by Jaime Lewis
She smiled. “You all sound like one big happy family.”
He laughed. “In a way, we are. Sometimes we appear dysfunctional, but we always look out for one another, which is why we are all here right now.”
“It sounds wonderful.” She looked down at her watch. “Oh, lord. I should get back to Alejandra. I’m sure Potter has other important things he could be doing instead of babysitting.”
“I’m sure Potter’s fine. We can handle with ease whatever is thrown at us. Including children.” He grinned and winked at her, making her laugh.
She stood up. “Well, thank you for everything, Derek. For serving and protecting our country, and most importantly, for being here for Tenley. She is a lucky woman to have all of you in her life.” He stood up and hugged her before she walked out the door.
☐
Shelia stepped into the tent she and Tenley shared and met Potter’s gaze. Her eyes shifted down to Alejandra, who was sleeping. She noticed Potter had his arm protectively laying over her. Interesting, she thought to herself.
She smiled and whispered. “I’m so sorry. That took longer than I expected.”
He waved her off. “Don’t mention it. She just dozed off a few minutes ago,” He said, motioning to Alejandra curled up sleeping next to him on the floor. He had covered her with Tenley’s blanket. Standing up, he stretched his long muscled arms above his head. “We had fun attempting to put a puzzle together.” He smiled and looked down at the progress they had made. He was pretty impressed they had managed to put all of the edge pieces together in a short amount of time.
Shelia smiled. “Yeah, this had been her and Tenley’s thing, since the first night Alejandra was brought to the camp. They just finished one up the night before last. Thank you for doing this. It means a lot to her.”
Everything Tenley had told her about Potter was dead on. He was a gorgeous man, and from watching his interaction with Alejandra earlier, it was no wonder that Tenley was still in love with him. She didn’t know the exact details of what happened between them. All she knew was that some sort of a situation took place that caused a falling out between the two of them. Every day she always caught Tenley staring at their picture. She prayed that when they found Tenley, the two of them could work things out.
◆◆◆
As Potter gathered his phone and bottle of water, he was still curious about Alejandra’s background.
“Shelia, if I may ask, what happened to Alejandra’s family? She mentioned she hadn’t seen them since she was brought here.”
He noticed Shelia’s eyes turn glassy as she glanced down at Alejandra. When she brought her eyes back up to his, he saw the look and understood the silent exchange. Her parents were gone, and immediately his heart broke for the little girl. He knew first-hand what it felt like to lose a loved one, and it sucked. It was the worst feeling in the world. At least he had gotten to spend more years with his parents then she had with hers. In his case, he knew his parents’ deaths were inevitable because of their illnesses, but this little girl had her parents taken from her with no warning.
Shelia explained to him how the rescuers had found her in a collapsed house just outside of town. He was amazed she had survived for days trapped under the rubble. He couldn’t imagine any child being put in that type of situation, with no food or water, and not being able to move around. She must have been so scared. He had only known her for about an hour, and yet already felt protective of her.
“So, you and Tenley, huh?” She nodded toward the picture sitting next to him and gave him a sheepish smile.
He gave her a faint smile. What in the hell was with him today and all the fucking smiling. Thank god the guys weren’t here or they’d be giving him a bunch of shit about it.
“Give her some time to work through whatever it is that’s bothering her. She wouldn’t fully open up to me, but I can see she is hurting.”
Potter hung his head. Yeah, she was hurting because of him. He felt like shit now being called out on it, although Shelia was unaware she had done that.
“Potter, from what little Tenley has shared with me, she believes that you both are at fault. But you have to know…she is still in love with you.”
His head snapped up, and he saw her grinning. “Before you ask, no, she didn’t come right out and tell me that. But, the way she has spoken about you these last few weeks, I could see the love and respect she has for you. She’d probably kill me for telling you that, but you need to know. Don’t give up.”
He blew out a deep breath and rubbed a hand over the scruff of his beard. “She’s my world. I can’t lose her.”
She patted his knee in a motherly way.
“Then it’s up to the two of you to work everything out. Like I said, give her some time and don’t push too hard. You seem like you’re a good man, Potter. Just do me a favor while you are waiting for her to come around.”
“What’s that?”
“Keep a close eye on her. She didn’t come right out and say anything, but at times when she would talk to me, I was under the impression that she may have trouble lurking nearby. She mentioned an ex-boyfriend once and that he has been trying to get back in her good graces. Maybe even trying a little too hard.” She raised an eyebrow.
Potter thought about it. Fuck! If that pussy motherfucker was the cause behind all of this shit, he was a dead man. Well, maybe he wouldn’t kill him. Just make him hurt enough to know who the fuck he was messing with. He needed to talk with Stitch, Frost, and Alex and see if Tenley had mentioned anything to them about her ex. The main priority was finding Tenley and bringing her home. Then he’d do as Shelia said and give her some time, but if he found out, she was indeed in trouble; she’d have a new roommate because he wasn’t going to let anything else happen to her. Not on his watch.
“Thanks for heads up, Shelia. And the pep talk. I’m glad Tenley had someone here she could confide in.”
