Midnight Surrender (Freedom Fighters Series Book 2) (17 page)

Alec lay awake, one arm behind his head, staring at the ceiling. The nights were the longest for him. Alone and weary, he couldn’t shake the ache that filled his chest. Thoughts of Lizzie filled his head, occupying every inch of available space. He missed her more than he could express.

He often debated whether the time away from her was worth it. Again and again he would come close to leaving and running straight to her. It raged a war within his soul. He was never whole without her. A piece of him was always missing. She completed him, in every way a woman completed a man, and her absence left a void within.

He thought about the compound in Kettering and smiled. It had taken him months to find everything he needed for their new home. He loved that farm and the people in it. Sam and Carol were like family to him now. They had adopted him as their own, embracing him as a son.

He had spent months helping them escape from their old camp and settle in the new one. Fighting their way out of an ambush he managed to save hundreds of people from the militia. Many had chosen to settle at the farm. Some of them moved on but he had made many friends. In addition he had established some important friendships that had helped him during his campaign against the militia.

Sam and Carol had fortified the compound, adding soldiers and men to help with chores and training refugees on self-defense. Unlike most of the freedom fighter, or freedom camps as they were nicknamed, the Kettering one wasn’t dedicated to training for the war or fighting. It remained one of the few compounds that hadn’t seen a large increase in numbers.

These were some of the reasons Alec had chosen the farm with Sam and Carol. They didn’t want to continue the fighting. Their main objective was sanctuary and farming. They would provide a self-sustaining farm that could shelter those that needed safety the most. It would protect women and children and families.

Alec had asked Sam and Carol if they would take that kind of a responsibility on. He knew they had been farmers before the war. It had been a pleasant surprise and turn of good fortune that the bombing and militia had yet to touch the area. It sat unused and available, abandoned.

It was remote and small enough not to draw too much attention. Hidden by forest and dirt paths it kept itself out of view from the roads. Only enough soldiers to provide safety and send word in the event of trouble protected the main gate. They were fortified in the rear. Another path behind the main house would lead them to a lake and freedom if needed.

He realized now that Lizzie would never be safe inside a bunker or compound of the militia’s design. They would seek those out until they were all destroyed. It was no longer a secret that the refugees turned freedom fighters used militia bases. Any hope for his family lie in finding another alternative option. He had finally found one, after months of search. It was always the plan to bring his family there.

Alec imagined Lizzie’s surprise when she reached the bungalow. It was perfect for their little growing family. At the time he had found and purchased any items they might need in the future, not realizing that she would already become with child again quickly. His thoroughness would serve them well. Everything she needed was there.

Lizzie. His beloved. He imagined her pretty smile and happy sparkling eyes. He wanted to reach out and touch her, pull her close against his chest, and hold her all night. He missed that the most. He missed the feel of her soft skin and curvy figure tangled with his body. He missed her scent. He missed her sigh of contentment when he drew her close.

The more he thought of her the more he realized he needed to see her. Soon. It was not enough to leave a message with Mal. She would be hurt that he did not stay. She might be anxious. He did not want to cause her undue stress in her condition. She was probably upset with him and he needed to make sure she was recovering.

He missed little Benjamin as much as he missed his mother. His son should not grow up without seeing his father so often. With another child on the way he needed to seriously consider what he was going to do. What were his priorities? Could he hand over leadership to anyone else? Who would be able to continue the fight, not just for vengeance, but in order to bring freedom to the people? His family was not the only one that needed peace.

It felt that this war was never going to end. He could spend the next decade trying to fight the militia. What would happen if he found himself with a teenage son who hated and despised him for his absence? Or a wife who left him? What if she found solace in Mal? For the first time he realized the true implications for his actions.

No, Alec could not do that. He would not lose them. It was time to act. In the morning he would make preparations to leave. He became excited at the idea of surprising Lizzie.
Soon
, he thought,
soon my love. We will be reunited and nothing will keep me from showing you how much I love you.

I awakened to the sound of a low whistle, cheerfully and absently making noise from the kitchen. As I opened my eyes I realized the room was quiet and still. No noise or rustle of movement from my son. A quick glance at the empty playpen almost put me in a panic until I realized that little Benjamin was in the kitchen with Mal.

Light fluttering in my belly drew my attention. My new child moved happily in my womb. I slid my hands to my rounded stomach and smiled. The life inside me continued to grow, oblivious to the outside world. I grew wistful. Nothing would make me happier than to see Alec’s face when I told him I was carrying his child.

My stomach growled with hunger, as if the tiny baby was nudging me to eat. Reluctant to leave the warm bed I dressed, brushed my teeth, combed my long hair back, and entered the kitchen.

“Good morning,” I greeted them both.

“Good morning,” Mal answered.

He kissed my cheek and handed me a plate of eggs and bacon.

“Mama!” Little Benjamin squealed happily.

“Hi my little sweetheart,” I told him and placed a kiss on his cheek.

