Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2) (35 page)

But he
had
ignored her son. Hurting for him, she kept her disappointment in Cluny’s behavior to herself.

“I guess.” He flicked off the flashlight and opened the front door. “I’m going to bed.”

“Sweet dreams.”

“Yeah.” He dragged his feet down the hallway, went in his bedroom, and closed the door.

Heart heavy in her chest, she locked the front door, turned off the lights. Was she doing the right thing by leaving? She hadn’t expected Cluny to close up that way. All of a sudden she was freezing. She put on her robe and crawled in bed without washing her face or brushing her teeth. She’d never done that before. Not in her most devastated moments with Marvin. Not ever.

2:00 a.m.

His horrified scream echoed through the house. She leaped from bed and opened her bedroom door at the same moment Santos stepped into the hall. They froze, staring at each other in the dim light. She was about to go to Cluny when his bedroom light popped on. Deep silence descended on the house. Without a word, Santos returned to his room and closed the door. Her heart hammered against her ribs so fiercely she sucked in a deep breath. She went to the kitchen and filled a tall glass with iced water. Sweating in the warm robe, she shrugged out of it and let it fall on the floor.

Cluny’s wartime nightmares had nothing to do with her. He’d struggled with them for years and would most likely have them in the future. But, it was true…he’d only had a few restless nights since they’d been sleeping together. She told herself not to feel guilty. It was his battle. She was merely a supportive observer. She hated it when he suffered, but what was her obligation? He’d be disgusted if she showed pity. That much he’d made clear from the beginning.

She downed the entire glass of water, recoiling at the stab of pain in her forehead. Retrieving her robe, she turned out the light and went back to bed. She’d get up early. She didn’t want to leave until she’d had a chance to speak to Cluny, to tell him how much she loved him. That everything was all right between them.

5:30 a.m.

The sound of the van’s engine firing to life woke her. She jumped from her bed and ran to the front door and flung it open, but he’d already made his turn at the end of the driveway and was headed down the street away from the house.

10:00 a.m.

She’d finished the note to Cluny and propped it against the saltshaker when Santos entered the kitchen with his backpack over his shoulder. “Got everything, honey?”

“I think so, but it doesn’t matter if I forgot something. Macfearsome will keep it for me or bring it to our apartment when he comes over.”

“Yes, he will. Anyway, we’ll be back on Saturday for baseball. If you left anything behind, you can get it then.”

She double-checked the back door lock, turned off the kitchen light, and locked the front. Santos yawned and didn’t have much to say on the drive over the mountain pass to Chatsworth. She parked as close to the apartment as she could and smiled to see Earl waiting for them.

“Grandpa!” Santos threw open the passenger door.

“There’s my two kids.” Earl grinned broadly, white teeth gleaming in sharp contrast to his deep brown face. Santos whooped, ran to him, and jumped into his arms.

Graciella enjoyed the warm reunion between grandson and grandfather. She joined them, and Earl put his arm around her shoulder and hugged them tight.

Santos squeaked, “Help, I can’t breathe. I’m the bologna in a sandwich!”

Earl chuckled, dropped his arms, and opened the door to the back of the car. He removed a heavy box. “Santos, run ahead and open the door for me. We’ll get this car unloaded in no time.”

True to his word, Earl and Santos had all their belongings in the apartment in a few minutes time. “That’s the last box.” Graciella closed the trunk. “Take those two to your room, Santos, then you can go home with Grandpa.”

Earl put his hand on her shoulder and leaned close. “Lillian is expecting you to join us for dinner. She’s busy making Santos’s most favorite.”

They enjoyed a laugh at the family joke.

“I’m ready, Grandpa. Wait till you see how good I am at catching. You can come to all the games on Saturday now. Macfearsome taught me how to hit too.”

“Macfearsome?” Earl cocked his head and put his hand on his grandson’s head.

Graciella cleared her throat. “That would be Coach McPherson. We’ve been staying at his house in Spring Grove. You never made it to any of the games yet, but I’m sure Chief told you.”

“Ah, yes, Chief’s boss, the plumbing contractor. Chief says he’s a good man.”

“He is.” She was self-conscious under her father-in-law’s gaze. A grown woman, she didn’t need to explain herself to him, but he was bound to know she and Cluny were in deep.

