The Soldier's Unexpected Family
Author
Tanya Agler
Reads
15.9K
Chapters
23
Chapter 1
“THIS IS GOING to be so much fun.” Natalie Harrison flipped over the plans for the parade float and then twisted the papers one more time. Now the images were right side up, although she’d much prefer to toss the schematics in the park’s trash can and start with a new and exciting design. Something with pizazz and flair and...
“Aunt Natalie, are you lying?” Danny tugged on her floral sundress, the pleading in his voice stopping her in her tracks.
She laid the plans on a nearby picnic table. The summer breezes from the North Carolina mountains cooled the morning air and her bare arms. She glanced at her six-year-old ward and sent him a smile. “Of course I’m not.”
“My mom told me it isn’t nice to lie.”
Natalie brushed away a strand of her red hair, along with the wave of grief at the mere mention of Danny’s mom. Shelby Murphy had been her best friend since their college days.
Three months hadn’t dulled the ache left from Shelby’s sudden death from an undetected brain aneurysm. As long as Natalie lived, she’d never forget opening her front door and finding Danny there, out of breath, tears cascading down his cheeks, saying his mom wasn’t waking up.
With the Fourth of July fast approaching in two weeks, Natalie would do everything in her power to make it a great day for Danny.
Though bittersweet, what a day it was going to be for everyone, considering Hollydale was no longer the sleepy hamlet of her youth. Now it usually ranked in the top three “must visit” destinations this side of the Great Smoky Mountains. The downtown district’s renovation brought tourists flocking to the shops and businesses from now until the last leaf fell in October. The influx of dollars had led to more elaborate summer celebrations, with the parade attracting huge crowds that stayed for the famous, or infamous, pie baking contest and fireworks display.
Natalie ruffled Danny’s thick brown hair, the silver of her thin stacked bangle bracelets chiming in the soft breeze. “Your mom was right, but I’m telling the truth. We’re going to build the biggest and best float in Hollydale’s Boulevard of Stars Parade, and spending time with you is always fun.”
When Hollydale Elementary School Principal Marisa Garcia, her boss, had called and asked Natalie to supervise the construction of the float, she’d given every impression this project was further along than it actually was. Then again, with the original plans only calling for a stapled navy sheet to the wooden frame with Marisa dressing up as a woman suffragette, Natalie understood why more teachers hadn’t been called on to help with the project.
If Natalie followed the current schematics, there’d be no theme, no sparkle, nothing to stand out in the crowd. If she’d learned anything from her seven years of teaching, it was encouraging her students to reach for the stars. Marisa knew this and surely expected Natalie to take the float to the next level when an out-of-town emergency required the principal’s attention elsewhere.
Bright sunshine reflected upon the metallic red truck that would pull the float, which only had a few boards nailed together for a frame. After Marisa had emailed her the schematics, Natalie had taken a cursory glance at some websites, which had given her solid ideas of an eye-grabbing float with gold garland and a framed platform that would announce the theme of “Reaching for the Stars.” This project would require more elbow grease than she’d imagined. Her bright pink cowboy boots sunk into the ground, but she refused to let her spirit sink as well.
She’d bluffed her way out of other situations in the past. Why would she let a little detail like not knowing what she was doing stop her now? Confidence and bluster would go a long way, as would the pack of volunteers she planned to bribe and cajole with free barbecue and beer the weekend before the big event. Between the teachers who were still in town and her friends, this float would come together and the school would break away from its reputation as having the most boring display in the parade.
While that sole weekend was cutting it close, she didn’t have any choice because her parents’ summer bash was this coming Sunday. An annual event, this year’s had the added significance of doubling as their fortieth wedding anniversary.
Besides, having Danny ride alongside her on the finished float in a mere two weeks, throwing cinnamon candies to his classmates and the crowd, would be worth the effort. There would be enough room for several other teachers and students, although anyone who wanted to walk alongside was also more than welcome to do so. With some ingenuity and time, she’d have Danny laughing again.
