Traveling with kids was no picnic, but he took it all in stride, never once raising his voice. He loved her kids and they loved him right back. Carl would be the perfect stepfather…so patient and kind.
And soooo sexy!
If only he wasn’t in the army.
She couldn’t stand the long absences again, the uncertainty, the fear. She didn’t marry to spend her time alone with only her kids for companionship, but that’s how it had been.
“Mommy, can we go swimming?” Nathan asked.
“Not until your breakfast settles,” she replied, seeing pouts of displeasure as she spoke. “But we can go play in the sand.”
“Yippee!” chorused the children.
“Take your dirty dishes to the counter and then go get ready.”
“Okay, Mommy,” said Becky. At three, she was a very independent little girl.
“If you need help, call me,” said Poppy as she watched them run down the hall to their rooms.
“How about another coffee while we wait?”
“While we wait?” Poppy laughed softly. “Those two will be back carrying sand buckets and shovels before it even gets poured. Besides, I should go change back into a swimsuit.”
Carl looked down at himself. “I didn’t have time to change out of mine. Nathan got me cooking.”
“So I see,” she said, smiling as he stood. “Cute suit. Love the color.”
“I keep a supply on hand here. I hate putting on a wet pair of swim trunks.”
Poppy frowned as his words sank in. “This isn’t a rental, is it?”
“Oops! Caught me. You’re quick on the uptake.”
“Why did you say it was?” she asked, already suspecting the reason.
“I didn’t think you’d come if I told you it was my house.”
She nodded. “You were right. I probably wouldn’t have.”
“Why not? It’s no different than my staying at your place,” he countered.
“True, but I wish you hadn’t felt the need to lie about it.” She rose to take her plate to the sink, rinsed it and the kids’ dishes, and placed them in the dishwasher.
“I didn’t lie about your needing a vacation. And I didn’t lie about wanting you here. We’ll have a summer to remember and so will the kids. Forgive me?”
She turned to face him and registered the look of concern on his face. He was right. She needed this and so did the children. “Yes, of course I forgive you. Do you realize the kids and I have never been on a vacation? Day trips and a few overnighters, but not an all out vacation.”
“Never? Really?”
“Nope, not even when Peter was alive. So thank you, from all of us.”
“You are so welcome. And for what it’s worth, I am real glad you’re here to share this part of my life with me.”
He stepped closer. Was he going to kiss her again? He bent his head and she tilted hers back, eagerly anticipating his kiss. Then he stepped back and away from her. She felt confused, slightly bereft.
“Little footsteps,” he said in explanation.
“Oh.” Once again, she’d forgotten the children in her need to connect with this man. She should have been listening for their footsteps. She should have been the one to pull away.
“What is it, Poppy? What’s wrong?”
She told him, whispering so the kids wouldn’t hear, and then dropped her head in shame.
“That’s nonsense. You’re only human.” He reached out a finger and nudged her head up, his gaze steady as he looked into her eyes. “I know for a fact that you put your kids first in everything. This is your vacation as much as it is theirs. I told you I’d help with the kids and I meant it. I’m probably just more conscious because I’m not used to having kids around. Now relax and enjoy yourself.”
“All right. I’ll change and be right back.”
She undressed, grabbed her black swimsuit, pulled it on, and looked in the mirror. It had a tummy slimming panel that she appreciated, not that she was overweight. It was just that it smoothed the line of her in profile and made her feel better…maybe even somewhat sexy…a first for her. She’d never considered herself a sensual being, but in Carl’s arms, she came alive, felt the passion when their lips met.
Was it love? Or just lust from having abstained from sex for so long? Or was it that she just needed someone to love her…someone male over the age of five. She loved her children and had their love in return, but it wasn’t enough.
At least, not anymore.
Chapter Nine
Summer was rushing by much too fast. Carl stood at the railing and watched the sunset wishing Poppy was there to share it with him, but she was bathing the children and getting them ready for bed.
He’d begun to despair of ever reaching Poppy in a man-woman relationship. They got along well enough, and kissed and cuddled on a regular basis, but that was all. He didn’t push for more than she was willing to give, although some days it was tempting.
They’d gotten into the routine of a morning swim after breakfast and then cleaning up to go sightseeing. Carl was happy to act as their official guide…anything to interest them in the community.
One of the first trips he’d taken them on was to Sullivan’s Island, where they’d learned all about sea turtles. Nathan had been truly impressed and very interested. Becky, not so much. His heart still thumped in remembrance whenever he thought about her reaction to a turtle that was bigger than she was. She’d clung to him, afraid, and wouldn’t let go. Her little arms almost choking him, he’d left Poppy and Nathan to continue the tour while he’d taken Becky to get an ice cream. Worked like a charm. She’d reverted to the pleasant little girl he’d come to know and love.
