The Soldier's Unexpected Family

by Tanya Agler

  Sniffles came over the line, and Natalie was sure this was about more than staying up with Pippa. “Fireball?” She whispered her special name for her twin, one only she was allowed to use. “What’s wrong?”

  A long pause came over the line, and Natalie shifted her weight, unsure of whether to break the silence. “Most likely postpartum depression. I miss our talks.”

  Her intuition kicked up a notch at Becks’s winsome voice, which sounded nothing like her. “You’re making me nervous enough to drive to Asheville and book the first available flight to California.”

  “You have enough going on.” Crisp authority came back. For a second, Becks almost sounded like Becks. “Tell me about the barbecue yesterday.”

  The sudden switch in topic sent another wave of suspicion through Natalie. She’d play along, though. Maybe her proud sister would get to the point if Natalie prattled on for a few minutes about Aidan, Danny and the festivities. Usually a little bit of chitchat was all Becks could handle before spilling what was upsetting her.

  “Why’d you throw the game?” Becks asked.

  “I didn’t. Aidan and Danny won outright. My arm was sore.” Only Aidan and Becks had guessed. Asking for ice before the final start was a good enough ploy to throw everyone else off track.

  “Why does your voice lighten up whenever you say Aidan’s name?”

  Practical, proud and perceptive. That was her sister. “Does not.”

  “Does so. It quivers and comes out breathless. Is there something going on between the two of you?”

  Natalie reached up to tap her necklace before she remembered she’d placed it in the jewelry box her grandmother had bequeathed her, along with her amethyst ring. Mike had received Grandpa Ted’s vintage Thunderbird, Natalie had received the jewelry box and Becks had inherited their grandma’s silver tea service, which resided at their mom’s house as Becks claimed she had no room for it in California.

  Part of her wanted to yell direct questions at Becks, but her twin would only reveal what was bothering her on her own time. “Believe it or not, he’s immune to my charms. We sat on a glider on Mom and Dad’s porch, and he didn’t kiss me.” Or dance with me either.

  That was her cue to concentrate on what was important. Finishing the float, keeping Danny here and making him laugh. Not necessarily in that order. So, Aidan was immune to her? Big deal.

  Except it was, for she was starting to care for him. No one else looked that appreciative when he was included in family activities, like the basketball outing or yesterday’s barbecue. For the most part, those who grew up in Hollydale and stayed here knew each other so well as to practically take them for granted. People knew Lucie cared for stray animals and would often leave them on her doorstep. Georgie restored machines and helped seniors around town with anything with a motor. Aidan fit right in, helping with the parade details and the float. Of course, Aidan had no intentions of staying, his military career and future position in Washington, DC, precluding any future in North Carolina.

  More reasons to keep her distance.

  “Be careful, Daffodil.” That was Becks’s pet name for her. “I don’t want Aidan leaving with Danny and your heart.”

  “What did you say?” Hurt tightened her throat. “You think Aidan should take Danny with him. Aren’t you on my side? Shelby named me as guardian.”

  Another minute of silence, and it was all Natalie could do to compose herself.

  “Pippa’s taught me there are no sides when it comes to children, but Aidan is his uncle. That should count for something. You know better than most about bonds between family members. How many times have you brought up our twin bond?”

  Too many, and far more often than Becks.

  “That twin bond is telling me something is wrong with you and Jack.”

  “And it doesn’t take a twin bond for me to know you’re avoiding any serious discussion about Aidan.”

  Faint wails came over the line.

  “Pippa’s awake and due at day care soon.”

  The line clicked off, and Natalie inhaled. The older twin by twenty minutes, Becks had often tried to shelter Natalie. Had Aidan distanced himself from Shelby in the past few years to keep her from experiencing some of the effects he’d endured on his tours?

  She shook off the question and grabbed her purse, already late for a date that wasn’t a date.

  * * *

  AIDAN GLANCED OUT the window again, wondering why Natalie was still in her car rather than coming into The Busy Bean. She’d sat there for a good ten minutes. Not that he was spying on her or anything like that.

