Operation Family

by Dobson, Marissa

  A sprawling white brick ranch surrounded by trees and fields met Mac as he pulled into the driveway. Large trees thick as his waist, lent privacy to the huge property. Off to the side, he could see a pool area. The place was stunning. What had Shawn done to afford it?

  Now that he was gone, Mac realized he barely knew his nephew. They hadn’t spoken more than a few times a year, mostly at holidays, because there was so little left of their family. It had been almost a year since the last time they’d spoken. Mac had been deployed, and even though he’d meant to, he never got around to calling Shawn.

  Now it was too late. Regret burned inside him, causing an ache to rise in his chest.

  Even when they had spoken, it was quick, never more than a few minutes. No lengthy discussions about what Shawn did for a living. He knew his nephew had eloped with a local girl almost two years ago, but Mac had never met her. Over two years since his last visit. That bothered him, but there was nothing he could do to change it now.

  He shoved the rental car into park in front of the house, checking one last time to make sure the address was correct before he stepped out. He glanced at the quiet house; no lights shone through the gloomy afternoon mist, leaving him to wonder if anyone was home. I should have called ahead. He’d taken it for granted that she’d be home with the twins.

  All of a sudden, there was a grinding noise as a shotgun cocked from near the porch, sending him on guard. He stepped back next to the car, the bulk of it separating him from the front door, when a woman’s voice hollered at him. “You’re trespassing. This is private property.”

  “Ms. Ryan?” When there was no response, he continued. “Ma’am, I’m Mac García, Shawn’s uncle.”

  “The guardian…” Her voice broke.

  “Yes, ma’am. I apologize for not calling first.” He watched her over the top of the car until she lowered the shotgun to the ground. Damn she was beautiful, even angry. “It’s raining. May I come in?”

  “Not that I have any choice. You’ve inherited everything and you’re going to take them away from me.”

  He walked around the car, wondering if the plan of action he had devised through the long hours at the airport waiting for the flight had all been for nothing. The nanny might have been someone Shawn approved off, but based on first impressions he wondered if she was stable enough for the lifestyle he’d bring the children in to. Give the woman a break. She’s been through a lot.

  He stepped into the house. The large entryway with golden oak wood floors welcomed him. The outside appeared grand but inside it was warm, cozy. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the space, making it homey. It reminded him of his childhood, without the immensity of the house. Nearing forty, there were few reminders of his childhood left. Too much war, blood, and loss had separated him from those innocent years.

  “Ma’am?” He glanced around in search of the woman, who had stalked off. The idea of just traipsing through the house uninvited seemed wrong, even if it was his now. To Nicole, this was her home and he respected that.

  “I’m in the kitchen.”

  He followed her voice through the house and into a large gourmet kitchen. The white marble countertops set off the walnut cabinets, coming together in perfect elegance, while the large two-tier island was the centerpiece. He didn’t doubt he’d have an easy time selling the place when he drove up, but this kitchen would have buyers fighting over the house.

  “I haven’t had time to prepare everything. You weren’t expected until at least Monday, and the girls are asleep.” She leaned against the counter, wringing her hands.

  “I know. I called the lawyer on my layover to get more details since the chaplain who informed me only had the bare bones. There’s an appointment with him Monday afternoon to deal with paperwork, but I had hoped to discuss things with you and possibly meet the girls.”

  “They’re napping. If you’d have called ahead I could have kept them awake.” Her tone remained cold and distant, while she stared directly at him.

  “I’m sorry. Mr. Batty mentioned he’d be in touch with you. I thought you’d be expecting me.” The clink of the rental car keys as they hit the counter echoed through the moment of silence. “Still, if possible, I’d like to discuss the girls with you.”

  “I believe anything we need to discuss can be handled through the lawyer.”

  “Ma’am, I understand you’re grieving and that this is difficult for you…” He tried to calm the one-sided war she was trying to start, which was clear from the hatred in her voice.