“She is a beautiful and intelligent woman with a heart of gold. All of the patients who’ve come through here have loved her. Seeing her in action has been an incredible sight to witness. The both of you have a lot in common, ya know.” He scrunched his eyebrows together. He wasn’t sure he understood. Before he could question it, she must have noticed his peculiar look, because she grabbed his hand and encased it in hers. He wasn’t a touchy-feely type of person, especially with strangers. But her touch gave him some comfort.
“You are a Navy SEAL and you travel the world doing unimaginable things; I’m quite sure.” She gave him a sly smile. “Tenley is an ER nurse. You both face battles in each of your careers. Sure your battles are probably a bit more intense but think about the battles she faces in a busy ER where she is met by all types of people. That place can be a brutal and intense battleground at times. Trust me; I’ve done my time there. But, what I’m trying to say is that you two were made for each other. Once we find her and you take her home, everything will fall into place. But you have to promise me one thing, Potter. And I’m going to hold you to this.”
“What is that?” He asked. He didn’t like making promises to people.
“When you two set a date for the wedding, I better have an invitation in my mailbox.” She gave him a huge smile, and Potter couldn’t help but throw his head back and laugh.
“You have my word.” Sheila was an amazing woman, and he would make sure that when she was finally home, he would send her a lovely bouquet.
Alejandra started to squirm, and he hoped he hadn’t woken her up when he had laughed.
He looked back at Shelia, who was picking up the loose puzzle pieces and putting them back in the box. He squatted down to help since it was partially his mess. While grabbing a few puzzle pieces, he couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to Alejandra now that she was considered an orphan.
“Shelia, what’s going to happen to her? What does her future hold here?”
She gave him another smile, and he saw her eyes twinkle with happiness. “She got to you, didn’t she?”
He grinned. “Yeah, she sure did. And it’s strange because I don’t have any kids, and I don’t have a lot of experience with them. But something about her draws me to her. I feel content around her. It’s like her presence, and innocence calms me. If I knew it was possible, I would bring her to live with me. I just need to make sure that she’s going to be cared for properly after everyone leaves here. I’ll even help in any way I can, and I’m sure the rest of the team would do the same.”
Shelia took the loose puzzle pieces that Potter handed her and put the top on the box. She was quiet for a moment as she stared at the top of the puzzle box. Potter started to think he may have overstepped his boundaries asking about Alejandra. When she stood up, she looked Potter in the eye.
“Are you serious?”
He put his hands on his hips and gave her his serious no fucking around stare back. “Dead serious. I wouldn’t joke about a child’s wellbeing. I need to know that she will be put in a good home with people who will love and care for her.”
What happened caught him off guard. Sheila reached out and pulled him into a big hug. His extra-large body towered over her small frame. When she looked up, he saw tears in her eyes. “You and Tenley will make excellent parents.” Her words echoed in his mind.
Had Tenley told her about the miscarriage? Because as far as he knew, that was the closest he’d come to being a father. When they both stepped back, she sniffled and wiped away a stray tear. He watched her as she gained her composure back.
“I’m sorry, but your words have made me so happy,” She took a deep breath. “Alejandra is already being considered for adoption. After the adoption process is complete, she will be living a normal life with a wonderful person who I have much respect for, and I know for a fact she will treat her as if she were her own flesh and blood.”
Potter had to bite the inside of his cheek. He didn’t know why, but the thought of Alejandra going to live with someone other than him upset him. He wanted to be able to see her and check up on her. But knowing that Shelia had faith in the person adopting her at least gave him a sense of ease.
Shelia giggled. “Potter, you’re thinking too hard. Let me make this easier for you. Tenley is who is looking to adopt Alejandra.”
“What?”
She smiled. “Tenley has been attached to that little girl since the second she showed up here. She had the same concerns as you. She and I talked about it yesterday.” She dropped her head and took a couple of deep breaths. She was still beating herself up for leaving Tenley alone at the tent.
Potter put his hand on her shoulder. “We’re going to find her, Shelia.” She nodded and gave him a teary-eyed smile.
“I believe you, Potter. Tenley has too much to offer this world still. Her work isn’t done here yet. She has a little girl and a wonderful man she needs to come back to.” She winked at him.
“You are an amazing woman, Shelia.” Potter glanced down at his watch and saw it was just after lunchtime, his stomach rumbled to alert him of his hunger. “How about I accompany you and Alejandra to lunch, and you can tell me a little more about how this adoption process works.”
“That sounds wonderful, Potter. Let’s wake Sleeping Beauty here, and we can head out.”
Potter looked on as Shelia gently caressed Alejandra’s hair to wake the little angel up. When her thick black eyelashes fluttered, and her brown eyes met his followed by the toothy smile, his heart melted. She was too fucking adorable. Fuck! He was screwed.
To know Tenley was adopting her made his heart soar. If he and Tenley could work out their issues and rekindle their relationship, would that mean he could be Alejandra’s father? God, he hoped so. He wanted to be a part of this girl’s life. He wanted to be a good role model for her, to be able to teach her things, and most importantly, he would love her unconditionally. They would be a family.
