The Soldier's Forever Family Read online

  Though he reminded himself that Trevor was known for his fierce loyalty, Adam couldn’t help but be touched by the compliments that arrowed straight to his deepest insecurity. He wasn’t sure he agreed, but he appreciated the vote of confidence. “I’ll make certain Joanna knows they can always contact me if they need me. Beyond that, well, we’ll see.”

  “I tend to agree with Trev,” Walt commented. “A boy deserves to know his father. Mine wasn’t exactly perfect, either, but he did the best he could, and I loved him for it. Keep this secret from Simon, and he will find out someday. Then he’s going to be mad at both of you for making a decision like that on his behalf.”

  “I appreciate the advice, Walt.” Adam left it at that.

  “Just let me know what you need in a legal capacity. We’ll get it all worked out.”

  “Thanks. So, Trev—about that lousy call last night in the sixth...”

  His friends went along with his not-so-subtle change of direction. Within a few minutes they had a spirited, good-natured sports debate underway. Adam had to force himself to participate fully, but he was satisfied he made a credible attempt. If nothing else, it gave him something to focus on other than how much kissing Joanna had shaken him.

  Getting tangled up with her again, as tempting as it might be, would be even less likely to end well this time.

  * * *

  “THE BLACKBERRY COBBLER was really good, Mom,” Simon raved as Joanna tucked him in that night. “I think blackberry cobbler à la mode is my new favorite dessert.”

  Sitting on the side of his bed, she laughed softly. “Last night you said chocolate lava cake à la mode was your new favorite dessert.”

  He grinned. “Last night it was my favorite.”

  “I think you mostly like the à la mode part.”

  “Who doesn’t like ice cream?”

  Nestling Norbert into the pillow beside him, Joanna nodded toward the nightstand, where an impressive ship in a bottle was displayed. The square plastic bottle had been cut and glued back together with a rope trim hiding the seam, and the ship was made of Popsicle sticks and construction paper stuck on a sea of blue glitter. Simon was quite proud of that day’s craft project. “That’s going to look good in your bedroom. We’ll have to wrap it carefully for the drive home.”

  “I bet we make something that has to do with sea turtles when we go see the turtle beach tomorrow. We’ll have to pack one bag just with my shells and crafts, won’t we?”

  She smiled. “Yes. Which is I why I brought an extra bag just in case.”

  “Can we play minigolf in the morning, before Explorers Club?”

  “Of course.” She smoothed his hair. “You’re having a good time here?”

  “The best.”

  She felt her smile waver a bit before she asked, “Would you be terribly disappointed if we had to go home a couple of days early?”

  The way his eyes widened provided the answer. “But Mom—you said we could stay until Sunday. Tomorrow’s the turtle beach with Explorers Club. And the next day we’re going to learn all about tide pools. And Friday you’re going with me and the other kids and parents for the crab boil and the dolphin tour, remember? And I still haven’t found a starfish. Or a Scotch bonnet. And what about—?”

  “Calm down, Simon. You won’t miss any of your plans, although I can’t guarantee you’ll find a Scotch bonnet,” she added, touching the end of his nose with one fingertip as she gave in. “It was just a suggestion. But since it means so much to you, we’ll stay for the full vacation. Okay?”

  He nodded, gripping his stuffed dinosaur tightly against his chest with his lower lip still quivering. “You always keep your promises.”

  “I always try very hard to keep them.” She leaned over to kiss his soft, sweet cheek, her heart so full it ached a little. “I love you, Padawan.”

  Amused by the teasing reference to one of his favorite sci-fi film series—introduced to him by his aunt, Maddie, of course—he giggled sleepily. “Love you, too, Jedi Master.”

  Feeling like the worst mother in the galaxy, she left the room, turning off the light behind her.

  Though the windows were open and a breeze blew off the ocean, the room felt suddenly stuffy. Joanna stepped out onto the balcony and leaned against the railing, staring out over the moonlit grounds. She shouldn’t have mentioned her fleeting thought of leaving early to Simon. It had been a cowardly impulse, fueled by kisses that shouldn’t have happened. But damn, they’d been good. Just as she’d remembered. Maybe even better.

