SomedayMyGoodOleBoyWillCome Read online

  “So sorry we’re late. We brought cornbread, chips, punch, and chocolate pie,” Bubba said as he took the punch bowl from his wife.

  His daughter was in front of him holding the pan of cornbread very carefully in both hands. Susie picked up two chocolate pies piled high with whipped cream and shredded chocolate after she gave the little boy a plastic bag that had a good variety of chips in it.

  “Some of Susie’s chocolate pie. Oh yum,” Uncle Frank said as he took one of the pies from her. “I’ll just hold onto this for you.” Everyone laughed.

  The other two people that had emerged from the Cadillac did so empty handed. It was Shelby and a man that Jacey had never met. But it wasn’t hard to figure out who he was—father and son looked a lot alike.

  “Derek,” Shelby crooned. “I didn’t know I was supposed to bring anything. I’m sorry.” She sidled up to him and positioned herself under his arm.

  “And I didn’t know you were coming,” he said as he removed his arm from around her shoulders.

  “Well, David mentioned that it was a cookout and I just assumed that I would be welcome. I mean, we are dating.”

  “Right.”

  “And I came because I didn’t think it would be a problem with us about to be family and all.” David’s father spoke in his smoker’s voice.

  “Not at all,” Uncle Frank stated. “The more the merrier. I don’t think that you have met Jacey yet. Jacey.” He waited until she put down the pie and returned to his side. “I would like you to meet David’s father. Mr. David Turner, Sr. Sir, I would like you to meet Ms. Jacey Thompson, our other daughter.”

  Jacey held out her hand and when the older man took it she said, “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  “The pleasure is all mine, my dear.” He ran his squinty eyes over her.

  With a small smile Jacey took her hand back. She knew she was being sized up and less obtrusively did the same thing in return. With the introductions done Jacey headed back over to Susie and Bubba. “Now,” she said, crouching down in front of the children. “Who do we have here?”

  Bubba said, “This is our son, Tyler Clay Parker.” He gestured to the small boy standing by his mother.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Parker,” Jacey said as she stuck out her hand. The boy blushed and grinned as he tried to hide his face in his mother’s skirt.

  “Go on, Tyler, shake her hand. Say hello,” Susie encouraged.

  One small tan hand reached timidly for hers. “I’m not Mr. Parker, that’s my daddy,” said the hushed voice. The handshake was fast but firm.

  Jacey pretended to think on that for a moment before she nodded sagely. “That is true.” Her voice just as hushed as his had been. “So, what am I allowed to call you?”

  He shrugged. “Tyler?”

  “It’s up to you. Do you have a nickname?” The small child shook his head and looked sad about that. “Well, my name is Jacey but some people call me Jace. Perhaps I could call you Ty or TC.” Her eyebrows rose as she waited for his decision.

  The boy looked to his father. “What do you think, Daddy?”

  With a kind smile, his father said, “Whichever you prefer, son.”

  “I like TC.” The young boy smiled widely at Jacey, showing a missing front tooth. “Can I call you Ms. Jace?”

  “I would be honored if you did,” she replied with a wink before turning to the girl. “And you are?”

  The girl smiled. She held out her hand, totally confident. “My name is Savannah Rose Parker and I don’t want a nickname.”

  “Yes, ma’am. May I call you Savannah? Or do you prefer Rose?” She took the hand offered her.

  “Most people call me Rose, but you can call me Savannah if you wish.”

  “Savannah it is then.” Jacey rose up and winked at the two parents. “Beautiful children.”

  “Thank you,” Susie said.

  * * * *

  “Let’s eat.” The word from Uncle Frank came to all that stood around talking. Soon the table was full of happy people eating and joking. Although Derek was next to Shelby his eyes were across the table on Jacey, who was sitting quite happily between the two children, who had taken to her like a moth to a flame. She was amazing with children.

