Welcome Home, Daddy

by Carrie Weaver

  Annie wedged her plate among the array of cupcakes and cookies. The back counter held a casual buffet of plates, condiments, salads and deviled eggs.

  Annie ran her hand over the cool, smooth surface. “Granite. I have counter envy.”

  Drew grinned. “Funny, I never would have figured you for a kitchen slu—” He stopped himself just in time. “Floozy.”

  She smacked him playfully on the arm. “Watch it, Vincent. The child repeats every new word he hears. Particularly the ones you don’t want repeated.”

  “Yes, Beth warned me about that.”

  A beautiful African-American woman came into the room and extended her hand. “You must be Annie. I’m Beth. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

  She enfolded Annie’s hand in a soft, firm grip that was somehow reassuring.

  The tension eased from Annie’s shoulders. “Nice to meet you, Beth. What a lovely home.”

  “Annie was coveting your granite countertops,” Drew told her.

  “Floozy,” Micah added.

  Beth raised an eyebrow and laughed. She extended her hand to the boy. “And it’s so wonderful to see you again, little man.”

  Micah reached up for Drew’s hand. “Me daddy.”

  She glanced up at Drew, then Annie for confirmation. “Is he telling me what I think he’s telling me?”

  “Yep, I’m his dad.” Drew’s grin couldn’t possibly get any bigger. “We told him earlier this afternoon.”

  Beth placed her palm on Micah’s head, almost like a benediction. “You have a fine daddy, Micah. And I can see you are a fine son.”

  And what am I, the incubator? But Annie managed not to utter the thought aloud.

  Beth turned to her. “Which of course is from having a dedicated mother. I’m a firm proponent of the theory that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”

  Annie liked the woman. There was a quiet strength about her that seemed so peaceful.

  “Thank you.”

  “Oh, I include myself in that. So you see, my theory isn’t completely altruistic. Now, Micah, there are some children outside who are just dying to have you play with them.”

  Micah took her hand without hesitation, and Annie shook her head in surprise as she and Drew followed them through the sliding glass door to the patio.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  IN BETH’S BACKYARD, Drew and Micah were instantly absorbed by the festive crowd.

  Annie held back, once again feeling out of place.

  She watched as the children drew her son off to a grassy area where they were having a game of Red Rover. He was placed on the end, holding Beth’s granddaughter’s hand. There seemed to be tacit agreement to play gently with Micah. None of the children tried to break through the line where his hand was linked with the girl’s.

  Micah laughed uproariously when a preteen boy finally pretended to do so, then seemed awed by Micah’s great strength. The toddler, of course, loved every minute of it.

  “He’s a darling boy.”

  Annie turned to find a willowy brunette addressing her.

  “Yes, he is.”

  “I’m Vanessa. Steve’s my husband.”

  She indicated the big bruiser wrapping Drew in a bear hug. “He’s glad to see Drew, can you tell?”

  Annie laughed, “I’m Annie Marsh. And yes, I can tell.”

  “They’ve got some kind of superhuman bond. It comes from serving together in Iraq. Sometimes I feel left out. It’s as if they speak a language I can’t understand. But I’m glad he has friends like Drew. Now, while he’s adjusting to being back. And when he was over there, too.”

  “I didn’t know Drew then.”

  Vanessa glanced at Micah. “He’s what, almost two? Seems as if you and Drew were at least passing acquaintances.”

  Annie’s face grew warm. She’d never had to deal with innuendo when everyone thought Micah’s father was dead.

  “Of course I knew him. But, um, not well.”

  Vanessa’s smile was warm. “No need to get embarrassed. I fell for Steve the first time I laid eyes on him. Boom. I was a goner. I can’t wait till we have a little boy who looks just like him.”

  “You think Micah resembles Drew that much?”

  “Absolutely. I would have known even if I hadn’t overheard Drew crowing about it the minute he walked in.”

  Annie watched the byplay between the guys. The slaps on the back and elbow nudges made her angry. Drew should have asked her before he told everyone about his relationship to Micah.

