Page 7 of Pierre
“I can try to find out where Cole is if you want,” he said, staring at her pain.
“We’d appreciate that,” said Ham. “Hiro and AJ have kept up with his tracking, but we just want to know that someone has seen him, talked to him. We need to know that he’s alright.”
“Of course. Um, so. I’d like to date Ambry, whatever that looks like right now, and then, one day, marry her and have a family. I know that she’s against children out of fear of triplets, but that doesn’t matter to me. If she doesn’t want children, it won’t change how I feel about her.”
Ham and Sadie nodded at him, staring at his handsome face.
“If you’re concerned about it being me…”
“You? Pierre, why would we be concerned about that?” asked Ham.
“I was just an orphan from Haiti,” he said, shrugging. “I’ve been lucky to have the life that Mom and Dad gave me, but I understand if you would prefer someone-someone else for your daughter.”
“Pierre, there is no man finer for our daughter,” said Sadie, gripping his hand. “You were not ‘just’ an orphan. You belong to Lane and Frank. You are their son, and we love you as family.”
“You’re a good man, Pierre. The best. I’ve heard that you’re one of the best of the legendary Robicheaux Rangers. That’s saying a lot in my book. Ambry could do no better than you, and I know that you would protect our daughter with your life,” said Ham.
“Thank you. Thank you, both. I was worried about how you would feel about me.”
“Pierre, is this about you being black?” asked Sadie, staring at him.
“I guess a little,” he said. “I’m not just black, Sadie. I’m really black. Even the guys joke about it. No need for face paint on the nighttime missions, just cover those eyes. I’ve gotten used to it.”
“Well, they’re idiots! Your skin color isn’t within your control, Pierre, and we don’t give a damn. You’re black. Ambry is about as white as a girl can be without being transparent.” He chuckled, and Ham smiled at the young man. “Skin color doesn’t determine the measure of a man, the depth of his soul, his heart. We already know all the important things about you.”
“Thank you,” he said, standing. He hugged Sadie and reached to shake Ham’s hand.
“Pierre, have you and my daughter been intimate?” he asked. Sadie raised her brows at her husband. This wasn’t something he would normally discuss.
“Uh, no, sir. I wanted to wait until I spoke to you and until we got to know one another as adults.”
“Good man. But just so you know, I’m okay with it if you two decide to move forward with your relationship. Just be sure, Pierre. You know as well as I do that you can’t go back from that.”
“Yes, sir.”
Pierre knew what he meant. Once they made love, he would be of the mindset that Ambry belonged to him. He would move heaven and earth to keep her safe and keep her home.
The rest of their day and evening was spent walking, talking, holding hands, and kissing. They kissed more than any two couples should legally be allowed. But Pierre always pulled back, knowing that if he continued, it would go too far, too soon.
“I leave at 0400 tomorrow,” he said, holding her.
“I know. I leave the day after tomorrow. I meet the ship in Jacksonville, and I’m not sure where we go from there.”
“I’ll use our VG comms to stay in touch with you. If I don’t answer right away, don’t worry.”
“Same,” she smiled up at him. “Pierre? I think I love you. I mean, I know I love you.”
“I know, baby. I love you, too. I wouldn’t have taken this step with us if I weren’t sure. I just felt it and knew it was real.”
“And Bailey has a big mouth,” she grinned. Pierre laughed, shaking his head.
“Yes. Bailey has a big mouth, but I’m really glad for it. I wasn’t going to make a move unless I was sure. What about Bailey and Joey?”
“She likes him. A lot. But he doesn’t seem to be in any big hurry.”
“He’s worried about the age difference as well. Remember, Joey wasn’t born into all of this either.”
“I know, but we don’t think like that.”
