Carefully, and with great focus, he walked toward them both. His attendant appeared in the doorway behind him, watching his feet. His forehead bore sweat from the exertion he was making, but Gerud could see how important it was that he walk on his own. Though the man’s skin was sallow and had lost its dewy radiance, his eyes sparkled with some fire from within. He first smiled at Adele, and then turned his face to Gerud, extending his hands.
Gerud gripped the gnarled cool hands of a man in pain, yet working hard not to show it. The connection between the two was unmistakable as Gerud held firm and gave the man the gift of his youth and strength. His eyes were the same as Gerud’s own eyes, the shape of his nose long and slender like his own.
“Nice to meet you, son, if I may call you that?”
“Of course. I—I’m still getting used to all this, so—”
“You can call me Rob. It is enough that we meet, at last. What you call me is unimportant.”
He adjusted his upper torso with difficulty and addressed Adele. “And you look as lovely as I remember.”
Gerud watched his mother bite her lower lip as her eyes filled with tears. “Rob, it’s been a long time.”
Peterson was going to reach for her, but his grip became unsteady and instantly the attendant was there to help him stand, and then led him to the wheelchair nearby.
“You did very well, sir,” he told Peterson.
The older man gave a dismissive wave off. “I’m afraid these days of being able to walk are growing rarer.”
Gerud instinctively took his mother’s hand and squeezed it.
Alex turned Peterson around in the chair and headed toward the rear of the home. He looked back at the two of them. “We’ve prepared some refreshments for you. He likes to go outside on the patio where it’s sunny this time of day. Will you join us?”
From the back, Peterson’s slouching form made him look twenty years older. Gerud was grateful they hadn’t waited any longer to meet.
“Are they coming?” Gerud heard Peterson ask Alex.
“Yup, right behind us, sir.”
A painted white table with a striped multicolored umbrella secured in the center was set for four. Peterson was positioned up to the table in his wheelchair. “Gerud, Adele, please sit on either side of me so I can hear.”
Alex took his seat across from Peterson.
“So, now that we’re all together, I’m afraid I’m a little shy. I’ve thought about it for so many years, and I was worried—well, you know.”
It was unsettling to meet his father for the first time, and also experience that he was leaving them at the same time. Visions of the funeral flashed through his mind, the sight of Burt Green’s body lying stiff and unnatural in front of him being most prominent. It felt like that scene was happening all over again, despite trying to wipe his memory of it. He could feel something bubbling up inside, some emotion he couldn’t put a name to. All of this was uncharted territory.
“You want to ask me any questions, Gerud? I have no experience in this, so forgive me if I just make pleasant conversation until, hopefully, we can feel more comfortable being around each other. At least, that is my goal for today.”
Gerud’s heart was about to burst wide open. His eyes stung and he held a tight rein on any emotion that dared to escape. What was this going on inside him? He couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
Gerud cleared his throat, which had become dry and parched. “Do you have a family?” he finally found the courage to ask.
“I always thought I would. But I was just working. Very involved in my business and my real estate investments. I had good friends I traveled with, and worked side by side with. But one day, I turned around, and everyone had gone. They’d gotten married, or I’d lost contact with them. I never paid attention to that until it was too late. I figured maybe some day Adele would come visit me.”
“I’m sorry, Rob. I truly am.”
“No, you were honoring the deal we made. I signed on to it too. We kept to that agreement, for Gerud’s benefit.”
Adele examined her lap.
“But you got my cards, right?” He turned to Gerud. “Not sure if your mother told you but I sent cards on your birthday every year, just so she’d know I was still alive.”
“She told me.”
“I saved them all, Rob. Burt never knew.”
“I was sad to hear about Burt. I know you loved him very much. Did your other son tell you I was at the funeral?”
“Yes, he told me. I didn’t realize until you had gone that you were even there.”
“Well, Burt had been good to me, and if it weren’t for him, I’d have never met you. So it was only fitting that I pay my respects to you all.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Gerud and his mother stared at each other as if deciding what to ask or what to say. He thought of something.
“I was told you invest in real estate. I have a Broker’s license as well. My fa—Burt was teaching me things.”
Peterson covered Burt’s hand with his. “It doesn’t bother me. You should call him your father because he was. He raised you, Gerud. I’m fine with that. He is owed the respect you show him by calling him such. Who knows? Maybe I would have been a horrible father!” He grinned. “Now, please go on.”
“Well, I also am learning about investments. Probably not nearly like you do, but I’m interested in it.”
“That’s good.” He tapped Jake on the hand. “How do you like the house? You want a tour after lunch?” Peterson asked him.
“Feels like a big old school building. It’s huge.” Gerud blurted out. “I mean—I’m sorry if that sounded—”
Peterson laughed, clasping his hands together. “Yes, kind of ridiculous for one person, I agree.” He leaned into Gerud’s side. “I used to get lost in my own house at first. But I bought it because it was a good deal, and because I could. Now that I’ve had it, well, that just takes one more thing off my bucket list.”
Gerud returned Peterson’s smile.
“My list is a lot shorter than yours. Things are getting kind of rushed these days,” Peterson added.
