The Colonel's Baby

by Kathleen Hope

  After a moment, he cleared his throat. “Why?” he asked.

  “I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “But I do.”

  “What?”

  “I said I do. I love you.”

  Something inside me burst into white hot flames. He loved me? God I’ve waited so long for someone to love me! And now it was here. But I was afraid to say it back to him. I was pretty sure that he wasn’t just saying the words, that there was some emotion behind them. And yet I wasn’t ready to return the declaration though the emotions were there. I couldn’t put all my cards out just yet. I needed to be sure.

  “You love me?” I murmured.

  “Yes. Are you surprised?”

  “A little.”

  He chuckled. “Why? You are beautiful inside and out. It’s easy to fall in love with you. I’d do anything you ask me to. Even go to Mass with your family just so I can be near you for a while.”

  I smiled though he couldn’t see it. “Service starts at 9:00.”

  “I’ll be there waiting for you.”

  I didn’t say anything about Trenton coming to church with us as Papa drove to St. Anne’s Cathedral. I tried to act cool and nonchalant as we walked from the parking lot to the front of the church. My heart began to pound as I saw him standing at the bottom of the steps. He watched the people going into the church. Dear God he was sexy in that uniform! I wanted nothing more at the moment than to order him to drop and give me twenty-

  Apparently, some of the other women must have felt the same way. Several of them stared at Trenton as they headed inside. He glanced at them but didn’t stare. One bolder woman stopped to talk to him. I watched him look at his watch and answer her question. Pretty slick, mama, I thought as I got closer. But that Marine is mine.

  “Hey,” I said, putting a hand on his arm. It was a blatantly possessive gesture designed to let this woman know this one was taken.

  “Hello, darlin’,” he answered. He brushed his lips along my cheek. The touch was so light, I wondered if I’d really felt it or imagined it. I did take a moment of satisfaction when the woman gave us both a look and went on inside the church. Trenton grinned at me. “That wasn’t nice, darlin’,” he teased me.

  “What?” I asked innocently.

  “She just wanted to know what time service started. I told her I didn’t know. And she asked the time.”

  “Hmm. Well now she knows to ask someone else.”

  Trenton smiled, his blue eyes gleaming. “My kitten has claws.”

  I grinned. “And I won’t hesitate to scratch any woman who comes near my commanding officer.”

  Trenton started to say something else but broke off when my parents joined us. “Good morning, Mr. De Luca. Ms. De Luca. Marco.”

  My dad nodded at him. “Colonel,” he said in that same reserved tone he used on everyone that wasn’t family.

  Mama took his hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Colonel,” she murmured, squeezing his hand.

  “Trenton,” he corrected her softly. “The pleasure is all mine.”

  We turned to go inside the church. Trenton patted my hand where it rested in the crook of his arm before stepping away to put some space between us. I tried not to feel bummed by his actions. We were in church after all. I paused in the doorway of the sanctuary and crossed myself, sending up a silent prayer of gratitude for the man beside me. We followed my parents in and filed into the pews just as we’d done every Sunday since we were kids. Marco leaned towards me.

  “I guess it’s bring your boyfriend to church week, huh?” he whispered.

  “Shut up,” I hissed.

  “Cut it out,” Mama whispered. “Act your age.”

  I fought the urge to stick out my tongue at my brother. I obediently shut up and looked straight ahead. But Marco wasn’t done.

  “He shouldn’t be here,” he whispered.

  “He can be here if he wants to. I invited him to come. So mind your business and be nice to him.”

  “Shhh,” Mama whispered.

  Marco looked over at her. “Lui non è cattolico,” he said quietly. He isn’t Catholic.

  “Tutti sono i benvenuti nella casa del Signore,” she said, patting his hand. Everyone is welcomed in the house of the Lord.

  I gave him my best ‘ha-ha-on-you’ smiles. He frowned and started to say something else when the music started and the congregation stood up as the choir boys entered the sanctuary followed by Father Antonio. Trenton cast a nervous look in my direction.

