Authors: EA HUNT
“Why?” Synette questioned, as she took the seat before Elsie’s desk. Her friend was not being as forthcoming as she would like. She’d known the woman since she, Synette, had started working for Crimson three years before. Elsie was a rising star in the company. The woman was a natural with clients. She could keep quiet about some things and stand her ground about others. Like now. Syn knew there was something her friend was not telling her.
“Why what?”
“Why were you crying and I don’t want to hear that mess about you’re not going to tell me.”
Elsie sat back in her chair, “you sound like Eric” she said. Once the man got more comfortable with her he refused to hear her say anything but the truth when it came to her, Mara and the baby.
“How is my favorite sexy solider?” Synette questioned. She had come across Eric’s picture when she and Elsie had been talking about a client. Her friend had been IMing the man and the conversation was pretty heated with Eric wanting Elsie to take better care of herself and her friend fighting the man all the way. Elsie trying to assert her independence and Eric wanting to take care of her. They were like an old married couple.
“He’s fine; he has a patrol tonight so I’m not to watch the news.”
“After the last meltdown I would say you shouldn’t either.”
“Please,” Elsie’s said as she rubbed a hand over her forehead, “I don’t need this from you too.”
“Have you told him?”
Elsie bit her lower lip.
“Elsie, he deserves to know.”
“No, he doesn’t. I don’t want him worrying about me even more than he already is. I need him to focus on what he’s doing so he can come home.”
“You ended up in the hospital,” she had called her friend that night only to have Elsie crying almost hysterically that Eric was dead. Synette knew her friend needed to calm down for her sake and that of her baby’s.
“I know but I don’t want him to know.”
“I will let this be your call but only this once. If I have to I will call that sexy solider of yours and have him find a way back to you. So he can make you follow the doctor’s orders.”
“He’s not-”
“He is,” Synette stood “lunch”
“If the conversation is not about Eric sure”
“And if it is”
“Syn”
Synette winked at her, “I’ll think about a different subject,” was all she said before she stood turned and walked out of the office.
***
This was the longest patrol he had ever been on. They had been at this for ten hours with another two to go. Eric sat down on a large piece of rubble in which had once been someone’s home. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the picture he carried with him every time he went on patrol. He looked at the picture of Elsie smiling slightly at the camera. Her eyes were twinkling and she was hugging their daughter, Mara. Eric sighed when he had asked her for a picture she had balked questioning why he wanted a picture of her. He had told her because he wanted to know what she looked like. He would never tell her that her voice haunted him in his dreams and he wanted her face to haunt him also.
He ran a finger lightly over the picture Mara was looking at the camera her light caramel skin a wonderful and complimenting contrast to her mother’s. Each had deep set eyes and pudgy noses. Mara was only two inches taller than her mother’s five foot five and she was a lovely young lady. Mara was the reason he had a picture. Mara had informed him, through the e-mail containing the picture of her and her mother at Mara’s Junior ROTC Ceremony that she had seen his request to her mom and since her mom didn’t like pictures much it was possible he wouldn’t get one. So she had saved her mother the trouble of not sending one and she had sent it. Eric would be forever in the child’s debt for doing so.
He turned his gaze to Elsie she was so beautiful and this beautiful woman had been writing to him for the last six months. When his Commanding Officer had asked for volunteers for the care package program, for an US Junior ROTC project, he had signed up reluctantly not thinking he would receive a package from anyone, beside his Aunt in Tennessee. He ran his finger lightly over Elsie’s face she had sent him his favorite candy, something he had mentioned in his initial letter to the program; all because he missed having it, a pillow which bore the logo of his favorite candy, he kept the pillow in his foot locker not wanting the sand, dirt or his fellow soldiers touching it with dirty hands, and finally a handwritten note in the most beautiful writing he’d ever seen. Her lettering was curved and spoke of a person who enjoyed a personal note of
‘thanks
’. After he had seen all of that he’d written her back with his own personal note and a request to become pen pals. He loved his Aunt but he needed someone to talk to who wanted to talk more about the world then the latest gossip in Hanson, TN.
“Hey, Eric?”
He faced fellow Ranger Adam Jones he had known the man since they had formed this unit a few years back. “What’s up?”
Jones, as he liked to be called, nodded towards the picture in Eric’s hand, “I’ve never seen that before,” he replied. After Eric’s broken engagement to Maggie he Jones had seen the man take a short trip into spiraling out of control. Several times Jones had had to pull him out of bars because he was so drunk he was about to start a bar fight.
“Those are my girls,” Eric replied.
“Cute”
“Cute is for monkeys and puppies. They’re beautiful.”
Jones chuckled slightly, “are they the reason the drinking has stopped.”
Eric looked at his friend, “that noticeable.”
“Remember, I was the one who pulled you out of the bars.”
