Finding Peace: Baytown Boys

by Maryann Jordan

  Her gasp was swallowed as his lips met hers, his hands pulling her closer so that she wrapped her legs around his hips as he stood and walked back inside. Grasping his face in her hands she pulled back slightly and smiled. “I love you, too, honey.”

  With a huge grin, he shut the door and laid her down on the bed. Just as he was about to climb in with her, she looked over. “Sweetie, you better pull the blinds. I don’t want anyone being able to look in.”

  Ginny stared at the canoe on the water, determined to keep her feet on the sand. “That’s not going to hold both of us,” she said, backing away.

  “Don’t be afraid,” Brogan encouraged. “You’ll love it.”

  Her dubious expression stayed in place as she looked at the hand he was holding out. “I’ve always been a feet on the ground sort of girl.”

  “You got this, honey.”

  Finally giving in, she stepped in and sat, nervously grabbing the sides. Looking up, she said, “I can’t hold the paddle if I’m holding on for dear life.”

  Unabashedly staring, he looked down at her long legs, bare in her boy-shorts bathing suit. The tied bikini top was tantalizing, but he wondered if he should have insisted on her wearing a t-shirt over it to protect her shoulders from the sun…and to keep his eyes in his head.

  Stepping into the water, he walked the canoe out until he was waist high and then swung his leg over, pulling himself in. Settling quickly, he laughed as Ginny screamed as the front lifted in the air with his weight in the back. Shifting slightly toward the center for balance, he began paddling them out past the sand bar before turning along the coast.

  After a few minutes of watching her attempt to contribute, he called out, laughing, “Baby, put the oars down. You’re paddling against me and we’re just battling each other.”

  “Fine,” Ginny said, blushing slightly at her lack of canoeing skills, and relaxed to view the shoreline from the bay.

  They paddled south, getting closer to the Baytown public beach, when she noticed a cluster of kayaks paddling toward them. It seemed to be a group of teenagers, but then she spied James in the lead.

  James’ eyes shifted between Brogan and Ginny before he flashed a smile as he paddled by. “Hello,” he called out, his voice as friendly as his smile. “Enjoying the water this morning?”

  Ginny nodded and called out, “Looks like you’ve got a quite a group.”

  “I sponsor the Kayak Club at the high school and we try to go out a couple of times a month when the weather’s nice.”

  Ginny noticed the teenage girls giggling as they looked over at muscle bound, tatted Brogan. Look all you want, girlies, he’s mine. Shaking her head at her adolescent thought, she heard Brogan call her name.

  Twisting around, she looked at him with her head tilted.

  “You were shaking your head,” he said. “I just wondered if you were all right.”

  “Yeah. I was just having an adolescent pang of possessiveness when those teens were staring at you. My mind was telling them to back off.”

  Chuckling, Brogan said, “Not interested in teens, babe. In fact, not interested in anyone but you.”

  She leaned back as he leaned forward and their lips met briefly before the canoe rocked precariously. With a yelp, she jerked back into place, her hands firmly gripping the sides. As she righted herself, Brogan looked over his shoulder at James, in the midst of a bunch of teens, where more than half were girls. Turning back, he wondered if the man was just a good mentor…or something less noble. “I’m just glad he kept his eyes in his head as you rowed by.”

  As they turned and headed back toward Brogan’s bungalow, they came across Katelyn and Gareth out on kayaks. Greeting each other, Katelyn looked at her brother and said, “You know there’s a family dinner tonight.” Then, grinning at Ginny, she added, “And you’re expected. Don’t try to get out of it. It’s time you made it official by joining all the MacFarlanes at one time.”

  “Oh, lordy,” Ginny breathed.

  “Don’t worry,” Gareth said, paddling by. “I survived.”

  As they made it to the beach outside Brogan’s property, Ginny looked back. “By the way, did you know about dinner tonight?”

  “Uh…yeah…” he said hesitantly, hearing the warning sound in her voice.

  “And you didn’t tell me?”

  “Well, it’s not dinnertime yet.”

  Whirling around in the canoe, making it rock from side to side, she said, “You weren’t going to say anything until it was time to go?”