  He watched as she helped TC cut his food into smaller bites and listened raptly to both children as they talked her ear off. Jacey seemed to have endless patience with both of them, for nothing fazed her, not even when TC almost spilled his drink onto her lap. It was like a sixth sense that she had, for her hand was there in the nick of time to remove the glass out of danger. Finally sated, the adults sat around while the two children played.

  David, Jr. sat next to Honey. Shelby had secured a place beside Derek. Frank and Aurora were side by side. Susie and Bubba were also together. The single adults were interspersed among the couples. Except for Jacey, she was once again focused on the children.

  Derek was close enough to where he could hear her conversation with Savannah and TC. They were talking about some cartoon.

  “So who is your favorite?” Jacey asked.

  “Well, I like Eevee, but Tyler likes Pikachu,” Savannah responded.

  “I see. I like both of them, but I am a fire-Pokemon person. I like Charizard.”

  “You really do know Pokemon,” TC said. “I thought you were joking.”

  “Nope. I know all about them.”

  “What about physic ones?” Savannah quizzed her.

  “Well, personally I prefer the dark…like Absol, Mightyena and Houndour. But if I had to pick one I think it would be Espeon. What about you two?”

  Tyler piped up, “I like Mew.”

  “That is a pretty powerful one, I’ll give you that.” Jacey smiled at him before turning to his sister. “And you?”

  “Chimecho,” she stated without hesitation.

  “Rose, Tyler, stop bothering Jacey. Go get some pie and let her chat with us for a little bit,” Bubba interrupted.

  “But, Daddy, we are talking Pokemon.” Tyler said like it was national security they were discussing instead of a Saturday cartoon.

  “Tyler…” came the warning.

  “We can talk later. Better do as your daddy says, TC.” Jacey ruffled his hair.

  * * * *

  Both kids hugged her before they ran to the pies to get a piece. Jacey watched them go with a smile on her face.

  “Thanks for putting up with them,” Susie said.

  “Believe me, it was not a problem. You have wonderful children,” Jacey replied.

  “Thanks, but I know that they love to run off at the mouth about that Pokemon. You seemed to hold your own on that.”

  “Yes, I do seem to know my Pokemon.”

  Honey broke into the conversation. “Susie, this pie is absolutely wonderful. I am not going to fit into my clothes after eating all of this.”

  Jacey sent her friend a grateful smile.

  “Glad you enjoyed it, Honey.”

  David, Sr. entered the conversation. “Jacey, I hear that you are in the Marines.” His beady, watery eyes turned to look at her.

  “Yes, sir.” She turned her eyes directly to his.

  “I was in the Army. Served during Korea.” He puffed out his skinny chest.

  “What did you do, sir, if I may ask?” Regardless of how she felt about his son, she always tried to respect the veterans of this country.

  “I did a lot of strategic assigning and transfers of uniformed personnel and was in direct contact with General MacArthur.” He made his job sound so interesting and important.

  Jacey nodded her understanding. And she did, more than he believed her to…translation: he rode a desk, was a paper pusher, and didn’t see any action. “I am in technology and admin myself.”

  “Well, that’s a good place for you. Women don’t belong in battles.”

  Derek watched Jacey and she knew he was expecting her to get angry but all she did was nod her head. “True, the front line is a dangerous place.”

  �
�Yes, I had a really hard time in Korea. Saw a lot of action… came home with horrible memories.”

  “I’m sure you did, sir. I’m sure you did.” Now she didn’t respect him. She was disgusted that he would try to pretend that he saw a part of the war that didn’t revolve around the officer’s club.

  “Don’t worry, solider. It is for the best that you don’t get exposed to those kinds of memories. Better for the men that can handle them.” His condescending words flowed

  “With all due respect, sir, I am not a soldier.” Her response fell, causing everyone to look upon her grim face. Her words were hard.

  “I thought you were in the service.” His face got horribly ugly as it scrunched up in confusion.

  “I am, but I’m not a soldier.” She paused for a mere moment. “I’m a Marine.” Firmness and determination rang in her words.

  “I see,” was all David, Sr. could say.

