The Marine's New Family

by Roz Dunbar

  She watched Luke rub the back of his neck again before he spoke. “I wish we had more time to give you to think about it. I really do. But I don’t have that luxury to offer you, or me.”

  Tess was rather proud of her sensible reply. “No worries, Luke. It’s only a temporary arrangement. You’ll find a replacement as soon as possible. It will work out.”

  “Right,” he confirmed with a nod. She was a little taken aback by the speed with which he agreed.

  “Right.” She gave a vigorous nod in return, then thought of the hour. “Oh, my, what time is it?”

  “A little after six. Why?”

  “I promised the aunts I’d drive them to that meeting. I’m sorry, Luke, but I have to get ready or I’ll be late. The meeting is at six thirty.” She had almost forgotten, with everything else that had gone on. She couldn’t let the aunts down. Tess felt panicky as she rose to her feet and looked around for her cane, then remembered it was in the living room.

  “Relax. You have plenty of time. I have to get going, too. Caleb and Joey are camping out tonight in the backyard with Joe and me.”

  “In this weather?” Tess asked as she glanced out the window again. “Doesn’t look like it’s going to let up anytime soon.”

  “I know what you mean, but I somehow doubt it will matter to the boys.”

  Tess laughed. “You’re probably right.” Then a thought occurred to her. “When do I start with Caleb?”

  “Bright and early Monday morning, if that’s okay?”

  “Fine. Are you sure you don’t mind him coming here?”

  “Not at all. I’ll make a list of incidentals, including important phone numbers and medical information, his food likes and dislikes. He also has Scouts once a week and football camp is coming up. It’ll be late in the day so I should be able to get him there myself, but do you mind taking him if I’m late arriving home? I’ll buy groceries for you, and you never asked about salary.”

  Tess was surprised when he mentioned money. “I assumed I was doing it as a favor. No money involved. And I don’t mind taking him where he needs to go.” She had honestly not given it a thought.

  “Of course you’ll be paid.” Luke’s voice was firm as he mentioned a per week salary that was more than generous. “Now I have to get going, and so do you. Tess, you really have helped me more than you’ll ever know. Thank you again.”

  She saw the sincerity etched on his face and didn’t doubt for an instant that his gratitude was heartfelt. She wished she had the same confidence in herself that he seemed to have.

  “Luke, if for any reason I can’t… I mean, if it doesn’t work out…”

  Luke held up a hand, stopping her. “It will be okay, Tess. Have faith in yourself and in God. You’ll need both to keep up with my son. He’s a good kid, but he’s all boy.”

  “Not quite sure about having faith in God, but I’ll work on the having faith in me part.” She shrugged as she walked Luke to the door and said goodbye. Closing the door softly, she leaned back against it and took a deep breath.

  What had she gotten herself into? She had been in town barely two weeks and she already had a puppy and a little boy to take care of. What next? Not funny, God. I am not amused.

  Twenty minutes later she had the aunts in her car. They arrived at the church just in time for the start of the meeting and were waved to three empty seats in the front of the room by Linda Mason, her chubby face beaming when she spotted them.

  “Hi, I saved you some seats. Tess, good to see you.”

  “We would have been earlier but Tess was talking to Luke and she was our ride,” Katie said without rancor.

  “We’re not late, sister,” Annie pointed out, as they took their seats and proceeded to get out notebooks and pens.

  “Of course not. I was only saying that we would have been here a while ago. No offense, Tess, dear.”

  “None taken, Auntie.” Tess suppressed a smile as she turned to Linda. “Good to see you, too. I hear the boys, all four of them, are camping in your backyard tonight.”

  Linda laughed. “Yeah, well, we’ll see how that works out for them.”

  The meeting was called to order, and Tess learned that there was another festival in the works.

  Luke was right, this town seemed to have a lot of festivals. In spite of herself, Tess got caught up in the planning of the summer event to benefit the county homeless shelter and food pantry. The aunts were very involved in the planning, throwing out ideas one after the other, not being dissuaded if one of them got shot down. It was fascinating and Tess began to relax, sitting back in her seat and enjoying the show; that was, until she heard Aunt Annie speak.

