Highway Don't Care (Freebirds) (36 page)
Read Highway Don't Care (Freebirds) Online
Authors: Lani Lynn Vale
Watching six grown men bounce on trampolines had to be the
highlight of my life.
Okay, well maybe the birth of my child came before that, but not
by much.
Their muscles contracted and bunched with each bounce on the
trampoline. Swear to god, I was tempted to use Luca's bib to wipe my
drool.
"This is one hell of a birthday for a two year
old." Blaine said from beside me.
Her eyes were glued to the eye candy as well.
Cheyenne stood at my other side, watching silently.
“Gabe got a little carried away. He wanted her to
have the moon, and he settled for Air U after I explained that she would find
no enjoyment out of the party he had planned.” I explained.
“Sounds like Gabe. I’m surprised James is in such a
good mood. I thought for sure he would be pissed off the rest of the
day.” Cheyenne observed.
I completely agreed. “You and me both, sister.”
“Did he say what exactly it was?” I asked.
“No, he’s being very quiet about it. I assume it has
to be about Janie and Janie’s mother.” Cheyenne said.
I completely agreed. Janie’s mother was a right
bitch. I hope that she never has to experience the horridness that is
that woman.
The rest of the party went off without a hitch. By
the end of the day though, I was ready to get the hell out of there.
There is only so much screaming one can take, and in an enclosed gym with six
million kids running around, I was lucky to escape with my sanity.
Max helped me load the gifts into the car while Gabe stayed
with Cora who had finally given up the ghost and fallen asleep on his
chest. Luca was asleep in his car seat, and I silently wished they would
go to sleep early tonight to give me a little alone time with Gabe.
We had to be more spontaneous since the kids got
here. We had to do a lot more quickies, and a little less lovemaking, but
that was okay in my book. I loved surprising Gabe at work, and having him
take me into the back room, giving me the business, and then sending me on my
way.
“Get that look off your face.” Max growled from
beside me.
I shut the door of the truck, and then looked at him
innocently. “What look?”
He snorted in disgust, and then tossed an empty trash bag
at my face.
“Hey!” I said indignantly.
He laughed and then took off back to the party room.
I did manage to jump onto his back and pepper his face with kisses. We
entered the room with me on his back still, and Max walked up to Gabe who was
still holding a sleeping Cora.
“Take this leach off my back, or I won’t be responsible for
what I do.” Max demanded.
I laughed loudly. “Yea, right. You wouldn’t do
a damn thing, and you know it.”
He sighed long and loud. “I know. For some
reason I like you.”
I dropped off his back. “I love you, too. Now,
let’s gather the rest of this shit and get going. I’m whipped.”
Ω
“When are you going to tell her?”
Gabe asked.
Gabe and Max were outside on the back
porch, sharing a beer. The sun was just setting, and they both watched it
go down until it was nothing more than an orange red glow on the horizon.
“It’s gonna have to be now. I
report at oh-eight-hundred tomorrow morning.”
What the heck was he talking
about? I was about to ask when Gabe’s voice broke the quiet night.
“I’ll give you a few to talk to her.”
He nodded and walked into the house.
He found me standing at the kitchen
sink, window open, which was why I overheard the previous conversation.
Taking my hand, he led me into the
living room, and held my hand. He looked me into the eyes and explained
what was going on.
He was called back into active duty
this morning. They were in need of his services. At this moment in
time, wasn’t sure if it was for another tour, or if it was only an isolated
service that was needed, and would be back as soon as it was taken care of.
Only time would tell.
I let out a low moan, and threw myself
into his arms.
“No.” I moaned.
He squeezed me tight, and let me cry
onto his chest.
“Ax, Ax.” Cora squealed from the
hallway as she ran toward Max.
He scooped her up, and peppered her
face with smacking kisses.
Gabe’s arms replaced Max’s, and I sunk
into his chest.
“Don’t leave me, too.” I
whispered.
“I don’t plan on it, baby, but you
need to know that it’s possible. It’s possible for all of us. I’d
never leave you willingly, though.” He said.
“It’s incredibly rare to be
recalled back in to the military. Most serve their time, and then go on
with their life. Only under special circumstances are soldiers told to
come back.” Gabe informed me.
I just hoped that those circumstances
didn’t take my big brother away from me. I needed him.
The rest of the night was spent doing
family things. Everyone came over, but Max was subdued, which wasn’t
surprising. He was having to leave me behind, who just made him feel like
shit for doing what he loved.
I would do it though, because that was
the way of an American Soldier.
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