Military Romance Collection: Contemporary Soldier Alpha Male Romance (26 page)

10

              “Meet Michael David Daniels,” Charlie said proudly, putting the tiniest baby Matthew had ever seen into his brother’s arms. “With his initials, we figure we can call him Dr. D for short.”

              “Wow!” Matthew said. “You named him Michael for…”

              “For Ada’s father,” Charlie said. “And of course David for David.”

              “That’s a lot of name for a little guy,” Matthew said, bringing his face up to the baby’s to touch noses. “You’d better grow some big feet to fill those shoes.”

              Charlie beamed. “So you like it? The name?”

              “Of course,” Matthew said. “It’s perfect.”  He looked his nephew over. “He’s 100% healthy? They’ve checked everything?”

              “Everything and then some,” Charlie said. “Poor kid’s gotten stuck more than a pincushion.”

              “And how’s Mama?” Matthew asked. He turned toward Saba, who had a big bouquet of flowers cradled in her arms. “We brought you these.”

              “They’re lovely!” Ada beamed from the bed. “Thank you. I’m feeling much better than I expected to at this point, frankly,” she said with a giggle, “but I’m sure the pain medication they gave me deserves some of the credit for that.”

              “You should feel good,” Saba proclaimed. “You have given your husband a beautiful, strong son.”

              Ada smiled. “My Mom tells me you’ve got everything at the ranch running smoothly as well,” she said. “Thank you for taking care of everything.”

              “It is nothing,” Saba said, dismissing the hours of work she’d done cooking, cleaning, and hostessing with a wave of her hand. “Everyone had been so kind to Hafez and myself. It is a pleasure to return even a fraction of this to you and your family.”

              “You are our family,” Ada proclaimed. Her face clouded for a moment as she thought about her slain brother in law. “David chose you, and we will love you always for that.”

              Saba blushed. “Thank you. This means more to me than you will ever know.”

              Baby Michael let out a cry, disrupting the moment. “What’s the matter, little one?” Ada said, holding out her arms. “Give him here. He’s probably  hungry.”

              “He just ate!” Charlie protested. “Not even an hour ago.”

              “His little stomach is the size of his fist, the nurse said,” Ada explained, gracefully putting her son to her breast and tucking the blankets around him. “That means it gets empty fast. He needs lots of refills.”

              “A hungry boy grows into a strong man,” Saba agreed. She looked at Ada. “Do not listen to anyone who tells you you are spoiling him. You can not give a child too much.”

              “Boy, oh boy,” Charlie said to Matthew. “I can see I’ll be in trouble if these two team up on me.”

              Saba looked confused. “We will only strive to give you a strong son…”

              Ada patted her arm. “Don’t worry, darling, he’s teasing.” She gave her husband a sharp look. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

              Charlie nodded. “Of course I am. Let the little guy eat as much as he wants, as often as he wants.” He looked woefully at his wife’s lush, curved bosom. “I just hope I can visit that restaurant again someday!”

11

              The divorce paperwork Matthew had signed had stipulated that he was required to inform his ex-wife Amy of any significant change in his financial status. “I’m pretty sure that getting married qualifies,” Matthew told Saba. “Are you sure you want to deal with this?”

              Saba nodded. “Getting married doesn’t make either of us richer,” she said. “I am sure she will not care.” Getting married also eliminated any worries Saba had about her ability to stay in the United States legally. Given the short duration of her marriage to David, she’d been concerned. Going back to Afghanistan as a single woman with a child was not an appealing prospect.

              “You obviously don’t know Amy,” Matthew said. “If things don’t go the way she thinks they should, she’ll have plenty to say about it.” Matthew knew his ex-wife had less than no interest in ever seeing him find happiness. He was worried that she would do what she could to wreck what he’d found with Saba.

              What he’d found with Saba, much to his surprise, was happiness. Neither of them had come into the relationship expecting a grand passion. Instead, by focusing on first the immediate necessities of setting up a life together they started to build a bond. Caring for Hamez had made that bond stronger: Saba had been astonished the first time Matthew told her to take a nap while he watched the child.

