SomedayMyGoodOleBoyWillCome Read online

  “Maid of honor? Are you sure?” Jacey’s eyes grew wide as she focused on the picture wall at her parents’ house. Why would Honey want Jacey—like she said, they hadn’t seen each other in a very long time—as her maid of honor?

  “You’re still my best friend. Please?”

  Jacey heard a plea in Honey’s voice and at that second she realized that her friend needed her. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—let Honey down. “Of course I will. Does this mean I need to come even earlier?”

  “Can you swing a couple of weeks?” Hope so plain in her voice a deaf man would have been able to pick up on it.

  Jacey mentally scanned her schedule in her head. “I can do the end of July, is that long enough?” Well, as long as the Marine Corps cooperated. What was going on down there in Leeburg?

  “That will be fine. Give me your dress measurements so I can have them begin on your dress.”

  The women chatted for a bit longer and then Jacey cried off when her pride and joy walked into the room. “I will see you in a few months, Honey. Take care.”

  “Bye, Jacey. Say hello to Caleb for me. I can’t wait to meet him.” Jacey heard the tears that her friend fought to keep contained.

  “I will. He just came in the room. Gotta go.” Jacey ended the call and turned to her son.

  “Mama!” His young tenor voice reached her ears, bringing a smile to her face.

  “Hey, baby.” Reaching down, she picked up her son, totally enjoying the feel of him in her arms and the joy she got from holding him.

  * * * *

  Caleb Zachary Thompson was six and a half years old with onyx hair and piercingly intense dark blue eyes. A young lad graced with thick, sooty lashes from his mama and the makings of his daddy’s strong chin, Caleb already stole his mama’s heart, but in years to come it would be the hearts of all the young women he’d meet.

  Jacey had gotten pregnant with him seven years ago after a mission. A regiment of Marines had been stuck behind enemy lines after their pickup had been diverted because of enemy fire. Jacey and her team had been sent in to recover them. They were closer than any other group and the enemy was on the lookout for SEALs or the Rangers. It took them a little over a week to get the group out, but when they did, they all got a bit of rest and relaxation.

  Jacey had gone off for her leave and did something she had never done before and hadn’t done since. Her flight had been laid over due to a horrific thunderstorm, she opted to stay in a hotel near the William B. Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, versus sleeping in the terminal.

  There, in the lounge of her hotel, she met a man, one of the Marines from the rescue, now cleaned up and in his civvies. His flight had also been canceled due to the inclement weather. This man did things, heated things, to her body with just a look. She didn’t know his name and, if she thought back on it, she knew it was stupid of her for she could have gotten an STD or, worse, been hurt or killed.

  From the moment she laid her eyes on him, the sparks of sexual attraction flew between them, even more than she had felt out in the field. All he did was brush his hand up against hers at the bar, and Jacey’s common sense was gone. When he smiled at her, his lips parted in an incredible display to expose straight, white teeth, and Jacey knew she was lost. There was a sizzling need to have this man, to experience this man, and so she did. To this day she would swear that there had been something deeper than just physical attraction between them. She had felt completion with this man.

  They spent the night in his hotel room. She told him her name was Jack and he said his friends called him Eric. Around four o’clock the next morning her pager went off, waking her from the most sated one-hour sleep she had ever experienced. The Marine Corps was calling her back and so, under the cover of the early morning darkness, she slipped out of his room and soon found herself on a transport that took her out of Atlanta and that man’s life.

  What that one night they spent together did, aside from teach her that it was possible to fall in love on the spot, was bless her with a child. Nine months later she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Caleb Zachary Thompson.

  Even though she was still in the Corps, there was nothing more important to her than her son. Her mother, Etta Mae, took care of him while she was gone on missions. Caleb was growing up to be a well-behaved boy and that brought tears to her eyes because it was happening so fast. She was so lucky.

  Jacey supposed she could have found out that man’s real name—her father was a Company man and had been her whole life—but she and Eric had agreed it was going to be a no strings attached fling, just one night of unbridled passion, comfort between practical strangers—saving a man’s life during an operation didn’t exactly give loads of time for the whole “getting to know you” thing. She had given her word and would not renege on that. Besides, that man did wicked things to her insides and her outsides, with his hands and eyes.