  “You know nothing.”

  “You’re partially right. I know you’ve been with Shawn since the girls were born, but I don’t know the exact relationship you had with him. Though from the hatred you’re flinging at me I suspect you care deeply for the twins. This is what I want to discuss with you.” He cursed inwardly; this wasn’t going well.

  “I have an appointment with Mr. Batty on Monday morning to file the paperwork to fight you for custody.” Her hand shot up to cover her mouth as if she hadn’t planned on saying that.

  Feisty. I like that. He eyed the woman with new appreciation. Her shoulder length brown hair, with just the slightest wave to it, framed her face. Her brown eyes held concern and the heat of anger. She wasn’t just a nanny; this woman loved the girls. So much she was willing to fight to keep them. That was devotion, just what the children needed in their lives after everything they’d already been through. Not to mention what he needed.

  “Now that I’ve met you, I wouldn’t expect anything less.” He laid his hand over the keys and nodded. “How about I find a hotel room, shower, change, and then come back this evening? I’ll meet the girls and after they’re in bed for the night, we can have our discussion.”

  “Pinehill doesn’t have a hotel. The nearest one is twenty minutes away.” She tugged her hand through her hair. “Why don’t you just stay here? There’s plenty of room and after all, it’s your house. You can get used to caring for the girls. For some reason, I suspect it will be a good learning experience for you.”

  “I’d appreciate it, all of it. When you’re ready, we can have our talk and find some common ground went it comes to the girls. I think we can work something out without having to take this in front of a judge.” At least he hoped they could, because if there was one thing he didn’t want it was a custody battle. He had men depending on him and he couldn’t keep his head on the missions if he was fighting a lengthy court battle. They’d have to find a way to work together, keeping what was theirs safe and happy. Together—that was the only way.

  With a basket of freshly washed baby clothes in her arms, Nicole collapsed on the sofa in the family room. Between the girls’ unease, and her own grief, she was exhausted. Sleep had once been easy, now it was a fight for even the smallest amounts. Normally after a rough night with the girls, she’d take a nap to help prepare for the wakeup calls in the night, but sleep wasn’t an option with Mac in the house.

  She had prepared herself to hate him for his part in separating her from the girls, but now that he was here, it was proving more difficult then she imagined. Damn, the way he looked in the Navy working uniform, with its standard camouflage of blue and gray, stole her breath. He was an attractive man, the slightest hint of silver around his temples adding a pleasant imperfection she couldn’t help but find alluring.

  She had to keep her distance from him, build a barrier between them in order to keep him from ripping her heart out when he whisked the girls away—and tearing the rest of her to shreds in the process. The last six months had changed her, more than just turning her into a stand-in mother. She’d realized her calling, and it was with the girls. Being burned out with accounting was a blessing, because it had brought her this makeshift family for a short time.

  Piece by piece she folded the laundry, and with each article of clothing she tried to form the walls around her before Mac returned. She needed a game plan, something that would give her the advantage when she faced him with her des
ire to keep the children, to raise them as her own. If she went at him with the rage that burned within her, it would get them nowhere. She had to prove she was a better option for them than he was, otherwise they’d be off to Virginia before she even got a court date. Every ounce of her knew that if they left Texas, she’d never see the girls again.

  She heard a small cough, and looked up from stacking the freshly folded laundry in the basket to find Mac standing near the doorway. Stonewashed jeans slung low on his hips, encasing his legs to show hints of the toned thigh muscles beneath the denim. The gray T-shirt with bright blue Navy across the chest had her fingers itching to run along the contours of his body. She thought he looked good in uniform, but in plain clothes he looked even better. She bet he was irresistible naked. Every muscle in his body was toned to rock-hard perfection and his tanned skin highlighted each feature. Overall, he was one fine specimen of manhood. Not to mention he probably had a woman at every port.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “Please.” She nodded to the recliner beside her. “If I’m lucky, the girls will sleep for another hour, so you can rest if you want. I mean, from what Mr. Batty said, you were on your way back from military duty, so you must have come straight here after you arrived. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

  “My squad was out for training. They returned Thursday, while I stayed behind to deal with a few things. I got to Virginia after midnight and the chaplain was waiting with the news, so I caught the first flight here.” He slumped down onto the chair beside her. “I caught a bit of sleep on the plane…but suddenly I have a feeling you’re using this as a diversion. I don’t think it worries you that I’m tired.”

