Page 15 of The Soldier's Final Mission

“Becca?”

All eyes turned to the male voice callingout. Bob noticed a good-looking guy with brown hair, brown eyes, and mediumbuild. He looked like your average suburban husband, even had the wife to match.An obviously pregnant wife. The woman had vibrant red hair and a slim build,except for the baby bump.

“Patrick. What—”

“Hi, Daddy,” Riley said.

Bob tried to control his reaction, lookingto Becca then back to the man who was evidently Riley’s dad, Patrick. The manwho was currently scowling between Becca and Bob, and who hadn’t evenacknowledged his son. Bob figured it would’ve only been a matter of time beforehe met the man. Obviously he had hoped for a better planned meeting, ratherthan a surprise like this.

“Who’s this?” Patrick asked abruptly.

Riley took the initiative to talk. “Thisis Bob! He’s a soldier and a hero! And we had fun at the zoo! Are—”

“Are you a boyfriend?” Patrick asked,staring at Bob.

Bob met his stare, trying to remain calm,especially with Riley present. Patrick’s accusing tone was laughable,considering he had a pregnant woman in his presence. And if the look on Becca’sface was any indication of the situation, she had no clue whatsoever thatPatrick had a woman in his life, let alone one who looked like she coulddeliver a baby at any moment.

Before Bob could respond, Becca spoke out.“Patrick, this isn’t the time or place. Bob’s a friend who arrived in town justyesterday. I had plans to call you tonight, when—”

“Really? And just what were you planningto tell me during this call? That you’ve got a guy—”

“That’s enough,” Bob said, not wanting tosee this get any uglier in front of Riley. He lifted the boy off his shouldersand crouched down to speak to him. “Riley, how ‘bout you and your mom go getthe AC going in the car while I talk to your dad? Then we’ll go get that pizzawe talked about. Sound okay to you?”

“Sure! Bye, Dad,” the boy said absentlywithout even looking at the man. He then grabbed Becca’s hand and began to tryto pull her toward the parking lot. “Come on, Mom.”

“Bob, I think…”

“It’sokay,Becca, this won’t take long. You can call Patrick tonight like you planned todo.”

“Just a minute. Who do you think you are,telling—”

“I’m the man who’s going to have a civilword with you in a public place. Now, if you don’t want this to getembarrassing for you, say good-bye to your son, we’ll have a word, and then youcan get on with your afternoon.”

Bob watched Patrick’s face heat before herelented, muttering a lackluster good-bye, all while the woman at his sideremained silent and timid.

Ensuring that Becca and Riley had walkedwell enough away, he turned back to Patrick, calmly addressing him. “If seeingme with Becca and Riley was a shock, although I highly doubt it—probably morearrogant pride—imagine what Becca must think seeing the two of you? You find itunthinkable that she could’ve moved on? You obviously have. And from her look,she had no idea you were seeing someone, let alone long enough to be having ababy any day now. Assuming the baby’s yours?”

“Of course the child is mine,” Patricksaid between clenched teeth. “Do you think I’d— ”

“I have no idea what to think about you,seeing as I don’t even know you. Just like you don’t know me. But you will,because I’m the man who’s going to be in Becca and Riley’s life from now on. Now,as the educated, mature man I’m guessing you are, you will receive Becca’s calltonight and you are going to listen to her explanation. And if you think forone moment that I’m going to allow you to give her any upset, you better thinkagain. Don’t be a hypocrite, Patrick, and don’t be an asshole.” Bob watched themuscles in the man’s jaw tighten, and he tried not to smile. Instead, hecarried on. “Be honest with Becca. Riley’s your son, so if you want arelationship with him, say so. I’d never challenge your position as his father,but if your sole focus is on your new family, then say that as well.

“She and I have a past, and yesterday isthe first time we’ve seen each other in almost six years. But know that wewon’t be separated again. And know that I will be a father figure to thatlittle boy, not because I have to, but because I want to.”

Bob let his words sink in, looking backand forth between Patrick and the woman at his side. “Now, I’m going to go joinBecca and Riley, and I’ll leave you two to enjoy your afternoon.” With that,Bob simply nodded and walked away.

When he reached the vehicle, Riley waschattering away while safely secured in his seat. Becca, however, had a worriedlook on her face that Bob wanted to instantly take away. So before she had achance to say a word, Bob spoke.

“All right, who’s hungry for pizza?” Hebuckled in the driver’s seat and reached for Becca’s hand, giving it a lightsqueeze.

“Me, me, me!” Riley sang.

“Everything’ll be fine,” Bob whispered toBecca. “We’ll talk later.” Bob was glad that she didn’t protest, but simplynodded as he drove out of the parking lot.

Much later, once Riley was settled in bedand Becca had her call with Patrick, they spoke.

“I had no idea he was seeing anyone. Guessit explains his excuses and absences from our so-called family get-togethers.” Beccasat in a huff on the couch next to Bob. He gathered her close, wrapping an armaround her and kissing the top of her head. “And to think he was appalled atseeingmewith someone! What a—”

“Hey, he is Riley’s dad.” Bob ran his handthrough Becca’s silky strands, trying to soothe her.

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