Eric nodded, he would forever be grateful to the man for having his back “thanks.”
“Always. So this is who has stopped the drinking and acting a little reckless.” There had been several times when Eric has gone into a dangerous situation not caring if he lived or died
“I can’t go to Elsie a mess. She won’t stand for it. Not with Mara around.”
“Sounds like she won’t stand for a lot of things”
Eric released a breath, “everyone heard our conversation.”
“Yeah,” Jones shook his he had had the same conversation at one point with his wife so he knew what Eric was going through.
“I-”
“Meghan was the same way.”
Eric shook his head, “come on Meghan is the sweetest woman I know, besides my Elsie”.
“Now but she balked at being with me at first too” Jones said to him “listen many think officers make a lot of money and some do but mostly our benefits are what people are after.”
“Elsie -”
“Isn’t like that I’m sure but she is use to taking care of herself. She is willing to ask for help when she desperately needs it but other than that it’s just her doing what needs to be done.”
Eric nodded, “She was a single mother she had no choice.”
“Making ends meet the best she could”, he nodded “Been there. Meghan was a single Mom before we got together.”
“I would have never guest the boys.”
“Call me Dad. I know I went from just taking care of myself to a wife and three sons. Meghan was closed off at first. She didn’t want people to think that because she was with a soldier she was using him for his benefits. She even broke up with me for a month because of it. Tired of the B.S. put her and our boys in my car and moved her to Nashville,” they were stationed in Clarksville, TN which was about thirty minutes from Nashville, TN “she loved me for it. She fought me a bit about moving her to a place where she didn’t have a job and the boys’ weren’t in school but ultimately she’s been happy the last ten years and I’ve never looked back.”
“Her barriers”
“Are still up a little but they include me, our twin daughters plus our sons. She just wants what’s right and she wants to prove that she needs me as much as I need her, while trying to keep her independence.”
“So what do I do?”
“Does Elsie seem like the type you can pack up and move to Nashville?”
Eric chuckled “Elsie is not the type I can throw over my shoulder put in the car and move from Atlanta to Nashville.” Eric had been surprised that the Junior ROTC program sending care packages was in Atlanta. But his Commander had explained that their Army program was doing the assigning and their Unit had been the one chosen. “She owns a home there and she’s at the end of her pregnancy.”
“Wow you’re taking on a lot here.”
“You’re not going to tell me I should walk away from her because–”
“I would be a hypocrite to say anything like that. Paul, our youngest son, was on only five when Meghan and I got together. I just want you to be prepared. Going from bachelorhood to parenthood can be really jarring.”
“Trying to scare me?” Eric questioned. He knew this wasn’t going to easy and that Elsie was always going to put the children before him. But he still wanted her. Needed her. She was what was keeping him grounded here. Giving him something to look forward to.
Jones chuckled “a little”; he placed a hand on Eric’s shoulder, “here is the truth. Being a parent is the greatest joy and headache of your life. Trust me. But also know this towards the end of pregnancy women are tired of being pregnant and would like to see their baby so be patient. Also add in the fact you’re here and she’s there and arguments like you two had in the communication tent are bound to happen.”
Eric nodded, “thanks Jones.”
“Welcome. Now come on let’s get this patrol finished so you can head back to communications and make things right with your girl.”
This was a mess. A complete and utter mess but this was her mess and she needed to clean it up. Elsie thought a week later as she sat down at the table in the cafe and sipped her tea as she placed a hand on her stomach. She still didn’t have a name for her daughter. She had run through a few but none were what she wanted. None seemed to fit the precious cargo she carried. Elsie released an exasperated breath when she saw Lucas walk into the cafe. She had been trying to get a hold of the man for the last five months. She’d wanted to talk about custody of RaeLyn. Elsie stopped RaeLyn had been a suggestion of Eric’s a month ago. Ray had been his father’s name and Lyn had been his father’s mother name. Eric had said he wanted to name any child he had after his father who had raised him to be a gentleman.
“Elsie, how have you been?” Lucas questioned as he sat down at the table. When she had called him and asked him to meet he had been ready to refuse until she’d told him she was at the courthouse ready to give his name to child support enforcement. Something he didn’t want to happen. He was already on child support add in the brat Elsie carried and he would have no pay check at the end of the month.
“I’ve been well the baby is good too,” she replied as she took a sip of her tea.
“Hmm,” he said “so what can I do for you?”
Elsie slide the paperwork, she had her lawyer draw up, over to Lucas.
“What is this?” He questioned. If this was the child support paperwork he was going to be pissed because she had told him she wasn’t going to file if he met with her.
“Custody papers; you can either severe your parental rights or we can share custody with you paying all daycare and schooling expenses,” she replied.
He nodded, but didn’t touch the papers on the table “and if I refuse?”
She shrugged, “then we go to court and let a judge decide.”
