by Tia Siren
He took Vanessa's hand and climbed the porch steps. She nodded, encouraging him to ring the bell. When the door opened, they both looked down at a little girl with blonde hair and ponytails.
“Hi,” Ashton said.
“Who are you?” Lilly asked.
“I'm Ashton. Is your mommy home?”
“Who is it?” Candy shouted from another room.
“Mr. Ashton,” Lilly shouted.
Candy arrived at the door with her hands covered in flour.
“Hi,” Ashton said sheepishly. “I'm so sorry. I've come to apologize to you. I've let you down and I—I’d really like to make up for that now.”
Candy frowned. “I needed you, Ashton. I really needed you.” Her eyes filled up with tears.
Ashton stepped forward and pulled her to him in a warm hug. “I couldn't until now. I’m… I'm sorry, I just couldn't bear to tell you what happened. I couldn't bear to see you without Mike. I could barely take being without him myself. I can only imagine what you’ve had to feel.”
Candy sniffed and wiped her nose on her pinafore. “Come on in.” She looked at Vanessa with a small smile. “Hi, I'm Candy,” she said.
“I'm Vanessa.” She nodded.
“Hey guys,” Ashton said when he saw the kids playing in the front room. “This is a great house.” He looked at Candy. “You know, I was always so jealous of Mike and all he had.”
“Well he ain't got anything now,” Candy said bitterly.
“I know,” Ashton sighed. “How are they doing?” he gestured with his head toward the children.
“Better than me. I think kids are more resilient.”
He looked around the room. There were a lot of pictures of Mike and his family on top of the piano. “Who plays the piano?” he asked. Melissa put her hand up. “Wow, clever.”
“I'll make some coffee,” Candy said.
When she went to the kitchen Vanessa took Ashton's hand and squeezed it. “Okay?” she asked.
“Yep, I suppose. It's hard. I miss him and I hate that Candy has to do all this on her own.”
“But she's not alone now is she? She's got you.”
“You're one special lady,” he said. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“What are they smiling at?” Vanessa asked, winking at the kids. They were staring at the two of them.
“I think they're laughing at us.”
“Why?” Vanessa asked.
“I dunno, you're the psychologist. Hey, why are you laughing at us, kids?”
The kids looked at them shyly, giggling.
Candy arrived with the coffee and a tray of snacks. “Mike used to love these cookies,” she said.
“He used to bring them in his kit. They were like diamonds among coal to us out there sometimes,” Ashton said.
“I really miss him,” Candy sighed and lowered her head, pressing the palms of her hands into her eyes.
“Why don't you come sometime and talk to me?” Vanessa held out one hand and Candy took it. She looked at the grieving woman sympathetically. “I'm one of the doctors at the VA,”
“I might.” Candy sniffed again and nodded. She tried to give Vanessa another smile, but it was shaky at best. “Thanks.”
“Talking works wonders.” Ashton kept his deep voice as gentle as he could. “I've just learned that.” He took Vanessa's hand and looked into her eyes.
“What are your children giggling about?” Vanessa asked, unable to keep from smiling at the little ones.
“I think they're watching you two, all loved up. They are at that age where that kind of thing fascinates them.”
“Is it funny when I hold Vanessa's hand?” Ashton asked, trying to sound goofy. The children giggled and looked at each other, dropping their eyes. “Right, that's it,” he said. He jumped up and growled at them through a huge smile. He screwed up his face. “I'm gonna eat you all up.” They shrieked and ran around the room. He bounded after them with obviously no intention of catching up to them.
Candy looked at Vanessa. “Are you his lady?”
“I guess I am.” Vanessa grinned and shrugged. “It's been a bumpy road, but I think we're there now.”
“He's a good man. Mike looked up to him. He wouldn't go on any mission unless Ashton was leading them. Ashton had an excellent reputation for keeping his men… alive. That’s why I was so… stunned when it all happened the way it did. I—I can’t believe it. I… blamed Ashton for a while. Blamed the Navy. Blamed everyone and everything. But it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Not even Mike’s. It was his job, it was his life, and he loved it.”
“I can tell you that Ashton loved your husband, a hell of a lot. Let me put it this way: he loved him so much he would have died for him.”
“That’s what it’s like in the military.” Candy nodded. “War is a terrible thing. But if it weren’t for our men, well… I guess we’d all be wearing burkas and practicing Sharia Law. I'm so proud of my husband and all he did for this country. It cost him his life, but I couldn't persuade him to leave. I wouldn’t have wanted to. He loved it too much.”
Ashton came back in, carrying two of the smaller girls, one on each shoulder. “I got your little beasts.” He said with a laugh. He looked up at them both. “Now, what shall we do with you?”
“Put us down,” Lilly said.
“No, I'm hungry. I think I'll eat you.”
“No,” they shrieked, laughing and wiggling so that they slid down his body to the floor. They ran off.