              Burying David had been hard. The funeral was small, attended by the sheriff, ranch hands, and the family. Saba had wept against Matthew’s chest; afterward, they stood at his graveside while everyone else went back to the house.

              “Do you think he is happier now?” Saba asked Matthew.

              “I think he died knowing he did everything he knew how to do,” Matthew replied. Sometimes, in the small hours of the night, he wondered exactly what his little brother would think about him marrying Saba. He consoled himself by thinking it was better that he was there to give Saba healthy love and support, rather than some random stranger who would try to take advantage of Saba’s desperate situation.

              Moving away from the ranch had been harder than Matthew had expected. Ada had pleaded with them to stay, pointing out how good it would be for baby Michael and Hamez to grow up together.  Charlie hadn’t protested too much, though, and remembering the comments he’d almost but not quite made on the evening of David’s death was enough to convince Matthew that the move was the right one. He’d gotten permission from his parole officer to take a job in Dallas; his role wasn’t glamorous, but it paid well enough and he was home every night with his family.

              He’d sent Amy the required letter two weeks ago, informing her of the changes and including a check for some of the money he still owed her.  There had been no word, although changes in his bank account let Matthew know his ex-wife had cashed the check. He was beginning to think she’d be willing to let things go, when the knock he’d been dreading came.

              Saba answered the door. Amy stood there, tall, thin, and blond. She stared at Saba. “Do you know who I am?” she asked with a bit of a snarl.

              “Of course,” Saba answered. She stepped back, inviting Amy inside. “Being as beautiful as you are, you must be Matthew’s first wife. Welcome to our home.”

              It wasn’t the response Amy was expecting. She stepped in hesitantly, eyes widening at the sight of Hamez sitting on the floor, happily playing with his toys. She turned her eyes on Matthew. “You didn’t tell me you’d had a child.”

              Matthew shook his head, but Saba answered. “Hamez is my son,” she explained. “His father was killed.”

              “Yes,” Amy said. “I was sorry to hear about David’s death.”

              “That was also a sad day,” Saba agreed smoothly.

              Matthew could see Amy’s mind whirling. He knew how much being confused upset his ex-wife. She always liked to have all available information, no matter what the situation was. “Hamez’ father was Assim, an Afghani national killed in conflict,” he explained. “Saba married David subsequent to that. You know how that turned out.”

              Amy looked at Saba. “You have had a truly horrible time.”

              Saba bowed her head. “Fortune comes to us all,” she said. “There has been sadness along the way.”

              Amy froze in place. “I don’t know that I’d be able to stand there, so calmly, after losing so much.”

              “What else can I do?” Saba said, with a shrug. “It is not like a life can be replaced. When they are gone, they are gone. We must mourn them and move on.” Her face brightened. “But you are our guest. Would you like some tea?”

              Amy nodded. “That would be lovely.” She followed Saba into the kitchen. It only took a few steps to cross the small living room and enter the tinier kitchen. “This is your home now?” she said to Matthew.

              “It is,” he replied. She knew he was thinking of the large home they’d shared; almost all of this apartment would fit neatly into the foyer of that place. “We’re hoping to be able to move to a better school district before Hamez starts classes.”

              “You have him in pre-school?” Amy asked.

              Matthew shook his head. “We can’t really afford that.”

              Saba spoke up. “I take him to classes with me at the community center. He has learned his colors, red and blue and green.” She beamed at her son with a mother’s pride, but Amy was looking at Matthew.

              “What?” he said.

              “You look happy.” She shook her head. “In all these years, in all the time I’ve known you, this is the first time I’ve seen you look completely and sincerely happy.”

              Matthew felt his stomach clench. Knowing that he was experiencing joy was the surest route to bring out Amy’s vengeful side. She’d do whatever she could to squash his happiness.

              “I am happy,” he said. “Taking care of Saba has given my life purpose.”

              Amy nodded slowly. “Maybe I was too strong for you.” She turned her head toward Saba. “Not that you’re not strong. You’re very strong, in a way I’ve never had to be.” She set the tea cup down gently on the card table that the family ate their meals on. “Thank you for the tea. I’m going to show myself out now.”