Chapter Seven
Tenley watched the silver sedan disappear down the dirt road kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake. Since no one could know who she had been with, she and Javier agreed it was best to drop her off away from the camp, but close enough that she could walk. Javier assured her she would be safe.
She and Miguel had concocted a story about where she had been the last twenty-four hours. She wasn’t exactly thrilled about having to lie, but she understood Miguel’s need for privacy.
She shuddered, thinking what could’ve happened to her had Miguel’s guys not arrived at the tent when they did. She’d be dealing with a lot more than some ripped clothes, a bruise on her cheek, and a bump on the side of her head. The mere thought of what could’ve happened to her made her sick to her stomach.
The closer she got to the camp, the slower her pace became. Her head began to throb again. Miguel’s doctor had given her some mild pain medication, but it was wearing off.
Pushing the pain aside, she wondered if Miguel’s suspicion of Chaz wanting to get into the heroin business was true. With Chaz’s demeanor the last few months, it wouldn’t surprise her. What had really caught Miguel’s interest more than anything else was the event she had accompanied Chaz to last August in Richmond. He was very interested in who attended. But, since Chaz had kept her away from the action most of the evening, she hadn’t been privy to any mention of names, but she wasn’t blind nor stupid. She knew Chaz was exploring his options on the other side of the law.
She had been a little cautious when he asked if Chaz had ever been abusive. From the iciness in his eyes, she had a feeling he already knew the answer. It made her more paranoid because that meant someone other than Chaz and his goons had been watching her. She couldn’t say why, but she felt she had done the right thing in confiding in him. He had even comforted her when she told him about the miscarriage. He gave her a phone number and told her call it if Chaz continued to bother her. She’d never use it but accepted it and thanked him.
Of course, Miguel had asked about Potter, and she admitted she was in love with him, then explained how she ended the relationship because of Chaz’s threats. Miguel lectured her in a polite way that she needed to be honest with Potter and explain everything to him. The one thing she did not reveal was that Potter was a Navy SEAL. There was no need for Miguel to know that tidbit. If he was as powerful as she assumed, then he could probably find it out himself, maybe. One thing was for sure; he wasn’t going to hear it from her lips.
What had surprised her the most was when he gave her a hug before she got into the car to leave. She was startled by the move at first, but after a few seconds in his embrace, she felt at ease, as if he knew that was what she needed.
She focused on the road in front of her and took the last turn toward the camp. Seeing the gates ahead gave her some relief. She needed to be prepared for the hail of questions she was sure to face. The first person she wanted to see was Alejandra because God only knew what was going through that little girl’s mind, and she could really use a good snuggle with the brown-eyed angel right now.
On the ride back, she had made up her mind that she was going to speak with Donna and Nick and move forward with adopting Alejandra. It scared her a little. Then she considered what she was going through as well as what Alejandra was going through, and thought maybe they could help one another heal.
She saw the two security guards she knew walking towards her. When they realized who she was, they started shouting and started running towards her. Soon others began to follow, and in no time at all, she was swarmed by people. They were firing off questions, touching her, and soon, it all became too much. The walls around her started closing in, making her head spin. Suddenly, as if she had no control over her body, her legs buckled beneath her, and her vision blurred. She felt herself sliding towards the ground. She waited for the impact, but it never came. Instead, she was lifted into a set of arms and cradled against a well-defined chest. The headache had now morphed into a full-fledged migraine, leaving her unable to focus.
“Stay with me, Tenley.”
The voice sounded fami
liar, but sounded so far away before it was drowned out by other deep voices. She knew they had entered the medical clinic when she got a whiff of the familiar antiseptic that she knew all too well. As soon as she was placed on a bed, her stomach revolted. Mustering up enough energy, she rolled quickly onto her side just in time before she vomited all over the floor.
Someone pulled her hair back and held it away from her face while she continued to empty her stomach. Fingers pressed against the side of her head, and the pain was so intense she threw up again.
“Fuck! She has a head injury.” Someone said. The voice was different than the one who carried her, although this one sounded familiar as well.
She was confused and wasn’t sure what was happening to her. Back at Miguel’s house, her head hadn’t hurt this bad. The doctor had said she had a concussion but that it was minor. Her medical training started kicking in. Judging from her symptoms, this wasn’t minor.
Slowly, she rolled to her back just as someone placed a cold cloth on her forehead and someone else wiped her mouth. She was so thirsty, but to drink would involve her having to sit up, and she wasn’t ready to open her eyes just yet. She felt a small pinch to her shoulder and knew it was from a needle.
“Tenley, I just gave you a mild dose of acetaminophen to help with the pain,” One of the doctors said. She at least recognized his voice and whispered a thank you to him.
She continued to lie there until someone spoke in a low voice next to her ear.
“Come on, chatterbox. Open those eyes of yours.”
Chatterbox? There were only three people who called her that. She was pretty sure those three people were 2,675 miles away. But, the voice sounded so much like Stitch’s.
“Christ, I think this is the quietest she’s ever been except for when she’s sleeping.” Frost?
