Welcome Home, Daddy

by Carrie Weaver

  “Well, I guess….”

  His hopes rose.

  Shaking her head, she said, “I’m sorry, Drew, I forgot. We’re going up to my mom’s cabin in Payson this weekend.”

  “That means I won’t see you at all.”

  Micah tugged on Annie’s pant leg. “Daddy come Granmma’s?”

  “Um, I don’t think so, sweetie.”

  “You’ve got to admit, it’s a good solution. I’d get to meet your mom and Micah’s grandmother, and you and I would be properly chaperoned. Both you and your mother would be there to give me child-rearing pointers.”

  Annie tapped her chin.

  “Please?” Micah was at his most persuasive.

  Annie smiled. “You two don’t play fair. I’ll call Grandma tonight and see if it’s okay with her.”

  Micah wrapped his arms around her thigh and hugged for all he was worth. “Yay!”

  “We don’t know for sure Grandma will say yes….”

  But Micah didn’t seem to hear her. To him, it was a done deal.

  Drew only hoped that Micah had his grandmother wrapped as tightly around his finger as Annie said.

  DREW WHISTLED IN TUNE with the stereo as they headed up the Beeline Highway on Saturday morning. With Annie beside him and Micah in his safety seat in the back, everything seemed perfect, except for the small, nagging doubt that he might not be able to deliver on his promise to her. Would the army allow him to pick and choose his assignments? Would compromising to stay out of danger be a form of turning his back on the soldiers he felt compelled to help?

  Drew resolved to put his doubts out of his mind. He was doing what he needed to do for his family, and it would all work out. For now, he needed to show Annie what a great father he could be. And how great they could be together as a couple, too. After this weekend, he’d bet she’d be sure.

  “What are you grinning about?”

  He glanced sideways at her. “Nothing in particular. It just seems like a beautiful day for a drive.”

  “You certain you don’t mind driving? We could have taken my car.”

  “We’ve got more cargo room in the truck. And with all the stuff you brought for Micah, we need it. You really think we’ll use all this?”

  “You still have to ask?”

  He chuckled. “No, I guess not. Micah seems a little big to be sleeping in the portable playpen, though.”

  “I know. But I haven’t figured out an alternative yet. He’ll fall out if he sleeps in Mom’s bed. And I don’t want him running around unsupervised in the loft while we’re sleeping. I’m afraid he’ll take a tumble.”

  Drew patted Annie’s knee, a friendly gesture. That is, until he imagined trailing his hand up her bare thigh.

  Would a chaperone be able to keep his libido in line? His body was reminding him it had been a very long time.

  He steered his thoughts toward the least sexy topic he could. “So, um, tell me about your mother.”

  A little recon before meeting her couldn’t hurt, either.

  “She’s great. Strong and calm, with a bit of a free spirit thrown in. But she wasn’t always so pulled together. It was rough after my dad died. It almost seemed as if she…died, too.”

  “How old were you?”

  “Five.”

  He clasped her hand. “That’s hard. I can’t imagine…How did he die?”

  Annie stared out the window. “A rock-climbing accident. It was awful.”

  “Losing a parent at that age would be hard for anyone, I’m sure.”

  “No, I mean the accident was awful. I saw him fall. I saw…his body land in the ravine.”

  Drew touched her hair, wishing he could hold her. “I’m so sorry,” he murmured.

  “I’ve always sworn my child would never have to face something like that. That’s why I can’t stand the thought of you being in combat. Being separated would be difficult, but knowing you were in danger every day would be impossible.”

  Drew’s optimism plummeted. Could he honestly promise her he would never, ever be in a dangerous situation?

  He could make that promise if he didn’t rejoin the army. But he didn’t think he could look himself in the mirror if he didn’t. He released a frustrated sigh. The timing of it all just sucked.

  “Hey, is something the matter?” Annie asked.

  “Nah.” He forced a smile, determined to enjoy this weekend. No decisions had to be made this very minute. “I, um, thought of a bill I forgot to pay before I left. So…we used to sing songs when we went on long car rides when I was a kid. Does Micah know any?”

