SomedayMyGoodOleBoyWillCome Read online

  Slowly Derek pulled out of her and rolled to the side, his thick arm draping across her flat belly. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled into the side of her neck.

  Jacey mumbled, “Not exactly something a woman wants to hear moments after sex there, Derek.”

  “I’m not apologizing for making love to you, Jacey. I’m apologizing for not pulling out of you.” He kissed the spot on her neck that was darkened from all of his earlier sucking.

  “We had sex, Derek. Nothing more. Just sex.” Rolling away from him, she grabbed his clothes and tossed them at him. “You need to leave. I’m sure Caleb and my parents will be back soon.”

  His blue eyes grew wide with astonishment. Was she serious? “What are you saying, Jacey?” He began to get dressed.

  “I’m saying that you need to go. We got this out of our system, and I’ll take a ‘day after’ pill so there is no reason to be worried about a child. And we can go on with our lives.”

  Her face was expressionless.

  “You can’t be serious?”

  “I’m serious. You need to leave.” Her hand waved him towards the door.

  “You are standing there telling me that you are willing to take a pill to kill any chance you may have about carrying my child? After what we shared, you tell me it was just sex?” His voice had grown into a low roar. “Go on with our lives? Just like that? We have one child together, Jacey. Or are you hoping I will forget about that?”

  “What do you think birth control is?” she snapped back as they left the bedroom. “And no, I don’t expect you to forget about Caleb.”

  “I can’t believe you are so damn callous about the whole thing,” he yelled, stomping down the stairs.

  “What am I being callous about? And it was just sex. Derek, we don’t have a relationship. You are with Shelby, or did you forget that?” She hurled back at him.

  * * * *

  He spun around on the stairs and angry eyes bore into hers. “I wasn’t just having sex. But apparently you were. My mistake, don’t worry, it won’t happen again.” His finger poked her in the chest. “I didn’t realize what a bitch you had become. I guess it would be for the best that you took the pill. Lord knows, I wouldn’t want to mess up your military career with anything like a family.”

  Her eyes narrowed, all warm feelings from earlier forgotten. “Oh, so now I’m a bitch because I said we had sex, not made love? What the hell does that make you? Dating Shelby and fucking me? Don’t get all high and mighty on me, Derek. And don’t worry, you can’t mess up my career any more than you did the first time.”

  “I thought you were different, Jacey.” He shook his head at her, disgusted. “I’ll be by tomorrow to see my son.” Derek began to turn around but stopped as if he had just figured it out and moved back right up into Jacey’s face. “Don’t even think about keeping him from me.” He gripped her arm. “And I’m not dating Shelby anymore. You, Jacey, you are the woman for me.

  “You can fight it all you want, call me any name you desire. Even go on and tell yourself that we had sex, but you know the truth. We made love tonight, Jacey. Love. And you won’t take that pill because you love me. Being a bitch isn’t going to change that. You have loved me since you were at least sixteen, perhaps longer than that.”

  Jacey shook her head in denial but Derek used his free hand to imprison her face. “So go ahead, Jacey Damia Thompson, be a bitch. We both know the truth. And I’m not going to let you run me off with your attitude.”

  With her face held immobile, he kissed her. Hard. Long. Dominating her entire body and causing her eyes to close. “We made love,” he murmured against her lips before he turned around.

  “It was just sex!” Jacey screamed after him before she opened her eyes and looked down the stairs at her parents standing in the entryway with Caleb and Shadow.

  Derek was poised by the door with an arrogant smile on his face. “Love,” he yelled back as he nodded to her shocked family before slipping out into the night.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Jacey bit her tongue as she looked down the stairs into the faces of her family. Her parents smirked as Caleb asked what they all were wondering. “What is Mr. Derek talking about, Mama? And why are you yelling about sex?”

  “Never mind, Caleb. Just you never mind,” she snapped, glaring at her parents as she spun around and ran back to her room, totally humiliated.