  When she emerged from her SUV, he scanned the perimeter around her. Uh-oh. Hyacinth fastened her bicycle to the rack on Timber Road and reached into her basket. She followed inside on Natalie’s heels, while he folded the Hollydale Herald and placed it next to his breakfast, a vegetable frittata.

  Natalie entered, pointed to the front counter and made a beeline for it. Before he could stop Natalie from ordering, Hyacinth headed straight for him.

  Aidan inhaled and braced himself. “Good morning.”

  “Isn’t it? You should know, though, as you went for an early run. I can’t jog every day like I used to. Athena wanted outside, and it’s getting harder for her to go through the doggy door, so I stopped my morning meditation and let her out. She’s a darling and, thanks to her, I saw the beautiful sunrise. Do you have any pets, Major M.?”

  How did she manage to get all of that out in one breath? “No pets.” Although the thought of getting one had crossed his mind.

  A dog might help Danny with his therapy. Then again, moving to Fort Lewis and living on base were big enough adjustments.

  “That’s a shame. Pets are one of life’s greatest blessings. Having a pet can help decrease your blood pressure and help you relax. Athena and Artemis soak up the sun and keep me company while I garden.” Hyacinth beamed and settled her reusable cotton bag on the table. “Do you mind if I join you? I love riding my bike, but I could do with a minute of rest before I run the rest of my errands.”

  She plopped herself at the place he’d reserved for Natalie, and her eyes widened. “You’re expecting company, aren’t you?” She glanced around the coffeehouse and then turned back to him. “You’re smarter than you look, Major M. Hi, Natalie!”

  Everyone in the coffeehouse stopped and stared.

  His cheeks grew hot. Natalie finished ordering and came over to his table, a scone in hand, while Hyacinth brought another chair. Not the cozy seating arrangement for two he’d been hoping for.

  Conversation buzzed around them again as Natalie glanced at the strawberry scone and cappuccino he’d purchased. “For me?”

  Aidan nodded, and Natalie looked at Hyacinth. “Would you like this cinnamon scone I just ordered?”

  “How lovely. What a pleasant way to start the day.” Hyacinth beamed.

  Natalie settled herself and picked off one corner of the scone. “Thank you, Aidan.”

  Deb had told him it was her last strawberry scone before she’d sold out this morning. Natalie’s sweet expression was all the thanks he needed. Especially after he’d been so rude to her last night.

  Hyacinth pulled a long rectangular leaflet out of her bag and handed it to Aidan. “I have a feeling you’ll need these soon.”

  He glanced at Hyacinth’s gift, which appeared to be some sort of homemade pamphlet.

  “They’re babysitting coupons. For Danny.” Hyacinth fixed her gaze on him, then Natalie, then back on him. “And the future.”

  The heat in his cheeks grew to an inferno, and he dropped the pamphlet like a hand grenade. “Thanks for the gesture, but I...”

  “Wait, there’s more.” Hyacinth rummaged through her sack.

  “But—”

  “Nothing’s too good for the brave men and women who serve our country with honor. My pear trees
came in so nicely this spring.” Hyacinth pulled out a jar of poached fruit and placed it before him before glancing at Natalie. She extracted a second jar and gave it to her. “I appreciate teachers, too.”

  “The red velvet cake was delicious.” Natalie rubbed her stomach and licked her lips.

  One thing about all of this puzzled the interrogator in him. “How’d you know I was here?”

  Hyacinth cinched the sack tight and rose. “When Artemis, Athena and I took a small walk, nothing like our long weekend jogs, mind you, I ran into Ginny. She told me you had just checked out and were stopping here before you move into Shelby’s house. I took a chance you’d still be here. Natalie, too. I was right. I have a couple more deliveries before Artemis and Athena enjoy a beautiful day in the yard while I prune my trees. Toodle-oo.”

  Her long, wispy floral scarf trailed behind her as she floated out of the coffeehouse.