  “Playing Juliet? That didn’t end well, you know.”

  Adam’s voice had drifted up from below the balcony, and for a moment she thought she’d imagined it. She leaned farther over the railing to find him standing some thirty feet below, gazing up at her from the shadow of a rustling palmetto. His face was half in darkness, giving him a mysterious, rakish appearance that elicited a wholly feminine jolt in her.

  Seeing him again after their kiss that afternoon was as unsettling as she’d predicted, the very reason she’d been tempted to run. At least there was a healthy distance between them this time, so neither of them would be tempted to touch or taste.

  She cleared her throat. “What are you doing down there?”

  He motioned vaguely with one hand. “Just heading back to my quarters after that god-awful PR dinner.”

  He’d raised his voice only a little for her to hear him, which worked because no one else was in the courtyard. She could hear the sounds of music and voices from the bar area, but Seafoam Lodge was quiet for now. “I take it you didn’t have a good time?”

  “Lots of things I’d rather have been doing.”

  Something about his tone made her bite her lip as her head filled with images of alternatives. Stop this, Joanna. “Well—good night, Adam...”

  But he wasn’t quite ready to end the balcony chat. “How was your dinner at the buffet?”

  She leaned over a bit more. “It was very good. Simon loved your dessert suggestion.”

  “Glad to hear it. Is he in bed?”

  “Sound asleep. He’s worn out from his busy day.” She glanced around again. She still didn’t see anyone, but that didn’t mean they were truly alone. “Should you really be calling up to me this late? What if the people below me are trying to sleep?”

  Adam’s brief laugh was quiet, but she heard it, anyway. “JoJo, it’s not even nine o’clock. That’s only late at a vacation resort if you’re five.”

  “Oh.” Wrinkling her nose, she shook her head in bemusement. “Of course. I’m still in mommy mode, I suppose.”

  “Are you ever not in mommy mode?”

  For a few reckless minutes that afternoon, she hadn’t been. She’d been focused on Adam. On herself, as a still young, healthy woman with very natural desires. “Occasionally.”

  Their gazes met, and the distance between them seemed to shrink. Her hand twitched on the railing as she fought the impulse to reach out to him. And then he nodded and took an abrupt step back, deeper into the shadows. “I’d better get going. Good night, Joanna. Sleep well.”

  “You, too.”

  From her perch, she watched as he disappeared down the pathway toward his quarters. It was as if his departure triggered an end to an oddly quiet interlude. Muffled teenage laughter drifted on the breeze from the beach path. Two middle-age couples appeared from the pool area and ambled toward the building entrance below, their lively conversation and laughter easy and maybe a little rum-fueled. A wistful sigh escaped her, hanging in the fragrant, salty air when she turned to go back inside her darkened suite.

  * * *

  TORCHLIGHT OFFERED A breakfast menu and The Crew’s Galley served a big buffet, according to the promotional material, but when given the choice Wednesday morning, Simon opted for the coffee and pastry shop patio outs
ide the guest relations building.

  Joanna agreed, but only with the condition that he order something healthier than a sweet pastry this time. He conceded cheerfully. Selecting a veggie wrap and coffee for herself, she followed Simon to a table close to the patio railing so he could people-watch while he ate. Swinging his legs beneath his chair, he chattered eagerly about the day’s plans.

  “Look, Mom. There’s Mr. Adam.”

  Her heart skipped, but she kept smiling as she glanced over to where he indicated. Standing by a fountain a few yards away, Adam was in deep discussion with two maintenance workers holding toolboxes. Adam pointed and talked while the other men nodded, obviously taking instructions. A woman in the resort uniform stood with the small group, waving a hand as if to add her own input.

  It was the first time Joanna had seen Adam in his leadership role, and she could tell he was a natural at it. No surprise that his employees smiled as they conferred with him. Adam was both personable and likeable in his own quiet, steady way.

