Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) (6 page)

“You haven’t said anything about his mother,” Lil noticed. Jen explained that as well.

Lil glanced to the living room. “Poor kid. I’ll mama him.”

“Trust me, Mom, he has never lacked for love or nurturing. His family is incredible. I have two new dads now. They take good care of me.”

“Um, have you given up your little habit?”

“Yes. They ensured that I won’t be smoking pot ever again. I’m so blessed with them. I guess Dad likes him, huh?” Jen asked, hearing the two men laughing loudly.

“It seems so. He’s never taken to any of your boyfriends like this. So, how serious is this, honey?”

“He’s the man I’m going to marry one day,” Jen responded.

Her mother sighed. “I hope so. He seems to have made you happier than I’ve ever seen you. Grab the coffee.”

“I’m sorry my father put you through that interrogation,” Jen said as they readied for bed. Michael kissed her, sliding in next to her, pulling her onto his chest.

“No worries. He’ll probably spend the night on the Internet trying to verify everything. He’ll find enough to satisfy him.”

“My mom loves you. And the boys…”

“Your family is great. I’m glad we came. Come here and give me sugar.”

“Just kisses. I don’t need more harassment from my father,” Jen said.

“I’ll be the perfect gentleman. I was taught by the best, remember? Good night, my love.”

“Night, Mike. I love you.”

Jen woke the next morning, stretching and sitting up. She was alone in bed and noticed that Michael's running shoes were gone. She threw on a robe and ventured downstairs.

“Good morning, honey. Coffee?” her mother asked.

Jen nodded. “Please. I slept like the dead.” She yawned. “Have you seen Michael?”

“He woke your brothers at eight and made them go running with him. I’ve never seen those boys move so quickly.”

“He’s going to be a good dad one day. He wants a dozen.”

“He was raised well, that’s for sure. Unlike other men we know… Dennis, put on a robe. We don’t need to see your shorts.”

“Fine. Got a big time Special Forces officer here with all kind of honors and Oxford PhD and gotta get formal.”

“Did you stay up all night looking up his credentials?” Jen asked, amused.

“There were too many. Lil, that boy has a PhD in physics and engineering!”

“Yes, I know.”

“He’s also a Rhodes scholar. Believe that?”

“He’s very humble about it, Dennis. You’re making the big deal.”

“His father and his uncle are decorated generals!”

“Yes, Dennis, we know.”

“Did you know his eighteen year old sister is also a lieutenant, and a Rhodes scholar, and in Special Forces?”

“No. Are you serious?”

“Yes, Mom. Sam is amazing. She keeps Mike on his toes.”

“But eighteen? She’s just a baby.”

“She is just like her brother. Trust me, she gets lots of chances to be a teenager in that family. She makes my stunts look like child’s play.”

“Maybe we should send Mike home with a wooden spoon for her, then,” Dennis suggested.

“They have their own spoons, Dad,” Jen sighed, sipping her coffee.

“Maybe we should give Mike one for you, since you’re so sassy.”

“Stop it. Don’t you dare embarrass me.”

“Dennis, leave the child alone. Go get some clothes on, you have chores.”

Michael came in twenty minutes later, soaked with sweat and carrying a little boy under either arm. They were covered with mud. “Look what I found outside. Gotta hose?”

“Put me down, Uncle Mike! Mom! We mud wrestled!”

“I see that. Go jump into the shower.”

“But Mom—”

“Recruits! Atten-hut! Now, good Marines know how to obey orders, quickly and without question. Gentlemen Marines never, ever argue with a lady. Are you gentlemen, or are you maggots?”

“Gentlemen, sir!”

“Then show me. Lil, if you would please issue orders.”

“Boys, to the showers.”

“Yes, ma’am!” both boys said, running. Michael laughed, hearing one of them ask what a maggot was.

“Sorry about them,” Lil said, sighing as she handed Michael some water.

“They’re great. I’d love to have twins.”

“Mom, did you know Mike is sort of a twin?” Jen said mischievously. She explained the birthday date and time of him and his sister.

“You sound like you’re really close to her.”

“She’s my partner and best friend. She found Jen for me,” he said, looking at Jen lovingly.

Jen blushed. “Don’t look at me like that.”

“Why? You’re beautiful and I love looking at you.”

“Mom, tell him to stop.”

“Jen’s never quite embraced her beauty. I’m hoping you can change it,” Lil said, joining them at the table.

“She’s perfect. Ladies, if you would please excuse me for a few minutes. I need to shower off my run before I become unbearable. Kiss,” he ordered, quickly kissing Jen before leaving. Her mother followed him with her eyes.

“Gorgeous, isn’t he?” Jen murmured.

“I shouldn’t be looking, but he’s got a beautiful little butt on him.”

“Wait until you see his chest. Yum.” Jen giggled with her mother.

“Betcha your dad is going to start working out after seeing it.”

“I’ll betcha he’ll stop after the first few minutes when it starts to hurt.” Jen snickered. Lil nodded, lifting her coffee mug to tap her daughter’s in agreement.

“Where’s your dad?” Michael asked, coming down shortly in jeans and a tee shirt.

