by Dahlia Rose
“He’s had enough,” Rafe said sharply.
“Not nearly, but I’ll let the cops finish this piece of garbage,” Brody said and turned to the bartender. “I trust you can hold on to him until the police arrive?”
The bartender nodded. “Already been called for starting a bar fight, and lo and behold, it’s also the man who committed an assault tonight. Go figure. Get out of here, Marines.”
Rafe gave him a mock salute. “Thanks.”
Brody let him drive back to the hospital because his hand was actually beginning to ache. He flexed it and thought about getting an X-ray when they got back but decided against it. He’d wrap it when he got back to the house. In the room, Ivy was still sitting there keeping watch and she looked up when they walked in.
“One bruise on your chin. I hope he looks worse,” she commented.
Brody smiled. “Yes, he does, and I wish I could have snapped his neck.”
Ivy nodded. “Good. Now you watch over her so we can go get some sleep.”
“I’ll have the house secured and any mess cleaned up before she gets home,” Rafe commented. “I already had Monroe finish the exercise with our boys and they did well. They’ll be ready. I’ll get you cleared on leave for the next few weeks.”
“Thanks. I mean it. Both of you are truly great friends,” Brody said gratefully.
“No, we’re family,” Ivy replied and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll be back tomorrow to see how she is.”
“You should be resting—”
Ivy cut off his words. “I can rest here just as well as I can at home. I’ll be here tomorrow.”
He knew better than to argue, so Brody just nodded. “I’ll see you guys then.”
The door closed silently behind them and he turned, taking Marie’s hand in his own and kissing it gently. She murmured and struggled to wake while he crooned words of love softly, trying to settle her. Grayson’s heartbeat was steady and strong and he felt more relief than he thought possible in this kind of situation. He almost lost them tonight and Brody had never known fear like that in his life. He’d faced insurgents being pinned down before and had fought for his life, but nothing compared to the thought of losing them.
“You didn’t leave,” she murmured, her eyes still closed.
“Of course not, baby, I told you I’d be right here,” he replied. He’d clear up the white lie later. Right now, she was most important. “I love you sweetheart and no one will ever hurt you again.”
“Grayson is okay?” she asked. “I feel so numb like I’m wrapped in clouds and I can’t tell.”
“He’s fine, darling, he is perfectly fine.” Brody kissed her hand over and over again.
“Okay. I love you, Brody. I’m sorry I’m so much trouble,” she said and he could hear tears in her voice. “I should’ve been smarter. I want to be home in our bed with you.”
“No, sweetheart, you’re perfect, strong and brave,” he replied. “Now you sleep, okay, and we’ll see what the doctors say tomorrow about you going home.”
“Lay with me,” she whispered.
She didn’t have to ask twice. He moved to the side of the bed where there were no wires to hamper him and he slid into the hospital bed with her and even though he felt as if he would fall off at any moment, Brody had no intention of moving. He was still wearing his boots as he lay on top of the blankets and kissed her forehead gently. Marie fell asleep in his arms and he kept watch over her and the baby until dawn broke and he finally dozed off. Their fingers were locked together on her stomach over the child they both cherished.
Chapter Seven
Four days later, Marie was home resting on her sofa, being pampered completely by Brody. The incident with Charlie happened on Friday night and the doctor kept her until he made sure her contractions had ceased completely. Jenny, her midwife, came to the hospital as soon as she heard and did her own exam. She would be visiting Marie at home once a week until she went into labor. Charlie had been arrested at his usual haunt, she’d been told, after a bar fight. She knew it was at the hands of Brody.
The police officer came to the house and told them he’d been taken in and Brody kept his face neutral as he spoke. Though she did notice that he squeezed her hand just a bit tighter while he spoke to the officer. Since then, he hadn’t spoken about it and neither had she. But she noticed his bruised knuckles and the small bruise on his chin that was now only noticeable if the light hit it just right.
