Page 23 of Reunited with the Soldier

We both laugh, that was close. But those stolen early mornings are so important to us.

Kash sits up in the bed and then pats if for Elijah to sit on the bed.

"I'll go get Emilia," I say as I get out of the bed and walk into the nursery. I think about the beating my step-father gave me. Once again i was pregnant, but this time I didn't know I was. Emilia has been a blessing and I love her so much. I see the love Kash has for her too, but that doesn't diminish the love he has for Elijah, even though he wasn't there for the first nine years of his life.

This is his first birthday with Elijah and I know he has pulled out all the stops to make this special.

I bring Emilia back into the bed with us and Elijah crawls over and kisses her. "Good morning, baby," he says and I think how much he sounds like his father.

Kash brings up some presents which were under the bed for Elijah to open and I thank my lucky stars for putting this man in my life and even when he was away from me I knew I still loved him. We found our way back to each other and that means so much.

After the mad morning of opening presents, pancakes for breakfast and getting dressed for the party, it's time for us to open our home to our family and friends.

Bailey came over earlier to help get everything ready. We may not be blood related, but she is family to me. My only family. I know something isn't right with her, she's been sick recently and she's very withdrawn. I make a note to speak to her about it tomorrow. Today is all about Elijah. We are having a cookout and everyone is coming to town.

"Hey, Bailey, can you grab these and take them out to Kash, he's grilling today. You know what men are like with their grills." I hand her a couple of plates with steak and chickem on them.

"Yeah no worries." She turns to leave.

"Bailey, we are going for breakfast tomorrow. We need to talk. I'm worried about you. You're my family, my best riend and the closest I have to a mother. I need to look after you as much as you need to look after me."

She smiles and then comes over and puts the plates down. She hugs me. "I love you, Lauren. Let's talk over breakfast, today is for Elijah."

She pulls away and then grabs the plates to take them out to Kash. I watch the way she walks away and I can see that some of her confidence has disappeared, I hope no one hurt her because if they have then they will have me to deal with.

* * *

THREE HOURS LATER

The kids have been playing in the pool and now all of Maddog Security are in there playing a game of polo. They are so competitive it's hilarious to watch. The kids are all rooting for the side that their fathers are playing on and I can see the competitiveness has been passed down a generation.

Just then Jimmy walks in. He's always late. "What did I miss?" He says taking his shirt off and jumping into the pool to join his fellow Maddogs.

Bailey walks out with two cocktails. One for me and one for her. She sits next to me. "It's been a great day, Lauren. I feel at home with these guys. They're my people too." She looks at the pool. "Who's the extra guy on this team? " She points to Jimmy who has his back to us.

"Oh god, that is Jimmy. You haven't met him before and he's always late. He's been out on assignment out of the country for a few months. He just came back today and it was a surprise for the other Maddogs."

"Jimmy?" She looks panicked.

"Do you know him?" I'm confused. Bailey is staring at him and he must have sensed her stare because he turns around and his eyes lock onto hers.

"Bailey?" he says at the same tine she says, "Jimmy?"

I look between the two of them as does everyone in the pool. Jimmy gets out and grabs someone's towel and walks over to Bailey. But Bailey is too quick for him and she is already in the house.

Everyone is staring at them. How do they know each other and how do I not know about her and Jimmy? Something has obviously happened and she's not told me about it. Maybe that's what she was going to talk to me about tomorrow at breakfast. I move closer to the house, I need to make sure she's okay.

All I can hear is shouting and I can't understand any of it. I don't want to interfere, Bailey will reach out if she needs me, I'm sure of it.

Kash comes over to me and pulls me away. "Leave them, I'm not sure what's going on, but if they wanted us to know then they would argue out here."

"I know, but she's been there for me and I want to be there for her."

"I know you do, Lo. But she has to come to you first, remember that." He's so right. I kiss him.

Just then, Jimmy rushes out of the house, grabs his clothes and disappears through the gate that he appeared through not even an hour ago. He doesn't say anything to anyone, just leaves.

Minutes later, Bailey comes out crying. "I'm sorry, I don't want to spoil the party. I need to go home."

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