  A knock on her door pulled her attention from the notes she was trying hard to focus on. “Come,” she said wearily.

  “Jacey.” It was her mother.

  “If you are going to say something about earlier…don’t.” She looked up from the page of notes. “I’m already nervous enough about explaining this to Caleb.”

  “I’m not here to lecture you, and your father is explaining it away to Caleb, or so he said, I’m not sure what he’s explaining. My guess is you two yelling about sex. I came to see if you wanted to talk about anything.”

  Dropping the paper, Jacey groaned. “Oh, Mama. There are times when I just don’t know what to do. I can night jump into enemy territory, face down rebels and do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety of this country. But this one man, whom I have had a crush on since I was twelve, tears me up. Jesus, Mama, I don’t know what to do.”

  “Mind your tongue,” her mother said.

  “Yes, ma’am. Sorry.”

  “Sweetie, why can’t the two of you work this out?”

  “We’re trying, Mama. It is just a bit sudden, you know. All of it is a bit sudden.” All except my feelings for him, which have never changed.

  “Well, we’re here if you want to talk about it. Now I’m going to calm your father down before he goes and gets a shotgun and we have ourselves a wedding. Put your son to bed.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Jacey stood and hugged her mother. “I love you. Thanks for not saying anything.”

  She replied, “I love you too, Jacey. Get going now.”

  One last smile and Jacey was out the door and walking to her son’s room. Her father was in there but all he did was smile at her and kiss his grandson on the head and walk out.

  “Hey, sport,” Jacey said to her son, who was tucked into bed.

  “Hey, Mama,” Caleb answered with a smile. Shadow was curled up on the bed beside him, ever vigilant. “Did you and Mr. Derek get your talk over with?”

  “Partly. Hey.” She ruffled his hair. “So what story do you want tonight?” Jacey changed the subject.

  “We are working on Narnia,” he said as he got comfy for his nightly story.

  “So we are, so we are.” Jacey picked up the book from the table and settled down beside her child, waiting patiently as he curled up into her body.

  “Ready, Mama.” Caleb’s quiet voice reached her.

  “Okay.” Opening the book, Jacey paused only to shut it once more. “I need to tell you something, Caleb.”

  It shattered her heart, the way he looked at her, those sapphire eyes, so big and trusting.

  “Before the story, Mama?”

  “Before the story.” She pushed a hand through his dark locks. “This has to do with your father.”

  Caleb just watched her. Waiting.

  “Mr. Derek is your father.”

  He turned his gaze from her while nodding. “I know.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I heard you two yelling about me in the barn. I didn’t go back to the house like I said. I’m sorry I didn’t listen.”

  She shook her head, drawing him close. Burying her nose into his hair, she blinked away the tears. “You have nothing to apologize for, Caleb. This is my fault. I didn’t tell him about you. I was selfish and for that, I’m so sorry. But your father does love you and he wants to get to know you so much better.”

  Caleb released a huge sigh.

  Jacey held him tighter. “How does that make you feel?”

  “Can I call him Papa?”

  “I’m sure he would love that.”

  “He’s fun. I like him
and he doesn’t laugh at me when I stutter.” He nodded. “Shadow likes him too. I’ll keep him as my Papa. Can we read now?”

  “Of course, baby.” She retrieved the book from her legs and opened it to the Chapter. She wouldn’t push him to talk about it. Caleb always did things at his own speed. This wouldn’t be any different.

  Smiling as she closed the door on her sleeping son, Jacey walked down the stairs to grab a cup of coffee and a lemon bar. Her father was waiting for her with a cup of coffee already prepared.

  “Let’s chit and chat, little girl,” he said, sliding the cup across the bar towards her.

  “Okay.” She met his gaze bravely. Jacey didn’t cower before anyone.

  “Your mama made me promise not to force you two to wed. But I will have no more of that activity under my roof. Are we clear on that?”

  “Yes, sir. I didn’t mean to disrespect your house.”