Immediately following his mother’s death, Danny had had nightmares to the point that he crawled into bed with Natalie all the time. Counseling had helped, but his progress was slow. Natalie shared legal custody of Danny with his uncle, who served in the military and was assigned overseas. The law might only consider her his co-guardian, a glorified babysitter of sorts, but their bond was stronger than that. She’d be there for him always, and his home was now in Hollydale. She wouldn’t let the little boy down.
Speaking of guardians and parents, if she wasn’t mistaken, that was her mother’s gray compact pulling up to the curb. She’d extended the call for volunteers far and wide, but hadn’t expected her own mom to lend a hand. Natalie wouldn’t shoo her mother away, though. She needed as much muscle as possible for this project. Dreaming about the finished project was her forte. Others would ensure it would soar to the stars.
Sure enough, her mother stepped out of the car and waved, her white capris paired with a red-and-white tank top and matching sandals sporty and fitting for mid-June. Diane pointed to the pavilion where another picnic table sat, and they joined her there. She hugged Danny. “Good morning, sleepyheads! How are my two favorite people enjoying the first Monday of summer vacation?”
Danny hopped off the picnic bench and ran over to her mother.
Natalie’s heart went out to Danny as he tried to hold everything together, grasping for something certain in an uncertain world. Natalie, more determined than ever to lighten his load and bring constancy back into his shattered life, sat on his left side while her mother settled on the right.
“Are we really your favorites?” Danny asked softly.
Her mother’s arm navigated its way around his shoulders, and her hand reached out and patted Natalie on the back. “You’re very special to me, Danny. You’re family. And family’s more than blood or a piece of paper. It’s love and concern for each other that form the bond that holds us together.”
“I guess you’re right.” Danny’s gaze landed on the concrete, no smile lightening the features of his chubby cheeks.
Natalie missed the sound of Danny’s laughter as much as she missed his mother.
Natalie reached for his hand, and they stood up together. “We have to show you our project. Come on.”
Excitement bubbled in her as she thought of the finished float and Danny’s smile of approval. The dew on the grass shone as the trio approached the chassis. A blank slate awaited them. With an extra spring to her step, Natalie dug deep into her experience as a kindergarten teacher. If she displayed enthusiasm, Danny would catch on and respond in kind. Kids were sponges that way.
They circled what they had to work with, and Natalie ran through the unlimited possibilities, nailing down the final product as she envisioned its potential. She’d already forgotten Marisa’s plans. “It might not look like much right now, but when we’re done, it’s going to be as colorful and lively as the fireworks.”
“It looks like a wooden platform on top of a chassis.” Diane ran her hand through her short auburn curls with interspersed silver strands.
Natalie and her identical twin, Becks, had inherited their mother’s hair color. Becks kept hers short in a crop that flattered her while Natalie opted for longer locks.
“You gave me the impression this float was almost finished. This is a mere skeleton. Did you bite off more than you can chew again?”
“This is a good thing. Now I can put my imprint on it.” Natalie released Danny’s hand and walked up to the frame.
With a growing grin, she knocked on one of the wooden boards of the support frame. The entire frame dislodged from its studs and thudded to the ground. She jumped back and steadied her balance a second. Otherwise she would have fallen on her rear. Two-by-fours dotted the ground.
Danny moved in for a closer inspection, and Diane pulled him away. “Watch out for those nails!”
Natalie picked up the smallest beam. “Starting from scratch will let us build bigger and better anyway. I’m recruiting a crew of workers with the promise of free food. We’ll get it done.”
“I can help, Aunt Natalie. I’m a good helper.” Danny shook free of Diane’s hold and hugged Natalie.
Warm fuzzies filled her heart for the boy she’d known since the day he was born. She’d take on the world for him.
“Whose truck is this? It looks new.” Diane peered into the windows.