He leaned forward, “how about this? I walk away and you never contact me again.”
Elsie shook her head, “I have no clue why you don’t want to know her.”
“Because that would require me to know you. You were a means to an end Elsie. You were supposed to be a ‘fuck buddy’ and my dumbass got you pregnant. Then when I give you the money to get rid of it you refuse.”
“It wasn’t an offer Lucas” Elsie replied “you placed three hundred dollars on the table and said ‘you know what to do’. Oh and let’s not forget you also propositioned me for when I was done.”
Lucas smiled Elsie was a great lay. He would have propositioned her even if she wasn’t medically cleared. “Your point would be?”
“I guess I don’t really have one. I’m just stating the facts here.”
“Good let me state some facts to you. I don’t want that baby. I have a kid from my previous marriage and she is all I need or want.”
Elsie sat forward, “fine you don’t want Raelyn that works for me. I’m sure I can find someone who does,” she replied.
Lucas perked up, “so you’re giving the baby up for adoption.”
“Really Lucas? If I didn’t abort this baby why would you think I’d give her up for adoption?”
“You should. You’re what almost forty. The last thing you need is to be having a baby as old as you are.”
Elsie rolled her eyes as she stood, “you’re an ass and I’m done with this conversation. There are two sets of papers before you. One to severe and one to joint. Sign one or the other.”
“Where’s a pen?” Lucas questioned he wanted this over and done with.
Elsie handed him a pen, “and your choice is?”
“Severe” he said as he signed the correct papers. He finished signing his name then stood, “have a nice life with
your
kid” he said as he turned and walked away.
***
He was going home! Eric picked up his bag and headed out of his quarters. Before he could head to Atlanta he needed to head to Clarksville to check in on Post then he was headed to meet the woman and teen who he thought of as family. Eric snagged a seat after stowing his gear he could not wait to be back on American soil especially since it meant he was going to be with Elsie. He buckled his seat belt and waited for the plane to taxi out. Once he met Elsie and Mara he was going to tell Elsie about a new position he had asked to be transferred to in Eastern Tennessee. It was a desk job, something he thought he never would take, but that was ok because it meant no more missions. No more Elsie being so worried about him her pressure was out of control. It also meant being with the woman he wanted to marry night after night and watching their children grow. Eric sat back in his seat as the plane took off. Yeah he was going home and he couldn’t wait.
***
“Mara I’m leaving,” Elsie called to her teen as she walked to the front door she checked her phone for an email or call from Eric. She released a breath she was not going to panic so she hadn’t heard from him in a few days. She had been here before and she was positive if she sought a relationship with him she would be here again. So she was not going to panic.
“Ok,” Mara said as she walked down the stairs she had Drill Team practice in ten minutes and she didn’t want to be late. She was pulling on her jacket when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and hurriedly slide the screen to answer.
“Do not tell you mother I’m on the phone,” Eric said once he heard Mara’s voice. “Where is your Mom?” He questioned. They had landed an hour ago after an all-night flight. He was tired but he didn’t care all he cared about was catching his flight to Atlanta which was in a few hours.
Mara looked at her mother she was on her phone sending an e-mail or text she wasn’t sure which. “In front of me, I can ask her if I can head to the movies after practice,” she said.
Eric chuckled his kid would be good at stealth “good. Is she heading to the doctor’s?”
“Yes,” Mara replied. She wanted to tell him her mother had had a headache most of the morning but if she did then her mom would know exactly whom she, Mara, was talking to.
“All right; I will call her when I get the chance,” Eric replied. He was going to grab something to eat then ask Jones if he would take him to the airport in Nashville to catch his flight to Atlanta.
“Are you back in the States?”
Eric stilled “is your”
“She went to the car and I’m heading to Drill Team practice,” Mara replied.
“How’s that going?” Eric questioned as he headed towards Jones talking to Meghan.
“Great. We are headed to regionals then hopefully state.” Mara said as she headed out of the house. “I was hoping you could make one of our meets.”
Eric smiled. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said. He was eager to see her in action just as much as she was eager to show him.
“Good. I have to go. Call Mom please she hasn’t heard from you in a few days and I know she’s worried.”
“I will. I just wanted to check on you first.”
“No you wanted me to give you the information Mom won’t,” she replied on a chuckle.
“You got me there,” Eric replied he nodded to Jones “have a good practice Mara. I’ll see you soon.”
Mara was about to question him but her phone when silent. She released a breath wondering what he could mean.
***
“Your pressure is higher than we’d like for it to be.”
Elsie released a breath as she looked at her doctor she was afraid of this. When she didn’t hear from Eric after a mission or patrol she panicked and when she panicked her pressure would go sky high and she would be stuck in the hospital for hours. “Am I going to triage?”
