Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2)

by Patty Campbell

  Wonder filled his eyes. “She does?” Santos stared first at Cluny then at his mother. “I didn’t know she could turn on the lights.”

  “I have a special switch next to my bed. She bumps it with her nose or paw and the lights come on.”

  “Can I see it?”

  “Sure.” Cluny pushed back his chair. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

  Graciella stayed at the table, but she could hear them talking at the other end of the house. The words were unclear, but the pitch of Santos’s voice told her he was excited about Queen’s skill. A few minutes later, he returned to the kitchen alone.

  “Where’s Cluny?” She poured him the last of the chocolate.

  “Macfearsome is taking a shower. He said he had to get ready to go to work because there was a lot to do before he could come home in time for baseball.”

  “Ah, yes, I forgot he was going to work this morning.” She lifted the coffee pot and swished it to see if there was any left then poured the dregs into her cup. “When you get dressed, bring me your dirty clothes. I’m doing a couple of loads of laundry this morning.”

  “OK.” He nodded and grinned. “Queen’s light switch is just like the one we have in my bathroom at our apartment. I remember Grampa put it in there for me because I couldn’t work the other one very good in the middle of the night. Macfearsome put his low down on the wall next to his bed.”

  She’d never stepped foot in Cluny’s bedroom, but she could picture the touch-switch apparatus quite clearly. “That was clever.”

  “The dog people told him where to put it. She already knew how to work one.”

  Graciella pushed back from the table. “Time for me to get dressed for work too. I found the vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies in a closet in the laundry room.”

  “What are you going to clean? Macfearsome’s house looks fine to me.”

  “The male of the species has dust blindness.” Cluny said he had a service come to clean a couple of times a month, but she saw dust everywhere. It wouldn’t take long to get rid of it.

  “That’s what Grandma says.”

  “Your grandmother is a wise woman. Now, carry the dishes to the sink for me please. I’ll finish with the kitchen after I get dressed.” She tousled his hair in spite of his attempt to dodge her hand. Smiling, she left the kitchen.

  She went to her bedroom and dragged on a pair of shorts and a faded T-shirt with the samba school logo emblazoned on front and back. Pulling her hair into a practical ponytail, she stepped into the hall and ran smack into Cluny. “Oof.”

  He caught her. “You OK?” He held her at arm’s length and made a low whistle. “Did I ever tell you, you have sensational legs?”

  “No, but go ahead.” On tiptoe, she gave him a light kiss on the lips.

  “They’re sensational, baby. They match the rest of sensational you.” His rough hands slid up and down her bare arms. “Woof woof.” In her ear he growled, “I’m going to lick my way up these legs tonight. It’s a promise.”

  Graciella smacked his chest. “Shush. We aren’t alone in the house.”

  “From the clatter in the kitchen, I don’t think we have to worry about being overheard, do you?”

  Her face was hot with a combination of embarrassment and passion. “Go to work.”

  His wink was sinfully lascivious. “I’ll be home by noon. Then I need to be at the park by one so I can unlock the equipment locker before the kids get there.”

  “I’ll have lunch ready.” She put her arms around him then dropped her hands to his butt and squeezed. “Mmmm. I like.”

  He looked up and pointed heavenward. “Thank you, God. Thank you.” He planted a stinging kiss on her lips and stepped away. “Come, Queen. We better get the hell out of here right now.”

  Hand over her heart, she admired his strong shoulders as he walked down the hall. He ducked his head through the kitchen archway. “See you later, pal.”

  “See you later, Macfearsome.”

  Graciella felt sure she’d be wearing her smile for at least an hour.

  A few minutes past noon, Cluny’s van pulled into the driveway. She had lunch on the table. He walked in, pasted a hurried kiss on her cheek and one on the top of Santo’s head. Her breath stuttered at the spontaneous gesture of affection for her son.

  “I’ll get out of these work clothes and wash my hands. Be right back.” He stepped from the kitchen.

  Santos grinned from ear to ear. “Macfearsome kissed me, Mama.”

  “Yes, do you mind?”

  “No, I liked it. Maybe he loves me. I hope so.”

  Cluny called from the hall. “I love you, Santos Jefferson.”