  “It’s just my family, honey. You weren’t going to have to get fixed up or anything.”

  “Are you daft?” she yelled. “Brogan this is your whole family…your parents. That’s a big, fucking deal!” Scrambling out of the canoe, she bolted so quickly he did not have time to right it before it flipped, sending him into the water.

  Standing on the sandy bottom, grabbing the oars, he tossed them into the canoe once he had it righted. Looking up, he saw her stomping up the beach. “Ginny?” he called after her, shaking his head.

  Once he hauled the canoe up the shore, he saw her standing at the top of the dune. Huffing, she said, “I’m sorry. Here, let me help.”

  “Got it, babe,” he said, easily lifting the canoe over his head, and carrying it up the dune and to the shed at the side of his house. Securing it, he turned to stare at her standing on his deck. She had donned one of his t-shirts, twisting the bottom as it hung to her thighs. One of his ball caps sat on her head and, while he could not see her eyes behind her glasses, he knew they were aimed right at him.

  Looking down, she repeated, “I’m sorry. It’s just the idea of parents…grandparents. That’s a lot of pressure.”

  He stood with his hands on his hips, staring at her uncertain stance—this competent cop, an unafraid, strong woman, and he dropped his head. Family. Parents. Fuck. Lifting his head as he lifted his arms, he said, “Honey, come here.”

  She hesitated for only a second before rushing into his arms. He wrapped her tightly in his embrace, one hand at the back of her head, holding her cheek to his heart. Kissing the top of her head, he wanted her to take his strength, as much of it as she needed.

  “Babe, I’m so sorry about not saying anything. I honestly didn’t think about it because you’ve already met them all.”

  “I’ve met your parents and Pops as a police officer or a member of the AL or Auxiliary. Not as your girlfriend. I want them to like me but, after my parents’ rejection, I don’t think I’m so good with parents.”

  He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her gently back, just far enough that he could peer into her eyes. “Babe, you gotta get that outta your mind. Your parents suck. I know that’s harsh, but it’s true. You are the best—the best of cops…the best of women…hell, the best of people. If they can’t deal with what happened to you, that’s on them. Remember what you told me. That’s on them. You don’t take on that reaction and, please, don’t project it on my parents.”

  “Oh, no,” she rushed, eyes wide. “I would never think that of your parents.” Gulping in deep breaths, she blinked back the tears. “You’re right, Brogan. I’ve taken my parents’ rejection and applied it across the board. I don’t want to do that.”

  He pulled her back into his chest, once more offering her his strength.

  Ginny’s arms held tightly around his waist, his heartbeat steady against her ear. She thought of Corrine and Eric MacFarlane and let out a long breath. They were nice and she knew would be nice to her. Squeezing him before letting go, she looked up. “Do you think they’re happy we’re together?”

  Chuckling, the rumbling coming from deep in his chest, Brogan replied, “Baby, they’re over the fuckin’ moon about us together.”

  26

  “’Bout time Brogan brought you over…although Spencer’s an English name. Don’t ‘spose you’ve got any Irish blood in you at all? Even a little bit?”

  Ginny stared at Pops, suddenly uncertain, not knowing anything about her heri
tage. “Uh…”

  “Dad, leave her alone,” Eric commanded, walking from the back of the house to engulf her in a bear hug. He whispered in her ear, “Welcome to the family, Ginny. Good to have you with us.” As he stepped back, his eye caught the make-up covered bruising on her cheek. His gaze jumped to Brogan’s, but he said nothing, his warm smile staying in place.

  Breathing a sigh of relief, she smiled up at the large man, so easy to see where Brogan and Aiden inherited their physiques. Eric was a big man, still muscular but now with a slight thickness around the middle. His dark hair was sprinkled with grey, but his blue eyes twinkled as much as his sons’.

  “Humph,” Pops complained, pushing past Eric. “I’m not messing with her,” giving her a hug as well. “But you can’t blame an old Irishman for trying.” Standing upright, he eyed her and then Brogan. “Good bloodlines. You’ll have strong children,” he added, thumping his chest.