  Shelby spoke up next. “Well I heard that you saw action, Derek. Is that true?” All sets of eyes turned to Derek as they waited for his answer. His family watched to see if he was comfortable enough to answer, and the others just out of curiosity.

  “Yes. It is true. I did see some action. But, if it is all the same to you, I would just as soon not talk about it.”

  Her thin arm slid around his body as she flicked her eyes to Jacey. “That’s all right, darling. I am here when you want to talk about it.”

  David, Sr. rose from the table and nodded at his son. “Well, thanks for allowing us to partake of your meal, but my son and I need to get back to town for a bit of business. Come on, Junior, let’s go. Shelby, are you coming back with us?”

  Shelby looked to Derek as David, Jr. rose and walked over to his father’s side. “What do you think, Derek? Can you give me a ride back later?”

  “You should go, Shelby. I have a lot of farm work to do.” Derek didn’t miss a beat.

  “Very well, but don’t forget we have a date tomorrow after church.”

  “I haven’t forgotten.”

  With a saucy smile for the woman she considered her competition, Shelby then rose and walked over to Honey. “It was a wonderful lunch. Thank you.” Honey’s answer was lost as the sound of yet another vehicle coming up the drive captured everyone’s attention.

  * * * *

  The motor as it roared up the driveway sounded extremely familiar to Jacey. She stood up to get a better view. Everyone fell silent as they watched as a khaki-colored Jeep tore up the driveway. Jacey was in shock. It dawned on her what her commanding officer had hinted at. Here was her delivery, her own Jeep.

  But not only that, at the wheel of her speeding vehicle sat a man that, the last time she had seen him, was being wheeled down the hall on a gurney at a hospital. Brian Arnoux. A tall man—six feet, three inches—full of lean muscles and always carrying a perpetual sexy half smile on his face. Dark chestnut hair, sparkling hazel eyes, dimples. One of the eight members of Zulu Spectre, more commonly and lovingly referred to as Gambit.

  Before the vehicle even arrived at a complete stop, Jacey was running over to him, much to the shock and surprise of all there. The second the man had jumped out of the Jeep Jacey was in his arms, squealing with joy, her firm legs wrapping around the man’s lean waist. The newcomer eagerly returned her embrace.

  Chapter Fifteen

  As she launched herself into his willing and waiting arms, Jacey told him, “God, it is so good to see you, Gambit. I missed you.”

  “I missed you too, Blackjack. Bet you weren’t expecting me.” He pulled back and looked into the dark eyes of the woman he held in his strong arms. His sexy mouth quirked before he winked at her and kissed her on the cheek.

  “I sure as hell wasn’t expecting you…much less seeing you in my Jeep. But damn, it’s good to see you. How are you?” She didn’t even realize her legs were still wrapped tightly around him.

  “Fine. And yourself? I think this should be our Jeep.” His thick Louisiana Creole accent made Jacey feel like all was right with the world.

  “Good. Real good. And not on your life.” Jacey pulled herself back tight to the chest of the man standing with her. He had gotten shot three times and they hadn’t been sure he was going to make it. Of all the members on their team, this was the one she was the closest to. The last thing she had heard, he was recovering. As much as she wanted to, Jacey didn’t have the time to go and see him, for when they weren’t on a mission she was with Caleb and Gambit was in a location unknown. Better that way.

  “As much I love having you in my arms, cherie, there seems to be a group of people here that are staring at us. Perhaps we should go say hello?”

  She groaned. “I guess.” Almost reluctantly Jacey pulled away after placing one more quick kiss on his cheek. Dropping to the ground, Jacey turned around, sliding her arm through the handsome man at her side, and walked with him to meet the gawking onlookers.

  Carson reached them first.

  “Hello. I’m Carson Moser. I take it you must be Caleb.” He nodded before continuing, “Jacey has told us that you were her date for the wedding. It is nice to meet you, any friend of Jacey’s is a friend of ours. Welcome to the Moser Farm.”

  Gambit smiled. The two children smiled at him and waved eliciting a small wave back before he accepted the extended hand.