  Her anger slowly dissipated as she noticed Drew’s joy. It was as if he’d won the lottery, flung the opening pitch at the D-backs game and been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize all in one day.

  She would have cheated both of them horribly if she hadn’t told Drew the truth about his son.

  “You want to come sit with me and the other women? I think your boys are going to be occupied for a while.”

  “Yes, I’d like that. Thanks.”

  DREW FELT AS IF HE’D come home. And in a way he had.

  He found Mac and got caught up on all the news from Iraq. Then he talked some trash to Steve as he passed the barbecue where his buddy pretended to be King of the Grill.

  Searching the cluster of children, Drew spotted Micah riding on a teen’s shoulders. Then he went and found Annie. Her expression was animated as she sat at a large round table shaded by an umbrella, chatting with Beth’s oldest daughter, Ivy.

  “So everything I’ve read is true? I don’t need to worry because he isn’t interested yet?” Annie asked.

  “He’s obviously a bright, healthy boy. The male of the species just can’t keep up with us, even in potty training.”

  “Not fair,” Drew protested.

  “But true.” Ivy raised an eyebrow when he rested his hand on Annie’s shoulder.

  “Hey, ladies, the great outdoor chef tells me the burgers are almost ready, so you might want to give the potty training a rest.”

  “Spoken like a true man…who hasn’t changed a zillion diapers,” Annie commented.

  “Or gotten sticker shock buying them.”

  Though Ivy’s comment was innocent, Drew shifted uncomfortably. He hadn’t seriously considered Annie’s expenses. He’d have to make arrangements to help out until they decided on a more formal agreement.

  He squeezed her shoulder. “Annie, why don’t you go ahead and get yourself something to eat before these hungry guys hog all the food. You, too, Ivy.”

  Annie stood, tucking her hair behind her ear. Drew liked it loose and flowing.

  “I’ll make a plate for Micah,” she said. “He’s probably too excited to eat much, but I’ve got to try.”

  “I’m right behind you,” Ivy called, also standing.

  “Don’t let this one get away,” she whispered to Drew as she passed by.

  He pretended ignorance even though he knew exactly what she meant. Annie was…an enigma to him. He wasn’t sure she’d be interested in him under normal circumstances. The night they’d met had been a lucky coincidence that couldn’t have been recreated if they’d tried. Could it?

  Annie returned and set down her plate, napkin and plastic cutlery on the table.

  “Would you mind getting Micah? I’ll put his food with the other children.” She nodded toward one of the two kid-size picnic tables.

  “Sure. If this is anything like the birthday party, he’d much rather sit with the kids than with us.”

  Drew went and found Micah still piggypacking on Steve’s nephew Gabe. Drew hoped Annie didn’t see that, for she’d probably come unglued.

  Stepping close, he said, “Hey, buddy, time for food.”

  Micah folded his arms over his chest. “No.”

  “Come on, kid. Your mom’s already got you a plateful.”

  “No!”

  Drew got a hold of him under the arms, but Micah locked his legs around Gabe’s neck.

  “Come on.”

  Micah started to screech.

&
nbsp; “I know you want to play, but it’s time to eat. You can play more after you eat.”

  “No. Play now.”

  The teen’s face reddened. Drew was afraid Micah might strangle the boy with his grip.

  “You leave me no choice. I’ll have to resort to drastic measures.”

  He tickled Micah under the arms until the child loosened his grip long enough for Drew to pull him off.

  Micah kicked and screamed, enraged.

  Drew felt as if every last person at the party was staring at him. Judging him. Figuring he was a failure as a dad because he couldn’t control his son.

  Tucking the writhing child under his arm like a football, he headed toward Annie.

  She met him halfway, taking Micah from him. Then she laid the boy on the grass while he kicked and screamed out his frustration.

  “Shouldn’t we do something?”

  “Nothing to do but let him work it out.”

  “There’s got to be something more we can do.” He started to sweat. He caught Ivy staring at them.

  She gave him a thumbs-up.