If only Poppy would allow them to be a family. These past few months, the four of them spending time together, made him really want to make it official. He wanted to be her lover and a father to her children.
He understood her reluctance to get involved with another army man, but he wasn’t a hot-dogger as Peter had been. Granted, that wasn’t what had gotten him killed, but what had been surprising to Carl was that Peter hadn’t gotten himself injured or killed on numerous previous occasions. He’d taken too many unnecessary chances, especially with a woman as fine as Poppy waiting for him at home.
The slide of the patio door alerted him to her presence. Tonight, he’d arranged for a babysitter through one of the local nanny services and he and Poppy were going on a dinner cruise. This particular cruise had live music and dancing afterward. It was so popular among locals and tourists both that he’d had to make the reservation a full week in advance.
He turned to her now, totally unprepared to see her in formal wear. The flowing, sleeveless, white dress showed off the newly acquired tan of her upper body while a slit down one side showed off her tanned legs when she walked. And those heels! Open sandals that laced up around her ankle drew his libido to attention. He smiled and reached for her. Her body was to die for in a swimsuit, but the slinky and very sexy gown she wore hugged every curve. The urge to peel it off struck him just as the doorbell chimed.
“That must be the nanny,” he said.
“I’ll let her in and show her around. Then we’re good to go,” Poppy said, already walking back through the living room.
Carl followed, closing and locking the patio door behind him. He grabbed a pen and notepad and wrote down his cell phone number and the name and number of the cruise line in case there wasn’t any cell phone service.
When the ladies came back down the hall, he crossed the room to intercept them. “Hello, I’m Carl Anders. I’ve written down the numbers where you can reach us, just in case.”
“Thank you,” said the nanny. “But I’m sure I will manage.”
“The children are sleeping and will probably stay that way until morning,” said Poppy. “They seldom wake through the night.”
“You just go and have a good time. Don’t worry about things here. We’ll be fine.”
“Yes, I’m sure you
will. I checked your references and you come highly recommended. If you don’t have any questions, we’ll be off now,” said Carl.
“Not a one.”
“Call if you need us,” said Poppy, grabbing a white shawl off a chair on their way out.
He opened the passenger door and she slipped inside, the slit in the side of her dress opening and showing a great deal of bare leg in the process. Carl swallowed past the lump of desire lodged in his throat and walked slowly around the car as he found himself at half-mast.
“It’s not far to the marina,” he said as normally as he could when he took his place behind the wheel. “We’ll be on the water in no time.”
Poppy aimed a shrewd look his way but only nodded, a secret smile playing around her mouth.
He parked as close to the boat as he could in deference to her high heels. All he needed was for her to stumble and sprain an ankle. That would definitely put a damper on their evening.
“Wow! That’s not just any boat. It’s a yacht,” she said with her voice filled with amazement.
“Nothing but the best for my girl,” he replied. “Since we need to head back to your place tomorrow, I wanted this evening to be one for you to remember.”
“Carl, this entire summer has been filled with good memories thanks to you. I’ve especially enjoyed sprucing up your flower gardens and selecting the potted ferns for the deck.”
“I’m glad you’ve enjoyed being here.” He got out and went around the car, opening her door and escorting her up the boardwalk onto the boat. A crewmember in a pristine white uniform stood at the entrance with a clipboard.
“Could I have your name, please?” he asked.
“Anders, Carl Anders and guest.”
He checked his list and looked up. “Welcome aboard. Cocktails are being served on the upper deck. Enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you,” said Carl, placing her arm in his as they walked toward the stairs leading upward. He glanced at the metal grid steps. “Will you be able to walk up in those heels, or should I carry you?” he asked.
“Hmmm, for you to carry me would put extra weight on your bad leg and I want to dance later. So, I’ll walk up on tiptoes if I have to.”
She smiled mischievously at him and his world tilted. Bad leg or not, nothing would keep him from holding her close while they danced.
“Shall we tour this level and see if there are any inside stairs leading up?” he asked.
“Oh, that sounds like a perfect solution. Do you really think there is another staircase?”
“Only one way to find out.” He led her through a set of double doors into a large dining room set up for at least eighty guests.
“This is nice,” she said, “but I fear I wore the wrong dress. Everything is so white.”
“You and your dress are just perfect,” he said, his hungry gaze looking her over from head to toe and back again. “Come on. Let’s find those stairs.”
They walked the perimeter of the room until they came across an exit sign.
“This must be it,” he said as he pushed the door open. “Nope. It just leads back out onto the main deck.”