  “Diversion, why?” She put the basket on the coffee table and moved to the edge of the sofa.

  “I wanted to speak with you about the girls and coming to an arrangement. When I mentioned it, you informed me that you intend to seek custody.”

  “I do.” She pushed off the sofa and grabbed the basket. “I don’t believe there’s anything for us to discuss.”

  “Well, I do, so sit down and we can deal with it before the girls wake up.”

  “I’m not one of your men you can just order around,” she snapped, tossing the basket down with such force a couple of the garments on top bounced, unfolding them slightly. Work with him or you’ll never see the girls again. “I’m sorry for being such a bitch. It’s been a whirlwind few days…”

  “Ma’am I realize you’re under a great amount of stress. From what Mr. Batty told me you’ve been the girls’ nanny since Shawn brought them home from the hospital.”

  “Stop with this ma’am crap, you make me feel old with it. The name’s Nicole, and I’ve been more than a nanny to Gabriella and Sophia. They are like my own children.” Her throat grew tight and tears threatened to fall.

  The anger burning within her just wanted an outlet. Mac was a victim to circumstances, just as she was. Maybe he didn’t want the children after all and he had come to Texas to give up his rights. Maybe there was no need for a court battle.

  Cries from the baby monitor stopped her from screaming at him for coming to take her little ones away. “I’ve got to take care of the girls.” She pivoted on her heels and headed toward their room before he could reply. The perfect break from the madness that had become her life.

  Nicole paced the nursery with a fussy Gabriella in her arms, while Mac held Sophia in the rocker. For the first time since he arrived, she was thankful for his help. Having two sick babies at the same time alone was almost more than anyone could handle. The mixture of the wails from both of the twins only served to make her nervous. Nothing they tried eased the girls’ discomfort, and Doctor Holt wasn’t answering his phone, not even his cell. She left messages everywhere she could think of, asking him to call her, but he was probably traveling to or from the hospital, in an area that had almost no cell coverage. She looked at the clock for the hundredth time.

  Doctor Holt, I need you.

  The girls wouldn’t eat or sleep and nothing seemed to ease their cries. Her nerves were frazzled. The worst part of motherhood was when a child was hurting and there was nothing that could be done to ease the pain.

  “Oh, darling, if I knew what would make you feel better, I’d do it.” She rubbed small circles up and down her back.

  “Isn’t there something we should be doing?” Mac nearly hollered at her over the cries. “Take them to the doctor, hospital, or something?”

  “Doctor Holt is the only doctor in Pinehill and he isn’t answering his cell phone.”

  Mac stood, lifting Sophia higher up his chest, until her head rested against his shoulder. She looked so small in his arms.

  Mmm, those arms. Even in the midst of the twins’ cries, her body reacted to the man standing before her. Something about him with Sophia in his arms made him that much more attractive. Settle down, girl, he’s out of your league.

  “Where the fuck is Rebel when I need him?”

  “Rebel?” She focused on that so she’d ignore his language. She understood he was in the military, and foul language was often part of the territory, but she didn’t want it around the girls. She didn’t want their first words to be a curse word.

  “Luke Rodríguez, everyone calls him Rebel, he’s my team’s medic and can patch up just about anything. Me, on the other hand…I’m hopeless when it comes to these sick girls. Maybe we should take them to the hospital.”