  “Now you know where I stand on this. But the real question is where do you stand? What are you going to do about Derek and Caleb?”

  “I don’t know. I need time to think about this.” Jacey grabbed a lemon bar and bit into the sweet treat.

  “I don’t think he is going to give you much time.”

  There was no reason for her father to spell out who he meant. “I know. I know.” Taking a sip of coffee, Jacey peered at her father. “I wish I knew what to do.”

  “Well, I can’t get involved. Mother’s orders.” Her father smiled gently. Then he winked.

  Jacey began to laugh. “Thanks, Papa.” She knew he would respect his wife’s wishes until he knew his daughter needed him. Jacey was a daddy’s girl through and through.

  “’Night, baby.” He drained the last of his coffee and rinsed the cup out in the sink. “See you in the morning. Sleep well.” With a kiss to her forehead, he left his daughter alone in the kitchen with lemon bars, coffee, and a whole lot to think about in matters pertaining to one Derek Moser.

  She dallied around in the kitchen for another two hours before she decided that a walk was in order. Knowing better than to leave her cup sitting there, she too rinsed out the cup before putting it in the drainer and wiped off the spot where she had sat.

  Pushing open the screen door, a brush against her leg brought her attention to Shadow, who had appeared at her side. “Hey, boy,” she muttered, patting his head. “Coming out with me?”

  Dark eyes met hers before he pushed past her and slipped out into the dark summer night. Aimlessly Jacey began to wander through the woods, lost in her thoughts.

  A low growl from the large dog beside her put her immediately into a defensive stance. A stance that turned to a shiver as she picked up on the scent of the person who was out there. “Stand down, Shadow,” she mumbled.

  The dog fell silent but maintained his position beside her. Not able to face the man who had occupied her thoughts so much, Jacey used her training and melted away into the woods, leaving no trace behind.

  * * * *

  The next morning the screen door swung open and in walked Honey with a smile the size of Texas on her face.

  “Morning, Honey,” Jacey said as she came down the stairs, grabbing Caleb as he and Shadow tried to bolt past her. “No running inside, young man.” She sent him on his way.

  “Sorry, Mama. Morning, Ms. Honey,” he said as he breezed out the door. “Bye,” came his yell as he and his dog took off running.

  “What has a smile that big on your face?” Jacey asked as she and Honey walked out onto the porch.

  “I’m just thinking how grand it is that I have a nephew. And now, if the two of you would finally come to your senses, I can have that sister you always have been.”

  “I’m not getting married, Honey,” Jacey corrected even as her heart sped up at the thought of being able to call Derek husband.

  “Of course you aren’t, princess. I haven’t asked you yet,” a new voice intruded.

  Both women spun around to see Derek walking up to them with the ease and grace that made him the man he was. Jacey took in his tight blue shirt and faded blue jeans, trying not to groan aloud at the memory of his touch on her.

  “Morning, Derek,” Jacey said politely.

  “Derek, what are you doing here?” Honey asked.

  “I came to see my son.” Derek looked expectantly at Jacey. It was as if the fight last night never happened.

  “I don’t know where he went. He and Shadow headed off in that direction.” She pointed towards the pond.

  “And you just let him go?” Derek demanded, his face showing his shock.

  “Umm, yeah,” Jacey retorted. “He knows how to behave.”

  Climbing the rest of the steps to the porch, Derek got right up into Jacey’s face. “We seriously need to talk about safety rules for our son.”

  Her eyes grew wide but before she could say a word back, he kissed her once. It was a fast kiss but still left her breathless. Then he jumped over the railing of the porch and jogged off in the direction where she had said their son had gone.

  Honey just looked at her and busted out laughing. “Oh, Jace, you haven’t got a chance. I haven’t seen him this focused since before he joined the Marines.” She smacked her friend on the arm. “He just assumed I knew the child was his. He hasn’t told us yet. But it didn’t even deter him here.”

  “Shut it, Honey,” Jacey growled. They walked down the steps together and climbed into the waiting Jeep.