  Santos pumped his fist in the air. “Yes!”

  The joy on her son’s mocha-hued face brought tears to her eyes. She turned quickly, dashed them away, and opened the refrigerator. “Where’s the lemonade?”

  “You already put it on the table.”

  She straightened. “Ah, so I did. Well then go to the front porch and wait for Amber. The Dempsey’s are sharing lunch with us.”

  “Oh boy!” He ran to the door, sneakers squeaking on the wood flooring, Queen dogging his heels. She seemed to anticipate their arrival just as much as her son. Graciella sighed, then wandered down the hall to Cluny’s bedroom and leaned on the door frame.

  Water splashed in the sink while he hummed, Take me out to the ballgame, and stepped from the bathroom wearing sneakers, jeans, and a bright green T-shirt bearing a shamrock and the words, Big D Construction.

  He stopped dead in his tracks. “Faith and begorrah! I do believe I spy a magical faerie lurkin’ in me doorway. Where’s me pot o’gold?”

  “When did you get so Irish?” His black hair, blue eyes, and five-o’clock shadow cast him in the roll of hero on the cover of a historical romance novel. “Do you own a kilt? I’ve always loved a man in a kilt.”

  “I’ll buy one first thing Monday morning.”

  “Thank you for loving my son, Irish.”

  He rested his hands on her shoulders. “He’s easy to love, just like his mom.”

  The warmth of his hands nearly melted her. She’d never tire of his unique touch. In spite of her natural hesitation to jump headlong into a relationship with Cluny, she knew deep down that she’d be a fool to let him get away.

  Santos’s voice rang down the hallway. “They’re here!” Queen barked a greeting.

  Graciella sighed. “Time to be parents again.”

  “And again.” He pecked a kiss on her forehead. “And again.”

  “Don’t get any ideas.”

  “Too late, baby. The idea is burned in my brain.” He stepped into the hall. “Hey, Gunny, Did you remember the baseball caps?”

  “In the truck. What’s for lunch? I’m starving!”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Saturday afternoon at the park

  Halfway through the first baseball practice, Graciella handed out juice boxes and snacks while Marla nursed Declan. “That’s the last of it. I’ll have to get more next time.”

  “The other moms will take turns bringing snacks. I’ll get some for next Saturday. Last year we had different people participating, but I do recognize some of the parents here today.” She waved her hand and gestured at a group of three blonde women sitting higher in the bleachers behind them. “Molly, Sonja, Diana, come down and meet Graciella Jefferson.”

  Marla introduced the women to Graciella then said, “Coach McPherson’s girlfriend will be organizing the snack patrol this year. Why don’t you write down your phone numbers and e-mail addresses so Graciella can call you, and we’ll get organized for the rest of the season?”

  The tallest, who’d been talking to an awkward boy with thick glasses earlier, grinned at Graciella. “You’re Coach’s girlfriend? Lucky lady. If I wasn’t already married with four kids, I’d be trying to land him myself. He makes the Mom Patrol drool.”

  The other two women bobbed their heads in agreement. One of them put the back of her hand to h
er forehead, rolled her eyes. “That butt and those blue eyes,” then her face went red with a deep blush.

  An unwelcome coil of jealousy wrapped itself around Graciella’s stomach. She wanted to like these other mothers, so she gritted her teeth against an unwise retort. “Um, now that you mention it, I guess I do qualify as his girlfriend.” A quick, not-quite-smile played across her lips.

  “Didn’t we all know he’d get snagged sooner or later?” Marla put a hand on Graciella’s forearm. “Cluny and Graciella are perfect for each other. Would you believe they met at the beach? Her son, Santos,” she pointed across the infield, “was fascinated with Cluny’s service dog.”

  The short woman’s eyebrows drew together. “Whatever happened to the cute blond who was here with him a couple of times last summer? I thought they might be, uh, you know.”

  Graciella swallowed as heat rose in her cheeks.

  “No!” Marla placed Declan on her shoulder and patted his back. “She’s a Marine buddy who served in Iraq in the same unit with Dwayne and Cluny. She and Cluny are just pals. The unit’s a pretty tight-knit group.”