  “I had hoped Doctor Holt would call, but we can’t wait any longer. We have to do something.” She laid Gabriella back in the crib, and that only made her cries louder. “It’s okay, sweetie, I just need to get the diaper bag ready.”

  “Give her to me. I’ll hold her while you get the stuff together.” He held out his free arm.

  “Are you sure?” It was the logical solution, but he’d just admitted this was his first experience with young children. Even with that in mind, he had a natural way with them; the more comfortable he got with the girls, the more it showed.

  “It’s fine, unless you need me to do something.”

  “No, just hold them while I gather what we need. We’ll have to take Shawn’s SUV, since it has the car seats.” She lifted Gabriella from the crib and kissed the girl’s head. The heat from her forehead made Nicole sick with worry. “Five minutes, that’s all I need.”

  With the hospital’s address plugged into the GPS, Mac pushed the petal to the floorboard until the outside rushed by with such speed it was nauseating. He glanced in the rearview mirror at the girls. They were still crying but the car had soothed them a little. Nicole adjusted in the passenger seat and drew his attention. The terror in her eyes made him want to console her, but he wouldn’t give her false hope. He knew next to nothing about children, but his gut told him the crying wasn’t normal. He didn’t like to see them suffering; it tore at his stomach like nothing he’d ever experienced. When it was one of his men, they knew why and what to do to fix it. With the girls, he couldn’t do anything and they couldn’t tell him what was wrong.

  “We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “Not soon enough.” Her voice was raspy with unshed tears. “I’ve never seen them like this before. Not even when they had colic after they were born.”

  In answer to her comment, he pushed the car a little harder. “We’ll handle it.”

  Fifteen minutes later, he stood at the desk in the emergency room doing his best to fill out the registration forms, while Nicole stood behind him trying to soothe the twins, who were wailing louder and louder.

  “I thought I heard a familiar cry.” Doctor Holt closed one of the exam room doors and came to stand by them. “What seems to be the problem with the happy–go-lucky García girls?”

  “Doc, I’m so glad you’re here. They’ve been sick all day. Their crying won’t stop as if they’re in pain, and it’s been getting worse, not better. Nothing I’ve done has helped. Neither of them will eat or sleep.”

  “Come along. We’ll take a look at them
.” The doctor turned and hit the button on the wall. The doors slid open.

  Not sure what else to do, Mac followed helplessly with the diaper bag and clipboard from the check-in desk. Never in all his life had he felt like this. He was a man of action; give him a problem, and he would find a way to fix it. Give him a mission, and consider it done. This was something he couldn’t fix, and it got under his skin.

  Taken straight to one of the patient rooms, Nicole lifted Sophia from the stroller and laid her on the bed. Mac stepped around the doctor to pick Gabriella up and try to give her some comfort. He stayed near the edge of the bed, out of the way, while the doctor did his work. Feeling like an outsider, his gaze shifted between Nicole who cringed with every tearful wail and Sophia who tried to wiggle away from the doctor’s cold stethoscope.

  Hours before, he’d shown up at the door, hoping to convince her they could figure out a way to work together to raise the twins. Now he knew there was no other way. No matter the cost, they had to figure it out. The girls needed her in their lives, and she needed them. They were a family, something he envied because he wasn’t included—yet.

  Doctor Holt examined both of the girls, checking their temperature before listening to their chests intently. “We’ll need to run some tests. In the meantime, I’ll give them something to help with the hives and make them more comfortable.”

  “What’s wrong with them?” Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to fall.

  “I want to do blood work to confirm, but it looks like allergies. Have you introduced any new foods?”

  She nodded, looking down at the girls. “Oatmeal.”

  “That’s what I thought. They’re both dehydrated, so we’ll start an IV with fluids. With their age and the extent of their reaction, I want to rule out anything more dangerous, but I believe with some medication, they’ll be fine. They’ve worked themselves up by crying so much. The nurse will be in shortly to give them something, and I’ll be back once the results are in. If you need anything let the nurse know.”