Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) Page 5

  “You are the best! Thank you! I should warn you, they are a bit intense.”

  “Jen, do you think anything could bother me after being around my family? Come on. They’ll love me,” Michael promised, squeezing her against him.

  “My brothers will be all over you.”

  “Honey, trust me. I can hold my own,” he reassured her. She smiled, content in his arms.

  Tuesday morning, Michael called Jen into his office. He had a serious look on his face and told her to enter and close the door behind her.

  “What did I do?” Jen asked Sam.

  “I don't know. But he doesn't have that twitch/vein thing going which tells me he is pissed,” Sam said cautiously. “Don't procrastinate though. He is tapping his fingers.”

  Jen sighed and walked next door, “You rang?”

  “Sit. I need to speak to you.”

  “I, um, did I do something wrong, Mike?”

  “I am your commander, Miss Carter.”

  Jen’s eyes widened, her heart pounding. She swallowed. “Yes, sir, Lieutenant.”

  “It appears to me that you have caused some mischief,” he stated, leaning back in his chair, twirling his pen in his fingers.

  Jen searched her memory. For once, she couldn’t think of anything. “What did I do, sir?”

  “You,” Michael put the pen down, leaning forward, “made me fall in love with you. What do you have to say about that?”

  Jen sighed with relief. “You butt for brains, you scared me.”

  “Good. I’m glad to know I have that ability. I got leave for next weekend. Is that too soon to see your folks?”

  “No! But what about reservations and stuff?”

  “First class reserved, leaving Friday at 1300. I just want to make sure you can let them know we’re coming in case they have plans.”

  “Can I call them now?”

  “Go ahead, use my phone. I have an outside line.”

  “Where are you going?” She grabbed his hand as he stood.

  He kissed her. “To break the news to my sister. She’ll think I’m deserting her. I’ll be right back.”

  Jen’s hand shook as she called her parents. Her mother answered the phone. “Hey Mom, how are you doing?”

  “Well, it’s the voice from way out in California! Dennis! It’s your daughter!”

  “Who? Do I have a daughter?” her father said, picking up the other line. “Funny, I haven’t heard from any daughter of mine for a while.”

  “Cut it out, I talked with you guys last week. I was wondering if you had plans next weekend. I want to come see you.”

  “And to what do we owe this honor? Did you win the lottery?” Her father laughed.

  “Dad, stop it. And yes, I did.”

  “What?”

  “Not like you think. I met this guy; he’s wonderful. I want you to meet him.”

  “Wow, he must be special to risk bringing him home to face us.”

  “Dennis, stop it. Tell us about him, baby.”

  “Mom, he’s so incredible. And his family has adopted me like one of their own. He’s the brother of the girl I work for. His name is Michael.”

  “What does he do?”

  “He’s a Marine Corps lieutenant and runs the labs. And he’s beautiful.”

  “Uh oh, Jen-girl’s in love,” her father teased.

  “Yes, I am,” Jen said quietly. Her parents grew quiet.

  “You’re serious, aren’t you, honey?”

  “Yes, Mom. He took care of our trip right when I asked. He’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. And his sister and I have become close friends. Her boyfriend has adopted me as a sister too. It’s awesome, I have another family here. It makes it so much easier for me. It doesn’t hurt as much being gone.”

  “Well, I would certainly like to meet this young man. He better be a gentlemen,” her father grumped.

  “Dad, he’s more than you would ever expect me to have. His father and uncle are also the base commanders. They are generals and have taught him manners.”

  “Generals, huh? Hanging out with big wigs now. So he won’t go belching at the table like that boy Vern you brought home?”

  “Dad! That was in 8th grade and you belched first!”

  “What about the one who farted during the movie?”

  “That was you.” Jen rolled her eyes.

  “I don’t know, Lil. It sounds like this boy might be too uppity for the likes of us farm folk.”

  “Dennis, hush up. We’ll get your room ready. Will he, uh…”

  “If you don’t mind, yes, I’d like him to stay with me. We won’t do anything, I promise.”

  “He could stay with your brothers,” Dennis grunted.

