“Mom, you go ahead in with them. I got this,” Suzy volunteered. Laurie noticed Bernie lean over and kiss Suzy’s head, whispering, “Thanks, sweetheart.”
Family. That’s how it works. That was always how Emma and I were. And Grandma and Grandpa and Momma before they died. I’ve missed this.
Sitting down in the family room, Rob settled Laurie down on the sofa with her knee propped up. Sitting down next to her, he pulled her into his side, embracing her completely. Bernie and Mac settled in their chairs, after having passed around the cake and coffee.
Bernie spoke first. “Kids, I don’t want to pry, but Laurie we know you went to the doctors’ today. What do you want us to know?”
That opened the conversation as they informed Bernie and Mac of everything Dr. Alexander had told them. They spent almost an hour discussing what they knew, questions to ask the rheumatologist, and how to manage her symptoms.
Instead of being upset, Laurie found it strangely comforting to be able to discuss the diagnosis and how it might affect her life. It seemed to take the power out of lupus, to realize that she was not alone.
Looking at Rob, she remembered that she hadn’t told Emma yet. “I need to call her, but I think I’ll wait until tomorrow.”
Mac, having listened carefully to all that had been said, looked at his son, pride filling his heart. Was it just eight months ago that his son had continued his playboy ways but now sat with his arm around a beautiful, smart, caring woman, offering her care and comfort and love? Bernie, glancing at her husband, knew exactly what he was thinking and smiled to herself.
Turning back to the couple on the sofa, Bernie, ever practical, asked, “Laurie, what can we do to help?”
“Honestly, there isn’t anything I need. I start taking the prednisone tonight, and that should immediately take the swelling down. I have meds for pain as well when needed. At work, the kids are great! They run and get things for me so that I don’t have to jump up every two minutes. At home, well….” She looked at Rob shyly.
He looked down at her beautiful face and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Looking back at his parent’s quizzical looks, he said proudly, “Mom, Dad, Laurie and I are movin’ in together this weekend.”
Bernie clapped her hands in delight, and Mac boomed in his exuberant voice, “Congratulations!”
Rob continued his explanation. “Carol’s gonna be movin’ in with Tom. Their lease runs out next month, and no need for Laurie to go through the stress of findin’ a new roommate when she’ll be with me most of the time anyway. Plus, my apartment building’s got an elevator.” Kissing the top of her head, he added, “You guys know we’re in love, so this is just the next step.”
Bernie couldn’t contain herself anymore. Already envisioning Laurie as her daughter-in-law, she rushed over to embrace both of them in a hug. Rob assisted Laurie to stand as Mac came over to congratulate them again. While Bernie held on to Laurie, immediately discussing ways to make Rob’s apartment more comfortable, Mac grabbed Rob in a bear hug. Mac’s eyes shined with unshed tears, and he just said, “Real proud of you, son. Real proud.”
Soon afterward, Rob and Laurie said their goodbyes. He picked her up and carried her to his truck, and they headed to his apartment.
“Babe, I heard Mom talking to you about changin’ the apartment around to make you more comfortable.”
“Oh, honey, I won’t change anything, I promise,” she rushed to assure him, imagining he thought she was going to run in and fill the place with girly things.
He jerked his head towards her as he pulled into the parking lot. “Laurie, listen up good. As of right now, this place is your home as much as mine. You want your pictures up, you put ‘em up. You want different covers on the bed, fine. You got shit you’re bringin’ over, that’s fine too. And as soon as we can, babe, plan on us findin’ a home together.”
She looked over at her handsome prince, with the moonlight shining through the windshield. “Rob, you didn’t ask for all of this. I know this is a lot to take in. I would even understand if it’s too much.”
He looked at her sharply. “Babe, you’d better not be talkin’ about you getting’ sick and me not wanting to stick around. If you even insinuate that shit, your bottom will feel the sting of my hand.”