Grayson kicked her in her side and she winced. He was getting bigger, stronger and that was a good thing. Thinking about how she almost lost her baby made her terrified, but she put that behind her knowing that Charlie would be in jail for a very long time. He was charged with felony assault on her. Since the baby was a viable fetus that could survive out of the womb he was charged with assault on her unborn fetus. Plus felony breaking and entering, it would be awhile before he walked out of prison.
“Hey, babe, I’m done with the garden outside.” Brody came in looking sweaty. The days were becoming warmer and longer and spring was on its way. He had decided to get outside to fix her flowerbeds and plant tulip bulbs before seeding the lawn. They had also spoken of wanting a nice, big vegetable garden this year and agreed to plant as many veggies as possible. He looked sexy as hell in faded jeans and a T-shirt that stretched tightly across his chest and shoulders. “I’m going to take a quick shower and then we can watch TV or something.”
“Can we please go for a drive, go buy diapers, something, anything,” she pleaded. “I’m going stir crazy. I can’t lay here for another minute.”
“But you’re supposed to be resting.” Brody frowned.
“Both the doctor and Jenny said I’m fine and the baby is fine. As long as I’m not lifting weights, I should be okay, Brody,” she said. “Please, Daddy, let’s go out.”
She had started calling him daddy a few weeks back as a joke and now it stuck as an endearment she liked to use. He loved it. Every time she said it his chest would puff up and a slow grin would spread across his face, and today was no different.
“Okay, let me grab a shower and we can go,” Brody said and then pointed a finger at her. “But you will push the cart only, no lifting, no bending, just the cart.”
“Sir, yes, sir,” Marie answered with a smile.
“You think you’ve got me whipped, but I’m on to your tricks,” he called as he ran up the stairs.
“Yes, you are,” she yelled and chuckled. Oh, she was going to marry that man just as soon as she could. The incident with Charlie made her realize just how much he really did care for her and that he was different, and that she no longer needed to be worried about their future together.
A few moments later, the doorbell rang. The last time that happened she ended up in the hospital so while she moved towards the door, apprehension made her wary. Charlie was in jail, but God knows who his friends were and what they would do.
“Who is it?” she called through the barrier.
A soft voice with a Texas twang answered. “Hello, I’m looking for my son, Brody Gillis.”
His mother!
Marie hurried to open the door. “Mrs. Gillis?”
“Why, look at you carrying so low!” His mother beamed. “You’re going to be delivering soon.”
“It will be a few more weeks,” Marie said with a smile. She instantly liked his mother who had gentle eyes and a warm smile. Her hair was pulled up into a bun but some of the brown tresses fell loosely around her face and only a hint of gray was noticeable in the front. “Come in. Brody is upstairs taking a shower.”
His mother stepped in and closed the door gently behind her while Marie walked over to the stairs and called, “Brody, your mom is here.”
“What?” he yelled back and then cussed a blue streak. “Sorry, soap in my eyes, I’ll be down in five.”
Marie gave his mother an apologetic look and said, “He doesn’t usually curse like that, ma’am.”
“Call me Susan.” His mother laughed.
“He does sometimes. I’ve heard a few choice words come from that boy over the years.” She reached out her hand to Marie’s belly. “May I? I know some women do not like their bellies being rubbed when they’re pregnant.”
“You’re Grandma. Go ahead,” Marie said gently.
Susan placed her hand on Marie’s belly and Grayson kicked as if to say, Yes, I’m here.
Brody’s mother laughed softly. “Oh, he’s going to be wild like his father.”
“Brody told you he is a boy?” Marie asked.
Susan nodded. “And his name. He’s told me how much he loves you and I think you both are going to make fine parents.” Brody came bounding down the stairs, his hair still damp from the shower. “Mom, what are you doing here?” He lifted her in a hug and took her off her feet, causing her to laugh. “I thought Dad ordered you not to see me and my illicit family?”
“Your father is an asshole, pardon my French,” his mother said primly.
“I’ve decided to leave that man who keeps talking trash about my son, his choice of a partner, and my grandchild.”
