Page 32 of SEAL'S Baby Surprise
15
AUSTIN
Austin
I awake to a warm, sleeping presence on my left arm. For a moment I think I’m dreaming. Then, I remember that Julia was on a sleep-over, and I had left Ark on patrol. The warmth by my side, and beginning to be in my heart, is Lee.
Lee.
I turn on my side to look at her. Rounded in all the right places, with only the slightest tummy dome, her hips and thighs bulge with muscles.
Her shoulders and back also have well-defined musculature. By comparison, her hands and feet are small and dainty. No doubt when designing her own clothes as seemed to be the case from her comments, she would have directed attention to her best features while down-playing her robust curves.
My revery is disturbed by dogs barking and the sound of children’s voices. I glance at my clock/calendar/reminder combo on the wall beside my bunk! Oh, shit! It’s past time to pick up Julia and make breakfast.
I ease my arm out from under Lee and am immediately treated to the pins and needles sensation that means returning circulation. I fumble my way into my shorts, stick my head out the door and say, “Be right there!”
Julia is playing hostess and opening the food storage areas she is allowed to use. Betty, being taller and stronger, is pouring milk over cereal. “It’s all right,” she says with child wisdom. “My mom and dad sleep late sometimes after a Big Night.”
I give an inward groan. Now, the whole neighborhood would know, or at least suspect, I was boning my guest. I put the best grace on it I can manage. “Thanks for helping.”
I close the door, no need to disturb Lee, and dash to the bathroom to take care of the bare minimums.
Then I go out, give each of the kids a protein bar and an orange by way of balancing out their light and sugary breakfast. Then I put out kibble, and take out some of Ark’s fresh dog food, giving a share to each dog. Did I mention that Squeegee had come along, too? Apparently, she has attached herself to Ark and is feeling safe enough to venture out-of-doors.
When I put the package of dog food back, I hear the shower start up. While it makes sense for Lee to get in a shower, I hope she doesn’t use up all the hot water.
She is out, wearing the little brown wig, just in time to invite each of the kids to give her a hug. They give her a fast, drive-by group hug, and then they are off to Mother Hubbard’s.
We watch until Mrs. Hubbard waves at us and collects the children into the play yard next to her trailer.
“Do you want a cooked breakfast?” I ask.
Lee shakes her head. “Nah, I can have cereal. We had such a big meal last night; I don’t think I need one of your super breakfasts.”
“I’m going to clean up, then. When I get out, we need to take Squeegee home.”
She replies, “Okay. I’ll try to keep her here. But I don’t think it will be too much trouble.” She tips her head toward the two dogs who are busy scarfing down their breakfast.
After I get a hasty shower and am properly dressed in a clean pair of swim trunks under my cargo shorts, and a T-shirt with the sleeves cut off on my top half, I come back out. Lee is busy petting both dogs. Squeegee is on her lap, and Ark has his head on her knee.
“Let’s take your baby home,” I tease. “Before her real mommy gets upset.”
Sure enough, by the time we arrive at the Turner house, Mrs. Turner is frantically checking all around for Squeegee.
“There you are!” she says, embracing the happy little dog. Squeegee wiggles all over, licking Mrs. Turner’s face. “Let me guess, she followed the kids.”
“The kids and Ark,” I say.
“Thanks for bringing her back. The twins would be devastated if she was lost.”
Since the twins had been the ones who had let her follow them, I don’t comment on this. It is pretty clear that their mom would have missed the pup.
After a little more social chatter, (Yeah, I know how to do it. Doesn’t mean I have to like it, although Mrs. T. is good people.) we head back to the van.
When we arrive, Lee asks, “What’s the plan for today?”
I think about it a minute. “My board is getting lonely without me,” I say. “How would you like to learn to paddle board?”
