by Regan Black
“All three of us are going.” His exasperation was clear. “Together. I’ll be there in an hour or so.”
They’d packed their belongings and she puttered and cleaned to keep her hands busy. When Matt walked through the door in his uniform, looking somewhat weary and just a little grim, she felt awful. The beach would do him good.
It wasn’t until the Camaro was loaded and he turned south on the interstate that she realized they weren’t going to one of the beaches in New Jersey she and Caleb frequented on short school breaks.
At her query, Matt coolly explained they were driving down to North Carolina to see his parents at their new beach house. There was more to it, plenty more, that he was keeping from her. She could see it in the way he gripped the steering wheel, the hard set of his jaw and the consistent way he monitored his mirrors.
Her desire for a full explanation was eclipsed by the sudden flurry of questions from the back seat. Caleb wanted to know everything about the grandparents he was about to meet.
It was almost a relief when they arrived several hours later, though Bethany had no idea how she would survive the Riley family gauntlet that was surely waiting for her at the end of the long driveway.
Caleb leaned forward between the front seats, his eyes as big as saucers as he checked out the house. She felt the same way. When Matt had said his parents retired to a beach house, this wasn’t at all what she’d envisioned. She’d pictured a small, quirky cottage or even a high-rise condo. She expected to find herself in tight quarters with Rileys pressing in on her from all sides, judging her and demanding to know why she’d kept Caleb to herself all these years.
This house could never be the setting for that kind of hellish scene. On stilts, the two-story home was stunning and likely boasted all kinds of elbow room. A low, three-car garage faced the road and Matt followed the driveway around it, coming to a stop closer to the house.
Even more impressive than the house was the area around it. The house stood back from its neighbors, perfectly framed by native palms and grasses. She could already hear the ocean and she hadn’t even opened her car door.
“Cool!” Caleb launched himself from the car as soon as Matt was out of the driver’s seat. He jogged toward the dunes and back again, stretching his legs. “Can we surf here?” he asked Matt.
“He acts like he’s never seen the ocean,” Bethany said to Matt and then turned to Caleb, “You do realize this is still the Atlantic Ocean?”
“Well, yeah.” He came around to help them unload. “But can we go surfing?”
“It’s not like surfing the Pacific, though I’m sure Grace Ann has some gear stored here.”
“That’s your sister?” Caleb asked.
“The older of my two sisters,” Matt replied. “She told me she’d try and come down while you’re here.”
Bethany felt her smile slipping. He was shoving his family at her, or rather at Caleb, on purpose. “I thought it would just be your parents.” His jaw clenched. “It’s fine,” she said quickly, “I only meant—”
“I get it,” he said. “Rileys can be an overbearing force even in small doses.”
“That wasn’t—”
“Welcome, welcome!”
Bethany turned at the interruption to see Matt’s parents waving from the first landing on the wide stairs. When she’d met them during her first year at West Point, she was already infatuated with Matt and she’d instantly fallen in love with the frank general and his exuberant wife. They were warm and kind and, above all, friendly to everyone they met.
She wondered if any of those characteristics would still be in play, or if she’d have better luck in front of a firing squad. She caught the subtle movement as Patricia leaned into Ben, squeezing his hand as if she needed support. Bethany felt a whisper of longing move through her over that trusting, unified moment. She’d destroyed her chances of sharing that sort of intimacy with Matt.
“Need any help?” Ben asked, starting down the stairs.
“I think we’ve got it,” Matt replied as he handed their bags out of the trunk. He paused to give his dad a hug and introduce Bethany and Caleb.
“We remember Bethany,” Ben said, smiling warmly.
Determined to set the right example for Caleb, she stuck out her hand. “General Riley, it’s good to see you again.”
He used her hand and pulled her into a hug. “You’re pretty as ever.” Releasing her, he turned to Caleb. “This handsome boy must be your son.”
She appreciated that he didn’t just take ownership of Caleb, declaring him part of the Riley family and sending her on her way.
Caleb dropped his backpack and duffel bag and stepped forward. “Pleased to meet you, sir.”
General Riley accepted his handshake and clapped him on the shoulder. “Call me Ben. Or Pop if you like. Sir is for strangers, and you’re family.” Ben steered Caleb up the stairs to meet Patricia.
He might as well have painted an R on Caleb’s chest, Bethany thought glumly as she and Matt followed. She’d be lucky if Matt didn’t have her in court for a custody hearing by Monday. Not that she had any illusions about the situation. Holidays would now be shared, and rightly so. Along with two weekends a month and half of his summer vacation time.
Yes, she owed his parents an explanation, along with loads of time to make up for. Still, her heart ached at what they would take from her in the long run.
“They’ll give him back,” Matt murmured at her ear, low enough that he wouldn’t be overheard.
She must be thinking too loudly. “Of course they will.”
“If you’re polite, they probably won’t even make you walk across hot coals after dinner.”
She stubbed her toe on the next step and when she caught her balance, she glared at him over her shoulder. “Ha, ha.” She kept moving, knowing she’d soon face Patricia, mother-to-mother.
