The SEAL's Second Chance Baby (11 page)

Her laugh filled him with warmth and goodwill and a general feeling of acceptance.

All too soon, the truck devoured the miles to town, and he was back in the school parking lot, pulling alongside Effie's van.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Sort of?” Her short laugh and clasped hands gave away her nerves.

“Come on.” He indulged his own nerves by giving her hand a squeeze. “Everything's going to be fine. Colt can start serving his sentence, and then things will get back to normal.”

“Mr. Marsh,” a small voice said from the backseat. “Can you carry me? My legs don't work.”

“That's not good.” Marsh opened his door and slid out from behind the wheel. “How about I help you down, then we'll figure out the problem?”

“Okay...”

By the time Marsh walked around the truck, Effie had already opened Colt's door and unbuckled his seat belt.

The storm had passed save for the black clouds off to the east. Filtered sun made grass especially green. Front-range peaks had gotten snow.

“See?” Colt flopped his legs. “They don't work.”

Marsh scooped him up and out, planting him firmly on the blacktop.

“It's a miracle,” Effie teased before taking his hand. “I'm so relieved.”

“You hold my hand, too.” Colt thrust out his arm toward Marsh.

“Please,” Effie coached.

“Pleeeease,”
Colt said with a jump.

They walked as a trio to the school's main entrance, but then Effie pulled back before going inside. “Colt, I'm worried you're not taking this seriously. You made a bunch of very bad decisions at the bank, and I'm afraid you think this is all a joke.”

“I don't, Mom.” Colt shook his head. “I'm gonna be
real
good forever! Mr. Marsh is gonna help, right?”

“Sure,” Marsh said. “But listen to your mom.”

He and Effie shared a look that made him feel like an integral part of her son's team. When she smiled, pride swelled in his chest.

Effie signed in with the school secretary, then they waited outside the principal's office.

Funny how even though Marsh had done nothing wrong, his clenched stomach told him he was right back in hot water himself. School even smelled the same—like old books and pink erasers and crayons.

“Last time I was in this position,” he whispered to Effie, “I'd just pitched about five water balloons on the school bus.”

Effie shook her head and held her finger to her lips. “Don't give him any ideas.”

Those lips... Little did she know, she was the one giving him seriously bad ideas—like leaning in to steal a kiss.

“Mrs. Washington, Colt—Principal Foley is ready for you.”

Introductions were made, with Marsh being labeled as a family friend, then Colt sat between Effie and Marsh. He looked small in the grown-up chair, but held his chin high. Would he learn from this experience or revert to his mischievous ways?

“Colt.” The stern-faced woman removed tortoiseshell-rimmed glasses and set them on her desk. “I've been principal of this school for fifteen years. I like to think in that time I've seen everything, but I'm still floored by the chaos you caused.”

As if he only understood a fraction of what she'd said, Colt cocked his head.

“This school has had an excellent relationship with First State Bank for many, many years. Now, because of what you did, no students will ever be allowed to tour again. How does that make you feel?”

“Bad.” He hung his head.

“How do you think I felt when police questioned me and your teacher, asking us if we'd asked you to take that money? I was mortified. So was Mrs. Logan, and I'm sure your mom. You're old enough to start thinking of others when you make decisions.”

“What does that mean?” Colt asked.

“Excellent question.” She leaned forward, bracing her forearms on her desk. “Let's say you're in the lunchroom and decide you don't like green beans. You then decide since you don't like the beans, the best place for them to be is on the floor. Sound familiar?”

“I did that...”

“Yes, Colt, you did.”

“Why wasn't I told?” Effie asked.

“His teacher sent a note home,” the principal said.

All eyes shifted to Colt. He started crying. “I threw the note out the bus window to see if it would fly!” He made a stab at leaping up from his chair, but Marsh's reflexes were quicker, and he held him down.

“Not so fast, buddy. We're not running from problems anymore. We're going to face them head-on—like a man. Okay?”

Colt nodded.

The principal cleared her throat. “When you threw your beans on the floor, you didn't know it, but you started a chain reaction. You might have scooped up those beans with a napkin, but later that night, the janitor had to scrub extra hard on that spot on the floor. What if the nice lady who cooked those beans saw you throw them on the floor? Do you think that would've hurt her feelings? Maybe she felt bad the whole rest of her day. Do you see what I mean? When you behave inappropriately, you're not the only one affected. Just like our country and state and town, our school is a community. We all need to help each other do better—not worse. Do you understand?”

“Kinda,” Colt said.

“Thank you for your honesty. If I used big words, maybe later your mom or her friend Marsh might help you understand.”