They continued around the room to another door, which he promptly opened. “Eureka! Found it. After you, my dear Poppy,” he said executing a courtly bow and a flourish of his hand in that direction.
Poppy giggled and started to climb.
“I must say that I enjoy the view from here,” he said, which caused Poppy to stumble. “Sorry,” he said as he reached out his arms to steady her.
“Carl, you’re a real rascal at times,” she admonished with a smile.
He chuckled. “Guilty as charged.”
They reached the top deck and she turned, linking her arm with his as they proceeded toward the noise of people partying.
“Wow! This is a lot of people,” she said as they joined the crowd.
“Yes, I think the brochure stated that they can seat eighty-five.”
“I hope they have a big kitchen.”
“Galley. On a boat the kitchen is referred to as a galley.”
“Okay. Look at all the finely dressed people. And the jewels! Geez! There’s a small fortune in this room.” She fingered the diamond pendant she wore and he realized she was nervous.
“You are beautiful, Poppy. The other women here couldn’t possibly compare. If anything, some are too overdressed.”
“Thank you.”
A waiter appeared in front of them with a tray of appetizers, while another steward held flutes of champagne.
“Do you recognize anyone here?” she asked as he took two glasses and passed one to her.
He took a moment to glance around at the assemblage and then shook his head. “A couple of the men look vaguely familiar, but names escape me, which is just as well.”
“Why do you consider that a good thing?” she asked, popping a savory scallop into her mouth.
“Because tonight is for us,” he said and he clinked his glass against hers. “To us and whatever the future may hold.”
An expression of sadness crossed her features quickly replaced with a dazzling smile.
“To us and the future. May we be healthy, happy, and prosperous.”
Their glasses clicked together again and they sipped the champagne.
“Welcome aboard,” said a booming voice from the front of the deck. “I am your Captain. We’ll be underway in a few moments. Please make your way to the main deck and have a seat in the dining room. Dinner will be served shortly after we leave the marina. Enjoy.”
“Come on. I reserved a table for two but I think we should scurry down and make sure our names are on one.”
They retraced their steps and took their seats at a semi-private table. The band was warming up with a few slow tunes from their position on a raised dais at the front of the room. Someone had turned the lights down and stewards rushed around lighting the candle centerpieces on each table.
“This is nice,” she said. “A perfect way to end our vacation.”
Carl heard the wistfulness in her voice. “It doesn’t have to end. You and the kids can stay for as long as you want to.”
She shook her head. “I have a home and a job to get back to, and I need to get Nathan ready for school, but thanks anyway. We’ve all had a super time.”
“Glad to have you. You know that.”
“Yes, I do know. You’re a generous man, Carl.”
“Always will be where you and the children are concerned. The place will seem so empty when you’re gone.”
She bowed her head and fidgeted with her napkin. “Maybe so, but you’ll be back on active duty next month. You won’t have time to miss us.”
“Is that really what you think?” he asked. How else could he show her how much he loved her?
She straightened her shoulders and looked him in the eye. “Well, the army is your life, the same as it was Peter’s.”
“The army is my career, Poppy. You and the kids are my life. I’m not sure how to make that any plainer.”
Their dinner arrived, interrupting their conversation. More wine was passed around as the band played slow melodies. He picked up his fork and began to eat, but the meal might as well have been sawdust, for all the attention he gave it. He noticed Poppy wasn’t eating much either, just steadily pushing the food around her plate.
Unable to stand the tension a moment longer, he put down his fork with a clatter that had some eyes focusing on them from nearby tables. Carl rose and went around the table to kneel beside Poppy the best he could with a bum leg. He took a small jeweler’s box from the pocket of his tuxedo and opened it for her to see the perfect diamond mounted on a gold band. “Marry me, Poppy. Make me the happiest man on Earth.”
“Marry? You’re asking me to marry you?”
“Yes, of course. What did you think I was leading up to?”
“Oh, I don’t know. An affair? A summer fling? I never thought of you as the marrying kind.”
“What kind of man am
I then?”
“I thought you just wanted a summer romance,” she said as a rosy blush colored her cheeks.
“I do. Every summer, autumn, winter, and spring for years to come. I love you, Poppy.”
“Oh!”
“So, will you marry me and allow me to adopt your children as my own?”
She flung herself into his arms almost knocking him on his behind.
“Yes! Yes, I will marry you,” she cried. “I love you and I’ve had a difficult time staying away from you and those strong arms.”
The crowd erupted in a burst of applause and congratulations.
Poppy buried her face in his chest in embarrassment and Carl knew he sported the widest, happiest grin of any man alive.
A Soldier for Poppy Page 7