“It’s Marisa’s grandfather’s truck. He broke his hip a month ago and can’t drive. She didn’t want to assemble the float at his house since he’d insist on lending a hand. The great news is Marisa persuaded Mayor Wes to keep everything here at the park shed. She texted me his permission along with her proposed plans.” Natalie squeezed Danny’s hand and directed him toward the picnic tables.
Once he sprinted for the sheltered area, she began picking up the boards and placing them nail side down on the remaining planks of the trailer platform.
“Ah, plans. Now we’re getting somewhere. Did you bring them with you?” Mom folded her arms and pursed her lips.
Natalie stopped from rolling her eyes at the vote of no confidence in her mother’s voice. No doubt her mother would have smiled at Becks or her brother, Mike, in this situation, but instead, she’d question every decision Natalie made from the tissue paper colors to the type of candy tossed to the spectators. “They’re on the picnic table, but I’m starting fresh with some new ideas. I’m thinking wire mesh stars and lots of flowers.”
“Real flowers get pricey fast. And shouldn’t you have a theme first?” Her mother’s disapproving expression didn’t waver as she helped with the remaining boards. “Did Marisa leave you a budget or materials to work with?”
Natalie waved away those concerns. “I wasn’t planning on using real flowers. Even Mrs. Glisson wouldn’t be that generous, and I should know, having worked in her floral shop through high school. We can make tissue paper flowers instead, using chicken wire to hold them in place. Trust me.” She hoisted the last plank onto the platform and wiped her hands free of the dew and grass. “By the way, thanks for what you said to Danny.”
“Any word yet from his uncle?” Diane picked up her purse from its resting place next to the truck’s front tire.
“In his last email, he mentioned coming for Christmas if his assignment is complete. From what I remember from Shelby, he’s a security specialist with a knack for languages and dialects.” She leaned closer to her mom, not wanting Danny to hear what she was about to say. “Between you and me, if he does come home, he should agree to continue our present arrangement, Danny living with me full-time. I think it’s for the best. Danny needs a solid support structure. Laughter and love will pull him through this. You and Dad always taught me to find the joy in the little things.”
“Some days were easier than others.”
A two-by-four fell onto the grass. Natalie picked it up and dropped it onto the platform with a thud. “I’m glad you knew where to find us this morning.” She looked at the bent nails and winced. “Maybe Danny shouldn’t be around this.”
Diane situated her purse strap on her shoulder. “I agree. I’ll take him to the splash fountains, where I’m meeting Georgie and Rachel in a little while.”
Natalie admitted her mother was right. Danny would have more fun with Georgie, Natalie’s new sister-in-law, who had married her brother Mike earlier this year, than helping her. Since Georgie worked most Saturdays as a mechanic, she usually had Mondays off. Hanging out with the three Harrisons would also provide an opportunity for Danny to grow closer to Mike’s daughter, Rachel.
Natalie called to Danny and he moseyed over to them.
“Hey, Danny. Georgie’s taking Rachel to the new splash fountain area. Why don’t you tag along? I’m sure Rachel will enjoy spending time with you,” her mom said.
“I’ll stay with Aunt Natalie.” Danny hovered behind her leg. “I’m strong, and she might need me.”
In the past few months, Danny hadn’t wanted to leave her side unless it was necessary. Even from a good distance, the new splash fountains beckoned with shouts of joy coming from kids of all ages. Spouts in the shape of jungle animals jutted water from the spigots in the concrete. After she was done for the day, she might cool off there. Features like this more than made up for an increased tourist presence.
Natalie reached for his free hand and squeezed it. “You’ll have a much better time over there. I’ll get some of the boring stuff done here, and tomorrow you can help me. The nails will be all gone by then. I’ll be okay. I promise.”
Danny let go, although reluctance hovered in his serious brown eyes. “I’m not going to wear my bathing suit.”
Her mom reached for Danny’s hand. “That sounds fine. Not wearing a bathing suit never stopped Natalie or Mike from enjoying the sprinklers, before Becks came in and told on them, of course. It’s okay to break the rules every once in a while.”