              She started toward the front door, walking as if she were dazed. Matthew couldn’t help but call to her. “Amy? Are you all right?”

              He was astonished when she turned to him with tears in her eyes. “No,” she said. “I’m not. All of this time I thought we didn’t work out because I couldn’t provide enough to keep you happy.”

              “Amy…” Matthew was flabbergasted. “That wasn’t it at all.”

              “I see that,” Amy said. She looked down at Hamez, who gleefully waved blocks in her direction. “Fortune comes to us all.” She took a deep breath. “Don’t worry about paying back any more money,” she said. “I’ll have my attorney send you a letter to that effect. Use those funds to get this little guy into a good pre-school. An excellent pre-school.”

              “Are you sure?” Matthew said. “I know how much I hurt you, Aim. I know how wrong I was.”

              “I know now how little you took from me,” Amy said. “In the great course of life, what is money?” She shook her head. “Fortune comes to us all.” She opened the door, looked at her ex-husband and smiled. “Take care of yourself, Matt. And take care of your little family.”

12

              “Look at my little cowboy!” Saba said, squealing with delight at Hamez’ outfit. “You are adorable. Perfect for your first rodeo.”

              “Your first rodeo too,” Matthew said. “You’re in for a treat.” For a fraction of a second, his memory flickered back to the last rodeo he’d attended. His face reddened, and he hoped Saba wouldn’t see it. He leaned forward and talked to Hamez. “You’re going to see bulls, and Uncle Charlie’s bucking broncos and the rodeo clowns…”

              “Clowns?” Saba interrupted. “This rodeo is a circus too?”

              “No,” Matthew said. “They have clowns who come out and divert the stock after the riders get bucked off. It’s to keep everyone safe.” He could see his explanation wasn’t helping the situation any. So could Freddie, who was waiting with the young family up in the stands.

              “They dress up silly,” Freddie said. “That’s why they call them clowns. The big clothes and bright colors distract the stock from the cowboys. I gave it a try myself back in the day before I came to my senses.”

              “What happened?” Saba asked. “That you gave it up?”

              “Too many horns in my hindquarters,” Freddie said with a laugh.

              “But you still wear the ridiculous clothes?” Saba said, with a sly smile.

              Freddie looked at her sideways for a moment before breaking into laughter. “That man of yours has been a bad influence on you, Saba,” he said, wagging his finger at Matthew. “I’ll have you know I’m the most fashionable man on the ranch.”

              “Well, that’s not saying a whole bunch,” Ada chimed in. “Charlie would wear the same thing every day if I let him, and everything Sean wears is all stained up.” She wrapped her arms around Saba and squeezed her gently. “It’s good to see you! How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

              “Good,” Saba said. She smiled contentedly. “This time, I have been blessed to not have any morning sickness. These American Saltines are exactly what you want when the baby stands on your stomach!”

              “So true,” Ada agreed. “I practically lived on Saltine crackers when I was pregnant with Michael.” She beamed. “I’m so glad you two could come out for our little guy’s debut.”

              “The very first colt born to the two of you,” Matthew said. “Well, you know what I mean. The first colt born on the ranch.”

              “Daniel’s Absolute Miracle,” Ada said proudly. “It’s been a long couple of years, but he’s ready for his turn in the spotlight.”

              “Do we know yet who drew him?” Freddie asked.

              “Oliver Sitts,” Ada said, the smile fading from her face. “But maybe our little guy can handle it.”

              “Who’s Oliver Sitts?” Saba asked.

              “He’s one of the best riders on the circuit,” Freddie explained. “Came out of nowhere a few years ago, and he’s really been tearing things up. They say if he can’t ride a horse, that horse can’t be ridden.”

              “He’s never been bucked off,” Ada added. “At least not that anyone knows about.”

              “Well,” Saba said, “There is always the first time for everything.”

              “Let’s hope so!” Ada said.

              Hamez loved his first rodeo. When the rodeo queens thundered through the arena, smiling wide smiles as they carried huge American flags, he screamed and clapped his hands. The barrel racing made him happy. By the time the calf roping was done, he was getting a little tired. Then Freddie slipped him a cotton candy, and that baby boy was suddenly wound for sound.