  Annie gently shook her son’s shoulders. “Micah, stop it.”

  And he did. For all of about five seconds.

  “Micah, when you’re ready to act like a big boy, come find Mommy and I’ll show you where your food is. Now, I’m going to eat.”

  “You’re just going to leave him here?”

  She turned and casually walked toward their table, as if their son wasn’t making this huge scene.

  Drew glanced at Micah, who continued to screech, but then watched Annie intently.

  Shrugging, Drew followed her. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

  She stopped, turning to him. “Are you kidding? It goes against every instinct I have as a mother. But he’s young and time-outs don’t seem effective. My mom suggested this solution. It works.”

  “Is there…something wrong with him?”

  “Absolutely not!” She scowled at Drew. “He’s just a normal, overstimulated little boy starting the terrible twos.”

  “Okay, okay. No need to get upset. I’m just trying to understand. Temper tantrums are new to me.”

  He could feel the fight go out of her.

  Her chin quivered. “Every stage is like starting over again. And I’m so damn scared I’m going to do something wrong.”

  Stepping closer, he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her into a hug. He knew his friends were watching, but he didn’t care. Annie needed him.

  “It’ll be okay. You’re a terrific mom. So terrific that I know I can’t measure up no matter how hard I try.”

  She sniffled for a moment before tilting her head back to meet his gaze. “Thanks, I needed a shoulder to cry on. I try not to let Micah see when it gets to me. And I really want your friends to like us.”

  Drew traced her cheek with his fingers. “They adore you. Now, let’s eat before our food gets cold. Or Micah pulls something new out of his bag of tricks.”

  “Comforting him when he’s sick or sad seems to come naturally for me. But tantrums are the worst.”

  “He’s just learning to push buttons. Face it, it’s probably effective with most adults. We give in to children just to get them to quit screaming.”

  Her smile wobbled a bit, but he sensed she was over the worst of it.

  Conversation picked up again as they headed toward the table. Everyone seemed intent on pretending they hadn’t witnessed anything out of the ordinary.

  Everyone except Ivy. She winked and said, “I’d say Micah has his daddy’s stubbornness.”

  That broke the tension and they all laughed. Conversation resumed in earnest and Drew felt as if he’d conquered some amazing challenge.

  He felt someone pat his arm.

  Looking down in his son’s tearstained face, he felt his heart grow about six sizes—just like the Grinch. “Hey, buddy, I’m glad you decided to join us.”

  Micah rested his head against Drew’s hip for a moment. Then wedged himself into Annie’s lap.

  “Are you tired, sweetie?” she murmured.

  Micah didn’t answer, simply slipped his thumb in his mouth and went boneless in her arms.

  Ivy handed him a buttered hamburger bun. “He played pretty hard with the older kids. It probably tuckered him out trying to keep up. My youngest still throws a tantrum if she gets overtired. Mom’s got the guest bedroom all childproofed. Let me know when you want him to nap, and I’ll show you.”

  Micah chewed on the bun, his eyelids drooping. “No…nap,” he mumbled.

  Drew hoped they weren’t in for a repeat performance. “Man, have I got a lot to learn.”

  Annie rested her hand on his arm. “We both do.”

  He felt that heart expansion thing happen again. Only this time, he was also afraid. How could he be so reckless as to fall for Annie? Their situation was complicated enough without muddying it up with some sort of chemical attraction.

  Or worse yet, falling for her if she didn’t feel the same….

  ANNIE CONTINUED TO ROCK Micah for a few minutes even though he’d fallen asleep. Just to feel the weight of him in her lap, cuddled to her chest. To inhale the scent of his shampoo and try not to mourn the passing of his babyhood.

  The quiet soothed her after an afternoon spent with a bunch of strangers. They were wonderful people, but she felt them watching. Measuring her worth as a mother and as a companion to Drew. Did they realize there was no romantic relationship?

  But recalling the way Drew had stroked her cheek, she was sure he cared for her. Would that be a bad thing?