Over Danny’s head, Natalie winked at her mom, happy for this small glimpse of rebellion from everyday norms.
“Only for a couple of minutes.” He threw his arms around Natalie’s waist, keeping the contact close. “I love you, Aunt Natalie.”
Shelby had bestowed the title of honorary aunt on her before Danny’s birth, and Natalie had no problem with keeping that the same, even though she was now his official guardian.
Diane led Danny over to the newest section of the park, which had been redone in the past couple of years. When Natalie and her siblings were growing up, there was a round playground spinner, a couple of swings and a metal slide that had burned her legs more than once, even in the cooler climes of the mountains. Thanks to the influx of tourist dollars, Hollydale now boasted the largest park for kids this side of Raleigh, with a new splash fountain area, two different playgrounds for all ages, a rock-climbing area, and basketball and tennis courts. Over the summer, she planned to spend many a leisurely morning here with Danny.
Once the parade float was finished, that was.
A new project to sink her teeth into. Something unplanned and spontaneous to get behind. Rubbing her hands together, she headed toward the picnic table for the printout of Marisa’s plans. The sooner she evaluated her supplies, the sooner she’d have a sense of what else was possible and stop for the day. She hated to miss a minute of fun with Danny. Summer vacation was too short for her liking, although once August rolled around, she’d love the thrill and challenge of teaching twenty new students. She wouldn’t trade her job for all the fried green tomatoes in North Carolina.
She grabbed the pages and saw a black car parking alongside her mother’s. The driver’s door opened and a tall man in a blue dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves that highlighted muscular arms emerged from the car. Unlike the typical park runners in athletic shorts, tank tops and sneakers, this newcomer wore jeans paired with dark brown loafers. Sunlight glinted off his dark chestnut hair, its short length reminiscent of... He closed the car door.
There was also something familiar about the determination in his every step, but she still couldn’t place him.
The oversize manila envelope in his hand caught her eye. For a second, she worried Danny’s uncle was serving her with some sort of legal action in case he wanted to take his nephew with him once he returned stateside. Considering the uncle hadn’t been involved the past three months, she wouldn’t entertain that kind of negative thinking.
The man glanced at the envelope and headed back to his car. He must be lost. She transferred her attention to the plans. Movement caught her eye, and she looked up to find him heading straight toward her, no envelope in hand. His gaze gave the distinct impression he was looking for her. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he recognized her. However, Hollydale was a small town, and she’d have remembered anyone with his commanding presence.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“Natalie Harrison?”
They’d spoken at the same time, and she released some of her nervousness through laughter. She extended her hand, and his grip exerted the right amount of pressure, not too firm, but not too soft.
“Guilty as charged.”
“I’d have known you anywhere from her description of you.” He moved his lips into a straight line. She wasn’t quite sure whether that was his version of a smile or not.
She racked her brain about who would have described her to a total stranger. Then she snapped her fingers. “I’ll be the son of a sea biscuit. Marisa came through already, didn’t she?” Thank you, Marisa, for sending someone with muscles. “I need all the help I can get with this float. You wouldn’t believe the state I’m in with everything literally falling apart at my feet today.”
“She’s not the reason I’m here. My new assignment starts soon and—”
“Oh. If Marisa didn’t send you, the mayor must have. You’re the new city manager, then.”
Mayor Wes had been all aflutter when Bob Woodley announced his immediate retirement. Hollydale gossip speculated age had nothing to do with his decision. Instead, everyone believed he didn’t want to judge the upcoming Fourth of July pie contest again, legendary in these parts thanks to the feud.
“You’ll have your hands full since this is a tiebreaker year for the pie contest, but you look like you’ll rise to the challenge. Besides, it’s a change that will do everyone some good.”
“I’m counting on that, but I’m not the city manager. Change is often necessary, and I’m glad to know I have your full support.” He blinked, almost as if he hadn’t expected to say that. “I didn’t anticipate this type of welcome.”
Hollydale surprised people that way.