“Mom, are you serious?” Brody led her to the sofa and Marie followed. “What happened?”
“Your father’s hate against everyone who isn’t white is one thing.” She looked at Marie apologetically. “I’m sorry to say that in your home, honey, but I taught Brody that people should be judged by what they are on the inside, not by the color of their skin. Trust me, it was difficult with a man like that in all of our lives. But no more, I cannot abide by him calling my grandchild a zebra or saying my son should have been aborted.” His mother sighed. “I’ve been unhappy for way too long. He said awful things one too many times, so while he was at church spouting hate, I packed my things and left. I bought a ticket at the airport and came here. I’ll stay if you let me. Not with you. A young family does not need a mom in the mix mucking it up. I have savings, I’ll get my own place and do things I want to do with my life.”
“You can stay here with us until you figure out what you want to do,” Marie said gently. “Plus, you can play with Grayson all you want when he’s born.”
“I want to open a little dress shop making Victorian and other era clothing.” His mother smiled. “Woodward would never let me do it, called it heathen clothes, but I kept saving, hoping one day to live my dream.” She slapped her hands on her thighs. “So here is where I’ll build it, a cute little store front and be able to see my grandchild to boot.”
“You sound so definite, Mom,” Brody said softly. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve been sure a long time, sugar, I just needed motivation to take that step.” His mother smiled. “When you told me you’d be moving in with Marie… All your life you’ve stood against your father’s beliefs. You became a good man, not because of him but in spite of him. It’s about time I find happiness as well. I plan on divorcing him.”
“Good for you, Mom, good for you. But you may want to hold back on where you want to open that shop until you hear our news,” Brody said and then grinned. “I’ll have my two best girls in my life.” Marie’s brow furrowed. “Our news? You and Rafe have been holding this secret over Ivy’s and my head for the longest time. What is it?”
“Rafe called my cell while I was upstairs and I got the go ahead to finally tell you. We’re moving the unit to a warmer climate. Like Hawaii warm. We’re going to be training with the Navy SEAL team for unified missions.”
“What about the house and…well, everything?” Marie asked. “Wait, Ivy and Rafe too, right?”
“Yes, them too. We won’t be leaving until the end of the year, which gives us time to get the houses on the market and…” Brody took her hand.
“That’s only if you want to, baby, it is your decision too.”
“Yes, I want to. The kids can grow up playing on the beach.” Marie smiled and looked at his mom. “How does that sound, Susan?”
“Opening a dress shop in the sunshine sounds fine to me.” His mother winked. “I can make baby clothes too.”
“Won’t, um, Woodward come looking for you guys?” Marie had to ask. Everything seemed to be falling into place, but she had to voice what was bothering her.
Brody’s mother answered. “No, he won’t because he never cared to know where our son lived, never took the slightest interest in his life. I am sure he’ll preach to his small congregation about how I was tempted away by evil and use me as an example to keep them in line. I really don’t care what anyone in that town thinks of me. It stopped being a place I called home a long time ago.”
“Then we’re moving to Hawaii,” Marie said, finally letting herself feel excited.
Brody took her hand. “Hawaii here we come.” Susan Gillis took Marie’s and Brody’s hands and winked. “I’m so excited I would say we jump around, but with the baby, we’ll save that for later.”
Marie laughed. “I like you, Susan, you have some serious spunk.”
“I like you too, Marie, and thank you for inviting me into your home,” his mother said. “Brody, my luggage is at the door. Can you get them in for me, please?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Brody said and went to the door.
“You sit and rest, Marie, I’ll make you some lunch. Do you like chicken salad?” his mother asked.
“Actually, we were going to do some baby shopping and grab some lunch while we were out. Come with us,” Marie invited. “I want to get the baby room finished.”
“Hmm, nesting, that means you are going to deliver soon, sugar,” his mother said.
“The sooner the better,” Marie replied, pulling her light blue zip up hoodie off the back of the recliner. She could no longer zip it up considering her ginormous belly, but it was still her favorite.