“Of course,” Effie said.

“Good. Now, on to your punishment. Since we've never had anything quite like this happen, your teacher and I weren't sure how best to handle it. You've broken a number of school policies, so first, you will not be allowed on any further class field trips for the rest of the year. Second, you will be suspended from class for all of next week. Your teacher will give your assignments to your mother, and you will be expected to do all of your work. Third, with your mother's help, you will write an apology letter and, considering your age, compose an appropriate drawing, explaining how sorry you are to have caused so much trouble. I've had the school secretary draw up a behavior contract for you to sign, and for the rest of your time at our school, I will expect you to follow it.” She slid a piece of paper across the table, then read the document that she had him write his name on.

Marsh didn't figure the little guy had a clue what was going on, but he gave the principal props for making it all scary and official.

Once Colt painstakingly wrote his name, the principal asked her secretary to make him a copy, handed it to him and then they were excused.

In the hall, Colt saw his class lined up for a visit to the school library. Marsh stood by, ready to snag him if he started to make a run for his friends, but to his credit, he didn't, and they were soon back at the vehicles without incident.

“Thank you for coming—yesterday and today,” Effie said.

“Glad I could help.” He wasn't ready to leave them. “Want to grab a late breakfast or early lunch? My treat?”

“Yeah! I'm starving!” Colt jumped in approval.

“I'd love to,” Effie said, “but judging by this guy's reaction, I should probably pass and get him straight to work. I don't think he should be rewarded for getting kicked out of school.”

“Good point.” Even though Marsh knew she was right, that didn't make him any happier about seeing them go.

Chapter Twelve

Saturday morning, Effie
took care with her makeup and hair. She told herself the reason she wanted to look extra nice was for her grandmother's benefit. Nobody wanted their maid of honor looking like a hobo while shopping for a wedding dress. But honestly, she couldn't wait to see Marsh again.

He'd been a rock through the entire bank incident, and so far, Colt had done his chores and school lessons without complaint. He was like a new child, and when he'd done an exceptional job of cleaning the chicken coop, then asked her if she thought Marsh would be proud, her heart grew two sizes.

The plan was for everyone to ride into town in her van, then trade it in for the new SUV. She still didn't feel great about having Wallace pay for her new ride, but when winter rolled around, she sure would welcome four-wheel drive.

Marsh and Wallace arrived at Mabel's by nine thirty, and by ten they realized that four adults, two boys and a baby and all of her gear wouldn't be a comfortable fit.

“Marsh,” Wallace said, “how about you and Effie take your truck? Now that I got my license back, Mabel and I can handle the kids.”

“You're sweet to offer, Wallace,” Effie said, “and no offense, but with your driving track record, I'd feel better if you weren't behind the wheel.”

“We'll be fine.” Mabel shoved her toward Marsh. “You have my solemn vow that Wallace will drive under the speed limit the whole way.”

“That wasn't at all suspicious,” Effie said a few minutes later while climbing into his front passenger seat. “My grandmother fancies herself to be quite the matchmaker.”

“You're getting that vibe, too? Wallace was all over me for not taking you car shopping earlier—alone.”

“Maybe the wedding has our grandparents wanting to spread their love bug?”

“Maybe?” He turned onto the county road that was slightly less bumpy. “Shoot, I can't even remember the last time I was on a date. I wouldn't even know what to do.”

“I hear you. Mine would have been with my ex, and the only place he ever took me besides a rodeo was Dairy Queen.”

“Big spender, huh?”

Effie laughed. “Oh—he claimed he forgot his wallet, so I ended up having to pay.”

“Ouch. Was that when you were in nursing school?”

“Yes.” How had he remembered? “Pretty sure my parents are still mad at me for dropping out.”

“Do you see much of them?”

“Not as much as I'd like. We talk at least once a week on the phone. I'm excited for you to meet them. They'll be at the wedding.”

“Nice. My parents will, too.”

“It's crazy to think that once Mabel finds her wedding dress, all the planning will be done.” She angled to better face him. “I wanted to throw her a shower, but she said she already has everything she needs.”

“What about a bachelorette party with all of her bridesmaids and square dancing friends?”

“That's not a half-bad idea. Although I'm not sure where to find a male stripper in our neck of the woods.”

He chuckled. “I'd volunteer my services, but my lack of dance moves would ruin everyone's night.”

“Aw, somehow I have a hard time believing that. I've seen your chest, and it's impressive by any woman's standards.” Her cheeks blazed. Had she really just admitted to not only admiring his chest, but having sneaked a peek? “Sorry. That came out wrong.”