Adele took his hand. “Rob, please. No more talk about all this. I don’t want to spend our time here talking about—”
Just then, two staff members brought out lunch on trays, along with some ice tea and a pitcher of ice water. Gerud grabbed his glass and nearly downed it without coming up for air. Peterson raised a tall glass filled with what looked like a green smoothie.
“I get the super power lunch. Sorry I didn’t offer. Alex and his buddies have me drinking buckets of juiced kale and claim to be able to perhaps cure me.”
Alex smiled and continued eating. “You never know, sir. It could happen.”
“No harm in trying. I have pancreatic cancer and it goes very fast once it takes hold.”
“And responds well to good, clean food. Lots of greens.”
Peterson whispered, “I’ll be the healthiest looking corpse in the funeral home.”
Adele burst into tears. Gerud got up and put his arms across her neck and shoulders, leaned forward and pressed his cheek against hers. “Don’t, mother.”
She accepted his hug at first, and then waved him off. “Oh, this has been building,” she said between bouts of blowing her nose and wiping her eyes. She let out a big sigh. Alex handed her a box of tissues. “Rob, this is so hard for me. I’m not sure I can do it any longer.”
“Sure you can. You’re the toughest I know.”
“Would you like something else, Mrs. Green?” asked Alex.
“No. I’m good.” She lightly pushed Gerud away. “Go sit down. I’m fine now.” She took in another deep breath and stared at Peterson. “Damn you, Rob Peterson. Cool as a cucumber in the face of—” She melted again and more tears came. “I can’t even say it!”
Peterson watched her. He didn’t console, but just watched with eyes that sparkled as if he was watching her take a bath or swim with her long graceful
body. Gerud saw more love in those eyes than he’d ever seen.
When she settled down, he asked her, “You okay?”
“Yes. I think I’m about cried out now.”
“Of course. I’ve had weeks to get adjusted to my outcome. You two didn’t know until the day before yesterday. I’m so sorry. It was thoughtless of me.”
Gerud looked over the well-manicured lawns and formal gardens behind, full of blooming plants. In the center was a swimming pool twice the size of the one they had in his mother’s yard. It was a garden oasis.
“I can see you like it here, Gerud. This is my favorite place in the whole property. I try to eat breakfast and lunch right here because it makes me happy. I like to watch living things grow. When it’s too hot, I sit just inside, right there by the window.”
Gerud watched his mother’s lower lip quiver occasionally and heard her deep inhales and measured exhales. She avoided eye contact with him because he’d recognize the sadness that emanated across the table and enveloped him. If Peterson noticed, he didn’t show it.
“So now to some unfinished business. First, Gerud, let me tell you what an honor it is to finally get to meet you.”
“Likewise, sir.”
“I’ve wondered over the years what it would be like to have a son. Wondered what you were doing. Wondered what your challenges in life were. I’ve second-guessed our decision many, many times. But, on the whole, I think we made the right choice. Don’t you agree Adele?”
She nodded, but looked up at Gerud to show him she’d calmed down. “I’m sure your dad would have made me leave the house. I couldn’t abandon Jake. That I couldn’t do. Forgive me, Gerud.”
“Not my place to forgive, mom.”
“So, I’ve given lot of thought to our promises, our arrangement and the future, whatever we all have together. I wasn’t there for your growing up, Gerud. But I’d like to help you with the rest of your life. I couldn’t be your father. But I can make you financially independent. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to make you a very wealthy man—to be able to enjoy the things I won’t be able to enjoy going forward. And nothing gives me more pleasure than the thought of this.”
“Mr. Peterson.”
“Rob.”
“Rob. You don’t have to do that.”
“But I want to. This house, this will be for you and your mother to have. Or, to sell it and move anywhere else you want. I have funds set up in your name already, Gerud. I’m providing for your mother as well.”
“But that’s not why we came to visit. We weren’t looking for a handout.”
“I know that. But you’re not going to turn me down, are you?”
Gerud hesitated.
“I want to do it because I can. That’s the best reason of all. Consider me an investor in your future, your advisor in the clouds, so to speak.”
He reached for and grabbed Adele’s hand, putting it to his lips.
“Just knowing that your mother will enjoy seeing you live well and not have to struggle is the greatest joy I could ever receive.”
Now Gerud felt he was on the edge of an outburst. Instead of holding them back, he let the hot tears roll down his cheeks.
“And sir, I promise to make you proud.”
“I know you will, son.”
Chapter 9
GINGER WAS MAKING preparations for a small get-together at the Green house before Jake’s deployment on Friday. He wanted to get his whole blended family together—all the kids and their mothers. Of course he had asked her permission, but that wasn’t something she could deny him. Adele was back from LA with some breaking news about her visit there. She’d been delighted to host the party at her house, and insisted she have it catered.
Jake was looking stunning in his new cotton shirt and slacks, even with his cue ball head. His beginning beard made him look rough and dangerous, and she liked it. The two of them had spent a little time together the day before, wandering the shops, having lunch and just enjoying being a couple.
Ginger bought a new light pink dress with a lowered neckline Jake couldn’t take his eyes off of.