“Honey, I’ve learned that babies keep their own schedule rather than ours,” his mother said. “If he is anything like his father, Mr. Grayson will be here early.”
“Well, let’s get to shopping in case he does,” Brody said, as he brought his mother’s suitcase into the house.
His hand was at Marie’s back rubbing lightly as they stepped out into the sunshine. He leaned down to whisper thank you in her ear as he opened the passenger door for her. He didn’t have to thank her for anything. His mother didn’t strike her as a woman that was malevolent or mean in any way and Marie didn’t mind having her in her home. It was just another piece in their family puzzle and when you love someone you accept every part of them. Marie loved Brody with everything in her.
It seemed Brody’s mom was right because two weeks later Marie was crying in bed and really didn’t know why. She was uncomfortable, happy, sad, angry, miserable and more all at the same time. The baby’s room was perfect and yet it still wasn’t. She was hungry but nothing was appetizing.
Finally, she gave up and went to bed for a good cry. Susan brought her up a cup of tea and some fresh, just-out-of-the-oven ginger snap cookies and sat with her while she sniffed. His mother had settled in well and would be making the move to Hawaii a couple of months ahead of them to get her shop together.
She and Brody had already found her an amazing condo as well as a little shop close to the beach and all in the area they had decided to live.
Marie recalled the dinner event they had a week before where Rafe, Ivy and Rafe’s parents came over and they had a major pow-wow about the move. Rafe’s parents wouldn’t be moving but planned to visit often, plus help with the move. They each picked houses and a time frame for moving everything they owned, which would be packed up and shipped by the military to make it easier when the time came. Thinking about it now made her cry harder. She was thrilled to be moving to a warmer climate, but it was still going to be hard to say goodbye. She saw Brody’s shadow in the hallway, right outside the bedroom, hovering. She didn’t know if it was sweet or if it irritated the hell out of her. She felt like a hot mess.
“I don’t know what’s the matter with me,” she sobbed. “I’m so huge and…” She let the rest of her words trail off.
“And
what, dear?” Susan asked sympathetically.
“My back has been hurting all day, like a dull throb and it just won’t go away.” Marie hiccupped.
“Honey, it sounds like you’re in labor. What you are experiencing is back labor,” Brody’s mother explained. “I’ve seen this tons of times, the emotions and the achy back. You’re going to have little Grayson soon.” Brody came into the room pale faced. “You’re kidding, right, Mom?”
“But then he’ll be too early.” Marie suddenly felt afraid and that made a fresh wave of tears fall from her eyes. “It’s too soon.”
“You’re over thirty-six weeks, honey, he’ll be just fine,” Susan encouraged. “It could be any day now. What you need to do is drink your tea and try and get some rest. Brody, you come over here and rub her back with those giant hands of yours. I knew they were meant for more than holding a football. Later, if you’re up to it, you’ll have some of my homemade red lentil soup.”
Marie nodded. “Okay, but he’s not ready to be born yet.”
“Honey, babies know when they are finished cooking way before their mamas do,” she said gently. “Now rest and I’ll be in the kitchen making soup.”
“Do you think she’s right?” Marie asked when Susan left the room and Brody came and sat next to her on the bed. He helped her lie on her side and began kneading her lower back gently. She moaned in delight as the pressure of his hand made her back feel instantly better.
“My mom knows a bunch of stuff about babies. She was actually one of the midwives for my father’s church. They didn’t believe in mainstream doctors and hospital births and so my mom has delivered a lot of babies,” Brody explained. “If it wasn’t for her, a lot of parents would have lost their children because of my dad’s crazy cult. We’ll just wait and see, darling. Don’t worry.”
She ended up drinking all her tea and was actually able to eat some soup later in the evening before falling asleep. It was after midnight when she awoke suddenly. It felt as if something inside her had popped and wetness pooled between her thighs. She shifted and more flowed out and Marie knew this was it. She was in labor and there was no mistaking that, not after your water broke.