  She rested her head against Micah’s. She just didn’t know. Drew’s life was becoming enmeshed with theirs when she had naively thought they could keep it compartmentalized—neat and safe.

  She had the feeling things could get a whole lot messier and she simply didn’t know what to do to stop it.

  Finally, when she couldn’t hide any longer, Annie placed Micah on the bed, tucking pillows in on either side so he wouldn’t roll off. She snagged a diet soda from the cooler on her way outside, sparing only one longing glance at Beth’s kitchen.

  The woman herself materialized when Annie walked outside. “Did you get him to sleep?”

  “Yes. He was out like a light once he quit fighting it.”

  “Poor guy. Probably afraid he might miss something. Would you like to sit with me in the shade over there? Or would you rather join the volleyball game?”

  Annie smiled as she eyed the raucous teams, which included adults, children and a golden retriever. “Today, I’m grateful to sit out.”

  They walked over and sat on two upholstered wicker chairs. Beth sighed, propping her feet on a matching ottoman. “Oh, this is what I needed. I’ve forgotten how wonderfully exhausting a group this size can be.”

  “Yet you make hosting seem so effortless.”

  “It’s a joy. Especially having the soldiers here that Orion loved like sons. But…I miss my husband.”

  Annie’s heart went out to the woman. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  Beth smiled. “Thank you. It helps having his friends and their children around. I’m so glad Drew was able to bring you and Micah today. I’ve never seen him happier.”

  Annie warmed at the compliment. “Really?”

  “Fatherhood agrees with him. I think you do, too.”

  “We’re not…dating or anything.”

  “That surprises me. Because he looks at you as if he wishes you were.”

  “Drew and I…didn’t know each other well when Micah was conceived. So I’m learning about him as we go along.” Annie was mortified that she’d confided the one fact she’d wanted to keep under wraps.

  But Beth inspired confidence.

  “What would you like to know about him?” There was a mischievous glint in the woman’s eyes. “His bad habits? Old girlfriends?”

  “Wow. Carte blanche. And I can’t think of a thing. I’m sure I’ll remember a zillion questions after we l
eave.”

  “Then you’ll have to call me. I can tell you that Drew is an extraordinary man. He has great heart and loyalty. And depth.”

  “I’ve noticed he seems to miss Orion.”

  Beth seemed absorbed in the volleyball game. “How much has he told you about his time in Iraq?”

  “Drew said he feels really close to the people he served with. I get the feeling he still feels responsible for them, and maybe a little guilty that he came home while some are still there. And he told me about the day that…Orion died.”

  Nodding, Beth said, “Orion’s death hit him particularly hard. They had a special bond. Closer almost than father and son. I don’t think Drew has completely processed his grief. Could be he’s afraid to let himself feel it.”

  “He hasn’t confided in me much about his feelings. He said the army isn’t good about getting them the kind of counseling they need. But that was mostly about what they could expect adjusting to being home again.”

  Beth shrugged. “The army does the best it can. But the sheer number of soldiers who need help is overwhelming. And many of the guys won’t ask for it. Orion was the one Drew would have opened up to about something like this.”

  “What do you think he would tell Orion?”

  “That he never should have died on that road to Mosul. That Drew would trade places with him if he could. And that he feels responsible when he really shouldn’t.”

  “Drew feels responsible?”

  “Yes.” Beth eyes misted. “Orion died because he took Drew’s seat. It was a joke and so like my husband….”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  DREW WATCHED STEVE down another beer as if it were water. His friend didn’t stagger, didn’t slur his words, and that’s what particularly concerned Drew. That and the fact that it was somehow disrespectful to get hammered at Beth’s house during her first party since Orion’s death. He’d never known Steve to be disrespectful to a woman or superior officer. And in a way, Beth was both.

  Drew tried to tell himself it wasn’t his business.

  But something prodded him to follow Steve to the ice chest a few minutes later.

  Steve was reaching for another beer when Drew said, “Hey, I haven’t had a chance to catch up with you today, find out what’s going on stateside.”