  “Dad, I want to keep this guy, not scare him off. It’s bad enough he’ll have to meet the twins. Please be nice. And NO drinking.”

  “Goody two-shoes doesn’t drink?”

  “Not often. He’s 22 and very responsible. PLEASE be nice!”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Thank you. Mom? Keep him under control.”

  “I will. Does your young man like anything in particular to eat?”

  “He’ll eat anything. Except Dad’s chili. No chili!”

  “I like chili,” Michael whispered, sitting down next to her. She shook her head violently.

  “How about ribs?”

  “He loves ribs, Dad. Go for it. We’ll be in late Friday night, about ten. Mike said he’ll rent a car and we’ll drive out, okay?”

  “I could come get you.”

  “Thanks, Dad, but I don’t want to be smashed between you and Mike in your pickup.”

  “He can sit in the back.”

  “Bye, Dad. Mom, please make him behave,” Jen begged.

  “He will, I promise. We’ll see you Friday, honey.”

  Jen rolled her eyes again, leaning back in the chair. “My father is impossible, he’s going to give you a hard time.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m a charmer, remember?”

  “And so humble about it.” She told him about the conversation.

  Michael laughed. “It sounds like fun. Tell me about them.”

  Jen went into detail trying to describe her family. Michael listened carefully, taking mental notes. He knew how to begin with them.

  The flight to Kentucky was long, affording them a few hours to sleep. Michael rented a nice sedan and followed Jen's directions to the quiet country road leading to the renovated two story ranch home with a barn and full pastures.

  “It’s hard to see since it’s so dark, but it’s real pretty here. Do you like horses?” Jen asked, grabbing Michael's hand.

  “I do. We used to ride a lot as kids. Ready?” he asked, lovingly kissing her knuckles. Jen nodded and stepped aside as he gathered their bags and carried them to the front door. She knocked timidly, wishing she could share some of Michael’s self-confidence. Nothing ever seemed to bother him.

  “Jen! Dennis, they’re here! How was your trip, baby?” Jen's mother embraced her tightly. She looked up at Michael and broke into a huge smile, reaching up to hug him warmly and kiss his cheek. “You’re a big one! Welcome to our home.”

  He handed her a small package. “Thank you for having us. I brought this for you,” Michael said with a charming smile, his white teeth flashing against his tan.

  “What’s this? Who are you and what have you done with my little girl?” Dennis asked, hugging his daughter tightly. He reached to shake Michael’s hand, pleased that his grip was met evenly.

  Jen slapped her father’s arm. “Don’t try to break his hand, Dad. You’ll lose. Let go.”

  “How tall are you?” Dennis eyed the young man.

  “6’3”, sir.”

  “Weight?”

  “210.”

  “Think you can wrestle down a bull?”

  “I can wrestle my little sister and she’s pretty bull-headed.” Michael grinned, earning a hearty laugh.

  “Jenner, Jenner, Jenner!” two little boys yelled as th
ey ran to greet her.

  She hugged them tightly. “Look how big you boys got! Luke, Dan, this is Mike.”

  “Wow, you’re taller than a building!” one of the boys said.

  Michael got on one knee to shake their hands. “I felt that way when I was your age. My dad and uncle are as tall as I am.”

  “You have big muscles too! Mom, look how big they are!”

  “Sorry about this,” Jen said as the boys tried to put their hands around Michael’s arms.

  “Michael, thank you so much,” Lil said. “It’s beautiful. How did you know?” She held up a crystal hummingbird.

  Michael stood with a little boy hanging from either arm. “I remembered Jen saying you collected hummingbirds, Mrs. Carter.”

  “Please, call me Lil.” The woman dabbed her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m touched.”

  “Please, don't apologize, ma’am. I am just glad you like it. I also have something for you guys, if you let me get to my bag,” Michael bribed as the boys swung from his biceps. They dropped quickly, looking eager.

  “Son, you didn’t have to do this,” Dennis said, frowning at his sons.

  Michael laughed. “I was taught never to go anywhere empty handed. Here you go. This, Mr. Carter, is for you.”