  Graciella took slow breaths. Nausea threatened. What’s the matter with you? She stood abruptly. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to check the trunk of my car. Make sure I didn’t leave any snacks behind.”

  As she walked away, she heard one of the women ask Marla, “Did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean to.” Graciella didn’t hear Marla’s answer. She felt the perfect fool, completely undone by her reaction to their harmless girl-talk. She’d never thought of herself as a simpering, insecure boob, but she was sure acting like one. She should celebrate the fact that Cluny had chosen her and join in the friendly banter. She didn’t doubt the true nature of his commitment to her after all that had passed between them.

  She returned to join Marla minutes later and leaned close. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me to react that way to their friendly teasing.” She reached for her purse and pulled out a small notepad with pen attached then climbed up to the three women and forced a happy smile onto her face.

  “If you’ll put your names and contact information here, I’ll call you in a few days and we’ll work out a schedule. Marla’s taking care of next week. Cluny dumped this week on me with very little notice. I really appreciate your help.”

  The blonde who hadn’t spoken before tilted her head. “You have an accent I can’t identify.” She took the pad and scribbled her name and numbers. “We’re glad to help with the kids. That’s why we’re here. And don’t pay attention to what we say. We drool over Coach Dempsey too.” She flashed a charming and friendly grin that put Graciella at ease.

  “But not Chief?”

  “Oh heck yes, him too, the grizzled old grouch. We’re just a bunch of harried, frustrated housewives.” The three blonde women laughed. Then she asked, “Where are you from originally?”

  “Brazil. Sao Paulo. I married an American sailor and he brought me to California. You think maybe I reeled Cluny in with my exotic accent?”

  “Marriage didn’t work out?”

  “My husband was a SEAL. He was killed in action in Iraq.”

  “Oh, honey,” The woman grabbed her hand. “I’m so sorry. How long ago?”

  “Marvin died before Santos was born. He’ll be ten soon.” The woman’s sincere reaction, her sad watery eyes, almost had Graciella tearing up. “It was a long time ago.” She squeezed the woman’s hand. “Sonja, right? I’m so happy to meet all of you.”

  The three began talking all at once, reassuring her how happy they were to make her acquaintance and apologizing again for teasing her.

  “Don’t give it another thought.” She raised her eyebrows. “But hands off my boyfriend, OK?” She playfully raised a fist.

  They exchanged relieved smiles, and Graciella returned to her seat next to Marla. “Disaster averted. I can’t imagine why I reacted the way I did. I’m either in love or crazy.”

  “Love makes one do crazy things. For instance…” She rolled her eyes. “I’m pregnant.”

  Graciella jerked back. “You’re…? But Declan’s only—”

  Marla sighed. “So much for breast feeding preventing conception. I nearly fainted when the doctor told me yesterday.”

  “How did Dwayne react?” She was still wrapping her head around Marla’s revelation.

  “He doesn’t know yet, but he’ll be crowing and strutting like a rooster when I tell him. It’s entirely my doing. Good grapes, I can’t keep my hands off him. It’s been that way since the first time he kissed me.”

  Graciella stared across the diamond at Dwayne. “Gosh.”

  “Yes. There I was, smart, unflappable, independent business woman. I had big plans that didn’t include a man. Then in walks Dempsey oozing testosterone, teasing me relentlessly, hitting on me every five minutes. I wanted to kill him. Instead, I fell in love. What do you think of that?”

  Graciella put her arm around Marla and hugged her tight. “Oh, Marla, I think it’s wonderful. It’s obvious to everyone how much you love each other and your kids.” She reached out her hands. “Let me hold the Dec. I love cuddling a baby in my arms.”

  Marla handed him over. “Thanks, I need to get to the restroom. Seems I have to pee every thirty minutes.” She stood and checked to make sure her blouse was properly buttoned. “Remind me when I get back; I have a favor to ask of you.” She hurried to the cinder block building housing the toilets.

  Cluny wandered over and sat next to Graciella. He dropped an arm over her shoulder and kissed her cheek. Graciella imagined she could hear Sonja, Molly, and Diana sighing. She giggled.