  Ginny blushed, but could not help laughing, seeing the love the elder, white-haired MacFarlane had for his family.

  Corrine pushed her way to the front, an apron tied about her waist. “Oh, these men,” she grumbled. “They’ll worry you to death, so stay strong, Ginny.” Drawing her into a hug as well, she pulled back, patting Ginny’s cheek gently. “Such a beauty. So glad you could join us,” she said, winking at Brogan. “Come on back everyone, supper’s almost ready.”

  Brogan pressed his front to Ginny’s back, offering his support as they watched Dad and Pops follow Mom down the hall toward the rear of the house. His hands on her shoulder gave a little squeeze. “You okay, honey?”

  Nodding, she said, “Yeah, I think the worst is over.”

  He was not sure, but wisely kept his mouth shut. With a gentle push, they followed the others.

  The large den held comfortable chairs and they were greeted by Katelyn, Gareth, and Aiden who had already arrived. Ginny slid easily into the kitchen with Katelyn and Corrine.

  Corrine checked the dish in the oven and, as she stood, turned to Ginny. “My dear, please don’t think we always have the women in the kitchen while the men lounge. Actually, Eric and I share cooking duties, but for family night, when Pops demands my Guinness Irish Stew, then I’m in charge of the meal.”

  “It smells delicious,” Ginny responded truthfully.

  Katelyn pulled the soda bread from the oven, the scent clearly teasing the crowd, as they heard the men in the den moaning. Ginny had to admit, her stomach growled at the sight and smell of the tantalizing bread too.

  Soon, the lively group was seated around the large table, the food being served in heaping portions. Katelyn laughed when she viewed Ginny’s wide eyes at the amount of food. “Don’t worry, Ginny, it’s better to have it on your plate to begin with before all these men start fighting over the food.”

  “We never fight,” Aiden quipped, his mouth full of buttered bread. “We just know how to make sure we got our fair share.”

  “Your fair share?” Corrine asked, arching a brow. “I seem to remember sending you away from the table a time or two until you learned your manners.”

  “I was just an enthusiastic connoisseur of your cooking, Mom,” he protested.

  Brogan’s spoon halted on its path to his mouth as he turned a narrowed eye toward his brother. “Connoisseur? You tried to stick a fork in the back of my hand when I reached for seconds—”

  “Me? What about the time you threatened me with a knife when Mom offered me more pot roast?”

  “I never threatened you with a knife,” Brogan argued. “I was making a point and just happened to have a knife in my hand at the same time.”

  “I call bullshit,” Katelyn argued, her laughing gaze darting between the two. “You both dove into Mom’s food so quick, there was precious little for me unless I got there first.”

  “I’ll have you know,” Aiden began, his smile overriding his attempt to be serious, “I have never—”

  “No arguing at the table,” Corrine dictated, her eyes wide as she shook her head, also attempting to hide her smile. “Gareth, you’re used to this motley crew, but Ginny, I’m terribly sorry for my children’s table manners. It seems I have failed as a mother.”

  Ginny laughed as she said, “Corrine, the food is delicious and the company is…enthusiastic.”

  Brogan’s hand dropped to her thigh, a gentle squeeze offered as she turned her eyes up to his. He winked before returning to his meal.

  “Well, I for one, never minded the kids messing about at the table,” Pops declared, scraping the bottom of his stew bowl with his bread, sopping up the last goodness. “When y’all got in trouble and had to leave the table, who do you think got to finish their meal in peace and eat as much as they wanted?”

  Katelyn stared at her grandfather for a moment before asking, “Is that why you used to tell me to steal Aiden’s bread?”

  The gathering burst into laughter as Aiden protested Pops’ conniving ways. Ginny could not remember the last time she had laughed so much at a meal. After the stew and bread, Corrine carried out a huge platter of apple tarts and compliments to the cook called out from all.

  A few minutes later, Ginny looked on as Brogan finished his second tart, and rolled her eyes. “Where do you have room for all that?”

  He looked at her half finished first one and shook his head. “Eat up, babe.”