Jen pointed to the barn. “Doing chores. Hungry?”

“In a while. I’ll go help him so he can spend time with you.”

“Oh, that will earn Brownie points. Smart boy.” Lil giggled.

“That and the competition will begin. You know Dad.”

“Maybe we should supervise.”

By the time the two reached the barn, Michael had his shirt off and was tossing bales of hay from the truck.

Lil grabbed her daughter’s arm. “He’s a Greek god.”

“Told you. Not an ounce of fat on him. Look at that pack.” Jen sighed. Her father, also shirtless, was red in the face trying to keep up.

“You get a six pack, I get a keg.” Lil sighed.

“That’s enough for the time being. Don’t want you to hurt yourself,” Dennis yelled up to Michael.

Nodding, Michael hopped down from the truck, wiping his face with his shirt before slipping it back on. “We don’t have the humidity back home. It can drain you.”

Jen giggled, nudging her mother. Yes, Michael knew how to be political. Men.

The twins came running at Michael, tackling him to the ground. They liked their new playmate. He pretended they had him pinned, calling for help.

Dennis sighed, pulling the boys off him. “That’s no way to treat a guest.”

“Uncle Mike said it was okay. He said it’s part of our training.”

“You do realize you will be moving in if this continues. They won’t let you go.” Dennis looked at him tiredly.

Michael ruffled their hair. “We can train from a distance. This way, when I see them next, they’ll be more prepared to win a match. It’s good practice for when I get my own brood.”

“These are my good ones. That one was my challenge. You don’t want any like her,” Dennis said loudly.

“Dad!”

“Mr. Carter, when we have some time, I will share with you what it was like growing up with my kid sister. She makes Jen look like the perfect angel. Trust me.”

“Do you drink?”

“An occasional beer. Can’t keep the machine running smooth on ethanol.” He slapped his abs.

Dennis grabbed his stomach. “Bought and paid for. Do you like fishing? We’ll go later. Just us guys.”

“Can we come?” the twins asked.

“Yeah. There’s no reason to hang out with the hens,” Dennis grumbled.

Michael laughed. “You are so much like my uncle. You two will get along great.”

“Jen? Do you want to go shopping? We have the credit card,” Lil announced loudly.

Dennis pointed at her. “Stay away from that thing! Go cook or something.”

“No, I think we’ll go shopping.”

“Don’t make me get the spoon, wife!”

Lil laughed, unfazed. Michael winked at Jen, who blushed, and beckoned to her. “Do you want to go shopping? I didn’t bring enough stuff with me and don’t want to keep washing things.”

“I like shopping for you. Sure!” Jen said excitedly.

“Go into my wallet and get my card. Buy whatever you want. And take your mom out for lunch, okay?”

“I can pay for my wife,” Dennis grumbled.

“I’m sure you can, but this way, the government has to foot the bill.”

“The government?”

“I have an expense card. They pay, no questions.”

“It’s about time the government gives back something. Okay, then you guys can go.”

***

“How in the world did you get those boys to go to bed so early? It is only eight!” Lil asked that evening.

“Lots of fresh air, exercise and a reminder that good Marines obey orders.”

“Plus he called his dad, the general, and he ordered the boys to bed.” Jen giggled.

“That too. They were so impressed that they were talking to a real general that they didn’t question. Lucky for them I didn’t get my uncle on the phone. He’s scary.”

“I would love to meet your family one day, Michael,” Lil said smiling.

“They are fantastic. Maybe you guys could come during our birthday? My sister and I share the same day and the folks always make it a big deal.”

“Oh, Mike! That would be great!” Jen squealed.

Dennis frowned. “And how will I get this bunch all the way there? Sorry, kid, but I’m not made of money.”

“But, Dad…”

“Mr. Carter—”

“I told you to call me Dennis. I thought you obeyed orders.”

“My apologies, Dennis. Since Jen works for the labs, she might be able to use some of her benefits and get you a transport. She has lots of perks with this position.”

“Mainly you and your family.”

“That’s one. Again, if we can get the government to pay, why not? If you really think about it, you pay taxes. Your tax dollars go towards military funding. So you, in essence, are paying for your own flight.”

“You should be a lawyer, boy.”

“That’s what my parents tell me. Well?”

“I’ll think about it. When’s this event?”

“In two months. October 31
^st
. My uncle said when we were born, we came out dressed in Halloween costumes. I was the angel and Sammi was the holy terror.” Michael snickered. “You will see for yourself, I promise.”

After Michael took the little boys running with him the next morning, he put them through an obstacle course and had them exhausted before breakfast. Lil was pleased to see them so quiet during the Sunday morning brunch, almost falling asleep in their chairs. Michael roused them for horseback riding with the family and both went to bed by seven that night after saying their tired goodbyes to their new ‘uncle’ and sister. Lil and Dennis hugged both warmly, thanking them for coming. Michael returned the thanks, promising to keep in touch with Dennis and be on the lookout for more flies for his collection.

Dennis hugged his daughter. “I like this boy. Marry him and give him lots of babies.”