“Want any toast? There is fresh squeezed orange juice for you. Apparently this kitchen has been fully stocked,” Mal offered.

“Oh yes, please. I am starving,” I told him, laying my hand on my fluttering belly.

He set a glass of the juice in front of me as his eyes fell to my stomach.

“Do you feel the baby?” He asked.

I nodded. “Yes, like tiny butterfly wings.”

I smiled at him brightly. He looked thoughtful.

“I bet it would be amazing to know I was going to be a father. I envy Alec that experience,” he admitted.

Something in his expression was sad. I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently.

“It will happen for you Malcolm. I know it,” I reassured him.

He grinned at my using his full name. It humored him. I rarely did.

“I truly hope so. There is nothing that would make me happier.”

He held my hand, massaging it, lost in thought. I knew what he wanted. He was wishing he was the father of
my
baby. I was not angry or upset. He loved me. It was a natural desire for him to feel that way. I would not fault him for it.

I slowly withdrew my hand. “What would you like to do today?”

His expression was unreadable. I think he disliked my intentional change of subject. I could almost sense his frustration when I pulled my hand away.

“Well,” he answered, “I spent several hours last night walking the perimeter of the compound but I have some things I would like to discuss with Sam. Why don’t you visit with Carol?”

I considered his suggestion. “I will. I wish little man was walking more than a few steps at a time. He is starting to get heavy to carry.”

“Yes, I noticed that too. I think he is right on the edge and will do it any day. Why don’t I take him with me today? The fresh air would be good for us both. I’ll bring him back and meet you here for lunch."

I nodded. It sounded like a nice afternoon.

“Thank you. Is there anything you would like?” I asked, grateful to have time to myself.

He nearly burst out laughing. “That is not a question I will answer right now.”

He chuckled softly. I rolled my eyes at him playfully in response. He knew I was talking about food. Putting my hands on my hips, I pretended to be disgusted.

“Now listen Malcolm, naughty boys get punished.”

I saw him shiver. The playfulness left his eyes and I saw raw lust there for a brief moment. He crossed the distance to me in two seconds flat. Before I could stop him or figure out his intention, his lips were on mine. He pulled me close against his chest, his tongue darting into my mouth.

Surprised I placed my palms against his chest and pushed. He had never kissed me that way before. Ever.

At that exact moment Sam showed up at the screen door.

“Excuse me,” he said in shock, an uncomfortable timber to his voice.

I backed up against the table and took a deep breath. Then another. I shook my head trying to clear it.

“Are you all right Lizzie?” Sam asked.

I thought he had left at the sight of us embraced. No words would form. I shook my head again. Emotions waged war within me but I couldn’t quite place the cause of my anxiety. Was it the surprise of his actions? My guilt for enjoying it? The embarrassment of being caught? Or was it my own raging desires, torn constantly between loving two men?

I could not meet either of their eyes. I had no interest in seeing what lay in them at the moment. My cheeks flamed crimson and I was suddenly hot. Turning from both men I scooped up little Benjamin out of the high chair and left, the screen door banging loudly at my departure.

As soon as I exited the bungalow I realized I had nowhere to go. I was new here. I didn’t know anyone else yet besides Carol. I wished in that moment for a friend my age to talk to, like Diva.

Little Benjamin was squirming on my hip.

“Let’s go see the barn and animals,” I told him, trying to distract his wiggling.

It was close. I would not have to carry him far. Once inside I could let him down and relieve myself of the weight. Behind me I heard Sam tell Mal to let me go. That was a good idea. I wanted to be left alone. If he followed me we would argue and I did not want that.

The barn was large and sectioned off in pens and stalls inside. Both the front and rear double doors had been left wide open to admit the light and slight breeze that rustled through the trees. Aside from the stench of manure, I found it pleasant.

A lone individual was feeding hay to the animals, his bare back covered in sweat from the exertion. He was handsome and reminded me instantly of Sam. Feeling silly for disturbing him, I turned to leave.

“Morning. Don’t mind me. Feel free to visit the animals with your little guy,” he offered.

I smiled. “Good morning. Thank you.”

“My name is Mike. I’m one of the ranch hands. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you, miss…?”

He let the question hang in the air.

“Lizzie,” I answered.

He nodded. “Pretty name.”

I blushed and he smiled. After a moment he continued to feed the animals and then started to brush the horses down. Little Benjamin was heavy on my hip. I set him down and held his hand, pointing to the pigs.

“Look sweetie, pigs.”

He bounced up and down. “Piggie?”

I nodded. “Piggie.”

I made noises like a pig and he giggled.

“Mama see piggie.” He pointed and I helped him toddle over to the pig pen.

We stopped at each animal pen as he tottered along, saying each name and animal sound. When we came to the horses Mike looked up at us and led one over to the stall gate.

“This is Thunder. He is very gentle.”

I reached over and ran my hand along his velvety neck. “He is beautiful.”