  “Honey, I’m stuffed.” Looking around to make sure no one was watching, she slid it to his plate and he gobbled it up with no problem.

  “So,” Pops said, “Did your parents let so many shenanigans go at the table?”

  Her smile dropped from her face, her thoughts racing as she tried to think of what to say. She felt Brogan’s hand on her leg, offering a reassuring squeeze.

  “Pops, not everyone’s family needs to be dissected,” Brogan said. Looking at his mom, he diverted, “Dinner was great, as always, Mom.”

  Ginny realized everyone noticed the swift change of subject and, as her eyes landed on Brogan’s grandfather’s kind eyes, she blurted, “I was an Army brat. I’m afraid my dad didn’t allow much talking at the table.”

  Brogan turned to her and said softly, “Honey, you don’t have to say anything. It’s all okay—”

  She looked up into his face, the concern for her so evident. “I know. But I want to be with you, and your family is important to you, which means they’ll be important to me. I don’t want to have to hide my family situation.”

  She turned to see equally concerned expressions facing her, and Pops said gently, “Girl, just ignore me. You don’t gotta talk about anything you don’t want to.”

  “No, Mr. MacFarlane, it’s fine. Just being here tonight has reminded me what family is…or can be. And to be honest, it’s nice. A little overwhelming, but nice.” Swallowing, she said, “My dad was Army…military right down to his bones. We moved around a lot. My brother was Navy and a pilot. I joined the military right out of high school. Uh—” she felt Brogan put his arm around her and she leaned into his side, his large body’s warmth seeping into her. “My brother was killed in service and my parents never recovered from that.”

  “Oh, how horrible,” Corrine said, pain lacing her voice. “I’m so sorry.”

  “I am sorry, darlin’,” Pops said.

  Ginny hesitated once more. She knew she could stop talking. Katelyn and Corrine knew more to the story but, while she understood the men did not have to know, looking around the table at the sympathetic gazes and understanding nods, having experienced all the fun that had been a MacFarlane family dinner, she wanted to share. Had to share.

  So she blurted, “Katelyn, Corrine, and Brogan know I was the victim of sexual harassment and assault while in the military. My Command wanted to cover it up, but I pressed charges. I refused to stay a victim and stay quiet. So, I caused quite a ruckus until my superiors had to deal with the mess. It went bigtime anyway and…and I got out at the end of my tour.”

  The table was quiet and she felt her breath leave her in a huge sigh. Somehow
the unburdening was easier now that the words had already been out of her mouth. Come what may, they were out.

  “Honey,” Brogan said softly, his hand on her shoulder pulling her in tighter to him. “Please, you don’t have to say anything.”

  “Don’t you see, Brogan,” she said in a rush, looking into his blue eyes. The same eyes that peered at her from everyone around the table, with the same concern. “I’ve finally realized that holding on to this for so long has given it power over me. But now, I’m taking back my control.”

  Looking at the faces of Brogan’s family, she said, “My father was disgusted with me for not dropping the inquiry, assuming women brought harassment on themselves, and then again for getting out of the military. My mother wouldn’t go against him, so they told me to leave and not come back.”

  “Oh, sweetheart,” Corrine gushed. “I’m sure they didn’t mean it. No parent would ever mean that—”

  “Mom,” Brogan started, shaking his head.

  “I know that’s how you feel about your children, Corrine,” Ginny said, “but my family is different. My father said that he wished my brother had lived and I had died in his place.”

  Ginny leaned back against Brogan, exhausted from her confession, but strangely at peace. Looking around, she began to second-guess her decision as she observed the horrified expressions on their faces. Before she could speak again, the entire table erupted.

  Curses, tears, angry voices all spoke at once. Corrine jumped from her chair and rushed over, pulling Ginny into a huge hug and she felt tears sting her eyes as she realized she had missed a mother’s arms around her. Aiden slammed his hand down on the table, cursing, “Fucking hell,” while Eric’s face was thunderous as he exclaimed, “No man who’s any kind of a man would turn his back on his child.” Katelyn followed her mom, hugging Ginny as she said, “You’re right. You are empowered now.”