Page 46 of Soaring and Saucy

Thirty minutes later, she walked in the door to her apartment and dropped her purse on the table. There was silence, and the place felt empty. She missed his presence, missed even the little spats between them, the way he looked at her – all of it.

Pulling out her cell phone, she hesitated. Looking at the old type stamps that were on the display shelf on the wall for décor, and her breath caught. It no longer said ‘Wood’ in the center. It said ‘Cavanaugh’ in all sorts of fonts, in varying sizes, and there was a heart beside the name. She took a picture of it and texted it to Lance to let him know she was here – and that she knew what he had done.

I’m here, and you’re not.

Only to see three dots appear on the screen.

We’re gonna fix that – don’t worry. I’m boarding the plane now; just don’t give up on me and feed my Peanut again ??

Will do. She wants Doritos and blue cheese.

Then, give my son what he wants. LOL. I’ll text when I get to the ship, feed my boy, and tell him to behave.

I will. Talk to you soon.

Two hours – and get ready for the emails.

14

TROPHY

Lance jogged up the gangplank, boarding the ship and showing his military I.D. before making his way through the familiar hallways of the ship. It was late, thank goodness, which meant some of the guys would be already asleep in their racks. Instead of going to his own bed, he went to the computer room and got down to business.

He texted Stephanie and glanced at the clock, realizing she had probably fallen asleep already. Opening a screen on the computer, he looked up several apartments he had saved with a newly critical eye. Seeing her, the little sonogram photo, and meeting with her made this all feel real. It wasn’t just a place to rest anymore – he wanted a home. He sent two apartments to her and hesitated.

Princess,

In looking at the apartments, I’m kinda being picky and not sure if you are of the same mindset. I think that maybe the bedrooms should be close together (for now) in case our little Peanut needs something during the night.

When I first looked (yup, I did) I was checking out the locations, schools, and where the beach was… but I don’t think that matters as much anymore. I would rather it be comfortable and fit our little family when it’s time. What would you like in a place? I’ll go take a peek in person, if you see something you like.

I miss your laugh and your smile already. Now, I’m off to get some shut-eye because duty starts at seven in the morning. I won’t have my phone or be available until late tomorrow.

Sweet dreams,

Lance

Clicking send, he opened up another email to write his family to give them the update.

Dear Mama, Dad, and Laura,

Just got back onboard and am about to go get some sleep, but I wanted to let you know things went really well this weekend. Did you get the sonogram picture I sent you? I also sent one of me and Stephanie. I can’t thank you enough for your advice telling me to calm down and relax – because the weekend went better than I thought. I’m hoping to get her to move out here a little closer so I can be more involved… and I’m actually excited to be my little Peanut’s daddy.

Yeah, I’m calling my baby Peanut.

Hush, Laura, you wouldn’t understand.

It’s crazy to think that a little part of me is growing into a person, the next generation and I don’t even see many of the signs just yet, you know? And Stephanie is just a miracle to me. I’m so crazy about her, and it hasn’t faded in the slightest. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. I really like her, Mama.

Maybe we can all get together at some point?

Love,

Lance

Clicking send once again, Lance paid a few bills online, sent Stephanie more flowers, and then logged off. Gathering up his backpack, he walked down the hall to the berthing he shared with the guys and braced himself. Sure enough, several of the guys were asleep, but Pasteur was there, reading his Bible. The man looked up at him and waved before holding up a thumb.

Lance did the same, before putting a finger over his mouth and pointing at the closed curtains. The guys were sleeping, and he was tired too. It would be morning much too soon.

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