Page 13 of The Soldier's Final Mission

Becca nudged his side before movingforward to scoop Riley off the counter. “You, young man, are in trouble. Youshould know better than to climb up on this counter. You could have hurtyourself.”

Wrapped in her arms, Riley brushed hisnose against Becca’s and giggled. “But I didn’t, and I was just about to getthe bowls for icecweam.”

“I see that, but I haven’t even made thewaffles yet, silly.” She spun around to face Bob who stood there smiling,looking so delicious that she could certainly eat him up for breakfast. Beccablushed at the thought, and from the narrowing of Bob’s eyes, she was certainhe knew her thoughts as well. Before either could say a word, Riley spoke out.

“Wow! You did getowies!”

Becca glanced at Bob, seeing what her sonsaw—puckered skin running from the right side of his neck, across his shoulder,and down a portion of his arm. If he were to turn, they’d see the right side ofhis back puckered and pruned as well. Searching his eyes, Becca was glad to seea neutral expression. Again, Riley spoke before either adult could utter aword.

“Did bad guys do that to you?”

“Sure did.” Bob stepped closer. “Butremember when I said I was all better?”

“Uh-huh,” Riley said and nodded his head.

“It’s true. It doesn’t even hurt anymore.”Bob smiled.

Riley’s smile beamed. “Mommy said you wereabwaveman. Myowiesdon’thurt anymore, so I must bebwavetoo.”

“You absolutely are,” Bob answered.

Riley turned his proud smile to Becca. Shehad to contain the tears that moistened her eyes and choke down the sob thatthreatened. “Okay, big buy, go get dressed while I start breakfast.”

As she placed her son on his feet, heprotested, stating, “He doesn’t have a shirt, so I why do I need one?”

“Good point,” Becca muttered. “Um, Riley,Bob’s going to put his shirt on, so you go get yours. And pants too.” When hemarched off toward his room, she looked up to find Bob grinning.

“What? You’re too distracting with allthat.” She waved her hand out in front of her. “So go cover up.”

Bob was instantly in front of her,wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. He nuzzled her neck,saying, “Distracting, huh?”

“Yes,” she replied hoarsely, her handsautomatically going around his head. “Deliciously distracting. I’ll feast onyou later.”

“Mmm, I like thesound of that.” Bob nipped her lips before pulling back, winking at her beforeheading to the living room.

Becca watched his retreating backside,seeing past the scars. All she noticed was his returned confidence and she lovedit. She made haste in her preparations as Riley and Bob both returned to thekitchen, chattering to one another about the best qualities of superheroes.

“Captain America is so fast and strong andhas his shield and I love the red, white, and blue!”

“But what about Iron Man? He has thecoolest suitandhe can fly.”

For several minutes they carried on, Beccaenjoying how at ease they were with one another. When she announced thatbreakfast was ready, she plated plenty of food for them all, and the guys dugin with gusto. Once finished and the kitchen somewhat restored to normal, sheled Riley to his bathroom to brush his teeth while Bob remained in the livingroom.

“Mommy, is Bob going to stay with us?”

“Well, for a little bit anyway. That’ssomething we need to talk about. Are you okay with that?”

“Oh yes! He can stayfo’evuh!”Riley spit his toothpaste into the sink and rinsed his mouth before givingBecca a big grin for inspection.

“Perfect!” As soon as she kissed her son,he was dashing off, back into the living room.

“Bob! Mommy said you could stayfo’evuh!” Riley flung himself into Bob’s arms, surprisingboth him and Becca. But Bob quickly caught the little boy and smiled down athim, chuckling.

“Is that so? And I guess you’re okay withthat?”

Riley pulled back, smiling broadly. “Yes! Ihave a real hero to play superhero with!” While Riley tried hard to sound outhis R’s, they still came out sounding like W’s. Becca was glad they’d bemeeting with a speech therapist in the coming week. Her son’s pediatricianassured her that his physical development was fine, he just needed helpcontrolling his lips and tongue to make the proper sounds.

When she looked to Bob to see his reactionto Riley’s declaration, she was pleased to see him continue to smile, no fearor apprehension present.

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