  “It just so happens—” Annie unzipped her purse and pulled out a CD “—I brought something we could sing along to. The soundtrack to the Veggie Tales movie you bought him.”

  “Am I going to regret this?”

  “No, it’s not as bad as some. And Micah loves the songs.”

  “In that case, go ahead and pop it in.” He tried hard to recover his former good mood. Mostly he succeeded.

  Mostly.

  ANNIE GREW NERVOUS AS they pulled into the circular drive outside the little A-frame.

  As usual, her mother was out front watering. Except this time, June hesitated beside the unfamiliar truck. She didn’t pounce on her grandson.

  What if this weekend turned out to be a disaster? What if her mother didn’t like Drew? She’d rarely liked the guys Annie had dated. But then again, in hindsight, none of them had been all that likable.

  But Drew was a great guy through and through.

  The thought made Annie sweat. She was afraid she was falling hard for the man.

  “I’ll get the squirt,” Drew said as he shut off the engine and opened the door.

  Annie got out and hugged her mom. “This is the first time you’ve ever come to greet me first.”

  June laughed. “It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I couldn’t see through the tinted windows to check where Micah was.”

  Drew walked around the back of the truck, carrying a sleepy toddler.

  “Hi, Mrs. Marsh. I’m Drew Vincent.” He extended his hand.

  “Call me June.” She batted his hand away and gave him a hug that included Micah.

  Annie was stunned. And somewhat irritated. She swung the diaper bag over her shoulder.

  “You’ve never accepted any of the guys I’ve brought around. You’ve never been shy about letting them know, either. But all Drew has to do is get me knocked up and he’s okay?”

  “Annie, watch what you say. Little pitchers have—”

  “Big ears.” Micah clapped his hands.

  Her mother beamed, as if Micah was the most gifted child on the planet. Which, of course, he was.

  “Come here, you little dumpling.” June extended her arms to him and he gladly transferred.

  Drew fell into step with Annie. “I can see how easily replaced I am. I’ll come out for the bags in a minute.”

  “Oh, Grandma is the supreme ruler of the universe as far as he’s concerned. They have kind of a mutual-admiration thing going on.”

  Drew gave her a funny look.

  “What?” Annie asked.

  “I have the feeling my mom will want a shot at that ruler of the universe title.”

  “I guess it would be unreasonable if I suggested you didn’t tell her?”

  “Yes.” He hesitated. “It’s tempting, though—my mom can be intense. That’s why I put off telling her till we get back on Sunday.”

  Annie shrugged philosophically. “That’s two days away. You may run screaming from here after a mere twenty-four hours with us. We’re a scary bunch.”

  “Somehow I doubt that.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “I like the Marshes. All of them.” He whistled a tune as they climbed the steps to the A-frame.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  ANNIE DRIED THE LUNCH dishes after her mom washed and rinsed them. The familiar routine relaxed her. She savored the constants.

  Especially since her relationship with Drew was so new and
her emotions so intense.

  “They’re all just big kids, you know.” Her mom gazed out the kitchen window to where Drew was showing Micah how to pitch horseshoes—Micah’s were lightweight plastic in bright primary colors, Drew’s were the real deal.

  Micah picked up the horseshoe with both hands, squatted and did a granny shot.

  “Men?”

  “Yes. Look at the fun they’re having.”

  “Everything can’t be fun. It’s a parent’s job to teach a child.”

  “Definitely. But who says it can’t be fun, too?”

  “Mmm.” Annie was afraid to embrace the once-familiar concept of fun. She wasn’t sure she even remembered how, she’d been responsible for so long.

  Placing the dry plate on the counter, she took another from the drainer, wondering what her life would have been like if her father had been a little less concerned with having fun and a lot more concerned with safety.

  Yet as she watched Drew help Micah, holding his hands steady while he threw, she ached at the sight of them together, so in tune with each other.