“You know this is going to help me in the competition for your attention, Jake,” she said as she paraded in front of him. He was sitting on the bed, watching her.
“Come here, and let me show you how I show my appreciation, then, sweetheart.”
Put down her hairbrush and presented herself to him. “This dress makes you look like a really good girl, with bad girl thoughts I know you have. I like seeing those thoughts in your eyes when I kiss you.”
“You do?”
“Absolutely,” he said as their lips touched. He ran his hands from the backs of her knees up to squeeze her ass. “Are these the new panties?” He lifted her dress and saw the peach-colored thong underwear he’d picked out.
“Why of course.”
“Don’t you think you should drop those drawers and show me a little thankfulness.”
“Not until tonight, Jake. I want you to think about it all day. I want you so distracted you’ll forget the names of your kids.”
“Unfair.”
“You are more than welcome to punish me all you want, but after we’re alone.”
“We’re alone now.”
“You know what I mean.” She knew it was past time for them to get over to Adele’s. Her pulse had quickened and she looked forward to her libido growing as the afternoon and evening wore on, culminating in what she’d hoped would be a mind-blowing event. Doing this helped her also cope with the thought of missing Jake in just a couple of days. It used to help her by anticipating the reunion than the missing him. She’d adopted several tricks like this in the past. “I like the idea that every time you look at me, you’ll know what I’m anticipating.”
She grinned at him, planted another kiss and began to move away.
“Hold on. You can’t walk away from me that fast.”
Her blood pressure spiked and her panties got wet. But she managed to slip from his grip and walk to the bathroom where she applied her pink lipstick. When she looked back at him, he was still grinning on the side of the bed.
“I have a huge boner.”
“Well, good. That’s exactly what I wanted.”
“All right.” He stood, examining his crotch. “Dayam, woman. You are lethal.”
“Count on it, Jake.”
ON THE WAY over, the girls were singing together. The back of Ginger’s car was loaded up with towels, pool noodles and floaters, as well as sun screen and some sodas and snacks the girls loved.
“I’m going to make a speech.”
Ginger quickly scanned his profile. She hadn’t gotten used to Jake’s lack of hair. She liked the stubble growing, however. “Speech?”
“You’ll see. Got it all planned.”
“Have you really?” She was intrigued.
“See, I’m good at anticipation. Just like you wanted.”
“You’re beginning to have secrets like your father.”
“No secrets, baby. We said that. We hold nothing back. Remember?”
Now she’d wished they were alone. Jake was seriously turning her on. “I like this new you.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “Good.”
They arrived, finding it difficult to park. Two catering trucks were parked end to end, and she recognized Monica and Karlene’s cars, plus several others, including two Hummers Ginger thought might belong to Team Guys. Jake had to park Ginger’s car nearly a half a block away.
The girls ran to the front door ahead of them. Jake was overloaded with baskets of things they’d brought. Ginger had made a plate of cookies and brought some juices the girls wanted.
Once inside the front door, Ginger caught the festive mood right away. Caterers had totally taken over the kitchen, while others were outside serving guests at tables and patio furniture under various bright umbrellas. The girls had already found the water and were playing with a couple other children she knew to be Team kids.
Alex an
d Lucas greeted Jake, rubbing his head and tried to hand him a beer, but he declined. Cooper and Libby were getting their two kids ready for the pool. Danny was in the pool with his two boys, riding herd on Ali, who was using his slingshot to lob water balloons at some of the adults, until Danny stopped him. Kyle and Christy were sitting under an umbrella holding hands, but watching Brandon and the others in the pool.
The churning blue water was filled with more kids than Ginger had ever seen at the house.
“Just look at all that energy, Ginger. Isn’t it grand?” Adele was dressed in a colorful kaftan, her face beaming behind huge sunglasses.
“Thank you so much. I had no idea this was going to be such a big event.”
“You know they always get together somewhere before they deploy. No one has a house big enough for this crowd, so I volunteered when Jake said he wanted to throw a party.”
“He knew about all this?”
“He made the invites himself.”
Ginger took a glass of champagne from a silver tray an aproned girl presented her. Then she was shown a tray of stuffed mushrooms. “Adele, you’ve gone all out. I’m glad you’re feeling up to it.”
“You know, Ginger, I’ve been a pretty hard charging lady most my life. Here I have all this beauty and family right in front of me. Why not share? This house was never a place any of you felt good about visiting. I mean the kids always did, but a pool and their favorite food, and they’re easy. But I wanted to do something for Jake’s brothers. It just seemed about time.”
Adele slipped her arm around Ginger’s waist. The affection she showed was touching.
“I’m glad, Adele.” She noticed Monica was sitting with her baby on a blanket on the lawn, surrounded by three tatted and very muscular men. “She’s having a good time,” she said as she nodded toward Monica’s group.
“I think Monica has a good time everywhere.” Adele took her by the shoulders. “She and the baby belong here because they are family. But understand, Jake belongs to you, Ginger.”
Band of Bachelors: Jake2: Book 4 (SEAL Brotherhood) Page 6