  Mr. Thompson came out onto the porch and yelled down to her. “Don’t forget what I asked you to get, Jace.”

  “Got it, Papa. Derek is out with Caleb, last I knew they were headed towards the pond,” she hollered back with a wave before she started the engine and tore off down the road in her powerful Jeep.

  In town the women did a final fitting for the bridesmaid dress and a final one for Honey as well. “You are going to make a beautiful bride, Honey,” Jacey said as she helped her friend out of the wedding dress.

  “Thanks.” The soft voice was not as full of joy as it should have been.

  As they walked towards the ice cream parlor Jacey asked her what was wrong, not saying anything about the news she found out yesterday. Her eyes stayed on her friend as she waited for an answer.

  “I don’t know. Something just doesn’t feel right.” Honey turned and met Jacey’s gaze. “What did you find out?”

  Jacey nodded as they walked into the shop. They both ordered a sundae and took to a table outside to eat it. Making sure there were no eavesdropping ears trying to listen in, she began to talk.

  “They aren’t a legit business.”

  Honey calmly ate a spoonful of her sundae.

  Jacey continued, “Both of them have been married several times and there is speculation on what happened with some of the women they married. They are strip miners, so our guess is something is in the ground on your property that they want to get their hands on.”

  “Our? Our guess? Who is in this with you?”

  “I called some friends to dig into their background. One is an architect and the other is in construction.” Jacey never wavered her gaze. She would keep Derek out of it.

  “How do you know they don’t have a grudge against the Turners?” Honey protested.

  “Do you know Gavin Rawlins? Brandt Fowler?”

  She nodded. “Yes. I know of them.”

  “That’s who I called. They don’t have anything to gain by slandering them for no reason. They don’t lie. Look, I know you are angry that I did that, but, Honey, I don’t want to get a call saying something happened to you or to Uncle Frank and Auntie Ro.”

  Honey’s eyes grew hard. “You know, you’re wrong, I’m not angry. I’m pissed. Pissed that you don’t think I could handle this myself.” She stood up and wiped away tears. “I will find another way back to the farm. I don’t like you at all right now, Jacey, I can’t believe you did that to me.” Then she was gone, leaving Jacey alone at the table.

  In silence, Jacey finished her sundae and threw away her trash b
efore leaving the area, frustrated that Honey was acting like she was.

  Once in her Jeep, Jacey headed towards the depot on the outskirts of town to pick up the supplies her father wanted her to get. As she arrived at the depot, her mood lightened by seeing Carson loading some things into Uncle Frank’s truck.

  “Hey, runt,” he called to her as she got out of her vehicle.

  “Hey, Carson. What are you getting?”

  “A new water heater. What about you?”

  “Beats me, Papa just said to come here and pick up his order.” She jogged up the steps to meet him. “Let me help you with that.” She grabbed one end and they moved it into the back of the truck.

  As he slammed the tailgate he leaned on the dirty truck and looked at the woman beside him. “Well, let me repay you and help you load up whatever you are getting.”

  “Thanks, Carson.” Together they went back up the steps and into the dark depot.

  Four boxes later, Jacey waved to the depot owner and, laughing with Carson, walked back to their vehicles.

  “Wanna grab a beer?” she asked him.

  “Sure. Think we should deliver our things first?”

  “Probably, but I’m hot. Just let me call Papa and make sure he is okay with Caleb for a bit longer.” She whipped out her phone and made the call. “I’m ready.”

  “Meet you there?” he asked as he climbed behind the wheel of the truck.

  “I’ll be right behind you,” she said with a smile.

  Their vehicles were parked side by side as they walked into the only bar in Leeburg. Grabbing a free table, they were laughing and enjoying themselves when Shelby walked in.

  “Hello, Jacey, Carson,” the blonde said as she passed their table.

  “Shelby,” Carson said. Jacey just nodded.

  “What are you two doing here?” She pulled out a chair and sat down like she had been invited.