She giggled and found herself getting wet at just the thought of betting spanked by him. Her involuntary squirm to ease the flutterings between her legs was noticed by him.
“Damn, girl, we’d better get inside before this gets outta hand in my truck.”
Still laughing, she hung on tight as he carried her upstairs into their apartment.
Settling her on the couch while he turned on the lights throughout the apartment, he found himself looking around. The apartment was clean although somewhat sterile. One family picture and one picture of him, Jake, and Tom sat on the end table next to the sofa. His bed was covered in a grey and navy comforter, but that was the only color in the room. Shaking his head, he realized that this apartment was just a place for him to hang out between shifts. And since he had never brought any women back to this place, it really was just a crash pad. Maybe it’s not too early to look for a house together.
That night, as he curled his body protectively around her much smaller one, his mind raced with the events of the day. He had already made the call to the PI to start the search of military records to see if Laurie’s father could be located. He hated to keep a secret from her, but the doctor said it was important to reduce her stress.
He was determined to read through all of the lupus material that the doctor had provided, plus get online and see what else he could find out.
Fuck. He almost forgot that he needed to talk to Jake and Tom about the minivan that was driving around. The last thing he needed was Laurie worrying about a child in her classroom. I’ll see them tomorrow.
Finally deciding that his mind had covered everything it needed to, tightening his grip on Laurie’s peaceful body, sleep claimed him.
Chapter 16
The next week brought a steadiness to Rob and Laurie’s lives. She was feeling better now that she was on medications and could walk without a limp. She had only seen the minivan one more time and began seeing the Fairfield police cars drive by the school more frequently.
Rob had spoken to Jake and Tom, explaining the situation with Cindy’s parents. They agreed that there was a threat, and after discussing it with the police chief, patrol cars were assigned to increase their daily rotations around the elementary school.
Laurie’s favorite time of day was when she left school and drove to her new apartment. Rob had cleared out half of the closet space, although she insisted that she did not need that much space. His apartment was about the same size as what she shared with Carol, but the extra bedroom was used as a study/guest room. There was room in the study for her to set up her laptop to complete lesson plans and get work graded. His laptop was in there as well, but they generally weren’t using them at the same time.
The kitchen was the area that she wanted to get her hands on. His cabinets were filled with old cookware and dishes that Bernie had given him years ago. She bought all new pots, pan, dishes, and glassware. At one of the second-hand shops downtown, she snagged an old spice rack that she filled with spices and olive oils, placing it on the counter.
The only decorations she added to the living room were a colorful blanket draped over the sofa and her framed family photos on the end tables. The antique coat rack by the front door now held her winter coat and hat. With a silk floral arrangement in the center of the table, she now felt as though when she walked in the door it was her place as well as Rob’s.
In the bathroom, she tried very hard not to take up too much room, but there was no getting around it – women had more bathroom items than men. But finding a cute basket in the same downtown shop, she filled it with her makeup and hair products, then stored it under the sink.
*
Laurie had started a tradition of stopping by
Bernie’s Bakery and loading up on pastries and coffee to take to the fire station on weekend mornings when Rob and Mac were there. Since Rob left early for his shift, she popped into Bernie’s. His mom greeted her with usual enthusiasm, and after checking to see how Laurie was feeling, she began packing up the treats.
Suzy was working in the shop, and Laurie was glad to get to spend a few minutes with her. A group of teenage boys came in, one tall blond constantly looking over at Suzy. Laurie couldn’t help but tease her when she realized that Suzy couldn’t keep her eyes off of him as well.
“Who’s the blond hottie?” she asked.
Suzy reddened and whispered, “Brad. That’s Brad Evans. He’s a varsity football player. He’s a junior this year, so he’s one year ahead of me. His parents own Smokey’s.”
Laurie had to hide her smile as she listened to Suzy’s dissertation on Brad. “Well, he certainly is cute and appears to have eyes for you.”
Suzy’s eyes grew wide, and her blush deepened. “Do you really think so? I like him so much, but I have to pretend not to, so I won’t get teased.”