  “I don’t know what to do,” he whispered in my ear.

  “Just do what I do,” I said back.

  He nodded and turned his attention back to the service.

  All through Mass, I was super aware of the man sitting close to me in the seat. Every time he shifted, his leg brushed mine. I knew I was supposed to be thinking about Father Antonio’s sermon, but all I could think about was Trenton Boone in his dress uniform. I swallowed and looked away from him before I was embarrassing myself in front of the congregation.

  Trenton glanced at me. “Stop looking at me like that,” he said softly in my ear. “Or we’ll get struck by lightning.”

  I almost choked on my laughter which prompted Marco to give me a look. “Shhh,” he commanded. “Have some respect.”

  Finally, the service was over and we walked outside. Trenton and I trailed behind my parents as we walked towards their car. Marco went on ahead, talking to some friends of his.

  Trenton took my hand. “So?”

  “So?”

  “What about riding to the beach with me?”

  I shook my head. “I want to. I really do. But I have to go in and help out at the restaurant.”

  He nodded. “I’ll just tell your dad that you can’t go. That you have more pressing issues that need your immediate attention.”

  I grinned at him. “I’d like to see you tell my dad that. I would pay to watch you tell him that.”

  “Okay. Here I go.” He cleared his throat and took a few long strides towards my father.

  I grabbed his arm. “Come back here,” I said, laughing. “I really do have to go for a while.” I squeezed his hand. I’d much rather be with you, though.”

  Trenton started to say something else but was cut off by mom.

  “Would you like to join us for dinner, Colonel Boone?” She held up a hand, smiling. “Trenton. I’m sorry. I keep forgetting.”

  He gave her that smile that had melted many a heart. Including mine. “Yes ma’am. I would love to.” He looked over his shoulder at Marco, who was heading over to us. “You sure it won’t be a problem?”

  Mama shook her head. “Not at all. We would love to have you over so we can get to know each other.”

  Oh Lord. I knew that was coming. They were going to pick my poor colonel apart.

  “Well thank you, ma’am,” Trenton answered, smiling. “I’d like that.”

  “Good. We’ll see you soon.”

  He nodded. “I just need to change first,” he said, running a hand over his uniform jacket.

  Mama gave him a quick once over. “I think you look very handsome in that uniform. Don’t you agree, Alessandra?”

  I looked at Trenton who was grinning at me. “Yes. You are handsome,” I answered, winking at him. Sexy is more the word. In the uniform. Out of the uniform. Naked.

  “I’ll see you in a little while, darlin’,” he said softly.

  “You don’t want me to ride with you?”

  He shook his head. “That’s probably not a good idea if they are expecting you for dinner,” he answered, giving me a slow look. “I’m sure that I’d have to do hundreds of prayers of atonement for the things I was thinking about during the service. And if I take you home with me, we’ll miss dinner, you won’t make it to work this afternoon. And you might not make it to class tomorrow.”

  A shiver went through me at the thought of making love with him all night. “It just might be worth missing class for,” I murmured.

  He caught h
is lower lip between his teeth. “Oh it would be.” He reached out and touched my cheek with his fingertips. Looking over my shoulder, he slowly let his hand drop back to his side. “I’ll see you in a little bit, okay?”

  I nodded and watched him walk away towards his car. I didn’t even have to turn around. I knew Marco was standing there, giving Trenton the look of death. I drew a deep breath, praying for strength. I managed to hold on until we were almost home.

  “Guess who’s coming to dinner, huh?” he asked me.

  “What is your problem, Marco?” I snapped. “What have you got against Trenton? He’s done nothing to you. Nothing.”

  “Except mess with my sister.”

  “That’s none of your business.”

  “So it’s true?”

  “Marco,” my mom said from the front seat.

  “Sorry Mama,” he said softly. He looked back at me. “I just don’t like him, Alessandra. He’s no good for you.”

  “And just who died and made you judge? You don’t even know him. Trenton’s a good man. Hard-working and sweet. Give him a chance.”