“Hold on to him, girl. He’s gonna be a good daddy.” Candy managed to grin at Vanessa with a genuine smile.
It was a thought that hadn't yet occurred to Vanessa. She was still young enough, but she'd hate to have the same fate befall her as Candy. “Maybe. If he decides to leave the Navy, but I don't want to have to bring them up alone.”
“It is a struggle. But it’s worth it.” Candy nodded.
“What are you talking about?” Ashton said sitting back down and taking Vanessa's hand.
“Kids,” Candy said, simply.
“What about them?”
“We were just saying it would be nice to have kids, but not while you're still in the Navy,” Vanessa said.
“I think I’ve served my country enough. I think… I think I’m done.”
“What?” the women said in unison.
“I can't go back. I had a hell of a team and I don't want to go on a mission with a new group. I'm gonna retire and leave it up to the younger guys.”
“Are you sure?” Vanessa said.
“Never been more certain in my life. I've had it. I want to see what happens between me and you. Who knows maybe there is still time for kids. I think I'd like that.”
“Wow,” Vanessa said, feeling a bit of anxious excitement run through her.
“I love you, Vanessa. I don't want to be without you, and I know the Navy would only get in the way. I’ve served a long time. It’s time for a civilian life.”
“It looks like you guys have got some talking to do,” Candy said.
Vanessa nodded and smiled at her before turning her eyes back to Ashton. “I love you too.” She whispered.
The kids giggled again.
*****
THE END
First Chapter Sample: ACE: A Secret Baby Sports Romance
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SECRET BABY SPORTS Romance – Ace
Chapter One
“Two eggs, scrambled, side of bacon and toast. As always, I threw in an extra piece of bacon for ya,” I said with a wink.
“Ah, thank you, Scarlet. You certainly know how to take care of this old man. Why don’t you come down here for a kiss?”
I smiled through my annoyance. This wasn’t the first time Mr. Johnson
had tried to get me to kiss him, and I was sure it wouldn’t be the last. “I hope you’ll settle for another hug,” I said as I leaned in and gave him a quick embrace.
As soon as his hand touched my back, it wandered down toward my behind. I threw a hand up to stop him and shook my head, a smile still plastered on my lips. The move was a reflex I had developed over the years to protect myself from the handsy, older crowd.
“You got me again, Scarlet,” he said.
“You’ll just have to try harder,” I replied. Obviously, I didn’t want him to ever grab my behind. However, the more playful I was, the better he tipped, and since the man tipped like we were still living in the fifties, I needed all the help I could get. It was a frustrating cycle I found myself in, but it paid the bills, if only barely.
I weaved through the diner and pushed my way into the kitchen. Greg, my manager, was working the grill since the cook had called in sick. He was about as old as Mr. Johnson and twice as round. Whenever he worked the grill, navigating the narrow aisles of the kitchen was a real struggle.
“Mr. Johnson tried again today,” I informed him, beyond frustrated as I set some dirty dishes in the sink. “Is there any way you could put a sign up asking them not to harass the wait staff?”
“C’mon, Scarlet, it’s hard enough keeping myself from doing it,” Greg teased with a smile that filled his entire face. “You are gorgeous, and you should hear men say it more often.”
The smile on his face and the genuine compliments he sent my way always made it impossible for me to stay mad—or even annoyed—at him. I laughed it off while he flipped sausages.
“Well, you’re no help.” I sighed, shaking my head. “And you’re just as bad as Mr. Johnson.”
Greg’s chuckles echoed throughout the kitchen as I gathered a few plates that were ready for delivery and made my way out to the floor. I was barely out the door when I felt a familiar vibration. A line formed between my brows as I delivered the food with a forced smile.
Worry that it might be the babysitter calling about Kimmy made the few minutes it took me to return to the back room feel like an eternity. As soon as the door closed behind me, I ducked into a corner and slipped my phone from my server apron.
My heart settled when I saw Lisa’s name in the text message. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I’d talked to her. It was probably before I’d had Kimmy, but I didn’t really care either way. Still, my curiosity got the better of me, and I tapped on the message.
Hey, Scarlet. I know it’s been years, but I’m getting married this weekend, and I really want you at my wedding. We were best friends for so long, and it wouldn’t be the same without you. Call me. It’s been too long, and we must catch up. Bye!”
Lisa was getting married? I didn’t know what was more surprising, that she was actually getting married or that she had found a man capable of putting up with her for more than ten minutes. I chuckled at my mean thought and tucked my phone back into my pocket as I left the back room.
I did my best to be the diligent worker I always was, but the message kept playing in the back of my mind. I hadn’t seen or spoken to Lisa in so long, and now she wanted to hang out like it was still high school. The notion was weird at best.
It was a slow day, and I was eager to return home. I believe Greg could tell that I was preoccupied with something, because he let me leave a little earlier than usual. I thanked him with a hug and ran out to the bus stop at the corner.