  She’d bet he got along very well with the staff here, which had no doubt accelerated his career. It was obvious that Trevor depended on him—and liked him. She was glad Adam had such a good friend. He’d seemed so solitary when they’d met.

  She bit her lip. As she’d just observed, Adam didn’t have to be alone. It had to be his choice. How many hearts had he broken when he’d walked away?

  She wouldn’t let him break hers. And she damned sure wouldn’t let him break her son’s.

  As though he sensed someone watching him, he looked around then, and waved when he saw Joanna and Simon. Simon waved back. Adam said something else to his coworkers, then turned and headed toward the coffee shop.

  “Good morning,” he said, pausing on the other side of the patio fencing.

  “Hi, Mr. Adam. I’m having a breakfast sandwich and chocolate milk.”

  Adam’s lips quirked as he took in the boy’s chocolate milk mustache. “So I see.”

  Joanna handed Simon a napkin. “Wipe your mouth, honey.”

  After a quick swipe that smeared as much as it cleaned, Simon spoke to Adam again. “We’re going to play minigolf after breakfast. And after lunch Miss Molly and Miss Deborah are taking me and the other kids to see sea turtles.”

  “Sounds like a fun day.”

  Adam bobbed his head in agreement. “After I get back from seeing the sea turtles, Mom’s driving me into town for dinner, and we’re going to a fun center with go-carts and arcade games and some kids’ rides. Mom found it online and she asked if I wanted to go and I said yes. I like it here at the resort, too,” he added earnestly as if to make sure Adam’s feelings weren’t hurt, “but I want to check out the fun center.”

  “I don’t blame you,” Adam assured him. “I’ve met the owner in passing, and I’ve heard it’s a great place. Most kids your age like the bumper boats ride. You should give it a try.”

  Simon’s face lit up in a way that was all too familiar to his mother. Before she could step in, he’d blurted, “You should go with us, Mr. Adam! Mom’s not crazy about go-carts and if you go, I can ride with you in the big ones, not just the kiddie carts. And you can see your friend who owns the center.”

  “Oh, I—”

  “Mr. Adam might have other plans this evening, Simon. Don’t pressure him.” Take the hint, Adam.

  Adam hesitated so long, she decided he was having trouble figuring out the best way of politely declining Simon’s impulsive invitation. So she was shocked when he said instead, “Sure, why not? It’s been a while since I drove a go-cart, but I think I remember how.”

  While Simon bounced in his seat in anticipation, Joanna shot a questioning frown at Adam. He shrugged, acknowledging her surprise. “What time were you planning to go?”

  Faced with no other choice, she answered graciously. “Simon gets back from his field trip at four. I’ll let him rest and freshen up, and then I thought we’d head out at about six.”

  Adam nodded. “I’ll meet you in the Seafoam courtyard then. Have fun today, Simon. Beat your mom at minigolf, okay? I played with her once a long time ago. As I remember, she’s not very good at figuring out where to aim the ball.”

  Simon laughed. “She’s really not.”

  “I’m right here, guys.”

  Both grinned at her, and the eerie similarity of their smiles made her throat tighten. When Simon was this close to Adam, the resemblance was all she could see. She found almost none of herself in his features.

  Adam sketched a little salute and stepped back. “I’ve got to get back to work. See you later, Skipper. JoJo.”

  Simon watched Adam disappear toward the entrance to the staff offices. “He called me Skipper. Like he calls you JoJo, huh?”

  She forced a smile. “I guess he likes giving people nicknames. What made you invite him to join us tonight, Simon?”

  “I like him. He’s nice.” He drained the last of his milk, then set down his empty glass, suddenly frowning. “Is it okay that I asked him, Mom? Did I do something wrong?”

  Was she dismayed by the invitation because she’d looked forward to spending a mother-son evening, just the two of them? Or because Adam Scott would be the third member of the party? Stupid questions, considering she knew the answer.