  “What’s so funny?” He put his index finger in Declan’s tiny hand and made a silly face for the baby.

  “Nothing, other than the fact I’m burning for you and want to kill every woman within fifty feet.”

  “Yeah?” He pecked her cheek again. “I like that.”

  “I’m going to beg the Dempsey’s to take Santos home with them because if I don’t get you to myself for a few hours, I’ll need to be locked up.”

  “Holy cr…!” He pressed his hand in his lap. “Don’t tell me that in a public park where children are present. You want to get me ejected?” He tightened his grip on her shoulder.

  She leaned into his side. “Are you totally, miserably frustrated?”

  “Shit, yes, baby.”

  “Me too. Now do me a favor and go away.” She nudged him with her shoulder until he stood and walked to the dugout.

  “Lover’s quarrel?” Marla slid onto the bench next to her.

  “Just the opposite.” She cast imploring eyes at her friend. “I need a big favor. Could you please take Santos home with you for a few hours after practice?” She held her breath and mouthed please.

  “Sure, but I also have something to ask of you.”

  “Anything.” Graciella got up and lowered the sleeping baby into his carrier. “Ask.”

  “It’s something you might enjoy.” She shifted the carrier to keep the afternoon sun off her son’s face. “I really want to do it because I have a feeling it’ll be another year before I can squeeze into a sexy dress.”

  “What is it?” Sexy dress probably meant Marla needed a babysitter so she could go on a date with her husband. Graciella would love to babysit little Declan for an evening.

  “I’d be so grateful if you and Cluny would attend a black tie event with us for the Wounded Warriors of Ventura County. It’s next Saturday night. Dwayne knows several people there, and if I know him he’ll wander away to shoot the breeze about the good ole days and leave me sitting there like a frog on a log. I’d like you to come and keep me company. How about it?”

  “I’d love to go.” Graciella clapped her hands. “I haven’t been to a dressy affair in forever. I’ll need to shop for a new dress though. When is it? Will Cluny have to rent a tuxedo?” Excitement at the prospect sent her blood racing. “Oh, but who will watch the kids?”

  “My parents have already volunte
ered. Adding Santos to the mix will be great for Amber.” Marla put her hand on Graciella’s arm. “May I go shopping with you? Hey, the malls are open until ten every night. Dwayne and Cluny could watch the kids.” She sighed. “I really need this.”

  “Tuxedos?”

  “The vets have a choice of black tie or their dress uniforms. Dwayne will wear his uniform. I’m not sure about Cluny. There’s a bridal shop on L.A. Avenue that can do a turnaround in twenty-four hours if he decides on the tux.”

  Graciella grinned. “You and I can pretend like we’re having so much fun at the party without them they’ll be curious and spend more time with us.” Graciella pointed. “Looks like they’re breaking up for the day. Do you want a ride back to the house with me?”

  “It’s only a couple of blocks. I need to walk. The stroller is under the bleachers. Dwayne and I’ll meet you at your house. We’ll take Santos home with us. He’ll stay for supper. You can pick him up between eight and nine, OK?”

  “Thank you, Marla. I’ll owe you.”

  “I’m sure I’ll find a way to collect.” She waved at her approaching husband and stepdaughter. “Amber, invite Santos to share dinner with us tonight.”

  “Rilly?” She skipped off to tell Santos.

  Other parents made their way down the bleachers to fetch their tired and sweaty kids. When the three blondes reached the bottom, Dwayne winked. “Ladies. Nice to see you again this summer.”

  Sonja smiled and brushed past them. “You too, coach.”

  “See you next Saturday,” Molly called over her shoulder.

  Diana fluttered her fingers.

  “Graciella.” Chief joined them. “Earl and Lillian will come next Saturday. The detectives told them Jamal’s left town, but he’s on their radar. The stubborn bastard’s trying to track down Krystal in New York, but she’s on a photo shoot in Tel Aviv.”

  “Tel Aviv!” Krystal was achieving her dream of the glamorous life of a super model. She felt happy for her, in spite of recent events. “When did she leave New York?”

  “A few days ago. There’s no way he’ll go after her now, because they’ve put him on an international no-fly list, and her agency never divulges the whereabouts of their models.”