  “See, he’s teaching him how to follow through.” June’s tone said “I told you so.” “Follow through is important in life, as well as in sports.”

  “Yes, but it can be learned in other ways. I doubt there are many chess injuries in the emergency room. He actually allowed Micah to watch wrestling on TV the other day.”

  “Bumps and bruises are a part of growing up. And our children don’t always take our preferences into account.”

  Annie glanced sideways at her mother. “Is there a point to that remark?”

  “Several.”

  The twinkle in her mom’s eyes made Annie smile. She nudged her with her shoulder. “Maybe I wouldn’t make so many mistakes if you’d just come out and tell me what I’m doing wrong.”

  “Ah, but where’s the lesson in that? The best lessons are those we learn for ourselves. I’ll admit it’s hard to watch your child get hurt in the process, though.”

  “But I know you’re always there for me,” Annie answered. “It gives me the courage to keep trying.”

  “And that’s what you’ll do for Micah.”

  Annie wasn’t ready to cede the point. “What lessons have you learned for yourself?”

  Her mom gazed out at the yard as if seeing something on the horizon. “I’ve learned that never can be a very long time.”

  “That’s cryptic. Want to elaborate?”

  June shook her head, her smile secretive.

  “Why won’t you tell me?” Then Annie noticed the heightened color in her mother’s cheeks. “You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”

  When June didn’t respond, she squealed, “You have! Who is he? How did you meet? Are you in love?”

  “Shh. I’m not ready to share yet. It’s still very new and I want to savor it.”

  Annie understood better than her mother probably knew. Wasn’t that exactly how she felt about this fragile relationship starting with Drew? Still, the suspense was killing her.

  “Mom. I hate secrets.”

  “I know you do, dear. But please, be patient.”

  “Patience is not one of my virtues, especially where secrets are concerned.”

  “Oh, I know. I will tell you one thing, though. He reminds me of your father. His spirit is very similar.”

  “Like Dad? Is he a daredevil?”

  “Not a daredevil. But he relishes a challenge. He says that’s what attracted him to me…He also reminds me a bit of your Drew.”

  Annie glanced away, unable to meet her mother’s questioning gaze. “He’s not my Drew.”

  Yet.

  “If this mystery man’s spirit is similar to Dad’s, and Drew reminds you of the mystery man, does that mean Drew reminds you of Dad?”

  “There are…similarities in their personalities.”

  Annie’s stomach dropped. She studied Drew through the window. He was vital and strong, a man who would take care of himself and his loved ones. Hadn’t he already proved that to her by compromising on his career choices?

  As if sensing her scrutiny, Drew turned and waved—just as Micah picked up one of the iron horseshoes with both hands and whirled with it, colliding with the back of Drew’s knees.

  He let out a yelp and toppled.

  Annie dropped the dish towel and ran outside. She reached Drew just as he was getting up.

  Micah’s eyes widened as he realized he’d hurt him. “Daddy?” He tentatively patted his leg.

  “I’m okay, buddy. We need you to stick to the toy horseshoes a while longer. You’re a strong kid!”

  From the doorway June chuckled. “Yes, very similar.”

  Annie didn’t know whether to scold Drew or Micah. So she simply turned and followed her mother into the house.

  DREW ROCKED SLOWLY ON the porch swing, breathing deeply. The screened-in area allowed them to enjoy the chilly, pine-scented evening air without worrying about mosquitos.

  Micah snuggled closer as Drew wrapped his arm around the boy. He felt such contentment he never wanted the moment to end.

  Crickets chirped, and somewhere in the distance a coyote yipped.

  The screen door squeaked and Annie’s mother came out and settled in an Adirondack chair.

  “You’ve got a beautiful place here, June.”

  “Thank you.” She leaned her head back. “It suits me.”

  The swing creaked as Drew pushed with his foot.

  “You care about my daughter.” It wasn’t a question.

  “Yes, I do.”

  June’s gaze was intense. “Do you love her?”

  “You don’t waste any time, do you?”