  “No, Simon, you didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “You like Mr. Adam, don’t you?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Are you almost done with your coffee? I’m ready to play minigolf.”

  There was no need to dwell on her anxiety about the coming evening. She had a whole morning to enjoy with her son first.

  * * *

  JOANNA AND SIMON had a great time playing minigolf—and while she didn’t deliberately let him win, she didn’t try very hard to beat him, either. He ended up one stroke below her, a victory he celebrated with a joyful dance that made her laugh.

  They went for a prelunch swim in the big family pool—the other was an adult-only lap pool. Simon had a blast on the water slides and tubes and the pirate ship playground built into one end of the pool. She splashed with him for a time, then sat in a lounge chair and watched him play with some of the other children—two of whom he knew from Explorers Club.

  Though the pool was well monitored by lifeguards, Joanna never took her eyes from Simon. As she had every day, she snapped several pictures of him playing. She would make a photo book of their vacation for them both to enjoy and remember.

  She smiled when she recognized a child splashing cautiously on the pool steps while clinging to a blond woman who tried to get him to go a bit farther into the pool. “Just go down one more step, Cody,” his mother urged. “The water feels good. It’s just like a big bathtub. Look, you can play with your boat.”

  Cody whined and turned to bury his face in her thigh, shaking his head.

  His mother sighed. “How do you know if you like it if you won’t even try it? Look at all the other kids. They’re having fun, aren’t they? Don’t you want to be like the other kids, Cody?”

  Joanna almost winced, though she quickly schooled her expression.

  Maybe Cody’s mother sensed something, anyway. She looked up at Joanna with an expression that could only be described as despairing. “I just want him to have fun. To try new things.”

  Like the other children. The unspoken words seemed to hang in the air around them.

  Joanna smiled. “I met Cody and his dad at the beach yesterday. Cody played for a little while with my son. He was obviously having fun. They both were. I’m Joanna, by the way.”

  “I’m Leah.” But Leah didn’t appear to be in the mood to socialize. The stress Joanna had noted in Ken seemed magnified in his wife.

  It was difficult again to put her career aside and not try to analyze the couple’s problems. Not that it took a psychologist to realize
that the challenge of parenting a child with special needs was taking a toll on his parents. Perhaps especially his mother.

  She wondered when was the last time Leah and Ken had taken a short vacation away from their son to nurture their own relationship. That, too, was important for all parents. All parents who wanted to stay together, anyway, she amended. A whole different set of guidelines had been crafted for coparenting between separated or divorced couples. It was entirely possible she needed to refresh herself on those guidelines soon.

  Hoisting her clinging son onto her hip, Leah muttered, “Let’s go find your daddy, Cody. You like to play with him.”

  Giving Joanna a nod, Leah hauled her son away. Joanna could hear Cody saying, “Daddy, Daddy,” as they disappeared toward the lodges.

  Shaking her head, she ordered herself to stop being a psychologist and concentrate on her own complicated situation. “Simon, it’s time to get out of the pool,” she called out, standing. “You need to have a shower and lunch before your field trip.”

  Ninety minutes later, she walked Simon over to join his group at the van. Sea turtles seemed to rouse particular excitement in the six kids; all of them almost quivered with expectation as they leaped into the van. Joanna waved goodbye and then two of the other mothers, Brenna and Hillary, asked if she’d like to accompany them for cold drinks by the lake while their husbands played golf.

  Brenna’s nine-year-old daughter, Addison, joined them, and Joanna was amused by how proud the girl was to be included in the women’s conversation. Joanna, Brenna and Hillary, who was pregnant with her second child, chatted superficially about a range of topics ranging from motherhood to popular literature to favorite recipes. The others learned during the conversation that Joanna was raising her son on her own.

  “Sometimes I feel like a single mom, too,” Brenna confided. “When my husband’s not at the office, he’s spending hours on a golf course. But at least this time he brought us someplace we can all enjoy while he hits those stupid balls around.”