  “Well it sure be nice to meet you, Carson, but I’m not Caleb. My name is Brian, Brian Arnoux.”

  “Sorry, I just assumed you were Caleb.” Carson’s brown eyes flickered to Jacey for an explanation and didn’t get one. In fact, she didn’t even look at him for her eyes were still on Brian.

  “No prob.” He turned his gaze to the woman on his arm. “Jack, why he think I’m Caleb? Don’t they know that—?”

  “No,” Jacey interrupted. “They haven’t met him yet.”

  Carson introduced Brian to everyone else. All were pleasant until it was Derek’s turn. Brian turned away from Shelby and met the vivid blue eyes of Derek. “Hello, Derek, it’s nice to meet you.”

  With reservation missed by none, Derek took and shook the offered hand. “Why do you call her Jack?”

  “We are in the Marines together. Jack is what we all call her, short for Blackjack, her call sign.”

  “Pretty chummy for people that work together, aren’t you? Isn’t that against regulations?” Derek asked.

  “I wouldn’t say that. For the past few months I have been in the hospital so this is the first I have seen Jack in a while. Our whole unit is close.”

  Derek blanched a bit at his statement but didn’t back down. “But you know Caleb.”

  “Sure do, great guy. I’ve known him for a few years now.” Derek’s response was just to nod and walk off, leaving the two Marines alone as they walked back over to the food table.

  Brian looked at her. “What is his problem?”

  Jacey said, “He’s just cranky. Doesn’t he look familiar to you?”

  “Sure, he looks like…oh my God. Is he…is that the one? Eric?”

  “Yep. My childhood crush. Ain’t life a bitch.” She shoved a hand through her hair.

  “I take it he doesn’t know.”

  “Know?” She scoffed. “He doesn’t even know I have a child, much less that the one I have is not mine but ours.” Her hands ran over her face in frustration.

  “Girl, you in trouble.”

  A short burst of laughter escaped from Jacey. Before long it had turned into a full blown laugh. When she finally caught her breath she said, “You think?”

  “Yep. Now where is this food that I was offered a taste of? We only have a few hours before you have to call Griz.” Gambit steered her over to where everyone was waiting for them.

  Honey offered him a plate and before long Brian was eating and talking as if he belonged there with Bubba and Carson. Shelby finally left with both Davids. Honey was making sure that the newcomer never wanted for anything, playing the southern hostess to a tee.

  Finally, allowed a breather, Jacey headed over to her vehicle
followed by Derek. She had a Jeep Rubicon. A soft top, six-speed, khaki colored extended vehicle that doubled as a satellite communications headquarters when necessary. There, under a panel in the back of the Jeep, was a small but extremely powerful satellite dish. She had a laptop with wireless internet. The technology in her Jeep was astounding.

  * * * *

  Derek looked on as she ran her hands over her vehicle. Under the Jeep nameplate on the front side, he noticed a painted queen and ace of spades, beneath which sat the phrase “Blackjack” painted in black letters. She was currently pulling things up out of the back when he approached her.

  “Jacey.”

  She turned to face him, a smile on her face that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hey, Derek. What’s up?”

  “What is he doing here?”

  “Gambit? He came to deliver this stuff to me so I didn’t have to cancel my leave. I can contact my CO and read those files from here.”

  “Gambit, huh? Must be his call sign,” Derek mumbled more to himself than to get a response from Jacey. He didn’t like the name.

  Whether he desired a response or not, she gave him one. “Yes it is.” She returned her attention to setting up her equipment. “Gambit,” she yelled over to the tables.

  “Comin’,” was his immediate response. And within seconds he was standing next to her. “What up, Jack?”

  “Do you know what this is about?” A wave of her manicured hand indicated the whole setup before her.

  “You know Griz, he don’t tell anything unless he has to.”

  “Well, he didn’t sound happy when he called this morning.” Together, as Derek watched, they turned the back of her Jeep into a section that held more advanced technology than was probably present in all of Leeburg.

  “Now, Jack, you sound downright surly yourself.”