  Unsettled, he turned toward Natalie. “Did I just imagine that?”

  She inhaled the coffee he’d bought her. “I haven’t had any caffeine yet, so I’ll answer your question in a bit. It’s the little things in life, you know, that make it so worthwhile.”

  Natalie stopped talking, picked off another piece of scone with her fingers and popped it in her mouth. Her look of bliss said everything, and he liked seeing that expression too much. That was only one reason he was attracted to her. Going out of her way to help others, which seemed as natural to her as her red hair, was another. Whereas he often kept his distance, she went all in, a worthy opponent in basketball and horseshoes and... That smile and her sunny outlook could impact his every move.

  If I let her in. “About last night on the porch.”

  Taking a bite, she leaned back and regarded him with some wariness. “How about we talk about today instead? Caleb is dropping Danny off to you at Shelby’s after the session ends. After that, could you bring him to the park and help me with the float?”

  “I thought we agreed Danny would go to the Corner Grocery with me.” Besides, he had so much to organize at Shelby’s. He also had work to do for Mayor Wes. No time like the present to figure out how to keep an eye on Danny while doing other tasks.

  “Oh.” She examined her jar of pears and glanced at the door, then at her scone. The scone must have won out because she hadn’t bolted yet.

  His own jar of pears caught his eye. Are they a genuine gift or a bribe? Does it matter? Hollydale residents had opened their doors to him. Already The Busy Bean, with its aromas of coffee and sugary carbs that brought a smile to Natalie’s face, was becoming one of his favorite spots. Where was the last place I went on base with half this enthusiasm? The Harrisons had warmly included him at their barbecue, treating him as one of the family. And yet he’d rejected Natalie’s request a minute ago.

  “We’ll help for a little bit later this afternoon.”

  Her smile was his second reward of the morning. He gripped his coffee cup and stopped from groaning. He couldn’t let himself get attached to Natalie. The military was his family. He, they, made a difference.

  “What time should we...” No sooner did he start to ask a question than Belinda strode into the coffeehouse, her laser beam gaze focusing on him.

  Did Ginny announce his location on social media? Or just text everyone in town?

  “Good morning, Major Murphy, Natalie.”

  Belinda hung her large canvas knapsack on the back of Hyacinth’s former seat before sitting and reaching for the coupon book. She fanned herself and then saw what she held. Her laugh boomed in the calm atmosphere of the coffeehouse. “Goodness gracious, you want a babysitter, just call me. I’m bursting to overflow with all the love and attention my grandkids have spoiled me with. Least I can do is pass it on.”

  Perplexed, Aidan kept his mouth shut. What is at work here? Small-town friendliness or blue-ribbon envy?

  He sipped his coffee the way he liked it, without sugar or cream, and then found his tongue again. “Thanks for the offer.”

  Why is everyone assuming Danny will remain in Hollydale?

  Belinda eyed the jarred pears in front of him and Natalie and then reached for her own canvas bag. She pulled out two jars of preserves and placed one near each of them. “Share it in good health with Danny. Little boys love frog jam.”

  “Frog jam?” Aidan blurted out while eyeing the glass jar with some trepidation.

  “You ought to see your face right now. I’ve never seen a man turn purple before.” Belinda laughed and turned the jar around so the label faced him. “Figs, raspberries, oranges and ginger. It’s one of my specialties. Figs come from my sister’s backyard. Picked them fresh myself on my last visit.”

  “Thanks.” He and Natalie spoke in unison.

  Their gazes met, and humor lurked in the crystal-blue depths of her eyes.

  Belinda rose, knapsack in hand. “Wait, one more thing before I go.” She extracted a crocheted blanket in varying shades of camouflage green. “I make these and send them to our troops at Christmastime. You can take yours with you.”

  “This is too much.” Aidan fingered the yarn of the blanket, the fine rows consistent and even. It was beautiful.