  “For me? Damn, boy! Jen, I’m keeping him! Look at these flies! Thank you, son!” Dennis said excitedly, showing off the custom flies for fishing. The two boys shrieked, pulling out authentic USMC cammie sets, complete with their names on the pockets.

  “Cool, Mike! Thanks!”

  “Now, gentlemen, you must remember that I am a Marine Corps officer which means that, when you wear those, you must obey orders. Can you do that?”

  “Yes, sir!” Both boys saluted.

  Michael straightened himself, correcting their salutes and walking around them with his hands locked behind his back like Scott had done with him at that age. “Seems like we have some training to do here. Get down and give me five!” he ordered. The boys jumped to the floor, eager to impress their new friend as they did pushups. Michael grabbed their belt loops on either side, helping them.

  “To your feet, recruits! Atten-hut! Very good. Dismissed.”

  “Yes, sir!” The boys giggled, running away.

  “I must say, I am impressed,” Lil commented. “Are you kids hungry?”

  “I’m always hungry, ma’am.” Michael chuckled as Jen nodded.

  “Mike! Come sit with me while the women-folk get grub,” Dennis ordered.

  Jen pushed Michael towards her father, giving him a quick kiss. “Thanks. For everything,” she whispered, following her mother into the kitchen.

  “He’s a looker, Jen. With perfect manners,” Lil said, dishing out some pie.

  “He is perfect, Mom. Everything about him is genuine. I wasn’t surprised about how he handled the boys; that’s how his folks are with him. Even now.” She giggled as she shared the playtime she had witnessed between Michael and Scott.

  “You haven’t said anything about his mother,” Lil noticed. Jen explained that as well.

  Lil glanced to the living room. “Poor kid. I’ll mama him.”

  “Trust me, Mom, he has never lacked for love or nurturing. His family is incredible. I have two new dads now. They take good care of me.”

  “Um, have you given up your little habit?”

  “Yes. They ensured that I won’t be smoking pot ever again. I’m so blessed with them. I guess Dad likes him, huh?” Jen asked, hearing the two men laughing loudly.

  “It seems so. He’s never taken to any of your boyfriends like this. So, how serious is this, honey?”

  “He’s the man I’m going to marry one day,” Jen responded.

  Her mother sighed. “I hope so. He seems to have made you happier than I’ve ever seen you. Grab the coffee.”

  “I’m sorry my father put you through that interrogation,” Jen said as they readied for bed. Michael kissed her, sliding in next to her, pulling her onto his chest.

  “No worries. He’ll probably spend the night on the Internet trying to verify everything. He’ll find enough to satisfy him.”

  “My mom loves you. And the boys…”

  “Your family is great. I’m glad we came. Come here and give me sugar.”

  “Just kisses. I don’t need more harassment from my father,” Jen said.

  “I’ll be the perfect gentleman. I was taught by the best, remember? Good night, my love.”

  “Night, Mike. I love you.”

  Jen woke the next morning, stretching and sitting up. She was alone in bed and noticed that Michael's running shoes were gone. She threw on a robe and ventured downstairs.

  “Good morning, honey. Coffee?” her mother asked.

  Jen nodded. “Please. I slept like the dead.” She yawned. “Have you seen Michael?”

  “He woke your brothers at eight and made them go running with him. I’ve never seen those boys move so quickly.”

  “He’s going to be a good dad one day. He wants a dozen.”

  “He was raised well, that’s for sure. Unlike other men we know… Dennis, put on a robe. We don’t need to see your shorts.”

  “Fine. Got a big time Special Forces officer here with all kind of honors and Oxford PhD and gotta get formal.”

  “Did you stay up all night looking up his credentials?” Jen asked, amused.

  “There were too many. Lil, that boy has a PhD in physics and engineering!”

  “Yes, I know.”

  “He’s also a Rhodes scholar. Believe that?”

  “He’s very humble about it, Dennis. You’re making the big deal.”

  “His father and his uncle are decorated generals!”

  “Yes, Dennis, we know.”

  “Did you know his eighteen year old sister is also a lieutenant, and a Rhodes scholar, and in Special Forces?”