“Macfearsome loves us, Grandpa. I wanted to live at his house. He has a dog and a big yard and lives by the park. My girlfriend, Amber, and me like to ride our bikes on the park trails. I can’t ride a bike around here, but it’s safe to ride where Macfearsome lives. I can ride to Amber’s house by myself. Macfearsome takes us to the beach too.”

“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed your time there, and Grandma and I are looking forward to coming to the games on Saturdays from here on out.”

“Macfearsome is going to come home with us on Saturdays after the games so we can be a family again. I hope we don’t get in trouble for letting Queen stay here when Macfearsome sleeps over.”

Her son’s innocent chatter brought on a chill of loneliness and uncertainty. Cluny had never mentioned marriage. If he had asked her to marry him, what would she have said? Coming back to this apartment didn’t feel like coming home. Where Cluny lived was home. For both of them, but especially Santos.

Earl cocked his head then spoke to his grandchild, “Queen? Ah, yes, Chief told me about that wonder dog. I look forward to meeting her and her master.”

Graciella was grateful to Earl for ignoring Santos’s comment about Cluny spending the night. She had no idea how he felt about it, but she suspected he had few illusions about her remaining single indefinitely. It had been ten years since Marvin was killed. No matter what happened, she’d never let her son lose his relationship to his grandparents.

She took a breath and opened the refrigerator as soon as they left. It wasn’t so bad. She got a garbage bag and discarded several items that were marginal or past dated. She’d need to replace what they’d taken from the pantry when they moved out. “Time to make that grocery list,” she mumbled, “and quit working myself into a tizzy over Cluny.”

She drove past the small center where her studio was on her way to the market. She was glad to see that all the merchants were open and the vacant space at the end, next to the barbershop, had been leased. Busy workmen installed a large German Bakery sign above the doors. She smiled thinking how Santos would love visiting the bakery and discovering new
most favorite
s.

The afternoon went quickly. On the way to the Jefferson’s house she realized she’d been so busy today that she’d temporarily put out of her mind the deep unhappiness she’d felt last night and this morning. She hoped her dear Cluny had been able to put some of it behind him also. She’d get a read on his feelings when he stopped in later to kiss her goodnight.

He might not come. They were well beyond the courting stage. Why would he drive all the way over here after a long day to perpetuate that old ritual?

Cluny’s house, 8:30 p.m.

“Hold still.” Cluny put Queen’s harness on her and opened the driver’s side door on the Green Monster. She leaped across the seat to take her place on the passenger side. “You know where we’re going, girl?” He fastened the seat clip to her harness. Her ears perked up when he took the on-ramp to the 118 Freeway heading east and her tail thumped on the seat. Cluny laughed and patted her back. “Yeah, you know.”

Chief had given him the address to the senior Jefferson’s house, and he knew Graciella and Santos would be there. It was time he met Marvin’s parents.

He drove on the quiet residential street where they lived. The old house was set back behind a wide lawn and shaded by large trees on both sides. Lights shone from every front window. Graciella’s car was parked in the driveway.

“You stay here, girl.”

He knocked on the front door. An elderly black woman with white hair answered the door. She gave him a curious look. “Yes?”

“Good evening, ma’am. My name is Cluny McPherson. I’m here to kiss Graciella and Santos goodnight.”

Her face broke into a feisty smile. She opened the door and gestured. “Won’t you come in, Macfearsome? They’re in the living room. I’m Mrs. Earl Jefferson. Please call me Lillian.”

He grinned at her welcome and stepped inside. “Please call me Cluny. I’m happy to meet you, ma’am.”

“But wait. You have a dog. I believe her name is Queen. Is she with you?” Lillian peered around him.

“She’s in the car, ma’am.”

“Well, my goodness, she doesn’t have to wait for you in the car. Bring her in, please.”

“Are you sure?”

“Certainly.” Lillian stepped onto the front porch and nodded toward Cluny’s car parked at the curb. “That your automobile?”

“Yes, ma’am. The Green Monster.”

“Oh, my. Earl will be in raptures over that vehicle.” She stepped off the porch and followed him. “Umm, mmm, mmm. This is some car, and look at that beauty staring at me through the window.”

Cluny opened the door, unsnapped the restraint, and Queen jumped out. He gestured for her to sit. “Shake hands with Lillian, Queen. She’s Santos’s grandmother.”