  “May I address the council, Reverend?” Annie inquired politely after raising her hand.

  “Of course, Miss Annie, go right ahead.” The pastor smiled encouragingly, and she smiled benignly back at him as she stood, clearing her throat.

  “Reverend Fulcher and esteemed fellow church members.”

  Tess looked over at Katie when she heard her groan and mutter, “Oh, no.”

  “I would like to address the issue of the cakewalk. I want to nominate our niece by marriage, Tess Greenwood, to be in charge of it.”

  What in the world? Tess sat up in her chair, reaching out a hand to tug on Annie’s sleeve. “No,” she whispered. “No, Aunt Annie.”

  Cakewalk? In charge? Not on your life!

  Annie smiled down at her, totally ignoring her protests. Tess heard several people in the room clap appreciatively, and slowly took her hand off Annie’s clothing.

  “I second the nomination!” Linda Mason said, standing.

  “I third the nomination, if there is such a thing. Excellent idea, sister.” Katie smiled in approval as she stood also.

  “I object.” Every head in the room turned toward Sarah Fulcher, who had gotten to her feet, as well. “She’s not a member of this church and is hardly qualified to run one of our charity functions.” Sarah turned a false little smile in her direction. “No offense, Tess, but it’s true.”

  “Nonsense. She’s a member of this church as long as she is here. She’s attended services and I’m sure she is happy to help, aren’t you, dear?” Katie smiled down at her encouragingly.

  Tess was in a state of semishock. What was with this town? Why couldn’t they all just leave her alone? Was it really too much to ask? Such a simple thing, really.

  “I…” I what? I can’t? I don’t want to? I really just want you all to leave me alone? It all sounded so petty, even to her ears, and if anyone was sympathetic to her own plight, it was her. Oh, great. Now you sound like an imbecile, to yourself of all people. Happy, God? You know I can’t tell them no.

  “Sarah, she is a highly qualified physician assistant with over ten years of experience.” Annie was smiling gently at the younger woman as though explaining something to a child.

  “What has that got to do with running a cakewalk, Miss Annie?” Sarah asked, a little sharply, Tess thought.

  “It speaks of her organizational skills, of course. All in favor of Tess organizing the cakewalk, say aye!”

  A resounding “aye” carried through the room, followed by applause.

  “Well, isn’t that just fine. Tess, you’re in charge of the cakewalk!” Aunt Annie was obviously very pleased with the outcome as she patted Tess on the back.

  Katie winked at Tess as the group moved on to the next order of business. Sarah looked more than a little stunned as she retook her seat. And that’s that, Tess thought. I have a puppy, a nanny job and am in charge of a church cakewalk, all in the space of two weeks. She was pretty certain that if she had actively tried to get involved with the goings-on in this village, she couldn’t have done this well in so short a space of time. I give up, she thought faintly as she slumped back in her seat. I just plain give up.

  “Tess, dear? Are you zoning?”

  Tess started. She had been so caught up in her thoughts that she hadn’t heard Aunt Katie call her name.

 
; “Um…yes, I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “I said it’s time to go home, if you don’t mind. The meeting’s over, dear.”

  “Good use of the word zoning, sister.” Annie smiled approvingly at her twin.

  “Thank you, sister. Let’s get going, Tess,” Katie said, and began to usher the ladies, including a still somewhat shell-shocked Tess, to the door of the community center.

  *

  “Come on, Caleb. Get a move on or I’m going to be late for work.” Luke picked up the manila envelope with all the information for Tess as he walked to the foot of the stairs.

  “I’m coming, Dad! Just gotta get my football in case Miss Tess wants to toss it around with me.” Caleb flew down the stairs, football in hand. “Do you think she will? Joey says so. He thinks she’s a pretty cool girl and she throws really good. She knocked Mr. Joe in the water.”

  “I don’t know if she’s any good at football, son, but be easy on her to start with. We need to keep her around for a while. Got it?”

  “Got it. Joey says I lucked out getting Miss Tess to watch me. Do you think we lucked out, too, Dad?”