“Sounded good to me.” His sideways wink made him all the more attractive, and her all the more embarrassed. “You're not too bad yourself. Maybe we could trade services?”

“Marsh!”
She delivered a playful smack to his shoulder. Touching him was a mistake, because the last thing she needed was a tangible reminder of just how solid he was.

“What?” he teased with an adorable lopsided grin. “I think it's a great idea. Swapping would save us both a ton of money. I'm guessing it's not cheap to get a male
or
female stripper out this far.”

“True.” She returned his smile. No matter what they did together, they somehow managed to have fun. Even during the height of Colt's bank robbery crisis, she'd instinctively known Marsh would make everything better. What did that mean? She'd labeled him a friend, but could there be potential for more? Was that what she wanted? How did she know? Moreover, how did she find the courage for a second chance at romance? “You know, it is kind of nice not having to referee a fight in the backseat or pull over to retrieve a fallen teething ring or rattle.”

“I'll bet. Want to try getting really lucky and wrangling a whole dinner to ourselves after buying your car and Mabel's dress? I know a great steak house with T-bones so tender you hardly need teeth.”

“Good to know,” she said with a smile. “That way, you won't mind if I accidentally leave my dentures in the car?”

“Not a bit.”

They both shared another laugh, and as Marsh's truck ate the miles leading to Colorado Springs, it occurred to Effie that he'd in a roundabout way asked her on a date and she'd accepted—of course, whether or not they'd go was contingent upon their grandparents agreeing to watch her crew.

Selfishly, she very much hoped they would.

Nothing sounded better than more time alone with the man who might be her new friend, but whom she felt as if she'd known forever.

Funny how time had a way of either stretching or compacting depending upon the activity.

Effie had been dreading car shopping, but Marsh made it a breeze—of course, Wallace's deep pockets helped, but it was Marsh who helped her understand the benefits of third row seating with an aisle versus bench seats. And it was Marsh who held her hand every time she climbed behind the wheel of one of the monster SUVs. He not only helped her pick between white and midnight blue—blue because it would show less dirt—but he corralled the boys when they'd gotten too rowdy on the dealership's playground. He'd also coaxed a smile out of Cassidy when a sudden wind gust spooked her by blowing off her hat.

Was there anything the man couldn't do?

When it was time for them to temporarily part ways for the ladies to dress shop and the men to visit an indoor go-kart track, she was actually sad to see him go, but beyond happy that Mabel and Wallace agreed to take the kids straight home while she and Marsh stayed in the city awhile longer for dinner.

At the bridal shop, it took Effie a few tries before pulling her new tank between the parking space lines, but once she succeeded, she and Cassidy helped Mabel select five dresses to try.

Tired from the busy morning, Effie was happy to find a sofa for her and Cassidy to relax on while a store clerk helped Mabel with her first selection. The store was straight out of a bridal fantasy with sumptuous white carpet, white upholstery, gauzy white draperies and chandeliers dripping with crystals.

Pink potpourri filled crystal bowls and smelled like a blend of cotton candy and carnations.

Cassidy pointed at the nearest dreamy light fixture and smiled.

“Pretty, huh?” Clearly, her daughter already had great taste.

“I don't know about this...” Mabel left the dressing room wearing a full-length ivory gown with a train long enough to reach Denver. The intricate beading was gorgeous, though. “I feel lost in a sea of satin.”

“At least it's a gorgeous sea.”

Mabel shook her head, taking one last glance in the three-way mirror before ducking back into the dressing room.

The second dress was stunning. The sweetheart neckline was flattering without being too much, and the skirt was full and floor-length with no train. “Grandma, that's gorgeous. Do you love it?”

Mabel made a face. “The sleeves are a little too short. Shows my chicken-wing arms.”

“Stop. You have beautiful arms.”

Mabel waved off Effie's compliment to duck back into the dressing room.

The third dress was calf-length ivory satin with a pouf of a skirt lined with layer upon layer of tulle. The top was simple and elegant with a boat neck and three-quarter sleeves. The style looked vintage—like something Jackie O might have worn to a debutante ball.

“Grandma, all I can say is,
wow
. You take my breath away.”

“Thank you, hon. If I do say so myself, this one's not half-bad.” She actually smiled at herself in the mirror while turning to view the gown from all angles.

“It's perfect. Formal without overwhelming your frame.”

“I think so, too. Plus, the clerk told me she has bridesmaids' dresses to match. Want to try one on? If you like it, we'll get them for all the girls. We just need to pick a color.”

“What about a variation of the burnt orange scheme you've got going? Maybe something like nutmeg?”