“Yes he is Miss Lizzie. Pardon my asking but…do you have a man?”

I stared at him, dumbfounded. What?

“To look after your little boy here…and the babe you are carrying,” he explained.

Why would he like to know?

I decided there was no danger in being honest.

“Yes I do,” I replied slowly, “at least I think so.” When my absentee husband decided to show up that is. No point in elaborating.

“I was just wondering miss. The war has left many of us alone. I wouldn’t want to see you both alone and unprotected.” He blushed slightly.

Was he offering? How adorable. I never got a chance to answer him. He quickly stumbled over his words.

“If you find yourself alone, I would like to offer my services. Sam can vouch for me,” he told me quickly. “I lost my family in the first air raids. I cannot stand to see a young woman and her child left vulnerable.”

Aw, he was totally sweet. I beamed a smile at him.

“I thank you Mike. You are most kind. But I have a husband…who I hope will return to me soon. I also have a dear friend helping me.”

He nodded. “I figured as much but had to ask. This war has made us all orphans, widows, and loners. Please remember my offer.”

“I will,” I promised.

He looked a little disappointed. I was incredibly flattered.

Little Benjamin and I finished visiting the animals in the barn. I picked him up and we waved bye to Mike, heading back outside the front of the barn.

“Lizzie?” Carol was calling me.

I turned to see her waving from the front porch.

“Come rest yourself dear and have some lemonade. Little Benjamin can play.”

I sank gratefully into a rocker and let her cover me with a hand crochet afghan. Fully expecting to have a long conversation she surprised me when she kept quiet. My little man was stacking wooden blocks and laughing when they fell. She joined him on the floor, sitting cross legged, and helped him restack them as they tumbled. He clapped his little hands in glee.

I must have fallen asleep because I awakened to the sound of several voices.

“She is quite the beauty,” I heard a voice say. Carol.

“Yes, she certainly is Mother.” A man’s voice replied.

I was pretty certain it was Mike.

“She has a husband son.” Carol again.

“I know. I asked her,” he admitted.

“You did?” Carol laughed.

“Yes. What is so funny about that?”

He sounded indignant. She laughed harder for a moment.

“That is Alec’s wife,” she answered.

“Damn,” I heard him chuckle, “he is going to laugh hard when he hears about this. He told me his wife was beautiful but…he did not say gorgeous.”

She laughed with him. “Yes.”

I heard someone walk onto the porch, boots scraping the ground.

“Hello Malcolm. I haven’t had a chance to introduce you to my son yet. This is Michael.”

“Mike,” he corrected.

I almost smiled at the attempt he made to sound more grown up. He had to be close to my age.

“Nice to meet you Mike.”

“When did you arrive?” Mike asked.

“Late afternoon yesterday. Your parents have been very welcoming to us here.”

“Us?” Mike asked.

“I brought Lizzie and her son with me,” Mal informed him.

“Oh,” he paused, “you must be the dear friend she mentioned.”

“Yes, you could say that,” he replied coolly.

What was going on with these two? I had to hide a frown. Were they developing a dislike when they only just met? Why?

“How is Lizzie?” Mal asked.

“Oh I am sure she is fine. Perhaps a bit tired,” Carol assured him.

“I worry about her,” Mal admitted.

“I would worry about her too if I were her husband,” Mike chimed in.

What was that? Why make such a comment? I nearly opened my eyes but decided to wait. I could feel eyes on me.

“She has been through a great deal recently. When we were bombed-”

I heard a sharp intake of breath from Carol.

“When we were bombed,” Mal tried again, “Lizzie suffered multiple injuries including a severe concussion. In her condition I worry about her health.”

“Oh my. When was this?” Carol asked.

“Right before we came. A week ago.”

“Does Alec know?” Mike demanded.

“Yes, he came to her hospital room but didn’t stay long enough to see her wake up or recover.”

“That doesn’t sound like Alec,” Carol thought aloud.

“I don’t think he would leave her again unless it was absolutely necessary.” Mike. He sounded angry.

Uncomfortable silence. I pretended to be sleeping since I obviously could not interject my thoughts at that moment. Now was not the time.

“I imagine she will still be asleep for a little longer. Why don’t you both go see to the animals before dinner? Mal I would be happy to have you join us,” Carol invited.

“Thank you Carol. After you Mike.”

I heard the scraping of chairs against the porch and boots clomping along the stairs.

“How long have you been awake?”

I peeped my eyes open. “Long enough to know I wanted to avoid that conversation.”

She laughed lightly. “I quite agree.”

“May I ask you something Carol?” I ventured, glad to have the chance to talk alone.

Little Benjamin was still playing with the wooden blocks and vrooming several small cars around the polished floor.

“Mama. Dada. Mow.” He said, clapping his hands.

I watched him playing for a moment and then looked at her.

“You have my permission to ask whatever you like, although I believe your question will be about your husband.”

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. “How did you know?”