  “I’m pretty sure we lucked out.” Luke grinned as he started the truck and backed out of the driveway.

  Only God knew if this would work out, but Luke prayed it would with all his heart. Tess had seemed so unsure of herself that a part of him was questioning his decision to leave Caleb with her. He quickly pushed that thought out of his head. He had faith in God, and oddly enough he had faith in Tess. He didn’t know her all that well, but what he did know of her he liked. Time would tell if she could cope and if Caleb would be happy with Luke’s choice in nanny. His gut told him it would be fine, and he always went with his gut. It had never failed him yet.

  Fifteen minutes later he was sitting at Tess’s kitchen table, enjoying a cup of coffee and going over the packet he had brought. She needed to be aware of the fact that Caleb was allergic to peanuts. The papers also included his doctor’s information in case anything requiring medical aid should happen. Luke had even signed and gotten notarized a document that gave her permission to get Caleb treated, just in case.

  “Oh, and another thing. Caleb is not to go near any boat without an adult with him.”

  “Understood. Does he like boats?” Tess asked.

  She was leaning across the table, looking at the papers with him, and he could smell the fresh, clean scent of whatever fragrance she was wearing. He had to admit it was a little distracting, and he fought to concentrate on the task at hand. But, oh, she smelled more than good.

  “He does,” Luke confirmed, and then went on to explain how Caleb and Joey had been taking the Masons’ small Carolina skiff over to visit Shackleford Island.

  “Not good,” Tess agreed. “I’ll be sure to keep a sharp eye out on that front. Is there anything else I need to know about Caleb?”

  “No, I think that’s it for now. How are you doing?”

  “Okay. Still working through the nightmares, but my leg feels much better. Oh, that reminds me. I like to go for a swim in the mornings. It’s good therapy for my leg. Can Caleb swim?”

  “Like a fish.”

  “Is it all right if he joins me? I’m Red Cross lifesaver certified and I’ll keep him close.”

  Luke looked out the French doors and watched his son running through the yard with Jack. The kid had so much energy. Any way that he could work it off would be good for him. Tess must have sensed his hesitation.

  “I can get my swim in before you get here in the mornings. That’s not a problem. I just thought Caleb might like to join me.” She shrugged her shoulders slightly, an understanding look on her beautiful face.

  “No, no. It’s a good idea. I’ll put his swim trunks in his bag for tomorrow. I’m sorry if it seems like I’m being overly cautious. I’m new at this father gig and have had to learn so many things by trial and error over the past six months.” Luke stood. “And now I have to get to work. Again, Tess, thank you. I should be by to pick him up around four-thirty or so.”

  “That’s fine, take your time. And by the way, you’re not being overly cautious, Luke. You’re being a good parent,” she called over her shoulder as she went to the kitchen door. “Caleb, bring Jack in and come say goodbye to your dad. He has to leave now.”

  The boy flew through the door, Jack in his arms.

  “She went potty, Miss Tess. I made sure. I told her that she wasn’t allowed to use the floor anymore. I’m pretty sure she won’t now.”

  “I appreciate that, Caleb. I hope she listens to you.” Tess smiled.

  “Hey, Dad, you leaving?” Caleb asked.

  “Yep, buddy. Have to get going. Be good and mind Miss Tess. Take care of each other. Got it?”

  “Got it, Gunny! I’ll take good care of Miss Tess and Jack. Promise. Just like I took good care of Mom.” The little boy snapped a smart salute, which Luke returned.

  He was surprised at the mention of Jennifer. Today had been one of the few times he had heard Caleb comment on his mother. Luke swallowed past the lump that had formed in his throat at the thought of his son dealing with a terminally ill mother at such a young age. The boy had been through so much.

  “Good deal. I’m counting on you. Both of you,” he added, looking at Tess as he spoke.

  “Got it, Gunny,” she said softly.

  He gave a short nod. Lord, take care of both of them, he prayed as he walked out the door.

  Chapter Nine

  “So here’s what I’ve found out since our last meeting. Grandparents do have certain rights in the state of Tennessee. They can petition the court for custody in certain instances.”