  “Not nearly enough.” Belinda smiled and patted his hand. “And it’s not on account of anything in the foreseeable future either. I don’t know how hard it’s going to be for you to say goodbye to that adorable nephew of yours when you return to duty, but we’ll all be thinking of you and hoping you come home real soon. My little granddaughter’s coming over today. I’m teaching her how to make pie crusts. See you later.”

  Her words sank in as she left, his jaw clenched. “Would you explain?”

  “Explain what?” Natalie’s wide blue eyes connected with his gaze, and he inhaled.

  Once in the army, always in the army. Once a kindergarten teacher, always a kindergarten teacher, he supposed. He folded his arms. “Explain, please.”

  She laughed and tossed back her hair. “While you might think I’m being obtuse on purpose, I wasn’t. I honestly don’t know what you’re asking.”

  “Why does everyone think Danny is staying here?”

  Her smile faded from her lips. She propped her elbows on the table and said in a low voice, “Are we back to that again? I thought we agreed you were going to keep an open mind about Hollydale. I don’t want Danny relapsing and having night terrors again.”

  Night terrors. Aidan shuddered. He wouldn’t wish those on anyone, let alone a six-year-old. For a while, after his arm injury, his screams would wake him and he’d be covered in sweat. Until he’d been informed of Shelby’s death, it had been years since one of those vivid nightmares gripped him. Now it had only been three months.

  He toyed with his napkin, shredding the end of it. “You can’t go around telling everyone he’s staying.”

  “I’ve done no such thing.” Her indignation was clear. “Well, I told my mom you want to take him to Fort Lewis. While Mom told Dad, I know the two of them. It ended there.”

  They both held firm, neither willing to concede an inch but both willing to do anything for the boy at the center of it all.

  Why did she expect him to blink first? In all honesty, he had expected her to relent by now. On the basketball court, she had committed her all, then moved on. This was a woman whose character he couldn’t wrap his head around. What did she expect from him?

  What did he expect of himself?

  Even a few short days in Hollydale proved he’d better figure that out fast, especially before the next meeting with the attorney on Tuesday, which happened to be tomorrow.

  “You really believe Carl and Diane would keep that to themselves? Look at Ginny this morning, giving my itinerary to Hyacinth and Belinda.”

  “I do believe the best about my parents. What you see is what you get. Kids respond well to that. No matter what happens with Danny, remember that.” She reached for
her drink and raised her cup. “To Danny.”

  He also raised his disposable cup, and she clinked hers against his with a smile.

  “For Danny’s sake, I’ll keep an open mind.”

  “What time is it? I never wear a watch in the summer.”

  He glanced at the watch his father had given him when he finished officer candidate school. “Ten thirty.”

  “That late.” She scarfed down the last of the scone and grabbed her disposable coffee cup, raising it in his direction. “Thanks for the coffee. Gotta run.”

  “Wait. After I dropped Shelby’s car at her place with my duffel, I walked here to clear the cobwebs. Can you take the bribes, er, I mean, preserves and pears and quilt, with you and drop them off at Shelby’s?”

  “Do you want a ride back?”

  “Thanks, but I need another walk.” And some time alone.

  * * *

  Once he finished eating, he left the coffeehouse and started out for Marigold Lane. No sooner had he passed City Hall than he noticed Mayor Wes heading his way. Hmm, Ginny probably had him on speed dial.

  “Aidan, just the man I needed to see. By the way, Woodley says you’re doing a commendable job on the security for the parade.” Mayor Wes came up beside him and patted his shoulder. “I’m on my way to the police station, and it was my good luck I ran into you. Where are you headed?”

  “To my sister’s house.” Maybe Natalie was wearing off on him as he offered that without hesitation.

  “Want some company for a stretch?” Mayor Wes walked alongside him, as if he didn’t expect Aidan to say no.

  “The police station is the other way.”

  “It’ll still be there when we’re done talking.”

  Aidan moved along the sidewalk, the steady marching rhythm his standard trade. “What did you need to talk to me about? We’re scheduled for a meeting later this week.”