Laurie took a quick trip down memory lane as she remembered her days from high school. Just then, Bernie headed back with all of the bags for the firemen.
“I’ll help Laurie take these out, Mom,” Suzy volunteered. Hugging Bernie goodbye, Laurie and Suzy headed out.
“Could you use a hand, ma’am?”
Laurie looked over her bags and saw the young man, Brad, offering to help while keeping his eyes on Suzy. Smiling, she agreed and handed her bags to him. She watched as he made small talk to Suzy as the three of them headed to her yellow bug. Thanking them both, she watched as Brad walked Suzy back into the bakery. Hmmm, I wonder what Rob will say about that development?
*
The yellow VW bug had barely pulled up to the station when it was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic firemen. They came to grab the bags from Bernie’s, and Rob came jogging over to grab his girl. Her eyes met his as he came closer. God, he is gorgeous.
Her smile lit her whole face, and he wondered once again how he could have ever gotten so lucky. Picking her up in his arms, his mouth plundered hers as she answered right back with her tongue tangling with his. Remembering where they were, he slowly separated letting her slide down his front until her legs were steady on the ground. Leading her upstairs to the kitchen area, he assisted in setting out the coffee and pastries.
“Where’s my wife’s coffee?” boomed Mac, walking from his office into the kitchen. He reached Laurie and embraced her in a gentle hug. “And how’s my favorite school teacher?”
She laughed. “I’m doing very well right now, Mac. Thank you for asking.”
She started to leave, but Rob asked her to stay and eat with them. “Rob, this medicine makes me hungry all the time, so I have to watch it, or I will gain a ton of weight.”
“A little more weight on that luscious body will not bother me at all.” And with that, he gave her ass a discreet pat as they went to sit with the others.
A few minutes later, Rob’s cell phone vibrated, and he looked down at the screen. Glancing sharply to the side at Laurie, he saw her smiling up at him. “Sorry, Laurie, gotta take this call.”
Rob, wanting privacy, walked out of the kitchen and down the hall towards the bunk rooms.
“MacDonald.”
“Rob, it’s Sid Gaskill.” Sid was the private investigator he had hired.
“You got somethin’ for me.”
Sid, used to Rob’s abrupt behavior, knew that his client wanted to get down to business quickly. “Yes, sir. I found the military records for Brock Timothy Sinclair. He did a twenty-year career in the Army; retired about five years ago. Lives in the Richland area. Regular military career, a purple heart, excellent commendations. Pays his bills. Pays his taxes. Never married. Never arrested. For all intents and purposes, a real stand-up guy.”
“Got any contact info?”
“Yeah, I’ll send it to your email.”
“Got it. Thanks.” Rob hung up, continuing to stand still. He realized that there were certain moments in life when a decision was made, and you hope like hell it was the correct decision but know that nothing else in life will ever be the same after it. He walked around the corner to look into the kitchen area where Laurie was still sitting. She threw her head back, laughing in delight at something one of the men said. He’d certainly been with beautiful women before, but she was different. She seemed to take life as it came. Never expecting more than what she could make from it. Her face, still alight with her smile, seemed to have a glow that spread out to those around her.
Watching her, he felt a tightness in his chest, and he rubbed it with his hand, trying to make it ease. It was then that he realized the tightness came from loving someone. Loving them so much that the thought of life without them was unbearable. Right then, she looked over at him from across the room. Her smile, aimed directly at him, only made his chest hurt more. She was the best of him. The best of what he could be. The best of what made life worth living.
He jumped when a large hand clapped him on his shoulder.
“Loving someone that much hurts, doesn’t it, son?” Mac said gently.
Rob reached up and grabbed his dad’s hand, still on his shoulder. “How do you ever know if you are doing the right thing, Dad?” he asked in an uncharacteristic moment of doubt.