“Do you think if I ask nicely,” Matt continued, “they’ll babysit so you and I can have a date?”
A date?
The situation would have been challenging enough if, as she suspected, they were only here to test the reach of whoever was targeting them. On the drive, Matt had told them that Uncle Alex was dealing with the threats and needed them safely out of the way and his parents had insisted they all come down so they could finally meet Caleb.
Two birds, one grandson, she thought darkly.
In her mind, she spun around and drilled a finger into his chest and demanded that he stop messing with her. This wasn’t a typical family vacation! In reality, she pretended Matt didn’t exist and greeted Patricia with as much grace and dignity as possible under the circumstances.
Patricia startled her, pulling her into a hug that felt remarkably warm and comforting. “We’re happy you’re here. Both of you.” She glanced past Bethany to Matt. “All three of you, I should say.”
“Gee, thanks for remembering me, Mom.”
She gave him a mom look that Bethany understood completely. Somehow it smoothed away the worst of the strain she felt about this visit.
Inside the house, a wide, airy foyer gave way to a space perfect for entertaining, with expansive views of the ocean through the windows all along the far wall. Ben and Caleb were already out on the deck overlooking the beach. Patricia instructed her to leave the bags to Matt and told her son to take everything upstairs.
“She’s the real commanding officer around here,” he teased.
“We’ll give you the full tour in a bit,” Patricia said. “Would you like a glass of wine or something else?”
“Water, please,” Bethany replied. Warm welcome or not, with her recent lousy conversational track record, she didn’t want to risk getting too relaxed too soon.
Patricia poured cold water from a ceramic pitcher for both of them. “How did you like the Camaro?”
Bethany grinned. “It’s loud and wond
erful,” she said. “Caleb was over the moon. I think it might be the best incentive to make sure he studies for his learner’s permit test.”
Patricia aimed an irritated glance toward Ben. “That one managed to be deployed while the twins were at that age. I’m still not sure I’ve forgiven him for putting the bulk of their driving lessons on me.”
Bethany was secretly dreading teaching Caleb to drive. She couldn’t imagine trying to teach two boys at the same time. “I hope you found a way to get even.”
“Naturally.”
Patricia’s eyes sparkled the same way Matt’s did when he was in an ornery mood. It made Bethany’s chest ache with guilt. This family was so close and she’d robbed them of Caleb’s first fourteen years. Suddenly her reasons didn’t seem so valid anymore.
She stepped around the broad kitchen island that angled outward to give cooks ample room in the kitchen, while guests had plenty of space to watch and chat, and sipped her water. “You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you.” Patricia beamed. “We’re delighted to share it. Ben wanted to live on the boat when he retired, but I wasn’t about to retire from the Army just to become a Navy wife.” She laughed. “Besides I wanted a place where the kids could relax and visit and eventually bring their own families.”
With every word, Bethany felt the walls around her heart crumbling. She’d built up her defenses as a means of protection and shelter for Matt, as well as for her and Caleb. Barely an adult, she hadn’t believed that raising a child together would lead to anything other than resentment. Better to have fond memories of tender affection and young love than to destroy it completely.
Now? Well, now she didn’t have any idea how to piece this situation back together. “Patricia, I’m sorry. It was never my intention to, to...” To what? None of the ways to finish that sentence would make either one of them feel better. She started over, leaning on the point she thought would matter most to Patricia. “I wanted Matt to have the career he dreamed of.”
Patricia studied her. There was kindness in her assessment and, thankfully, not an ounce of pity. “Matt gave me the little photo album you made.”
“He did?”
“Before our briefing this morning.” She tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s wonderful. He tells us Caleb is an excellent soccer player, and history and science are his favorite subjects.”
“Yes, to all of that,” Bethany replied, trying to keep up. “A college scholarship for soccer is likely if he sticks with it.” As she answered more of Patricia’s questions, she realized Ben was keeping Caleb outside according to a well-orchestrated plan. Just when she was sure Matt was in on it too, he came down the stairs and went straight to the refrigerator, pulling out a beer.
“Do we have a dinner plan?” He stopped in the process of twisting off the top, his gaze taking in everyone’s place and coming to the correct conclusion. “Mom. You’re grilling her?”
“I’m not,” Patricia defended.
Matt snorted, and tipped the bottle to his lips. “Caleb was talking nonstop about surfing. Does Grace Ann keep any gear here?” he asked, blatantly putting an end to the conversation.
“She does. Still, I’d rather he waited for Grace Ann to teach him.”
“Why?” Matt cocked an eyebrow. “I know my way around a surfboard.”
Patricia shook her head. “Mark can teach him. He hopes to be here by Monday or Tuesday.”
Bethany was still processing the fact that more Rileys were on the way and that she and Caleb were expected to be here when Matt swore.
“Mark might be a SEAL, but I’m his dad. I’ll teach him.”
“Calling dibs?” Patricia teased.
“He’s had a little experience,” Bethany said. “We spend time at the beach most summers.”
“That sounds lovely,” Patricia said. “Still, we don’t want him to pick up bad habits. Both Grace Ann and Mark are better than Matt.”