  “No, I learned long ago that life’s too fleeting to beat around the bush.”

  “I’m not sure how to answer your question.”

  “That’s an answer in itself.”

  Drew could sense her disappointment. He couldn’t put into words his feelings for Annie. But maybe he could set June’s mind at ease.

  “I would never knowingly hurt your daughter.”

  She smiled slightly. “That’s good to know.”

  He rocked, she took a sip of her coffee.

  As Micah started to nod off Drew placed a kiss on top of his head. “Big day, huh?”

  Micah’s only answer was to crawl into his lap.

  Drew cradled his son as the boy fell asleep.

  “You’re good for them.” June’s comment took him by surprise. He’d almost forgotten she was there.

  “I hope so. They’re very good for me.”

  “Then we won’t worry about the rest.”

  The screen door squeaked again as Annie came outside.

  “Am I interrupting something?”

  “No, we were just chatting, dear. Have a seat.” June gestured to the spot on the swing Micah had vacated.

  Drew slowed the swing with his foot, and after a moment’s hesitation, Annie eased down next to him.

  He started it in motion again.

  She settled in, hip to hip with him, brushing back Micah’s hair. “He’s all tuckered out.”

  June got up. “Why don’t I put him in his pajamas and tuck him into bed? I bet he won’t even wake up.”

  “That would be nice, Mom. Thanks.”

  June lifted Micah from Drew’s lap, murmuring, “Come on, sweetie. Grandma’s got you.”

  Quiet descended after she went inside. Then the crickets tuned up again.

  Annie sighed. “I love it here. It’s so peaceful.”

  “Yeah. And the company’s not bad, either. I like your mom.”

  “She likes you, too. Says you remind her of my dad.”

  Drew was pleased with the comparison. “And he was her great love.”

  “He was larger than life. I remember they used to laugh a lot. And touch. Even as a small child, I noticed that physical connection.”

  Drew stretched his arm out on the seat back behind her.

  Annie rested her head on his arm. “My child
hood before my dad died seems almost like a fairy tale to me now. We were so happy.”

  “How did you end up being there when the…accident happened?”

  “We’d all gone on a picnic. Dad decided to take a short climb while my mom and I picked berries. I could see him moving up the face of the cliff. He reminded me of Spider-Man. I thought he was superhuman, that nothing bad could ever happen to him. And nothing bad could happen to us while we were with him.”

  Drew squeezed her shoulder. He wanted to spare her pain, wanted to be the one to protect her. But he wanted to know everything about her, the happy and the sad.

  “What exactly happened?”

  “He just fell. A freak thing. Nobody ever figured out for sure why. I expected him to stand up and be okay. But he didn’t.”

  “Wow.”

  “My whole life changed after that. It was like the bottom dropped out.”

  “I’m sorry, Annie.”

  She shrugged. “I got past it.”

  He had to wonder if she really had gotten past it. Wondered if she avoided risks because of the loss, not allowing Micah to enjoy regular boy stuff.

  In the long run, did the reason matter? Understanding Annie’s obsession wouldn’t change her, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to. Her vulnerability, as well as her strength, had been what attracted him the first night they’d met.

  But as Micah’s father, he would see that the boy had enough freedom to grow up like any other kid. He would pick his battles very carefully, though.

  ANNIE GLANCED AROUND, enjoying the crystal-blue sky, the cool fresh breeze. The sight of Micah riding in a toddler backpack on Drew’s shoulders. The knowledge that her mother was following them. It was a wonderful day to hike to the Water Wheel Falls.

  By the time they reached the picnic area, the straps of her small day pack were cutting into her shoulders. Yet Drew’s stride never faltered as he carried Micah with ease.

  Her mom caught up with her at a wide spot in the trail. “Your dad used to carry you like that.”

  “I’ve got vague memories…”

  “You used to love riding in the pack. Or on his shoulders. You said you were a giant.”

  Annie suddenly remembered being way up high, laughing, as her father took huge steps. “He used to say ‘Fee-fi-fo-fum.’”