  “No. Are you serious?”

  “Yes, Mom. Sam is amazing. She keeps Mike on his toes.”

  “But eighteen? She’s just a baby.”

  “She is just like her brother. Trust me, she gets lots of chances to be a teenager in that family. She makes my stunts look like child’s play.”

  “Maybe we should send Mike home with a wooden spoon for her, then,” Dennis suggested.

  “They have their own spoons, Dad,” Jen sighed, sipping her coffee.

  “Maybe we should give Mike one for you, since you’re so sassy.”

  “Stop it. Don’t you dare embarrass me.”

  “Dennis, leave the child alone. Go get some clothes on, you have chores.”

  Michael came in twenty minutes later, soaked with sweat and carrying a little boy under either arm. They were covered with mud. “Look what I found outside. Gotta hose?”

  “Put me down, Uncle Mike! Mom! We mud wrestled!”

  “I see that. Go jump into the shower.”

  “But Mom—”

  “Recruits! Atten-hut! Now, good Marines know how to obey orders, quickly and without question. Gentlemen Marines never, ever argue with a lady. Are you gentlemen, or are you maggots?”

  “Gentlemen, sir!”

  “Then show me. Lil, if you would please issue orders.”

  “Boys, to the showers.”

  “Yes, ma’am!” both boys said, running. Michael laughed, hearing one of them ask what a maggot was.

  “Sorry about them,” Lil said, sighing as she handed Michael some water.

  “They’re great. I’d love to have twins.”

  “Mom, did you know Mike is sort of a twin?” Jen said mischievously. She explained the birthday date and time of him and his sister.

  “You sound like you’re really close to her.”

  “She’s my partner and best friend. She found Jen for me,” he said, looking at Jen lovingly.

  Jen blushed. “Don’t look at me like that.”

  “Why? You’re beautiful and I love looking at you.”

  “Mom, tell him to stop.”

  “Jen’s never quite embraced her beauty. I’m hoping you
can change it,” Lil said, joining them at the table.

  “She’s perfect. Ladies, if you would please excuse me for a few minutes. I need to shower off my run before I become unbearable. Kiss,” he ordered, quickly kissing Jen before leaving. Her mother followed him with her eyes.

  “Gorgeous, isn’t he?” Jen murmured.

  “I shouldn’t be looking, but he’s got a beautiful little butt on him.”

  “Wait until you see his chest. Yum.” Jen giggled with her mother.

  “Betcha your dad is going to start working out after seeing it.”

  “I’ll betcha he’ll stop after the first few minutes when it starts to hurt.” Jen snickered. Lil nodded, lifting her coffee mug to tap her daughter’s in agreement.

  “Where’s your dad?” Michael asked, coming down shortly in jeans and a tee shirt.

  Jen pointed to the barn. “Doing chores. Hungry?”

  “In a while. I’ll go help him so he can spend time with you.”

  “Oh, that will earn Brownie points. Smart boy.” Lil giggled.

  “That and the competition will begin. You know Dad.”

  “Maybe we should supervise.”

  By the time the two reached the barn, Michael had his shirt off and was tossing bales of hay from the truck.

  Lil grabbed her daughter’s arm. “He’s a Greek god.”

  “Told you. Not an ounce of fat on him. Look at that pack.” Jen sighed. Her father, also shirtless, was red in the face trying to keep up.

  “You get a six pack, I get a keg.” Lil sighed.

  “That’s enough for the time being. Don’t want you to hurt yourself,” Dennis yelled up to Michael.

  Nodding, Michael hopped down from the truck, wiping his face with his shirt before slipping it back on. “We don’t have the humidity back home. It can drain you.”

  Jen giggled, nudging her mother. Yes, Michael knew how to be political. Men.

  The twins came running at Michael, tackling him to the ground. They liked their new playmate. He pretended they had him pinned, calling for help.

  Dennis sighed, pulling the boys off him. “That’s no way to treat a guest.”

  “Uncle Mike said it was okay. He said it’s part of our training.”

  “You do realize you will be moving in if this continues. They won’t let you go.” Dennis looked at him tiredly.