“At nothing,” Matt sputtered, indignant and yet clearly amused. “I’m your firstborn, your favorite and better than all the others combined. You always said so.”
“You were my favorite,” she countered, though her eyes danced with laughter as she teased her eldest. “You might be again if you can convince this wonderful woman and her son to spend more time with this side of his family.”
Bethany wanted to melt into the woodwork. Unfortunately, Patricia noticed. “Only so we can get to know both of you better.”
“Mom, stop pushing.” Matt’s voice had turned as stern as his gaze. “If Bethany agrees, I was hoping you and dad would let our son entertain you while we go out for a while.”
“On a date?” Patricia’s expression brightened. “Tonight?”
Matt turned so only Bethany could see him rolling his eyes. “If putting it that way means you agree, then yes, call it a date.”
Bethany smothered a chuckle behind her water glass. She’d never expected General and Mrs. Riley to give her such a relaxed or tolerant reception.
“Fine.” Patricia glanced toward the deck, where her husband and grandson were talking. “Go on. Have fun.” She shooed them toward the door. “Be careful,” she murmured.
“You too,” Matt said.
“No worries.” Patricia waved that off as if anonymous strangers threatened her family every day. “We’ll load him up with energy drinks and show him the puppy we bought for him.”
Bethany skidded to a stop at the front door. “Puppy?”
“She’s kidding,” Matt pulled her outside and closed the door behind them.
“What if I don’t want to go out with you?”
He stopped. His grip tightened on her wrist for a brief moment before he shoved his hands into his pockets. “You’d rather stay here and chat it up with my mom?”
Well, no. “Maybe,” she hedged. “I didn’t expect her to be so nice. I like it,” she admitted.
Matt pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead. “Are you worried more about Caleb or me?”
Him, definitely him. Her son had Ben and Patricia as protection. Matt only had her, and she’d only proven herself capable of hurting him. “Since I don’t have all the facts, I’ll assume this entire situation has enough worry to go around.” She started down the stairs.
He caught up with her before she reached the car and opened the door for her. His manners had always charmed her. He couldn’t really have meant that he wanted to take her on a date. Surely he’d rather keep his distance after last night’s fiasco.
“Fair point,” he said as she slid into the seat. “I thought you’d appreciate my choosing not to discuss the particulars of the morning briefing in front of Caleb.”
That was a far more believable explanation for him wanting to take her on a date. “Thank you.” His slow smile moved across his face and stirred her desire as he gently closed the door. She gathered her composure as he settled in behind the wheel. “Were you expecting any of your siblings to come out?”
“No,” he admitted. “Well, Grace Ann, maybe. She lives close enough. Not the others.” The engine started with a low growl and he put the car in reverse, backing neatly out of the driveway.
As he drove toward the sleepy little beach town a few miles up the coast, he shared the current theories on the case, along with recent developments and the current plan. It was hard to believe all of the threats and trouble they’d been navigating were most likely an effort to cause General Riley pain.
“I suppose it makes sense,” she mused. “Though whoever it is has a long reach.”
“Agreed,” Matt said. “He’s made a few enemies along the way, but the tactics used so far should work in our favor by thinning the suspect list.”
It finally dawned on her that this “date” might well be another way to test the enemy’s reach. Not that spending time with Matt was any hardship. “I really missed y
ou when I left West Point,” she said, the smooth ride and the salty ocean relaxing her.
“I missed you, too,” he said with such tenderness, her heart ached. He reached over and took her hand in his.
The touch reminded her that they really needed to set some clear boundaries. The last thing she wanted to do was drag Matt with her down memory lane. What they’d had was youthful and foolish, and though she would never regret becoming Caleb’s mom, she had to accept that she and Matt couldn’t be together. Not like Ben and Patricia.
“Hey.” He smiled. “Where’d you drift off to?”
She glanced around as he parked the car and cut the engine. “Nowhere in particular.” She smiled, a little lost in his warm brown eyes. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be right back in love with him. Who was she kidding? She’d never really stopped loving him.
She should tell him. He deserved that honesty from her. So why did it feel as if saying the words would put her heart in more danger than ever before?
Chapter 10
Matt had never seen Bethany so distracted. Granted, her life had been turned upside down by someone bent on revenge against his father and the people she’d kept out of her son’s life would now be fixtures in his world. He supposed, in her mind, the risks were only adding up and the odds of him getting what he wanted were probably dwindling exponentially.
Still, Alex would be furious if he gave up on the plan now. One of them had to be willing to make the first move, to take a decisive, clear step toward a positive change. Every recent moment with Bethany had played through his mind overnight and during the drive as he’d fielded Caleb’s endless questions.
Despite the words that cut so sharply, the spark between them was still there, along with the respect and affection. He just had to encourage her to help him fan that spark into a steady flame. He wouldn’t let her down. She had to know that by now. In fact, he had a suspicion that that was part of her problem.
At last he found himself with an advantage. While his career was centered on building teams and fostering cooperation, she’d been facing life’s challenges on her own. He just had to show her he wasn’t trying to take over or nudge her aside. He had to prove he could be there for her, ready and willing.