“Yes” her doctor said sympathetically, “we are going to watch you for a few hours. I want to make you aware that if your pressure doesn’t come down we are going to have to take the baby today.”
Elsie nodded as she slide from the exam table she smiled at her doctor she was not willing to have her baby today. She wanted to have Raelyn in two weeks when Eric would hopefully be home and by her side as her baby came into the world. Elsie pulled her phone from her pocket as she headed out of her doctor’s office and towards the elevators. She dialed Eric knowing he wouldn’t answer but needing to hear his voice. She stepped on the elevator and smiled as his deep rich voice caressed her making her feel safe. “Hey, my pressure is too high so I’ve been admitted for observation. If they can’t get my pressure down then I will be having the baby today.”
Elsie stepped off the elevator and headed towards the other end of the hospital “I wish... I wanted you to be here when I delivered. I could use a friend in the room with me but it looks as if that’s not going to happen. I will send you pictures. Please be safe and I’ll talk to you soon” she hung up and released a breath time to send out mass messages to family and friends because it looked like they were having a baby today.
***
Mara completed a complicated step for the team then struck the posse she needed to finish the drill. She smiled they nailed it. She released her posse and headed over to her bag her mom had had a doctor’s appointment today and she wanted to know how it went. She knew her mother wouldn’t tell her everything but she hoped her mother would be in a good mood afterwards. She checked her phone her Mom had called. She slide her screen for the voicemail message.
‘The doctor thinks the baby is going to be born today. I’ve called your Nana she’s going to come get you so that you are at the hospital with me.’
Mara tossed her phone in her bag and rushed over to her coach her sister was coming today and she could not wait to meet her.
***
Eric pulled into the parking space exited his rental and sprinted towards the parking garage stairwell. He raced down the stairs towards the hospital. He could not be late there was no way he could be late to the birth of his baby girl. He had missed his eldest’s birth, ok he didn’t know her mother then but he still would have like to have been there, he was determined he was not going to miss this baby’s birth. He slowed his pace as he headed towards the Information Desk he closed his eyes trying to remember what Elsie had said.
‘My pressure is really high so they are talking about delivering the baby today.’
He opened his eyes those words had haunted him once he was off the plane and he had checked his messages. He had never gotten to a rental car so fast a day in his life. He smiled at the woman, “Labor and Delivery Triage”
“Second floor”
Eric nodded as he headed for the elevators. He pushed the ‘up’ button he would have liked to have taken the stairs but in the time it would take him to locate the stairs he could be late to the delivery. He stepped on the elevator and impatiently waited for the car to move. He was anxious he had never thought about being a father before he had met Elsie. He had entertained the idea of having children with Maggie but once he sat down and talked with her about children and saw how she reacted negatively to the idea. He had let the idea drop because he wanted Maggie more than he wanted children. Then Maggie had left and Elsie had walked into his life. Changing it in more ways than he could have ever imagined.
Eric stepped off the elevator; he walked over to the nurse’s desk, “Elsie Martin please,” he said. This was a large floor and he was not going to go from room to room looking for the mother of his children.
“And you are?” The nurse questioned.
Eric smiled at her; he didn’t have time for this “Eric. Eric Reynolds her fiancée and baby’s father,” he told her.
The nurse nodded, “she’s in room 232. Down the hall on your right,” she replied as she handed him a visitor’s pass.
Eric nodded took the badge and headed down the hall he had seen the medical triage to his right but the fact the nurse had sent him to a room meant he could’ve missed the baby’s birth. He walked into the room and smiled at Elsie she was even more beautiful in person. She was lying on the bed sleeping while the monitor beside her head was beeping with the baby’s heartbeat and any contractions. He hadn’t missed the birth. Thank goodness. He walked over to the bed he bent and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead her skin was so very soft. He lifted his head as he placed a hand on the top of her stomach. Eric smiled when the baby kicked him. “Hello sweetie,” he replied. He was about to wake Elsie to let her know he was here when the door to her room opened and Mara entered.
“Eric!!!!”
He removed his hand and caught the teen as she ran into his arms. He smiled at the other woman in the room, “Hey kid.”
Mara pulled back she looked at the man who made her mother smile. “Momma is going to freak when she sees you,” Mara told him.
Eric looked down at her, “well my plan had been to surprise you both then I got your Mom’s message and I came straight here.”
“Well this is the best surprise I could have ever asked for.” She replied wanting to call all her friends and tell them Eric was here.
“I’m glad I could give it to you. Now let’s wake your Mom.”
“You don’t have to.”
Both turned towards the bed.
Elsie wanted to cry she had wanted to meet Eric in a nice restaurant or have dinner at her home with him. She did not want him to see her with her hair looking a mess half sleep because of the baby. “Why didn’t you tell me you were home?”
Eric released Mara; he sat on the bed gently, “surprise.”