Lillian bent forward with her hands on her knees. “Hello you marvelous creature, you.”

On her best behavior, Queen approached Mrs. Jefferson, sat, and held up a paw.

“How do you do, young lady?” Lillian grasped the paw and shook it. “She’s everything Santos told us. Do come in now before they come looking for me.” She walked back to the front porch, Queen trotting along beside her.

Cluny followed close behind them shaking his head. “You’re a fickle girl, Queenie.”

“Lillian?” The profile of a large man darkened the open door.

“I’m here, Earl. This is Cluny McPherson and Queen. He’s come to kiss Graciella and Santos goodnight.”

“Is that so?” Earl stepped forward and shook Cluny’s proffered hand. His eyes swept Cluny from head to toe. “Nice to meet you, son.”

Cluny was aware of Earl Jefferson sizing him up. “Yes, sir. I’m happy to meet you.”

“Macfearsome!” Santos squealed. “Mama, come quick!” He threw himself on Cluny. He’d never done that before. Cluny was gratified…and floored.

“Whoa, sailor. You nearly knocked me down.” His instinct was to give the boy a hard hug, but Santos stepped back, face red with embarrassment.

Queen stood on her hind legs and put her big paws on Santos’s shoulders then covered his face with dog kisses. Santos giggled, grabbed her ruff to pull her off, and they both tumbled to the floor. The boy laughed and kicked while Queen bounced around him.

“What’s all the fuss?” Graciella stopped and stared. “Cluny?”

“Hey, baby.” He shrugged when her hands flew to her wide-eyed face. “It’s time for your goodnight kiss.”

Lillian stepped aside as her daughter-in-law walked into his arms and crumpled against him. “Let’s go in, Earl. These young people need a moment of privacy.” She closed the door, leaving them alone on the dimly lit porch.

Graciella’s cheek was pressed tight against his shoulder. He stroked her hair. “You didn’t think I’d forget, did you?”

She raised her face. “Kiss me then I’ll tell you what I think.”

“You got it.” He lowered his head and put his lips softly against hers. Her arms floated up and settled around his neck. His kiss deepened and he pressed her close. “I love you, baby. I’m so sorry I was in a crappy mood last night. I’m…”

“Shhh, querido. You don’t need to apologize. Amo-te.” Her lips were on his again. Her long slender fingers slid into his hair. “Amo-te.”

Cluny’s heart soared. Her ardent profession of love for him was more than he’d hoped for. This woman was everything he wanted. Everything he desired. He couldn’t imagine living without her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Saturday, two weeks later, Spring Grove Park

“Were you watching, Mama? I got two hits!” Santos smiled from ear to ear. Graciella grinned at her adorable son.

“I certainly did. Your best game yet.” She wanted to grab and kiss him but knew he’d be embarrassed in front of the other kids if she did. Sighing inwardly, she mourned her loss.

“I was watching too.” Lillian held Declan against her shoulder while Marla packed up the snack litter and stuffed it in a net bag on the baby stroller. “A single and a double.”

Earl, Dwayne, Chief, and Cluny gathered near the dugout. Parents and kids drifted to the parking lot. “Santos, why don’t you help the coaches pack up the equipment bags?”

Amber plopped next to Lillian and swiped sweat from her forehead with the back of her forearm. “Do you think my baby brother looks like me, Miz Jefferson?”

Lillian leaned back and studied Amber. “Well, let’s see now. He’s got your mama’s red hair and your daddy’s blue eyes, and your button nose.” She nodded sagely. “There’s definitely a family resemblance.”

Amber’s eyes widened. “Rilly? My nose? I didn’t think he looked like me at all.” She planted a kiss on Dec’s cheek and ran to join Santos and some other players gathering bats and balls.

Marla straightened her back with a groan. “Thank you for that, Lillian.”

Graciella eyed the very slight baby bump. “Dwayne knows, doesn’t he?”

“Yes, I told him.” She took a long drink from her water bottle.

“What did he say?”

“At first he was speechless, then he grinned, and then laughed like a lunatic. He couldn’t wait to tell my parents, so we went over there after dinner. He and Dad had a high old time smoking smelly cigars and indulging in man talk while Mom and I watched them from a safe distance.”