Page 14 of Forever Flirting

“You’re married?” Paradox asked, looking stunned.

“It’s a long story,” Alex said evasively, not looking at anyone. “Can you go at any time – for a week at a time? If I wanted to go four times a year… I could?”

“Yeah, I’m sure they won’t mind.”

“If they do,” Reaper interrupted quietly. “My wife and I own a bed and breakfast in Yonder – you can stay with my family, if you need to, Maestro. I get home to see my son Ben and Sophie whenever I can… go see your kid, brother. We can figure out the details.”

“Thank you,” Alex said – stunned.

Yeah, his last visit back home hadn’t gone so well.

His grandmother wore him up one side and down the other, making him feel utterly ashamed… not only the discovery that she was a great-grandmother due to his recklessness, but the fact that he’d started smoking like a freight-train, just trying anything at all to get Everly’s sable eyes out of his mind.

His beloved, sweet Nana was so livid – hollered at him with such anger and frustration that he left her house, called a cab, and went to stay at a hotel instead.

“You betcha,” Reaper acknowledged. “You are part of the team, a part of our family now… and Ghost’s wingman, remember? We’ve got each other’s backs – always.”

“ALWAYS!” several men shouted loudly at once as Alex sat there quietly, thinking.

He was going to see Caleb again – and very soon.

That night, he sat down to write two emails he never imagined he would anytime soon.

* * *

Hey Nana,

Look – I’m sorry how our last visit went… and you are right. I should have known better, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’d like you to meet your great-grandson.

I am flying into town to visit Caleb and would like to bring him over to meet you. Maybe I can bring lunch and we can go through the old family photo albums?

I’ve also quit smoking and drinking. I promise.

Please?

I love you, Nana.

XOXO,

Alex

P.S. Have I told you how much I miss my beautiful Nana’s sugar cookies? I bet Caleb would love to try one since he’s got teeth now – every growing boy should have one of my Nana’s secret recipe cookies, shouldn’t they?

* * *

Smiling,Alex clicked send and could practically picture his grandmother’s reaction… what she would say, how she would roll her eyes, or shake her gnarled finger at him.

Yeah, he was going to take his son over to meet her while he still could. Nana was getting older, and it meant a lot to him to see her last time – even if she scolded him for twenty minutes straight.

He deserved it.

Sighing heavily, Alex opened up another window to send another email – one he dreaded.

Dear Mallory,

I am going to be flying into town for a week and would like to see Caleb, as much as possible. I would like to introduce him to my grandmother and just spend some quality time getting to know him.

Unfortunately, the military isn’t flexible on dates – so you have to take what is available. I will include the dates below for you.

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