Mac just squeezed his shoulder tighter. “You do the best you can each and every day and then turn the rest over to prayer, son.” Mac patted him before walking away.
Laurie slid out of her seat and walked over to Rob. Looking back into his deep blue eyes, she smiled up at him. “Everything okay, honey?”
He wrapped his arms around her tiny body, pulling her in for comfort. Whether the comfort was for him or her, he wasn’t sure. Kissing the top of her head, he whispered, “Everything’s gonna be fine, babe.”
*
That night, Rob opened up his email. There was the email from the PI with the contact information for Brock. He decided that the only way to handle this was to be in person, and he thanked his lucky stars that the man was only three hours away instead of on the other side of the country. Each month, Mac had to drive to Richland for a state fire chief meeting, and that meeting was in a couple of days. Rob decided to go along so that he could meet with Brock face to face.
If Mac wondered about Rob’s motives for going with him on his next trip, he didn’t ask. Once there, Rob dropped Mac off, and he punched Brock’s address into his GPS. He passed the Army base on his way and knew that many military retirees ended up near the bases. Following the directions, he pulled up to a nice apartment complex. Sitting in the truck for a moment, he hesitated. Taking a deep breath, he hauled himself out of the truck and walked up to the brick building. The landscaping around the building was well tended, and the apartments faced a park across the street. Making his way to the second floor, he found the door. Lifting his hand to knock, he remembered what Mac had said. And he prayed. Lord, make this right. Not for me, but for Laurie.
The door opened, and Rob stared into eyes as grey as an ocean storm. Laurie’s eyes. Heart pounding, he continued to look at the tall, well-built man in his mid-forties. His hair was still dark with just a little grey at the temples. Dressed neatly in jeans and an Army T-shirt, he looked at Rob questioningly, and Rob wasn’t sure what to say.
“Can I help you?” the man asked pleasantly.
Rob decided that the best way to play this was not to play it at all. Real. Just Real.
“I’m Rob MacDonald. I’m looking for Brock Sinclair.”
“I’m Brock. What can I do for you?”
“Mr. Sinclair, I am looking for a Brock Sinclair, who was in the Army on leave in July twenty five years ago in the Richland area.”
At this, Brock’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Well now, that is a very specific description of someone. I think perhaps I might need to know why you are looking for that person before we continue this
conversation.”
Rob nodded, “Fair enough, sir.” Taking a big breath, Rob continued. “The man I’m lookin’ for met a beautiful young woman and spent one night with her. I don’t know what happened the next mornin’, but nine months later that young woman gave birth to an equally beautiful daughter. A daughter with grey eyes.”
Brock’s narrowed eyes opened wide at this point. He seemed carefully to consider Rob as though weighing his story. Stepping backward, he motioned for Rob. “I think perhaps you should come in.”
Stepping into the apartment, Rob noticed right away that it was neat and clean. The walls, covered in pictures, depicted mostly photographs of young soldiers.
Brock looked at where Rob’s attention lay. “Twenty years in the Army, I suppose these men I served with over the years are my family. Started out in Desert Storm, did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as trained many young soldiers right here at the base.”
Offering Rob a seat, he stated, “But it seems you aren’t here to look at my war memorabilia.”
“No sir, although I am in awe of your service.”
Brock just nodded as he sat across from Rob. “So I take it you are here because you think that I am the father of the girl you speak of.”
“My friend was raised by her single mother, who gave birth to her when she was only sixteen.”
Brock’s startled expression gave Rob the idea that the man had no idea how young Sarah had been at the time.
“It appears that she and a friend went out one night, and she met a young soldier named Brock. According to her, she fell in love that night and spent the night with him. Nine months later she gave birth to a daughter. She told her parents that she did not know the name of the young man. She and her daughter lived with her parents and sister. According to what I have been told by my girlfriend, they had a happy home, and she had a good childhood. Her grandfather died, and for a while it was just the four women in the home.”
Laurie's Time (The Fairfield Series) Page 17