a Christmas Eve wedding cancel. They’re stuck with all the decorations and of course most parties are over by then so, no one else is looking to for a venue for Christmas Eve. They’re willing to rent the room and provide decorations for cheap. That is, if there’s a couple planning a holiday wedding.”
“Oh, that sounds nice. The Harbor Inn is a beautiful venue.” My mom sounds like she might explode from excitement.
“Brynn and I will discuss later and get back to you.”
My nerves unravel one by one at Caleb’s response. But why? Why, when I have wanted to marry Caleb since…well. since forever, would I tense up at the thought of pushing the wedding up a week?
“Brynn?”
I startle, but snap out of my thoughts. “Yes?”
He raises and eyebrow. “I asked if you wanted more wine?”
“Oh, no thank you.”
“Momma?”
“Yeah, baby?”