  Luke nodded shortly as he took in what the lawyer was saying. The news wasn’t what he had hoped to hear. When he’d made the appointment with base legal to discuss the custody situation, he had hoped that they would tell him Jen’s parents didn’t have a leg to stand on.

  “And what are those instances?”

  “Bear in mind, Gunny, that if the court grants a hearing, they are trying to determine what is in the best interests of the child.”

  “I want what’s in his best interests, as well, Major. This isn’t about me, it’s all about him, but I don’t want to lose him. So what are the criteria for them to petition?”

  “If one of the parents is deceased, which applies here, and they can prove that you are not a fit parent. That’s not an easy thing to do. There is something called the parental preference rule. Fit parents who are able and willing to care for their child have the principal right to the custody, care and nurturing of the child rather than any third person. The rule is a huge barrier for the grandparents and works to your advantage.”

  Luke felt a small bit of hope. Proving he wasn’t a fit parent would be difficult for them, but they would be digging for anything they could use against him, he knew. He had worked hard to make a good home for Caleb, but what if his son wanted to live with his grandparents? Luke hadn’t brought the subject up for fear Caleb would say he did. He was close to them and the move here hadn’t been easy. To go somewhere he had never been and live with a father he had never known had to be hard. Add to that the fact that he had just lost his mother… The kid’s whole world had turned upside down.

  “I’ve never asked Caleb what he wanted,” Luke admitted to the lawyer. “Should I? Or is he too young to make that decision on his own?” For the first time since Dave had told him that they wanted custody, Luke felt a twinge of uncertainty.

  “The court will certainly want to talk to Caleb and take his wishes into consideration. Have you told him that his grandparents are petitioning for custody? And have you heard from their lawyer yet?”

  “No and no.”

  “Perhaps it would be a good idea to speak with Caleb before the petition becomes a reality. Ask him how he feels about living with you. Be honest and tell him what his grandparents want. That way, when or if it comes down, at least he won’t be taken by surprise.”

  Luke didn’t
answer immediately. It wasn’t fair to keep Caleb from knowing what was going on, because it concerned him. But Luke had thought him too young and wanted to shield him. Maybe ten wasn’t too young. Maybe he was making a mistake by not saying anything.

  “I think you might be right, sir. I’ll have a talk with him this evening.” Luke rubbed the back of his neck tiredly. “Parenting isn’t an easy job.”

  “No, but it’s the most rewarding job in the world. I’ve got three of my own. You’ll get there, Gunny. From where I’m sitting and from everything you’ve told me, you’re doing a good job for someone who just became the father of a ten-year-old boy. Someone with no experience, I might add.” The major leaned back in his chair as he spoke and smiled encouragingly.

  “I’m trying. He seems to be settling in well now. He has friends and is involved in sports and Scouting.”

  “How’s your relationship with him?”

  “It was rough at first, still is some days.” Luke admitted. “But now, within the past month or so, we seem to be getting closer. He’s laughing a lot more and talking a mile a minute, but we still have days that are tough for both of us.”

  “It all takes time. So, as your lawyer, I think your best course of action is to talk to him and wait. We’ll be ready if they actually do petition the courts. Right now it’s just rhetoric. The fact that his mother wanted him to be with you speaks volumes.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Luke stood and shook the major’s hand before leaving the office.

  Once out in the bright sunshine, he took a deep breath. The lawyer was right; for whatever reason, Jennifer had wanted him to take care of Caleb. Luke wished she had left him a letter or something, anything to give him insight into her decision—both of her decisions. The choice not to tell him she was pregnant, and then later, when she knew she was dying, the choice to give him custody. The will hadn’t given any indication as to why. It was time to call Caleb’s grandparents and have a talk about all this, and then talk to Caleb.

  Luke didn’t know which conversation he was dreading more. Dave had been furious when he had found out that Luke had taken the phone from Caleb, so he didn’t expect the discussion would go well. But the conversation with Caleb… What if Luke talked to him and found out that Caleb didn’t want to live with him, after all?