“Could be pretty. Let me get changed, and then I'll watch the baby while you find the right size.”

“Deal.” Effie couldn't remember the last time she'd worn a fancy dress—probably her own meager wedding. Was it wrong if her first thought was what Marsh would think of her in it? She couldn't wait to see him all dolled up in a tux.

Once her grandmother emerged, the clerk measured Effie, then set her on a white velvet dressing room bench to wait for her to bring the less formal version of her grandmother's gown.

“Ta-da.” The twenty-something clerk delivered the dress with a flourish. It was pale pink and the sort of thing that was so girlie Effie doubted Marsh would even recognize her. “Ignore the color. We can have them dyed pretty much any shade you can imagine, plus get shoes to match. Oh—and we can also order different necklines and sleeves. Lots of times our maids of honor pick their favorite, and then the other ladies match you or choose their own. It's all about everyone feeling special on the big day, but you'll all have matching skirts. With your facial structure, you'd look hot in an off-the-shoulder number.”

“You think so?” Effie eyed herself in the mirror. The square-neck version she currently wore was okay, but she still wasn't sold.

“I'll grab one. Be right back.”

“What's going on in there?” her grandmother shouted. “Give us a show.”

“Hold your horses. I'm waiting for a different model.”

“I'm the bride and didn't take this long,” Mabel complained.

“Sorry.” The clerk returned, easing sideways into the room. “Someone hung it on the wrong rack.”

“No worries.” Effie wriggled out of the first dress to shimmy into the second. The moment she saw herself, she knew it was the one.

“Well?” Mabel asked.

“I love it!” Effie emerged all smiles. “What do you think?”

“Perfection.” Mabel clapped Cassidy's chubby hands. “Isn't your mama pretty?”

“Arrrgggh!”

“Thank you, sweetie.” Effie kissed her daughter's cheek before turning back to the mirror. Would Marsh love it as much as she did? She hoped so.

“You know,” Mabel said, “Wallace and I still wouldn't be opposed to a double wedding. Just say the word and we'll get you your own white gown.”

“Grandma, stop. Marsh and I hardly know each other.”
Just well enough for hugging, and hand-holding, and wanting to kiss in the worst way...

“Back in my day, that didn't matter. You grew into a relationship—kinda like breaking in a new pair of leather shoes. Takes years before they're comfy.”

Effie shook her head. “You're a pistol. You know good and well what happened my last go-round with a cowboy. Why in the world would I want to put myself through all that again?”

“Because Marsh is better than your no-account ex?”

“True, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to marry him. We haven't even kissed.” There went her blazing cheeks. Had she really blurted that out loud?

“Which means you have at least thought about it?” Mabel laughed, then once again clapped Cassidy's hands. “Hear that, baby girl? You might have a new daddy after all!”

Ignoring her buttinski grandmother, Effie removed the dress, handing it to the clerk to finish the custom order.

After an hour of trying on shoes and poring through color swatches, Effie and Mabel decided on a shade called pumpkin chiffon. It was like burned pumpkin, only lightened with plenty of whipped cream—talk of which was making her hungry.

“Excited for your date?” Mabel asked once they'd gotten Cassidy buckled into her safety seat, then themselves settled in the new car.

“It's not a date. Marsh and I are sharing dinner.”

“Uh-huh...” Mabel winked. “Bet you at least get that kiss you've been craving.”

I hope so...

* * *

“N
OW
THAT
WE
'
RE
finally alone,” Effie asked Marsh once the steak house's hostess deposited them in an intimate, high-walled booth. “Tell me the truth. How were my boys?”

“Hold up.” Marsh grinned. “You get me all excited by telling me you have a question you can only ask when we're alone, then it turns out to be about your kids—not that the twins aren't great, but you know what I mean.” He clutched his chest.

“Please accept my most heartfelt apology. I'm deliberately avoiding the serious questions.”

“Such as?” He set his leather-bound menu aside to lean in. “Now you've really got me intrigued.”

“Before you get too excited, I'm curious if Wallace puts you on the spot the way Mabel does me. She's actually asked if the two of us had considered joining them for a double wedding. Can you imagine?”

They both laughed, but the strange thing was—
yes
, he could all too clearly imagine a wonderful life with Effie. She was the kind of simple, hardworking woman he'd always dreamed of spending his life with. Even better, she already came with a perfect trio of kids. The only drawback? His own shortcomings not just as a man, but as a father. He'd already let down one woman. Who was to say he wouldn't do it again—not by losing another child on his watch, but by somehow disappointing Effie enough for her to pack up her kids and leave him?