  “Um, being your older brother gives me the right to not like any man you bring home. Besides, he seems restless or something.”

  “I think you’re just making stuff up.”

  “No I’m not. You can’t see it because he’s got you blinded by his charm.”

  “I’m not blinded by anything. My eyes are wide open.”

  “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, little girl.”

  “I won’t.”

  “Sure. How do you know that? Trust me, bug. It sneaks up on you and you never see it coming. All of a sudden, boom! He walks away, and you’re left wondering what the hell just happened.”

  I shook my head, turning away from him. “You have no clue what you’re talking about, Marco,” I said.

  “I do. I’ve been there.”

  “Marco.”

  We both looked up at the sound of our father’s voice.

  “Leave your sister alone,” Papa said quietly.

  My brother glanced at me, then back to our dad. I knew he wanted to say more, but he would keep it to himself. For now.

  “Yes Papa,” he finally said.

  The rest of the ride home was quiet except for our parents’ conversation. Marco looked at me often, but I kept my eyes on the passing scenery. He was wrong about Trenton.

  I knew it.

  ______

  “The food is delicious, Ms. De Luca,” Trenton said, wiping his mouth. “I haven’t had food this good in a while.”

  Mama smiled. “I’m glad you liked it.”

  Marco sat back in his chair, staring at Trenton. “Mama is the best cook around.”

  Trenton nodded. “I agree.”

  “What’s with you and my sister?” Marco said without preamble. “What are your intentions towards her?”

  I felt my face drain of color as I watched Trenton’s reaction. He surprised me by merely laying his napkin beside his plate and facing my brother’s gaze square on. I don’t know why I expected him to get upset and act crazy.

  “I have no intentions towards your sister, Marco,” Trenton said calmly. “I want to be with her. Not that I owe you any explanation, but I have feelings for her.”

  “Feelings?”

  “Shut up, Marco,” I hissed. “I told you not to start this crap again.”

  He glanced at me as if I were an annoying child then looked at Trenton again. “Feelings?” he repeated. “Like what? A crush? Love? Lust?”

  “Marco!” Mama said sharply.

  “I don’t have to explain any feelings that I have towards your sister to you.”

  “I get it. You want to use her and then once you get what you want from her, you’ll ditch her and move on. Is that it?”

  “Marco!” Mama said again.

  But he was pissed off and he ignored her. “Well?”

  Trenton’s eyes narrowed slightly. He sat back in his chair and pierced Marco with those blue eyes that normally danced with laughter. Now they flashed blue flame. “While I can appreciate your concern for your sister’s welfare, I feel that I must urge you to mind your own business and let her live her life. I will not intentionally hurt her. I want what’s best for her as well. You’ll just have to get over the fact that she chose me.”

  “My sister is a good girl,” Marco said softly.

  “I never insinuated otherwise.”

  It was time I spoke for myself. “Marco, cut it out. Trenton has done nothing wrong. Stop acting like an ass and leave him alone.”

  “Alessandra-” Marco began but I cut him off.

  “No!” I exclaimed. “I’m a grown woman and I know what I want. And I want to be with him. If it doesn’t work out, then so what? At least I tried.”

  He shook his head. “You’re still young, Alessandra. You don’t know about the ways of men and stuff.”

  “How do you know? I’m an adult, Marco. I’m not that shy little girl that used to hang on your coat tails. I’m grown.”

  “You’ve no idea-”

  “I do. You have no idea. None of you do.”

  “This,” he said, waving a hand to include me and Trenton. “Doesn’t feel right. I don’t know why, but it doesn’t feel right to me.”

  “And it’s not supposed to. It’s my relationship. Not yours. So butt out.”

  “Not when you’re making juvenile decisions.”

  Trenton leaned forward in his chair. “Don’t insult her,” he said quietly.

  Marco sneered at him. “You don’t tell me what to do with my sister.”