Home wasn’t too far away, but it was just far enough that walking at the end of a long day’s work was difficult. As per usual, I got a few looks from men on the bus, and I did my best to ignore them. Thankfully, no one worked up the courage to introduce themselves.
My little apartment, a one-bedroom rental above an old grocery store, could barely be called that, but it was home. And thanks to my friendship with the owners and my part-time job at their establishment, it was also cheap. As an added bonus, the wife, Dawn, sometimes looked after Kimmy for me, which saved quite a few bucks on babysitters every month.
“Hey, Dawn,” I greeted as I opened the door.
Dawn hushed me and pointed at Kimmy, who was tucked into the crook of her arm and peacefully taking a nap. Despite her efforts, the sound of my voice woke her, as it always did.
“Mommy!” she shouted, still a little groggy, as her eyes popped open.
My heart melted, and I ran toward her, lifting her up for a big hug.
“What did you do today, Kimmy?” I asked in between kisses.
“I learned how to count to five!” She showed me her tiny open palm. “Wanna hear?”
I giggled and nodded, as she was already starting to count.
“One . . . two . . . th—” Dawn leaned in and whispered in her ear, and she went on. “Three . . . four . . . five.” The smile on her lips was so big and sweet, it filled me with pride.
I kissed her on the cheek once more. Somehow, no matter how exhausted I was, her smile always brought me back to life.
“Okay, Kimmy, I’m going to get dinner started. What do you want to eat?”
“Noodles!” she shouted.
I laughed. “Okay. Noodles sound good.”
She nodded as I set her on the floor to run around the tiny apartment, singing songs only she knew. I shook my head and chuckled.
“Good day at work?” Dawn asked.
“Define good,” I said with a chortle.
“That great, huh?”
I nodded as we walked to the kitchen. “I got a text today from an old high school friend.”
“Anyone I know?” she asked.
“I don’t know. Do you remember Lisa?” Dawn shrugged and tilted her head. “We used to spend every waking hour together as kids.”
Recognition shone in Dawn’s eyes. “I remember you two running around in my store. You were cute kids.”
A smile formed on my lips. “Well, you’ll get to see her again. She’s coming into town to get married and wants to hang out, which will be super weird since we completely drifted apart over the years.”
“And who’s fault was that?” she asked. I sighed, slightly annoyed. I knew where she was going, and I didn’t like it. At my reaction, she changed gears. “Any idea who the world’s most patient man is?”
I chuckled as I filled a pot with water. “No clue, but if she’s anything like she was back then, he’s in for a treat. A handful wasn’t even a proper description for her. She demanded the photographer take at least ten shots before she approved one for our senior yearbook.”
“What did the final photo look like?” Dawn asked, amused.
I walked over to the bookshelf and plucked the yearbook out. After thumbing through the pages for a bit, I got to her photograph and started laughing. When I showed it to Dawn, she laughed as well.
Lisa looked like a model in a shampoo commercial. She was throwing her hair over her shoulder and giving a come-hither look.
“My mother would’ve disowned me if I took a photo like that when I was in high school.” Still laughing, Dawn checked her watch and slapped her forehead. “I’m late! I need to get down to the store. I’ll see you tomorrow, dear.”
I ushered her to the door and locked the bolt behind her. Kimmy was watching her cartoons on the TV, making it easy for me to finish dinner without the adorable distraction she provided.
As I waited for the pasta to cook, I returned to the yearbook to fill my time. I paged through the autographs I’d received from my classmates and even laughed at my own stupid photograph. I looked so clueless and carefree; I almost felt sorry for that girl. If only the younger version of me had known how things would turn out.
With a sigh, I quickly flipped past the sports section, trying to keep those memories locked away. However, they were impossible to control, and by the time dinner was ready, they lingered like ghosts in my mind.
Kimmy devoured her noodles and then fell asleep in her chair. I lifted her to bed and kissed her forehead before I returned to the musty ol
d couch to relax.
I flipped through the channels to take my mind off those old memories, but that turned out to be a mistake. Monday Night Football flashed on the screen, and as luck would have it, of all the people and football players in the world, he was front and center on my screen.
Ryan was just as gorgeous as he was in high school, but way more famous, which sucked for me. I’d tried being with a few men over the years, but none of them drove me as wild as he had. I wanted to click off the television and rid myself of the memory of the only man I’d ever really wanted, but I couldn’t. As always, I was utterly and completely hypnotized by him.
I still remembered the last night I saw him as though it were yesterday. He had looked so handsome waiting for me in the stands, and even more handsome as he cradled me in his arms during the most passionate night of my life.
Now I wanted to cry, which was unacceptable considering the amount of tears I had already shed over the years. Besides, what had passed had passed. Decisions couldn’t be changed, and even if they could, I would still make the exact same choice.
I felt guilty thinking about Ryan, especially since his younger sister, Lisa, was getting married this weekend and all I cared about was whether he’d be there.
*****
END OF SAMPLE
*****
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