“I’ll support anyone who’s here to help.” She twisted the small disc of St. Michael on her gold necklace. “When the nails came off this wooden frame today, I came this close to landing on my rear end in front of Danny. Now that you’re here, I won’t have that problem anymore.”
The man’s demeanor didn’t change, his back still straight as an ironing board. “I didn’t realize you considered this situation a problem. Good to know.”
“The truck chassis is over here, and you can see the state of the platform.” Natalie wiggled her fingers, and he followed alongside her. “Your arrival changes everything. Between you and me, however, I was on the verge of having to call in every favor folks have ever owed me, and for what? I dug a hole that’s simply too deep. The nails are literally coming out at the seams. I didn’t sign up for anything like this, but what’s done is done.”
“That’s rather harsh.” His low voice was deep and sleek.
“Not at all. I signed up under a whole different set of expectations.” She halted a couple of feet from the truck and attached trailer. “Oh well, before I know it, this chapter will be done and I’ll hand everything off. Life will then be all rainbows again. You have to look for the silver lining, you know.”
The man walked around the truck and chassis, and Natalie kept her gaze focused on him. The man’s piercing gray gaze seemed to be measuring up the situation, the wheels in his head turning, she imagined. He picked up a plank from the platform and examined it from all angles. “Just like that? No second thoughts, no regrets?”
About a parade float? She could use garland or premade decorations. However, creating puffy tissue paper flowers with Danny would give them something to do together. No way would she stay up nights second-guessing her decision to dream big. “When this is finished, I’ll be able to live with myself just fine.” Better than fine if Danny’s laughter is back. “I’ll have my summer ahead of me, free and unencumbered of the commitment. Late mornings, friends, good times ahead.”
“You have some serious issues.” He turned to her. Concern in his features mirrored something she’d recently seen, but she couldn’t put her finger on what.
She’d seen those gray eyes somewhere before, but where?
He pointed to the nails sticking out of the end of the board. “Do you want my opinion about what went wrong?”
“Even silver linings need the right glue. You don’t use finishing nails to hold support beams together.” She picked up a board and tapped the nail. “When I drove the truck out of the shed for better lighting and more work space this morning, I must have jarred the frame enough for the boards to fall apart.”
“Looks that way. Glad no one was hurt.” As he spoke, he rolled down his shirtsleeves, unusual in this warm weather. Something running along his left forearm caught her eye, but he folded his arms before she could see whether the mark was part of a tattoo or something else.
“Don’t I know it? When something harmful comes along, you have to move forward. I’m just the facilitator, so to speak, but I’ll be counting on you in the future. I’m sure your energy and experience will yield dividends in the upcoming years.” She tried to smile, but the man stared at her, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing second. Once again, a rush of familiarity flooded her, but she couldn’t pinpoint why it seemed like she should know him.
“I had every impression you’d put up more of a fight.”
“Why would I argue with you? You’ll make life so much easier around here. By the way, I didn’t catch your name. Mister...?”
Out of the blue, Danny rushed toward her, Diane on his heels. Whatever was wrong with Danny must be serious. “Excuse me a minute.” Her cowboy boots smacked the pavement as she hurried toward the pair. “Mom! What’s happening? Danny, are you okay? Did you fall down?”
Danny rushed past her, and she twirled around. The stranger stood a couple of feet away, awe and wonder lightening his hard face. Crouching down, he opened his arms wide for the sopping-wet missile heading his way. Danny flew into his chest, and the man absorbed the impact without falling down. Instead, he cradled Danny’s head and held him tight.
Out of breath and wringing the wet towel, Diane reached Natalie and touched her arm. “He started running before I could find out anything.”
No wonder the man’s gray eyes looked so familiar. Natalie saw the same shape and seriousness in Danny’s brown ones every morning across her breakfast table when Danny slurped down his favorite cereal and drank his orange juice. Danny’s uncle, Major Aidan Murphy, had arrived in Hollydale six months ahead of schedule.