              “What is this stuff?” Saba asked, taking a pinch from the cone and popping it into her mouth. “Oh, my goodness, that is sweet!” She scolded Freddie. “You’d better plan on coming and being our baby sitter this evening, because after that, I don’t know if my baby will ever sleep again!”

              “I’m sorry,” Freddie said.

              “You are not sorry at all,” Saba said, slapping at the ranch hands’ arm. “I have seen you when you’ve been sorry. This is not sorry. This is for your amusement.”

              Freddie laughed. “I’ll tell you what, Saba. When I have a baby, you get to give him all the cotton candy you want.”

              Saba rolled her eyes. “Sure, put me off with a revenge that must wait a thousand thousand years.”

              Ada clapped her hands. “You guys! It’s time for the saddle broncs!”

              Freddie and Matthew rushed to the rail to get a better look. “Man,” Freddie said, “I wish they let me go back there with the boss.”

              “I don’t see why they don’t,” Matthew said.

              “Space limits,” Freddie said. “You get two people per animal.” He shook his head. “So the bigger outfits can have ten, twelve guys back there. But we just don’t have that much stock working. Sean really had to pull some strings to get the Miracle Baby into this show.”

              “Let’s hope it’s worth it,” Matthew said. “What happens if this Sitts kid lasts the whole 8 seconds?”

              “Honestly? Probably not too much. The kid’s got such a good reputation I don’t think it will count against the colt. But if he can manage to buck him off?” Freddie shook his head. “It could be the start of a beautiful career for our little guy.”

              “Get ready for Bad Ass 2,” Matthew laughed.

              “Don’t let the boss lady hear you saying that,” Freddie said. He cast a worried glance up toward the stands, where Ada was heavily in conversation with Saba. “She gets really pissed any time someone mentions that idea at all.”

              “Really?” Matthew was astonished. “I can’t imagine Ada getting pissed off about anything.”

              Freddie snorted. “It’s far and few between, that’s for sure. But when it happens, look out.” He laughed. “I don’t know what the boss man ever said to you about your Saba, but Ada does. And she made good and god damn sure he’d never say anything like that again.”

              “Really?” Matthew said.

              “Really. Ada took to your Saba right off. Even when she was married to your brother. And when Ada decides she likes someone, or something, there’s no changing her mind. She decides like that.” Freddie snapped his fingers. “And then reality just needs to get itself in order and line up with whatever Miss Ada has decided. That’s how that works.”

              “Oh,” Matthew laughed. “I thought she was such a pussy cat.”

              “You know she’d seen your brother for all of about ten minutes when she decided she was going to marry him,” Freddie said. “That pussy cat has a nice sharp set of claws. She just brings them out only on rare occasions.”

              “All the rest of the time, she uses tequila,” Matthew said with a laugh. “That day when we got back to the ranch and she’s got Big Jesus three sheets to the wind…I didn’t know what to think.”

              “You know she can’t touch the stuff  now?” Freddie laughed. “The people from Patron did a photo shoot with her, and she went through with it to be polite, but afterward she told me never again. Just the smell of the stuff puts her back in that afternoon, and she doesn’t want to be there.”

              “I can see that,” Matthew said. “It’s a shame now she’s got a caseful of the stuff and no one around to drink it.”

              “Oh, Sean and I make sure she has a hand with that as needed,” Freddie said with a laugh. “Don’t worry on that account.”

              “And we have Daniel’s Absolute Miracle making his debut performance,” the announcer read out, cutting through the men’s conversation, “This two year old is up against everyone’s favorite rising star, Oliver Sitts!” 

              The stands erupted in screams and applause. “Boy, they’re happy to see Miracle Boy,” Matthew said.

              “You dummy!” Freddie said. “They’re all cheering for Oliver.”

              “Well,” Matthew said, leaning up against the rail, “let’s see how they feel in a couple of seconds.”