  “She is your sister, but she’s my girlfriend and as such, I am obligated to defend her honor. I’d hate to hit you in the mouth in front of your family, in your own house.”

  Marco shoved his chair back and stood. “You want to go?”

  I stood up. “Stop it, Marco,” I snapped. I glanced at my parents who were watching the scene unfold, not saying a word. I was a bit surprised that they hadn’t said anything yet. Maybe they were going to save it for after Trenton left.

  “Sit down.”

  Three pairs of eyes turned to look at my father. Slowly, Marco sat down in his chair, staring at Trenton. I sat back down as well, watching my father, waiting.

  But he didn’t say anymore. I was sure he would later.

  Trenton settled back in his chair. “I’m sorry, Marco,” he said quietly.

  Marco set his jaw. “She’s my sister man. I love her, and don’t want to see her get hurt.”

  Trenton nodded. “I know. But I love her as well. And I’m not going to hurt her intentionally.” He looked over at me, then at my parents. “I think perhaps I should go now.”

  “No, don’t go,” I said, putting a hand on his arm. “Stay. Please.”

  He covered my hand with his. “I should go.”

  Marco stood. “No, stay.” He tossed his napkin on the table. “I’ve got to get to the restaurant anyway.”

  Papa stood as well. “Yes. We should go check to make sure things are running smoothly.” He leaned down and kissed Mama on the cheek. “Thank you for the food, bella. It was delicious as usual.”

  Mama gave him a smile and his stern face slowly broke into a grin. Only she could make him do that. As it always did, a pang of jealousy went through me. God I wanted what they had! I glanced at Trenton. He was watching me, but I knew he’d seen the exchange between my parents.

  Marco cleared his throat. “Are you coming?” he asked me. “Or are you going to ditch your family for him again?”

  I stood up quickly. “That’s not fair, Marco,” I said angrily. I looked over at my parents. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” I asked them.

  They looked at each other and back to me. “You’re an adult,” my mom said quietly. “You keep saying that over and over. What do you want us to say?”

  I think that stung worse than if they’d reprimanded me in front of Trenton. It always bothered me when they didn’t say anything. It was a sur
e sign that they were angry with me. I glanced over at my stony faced brother. “Maybe I’ll come later.”

  He frowned. “Don’t bother. We don’t need you.”

  “Marco,” Papa said quietly.

  My brother didn’t say anything else. He moved around the table and kissed Mama on the cheek. I thought he was going to walk past me to leave the dining room. So I was surprised when he kissed me on the cheek. I heard Trenton stand up behind me. Marco’s eyes darted to him then back to me. He reached around me, extending his hand to Trenton.

  “Take care of my sister,” he said softly.

  Trenton slowly took his proffered hand. “Of course,” he answered.

  I looked at my mom as they left. She stood without a word and began clearing the table. Trenton and I gathered the rest of the dishes and followed her into the kitchen.

  “Let me help you clean up, Ms. De Luca,” Trenton said, placing the dishes on the counter.

  “Thank you, but no. The guest doesn’t work. I will take care of it.” She glanced at me. “Why don’t you go on with your young man?”

  “I can help you clean up, Mama,” I said.

  She took the towel from my hands. “It’s fine. I can do it. Go.”

  I wanted to argue. I always helped her with the dishes. She was mad at me, I could tell it. But she wouldn’t let me have it in front of Trenton. Though he was my boyfriend, she still considered him a guest.

  “Ok Mama. I’ll see you later then. I might go to the restaurant for a while later on.”

  She nodded. “Va bene,” she answered, turning on the water. Okay.

  Trenton stepped forward. “Let me help, Ms. De Luca,” he said, reaching for the plates as she started to lift them into the sink.

  Mama gave him a look that made him stop. “No, thank you. It’s not necessary. Go along now.”

  Trenton glanced at me. I inclined my head and he followed me to the door. He paused, looking back at my mom. “Good night then Ms. De Luca,” he said quietly. “Thank you for having me over.”

  Mama nodded but didn’t turn around. “Buona notte,” Good night.