              Daniel’s Absolute Miracle had grown up from a spindly black colt into a sleek, muscular two year old stallion. He was the perfect combination of his mother’s gorgeous form and his father’s foul temperament. The minute the chute swung open,  Miracle Boy came out spinning.  He was fast, and he was strong. It was clear that Oliver Sitts was having a tough time staying on board.

              “What a ride!” the announcer crowed. “We see Oliver’s got his hand up high. He’s in total control of this situation, folks!”

              That’s when Miracle Boy decided to demonstrate that he’d inherited more than a nasty streak from his famous father. After half a dozen dizzying spins to the right, he abruptly turned left, dropping his shoulder and head just enough to put Oliver Sitts off balance.

              Then he jumped, getting all four hooves a good two feet off the ground.

              “Woo hoo folks!” The announcer crowed. “We got ourselves a rodeo here! That’s Bad Ass’s son and it shows!”

              When Miracle Boy’s front hooves hit the ground, he planted them in the sandy arena soil. Then he raised his hindquarters as high as they could go. Oliver Sitts was sent flying, arcing through the air as the crowd went absolutely silent.  He landed on the ground hard, sending up a red poof of dust all around him.

              Miracle Boy got his hindquarters back on the ground. Then he charged the defenseless cowboy, teeth bared. It was clear he had no intention of allowing his would-be rider to walk away unscathed.

              “Holy hot damn,” Freddie breathed. “It’s like watching his father back in the ring.”

              “Are they supposed to go after the cowboys like that?” Matthew asked. One of the rodeo clowns had grabbed hold of Oliver Sitts by the boots and dragged him out of harms’ way in the nick of time; the cowboy missed having his head stomped flat by a fraction of a second. 

              “Well, it makes for a good show,” Freddie said. “I’ve got to admit the riders don’t like that kind of attitude much.”

              Another of the rodeo clowns got up close to Miracle Boy’s flailing hind legs and pulled the flank strap free. Absent the irritating pressure on his genitals the strap provided, the colt calmed down instantly. When the stock gate opened on other side of the arena, he trotted calmly through it like he’d been performing in rodeo shows every single day of his life.

              The gate closed, and the crowd went nuts.

              “Ladies and Gentlemen!” The announcer bellowed. “They say if Oliver Sitts can’t ride a horse, that horse can’t be rid. Well, you’ve just seen history made right in front of you. In an amazing 5 second display, Daniel’s Absolute Miracle did what they said no one could do – he put Oliver Sitts down in the dirt.”

              The applause was amazing. Matthew could feel the stands shaking. He looked over at Saba, who had a wide smile on her face, and both hands over Hamez’s ears. Ada was beaming, with tears of joy running down her face.

              “He did it!” Matthew shouted to his sister in law.

              “God damn right he did!” she shouted back.

              “They call him Daniel’s Absolute Miracle, but do you know what that horse’s name should be, folks?” The announcer called out. “I think we’re looking at Bad Ass 2!”

              Matthew looked at Freddie, and Freddie looked back at him. Then they both looked at Ada. She laughed. “What can you do?” she said with a shrug. “I guess it’s Bad Ass 2.”

13

              “It’s unheard of for a horse to win top stock honors on his debut outing,” Charlie said. He couldn’t look any prouder if he’d bucked Oliver Sitts off himself. The cowboy had even come over to the stock yard afterward to seek Charlie out.

              “That’s a damn fine horse you raised,” Oliver Sitts had said. “There’s no shame in being beat by a horse this good.”

              Wyatt Roderiguez clapped Charlie on the back. “You done good, kid.”

              “Because of you,” Charlie said. “Everything that’s happened.” His eyes teared up as he looked as his mentor. “I couldn’t have done any of it without your guidance and support.”

              “You did plenty of work on your own,” Wyatt said. “This is just the beginning of good things to come from your ranch.”

              Sean came up, only to find himself surprised by Charlie’s enthusiastic embrace. “We did it!” Freddie was greeted with the same bear hug. “We actually absolutely made this happen.”

              “He’s a good horse,” Sean said. “Now if you just keep on spoiling him rotten the way you do, we’ll be having all kinds of repeat performances.”