  So all she knew about Caleb’s father was that he had been a Marine, and his friends called him Eric.

  He had stood six feet, five inches and had a head of black hair that she knew would be thick if it was allowed to grow, but his was cut in a military cut—a look that she thoroughly enjoyed. A tanned face conveyed an inherent strength and his chin was set in a way that bespoke of a stubborn streak. His eyes were a deep azure that, over those few wonderful hours, she found herself drowning in. His body was sculpted from iron and she had been more than willing to explore it. Over and over again.

  Leaving him had been one of the hardest things she had ever had to do, an action that really baffled her for she hadn’t experienced that before. But the USMC called and she had to answer. So now she had a son and only a memory of that wonderful, fateful night.

  * * * *

  “What are you up to, sport?” she asked as she set Caleb back down.

  “Playin’. Are you going again, Mama?”

  “Well no, not for a while. I am leaving in a few months to go to a wedding.”

  “An’ me too?” He grinned at her.

  “You will come later with Grandpa and Grandma. I have to go early and get fitted for my dress.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise, baby. Come on. let’s go outside. I have a park to take you to.” Together mother and son headed out for a day at Olympic National Park, where they spent time in the Hall of Mosses with Shadow, Caleb’s dog, running free.

  Chapter Two

  The months went by quickly. A few ops had reared their head, but for the most part they just did training and had down time. Before Jacey knew it, the end of July had arrived and it was time for her to go back to her hometown. Caleb sat on her bed that early morning in Washington as she packed her last bag, watching her with those killer eyes of his. At four in the morning she knew he should be asleep, but it had become routine for him to be with her no matter what the time if she was packing to leave. These were the last, few precious moments they had together and lord, how she relished them.

  “When am I going?” His voice was low and scratchy with the need to get some more sleep.

  “In a couple of weeks Grandpa and Grandma will fly down with you.”

  “Why can’t I go with you now?”

  “’Cause they need you here to help them out. Will you do that? Be helpful to them?”

  “Of course, Mama.” He picked up her pillow and hugged it to his chest. She knew why—he’d told her before she smelled good, comforting and safe. “Will I like to fly?” Jacey witnessed the tightening of his fingers on her pillowcase and knew he was nervous. All of his small muscles were tense.

  “Of course.” She hated to see him not sure of what was going to happen.

  “Will I be scared?”

  “No.” Jacey glanced at her son. His hair was curly and he just looked so cute.

  His face broke into a wide grin as he exposed pearly white teeth that stood out against his dark skin. “Of course I won’t. For I is a Marine.” No sign of fear left. Just proud assurance.

  “Don�
��t grow up too fast on me, little Marine.” A smile spread across her face as she tugged on his pajama leg.

  “I’m not a real one yet, Mama. Not like you. Don’t be silly, I’m too young. I’ll be one day. Just like you. Will you be proud of me?”

  “Whatever you choose to do I’ll be proud of you.” She reached out and ruffled his thick and curly hair. “I think you need a haircut, little man.” Jacey changed the subject because the thought of her son killing people, as she did, scared the bejeezus out of her.

  “Can I have it done per regs? Get a high-n-tide?”

  Tears filled her eyes as she smiled. He spoke so much older than he really was, and he loved the Corps. No matter how many times she told him a high-n-tight, he was determined it was tide.

  “If that is what you want, baby. Now come on, I have to get going. I have a plane to catch.” She shoved her satellite phone in her bag—it was the one the Marine Corps had given her so they could contact her at all times, no matter where she was in the world.

  “I’m gonna miss you, Mama.”

  “Not as much as I am going to miss you.” She kissed him on top of his head as she swung him down off the bed, shooing him out the door before her.

  “Gonna be late, Jace, if you don’t get a move on,” her father yelled up the stairs.

  Jacey responded with a yell of her own, “I’m comin’, Papa.” She shook her head. After all these years he still felt he needed to look after her.

  “Not ’possed to yell inside, Mama,” her son corrected her.

  “Sorry, baby. I will put money in the jar.” Don’t say anything to Grandpa about it, just Mama.

  “Good.”

  She knew her son was proud of the fact most of the money in their “oops” jar came from her and not him.

  Jacey saw her father standing at the base of the stairs, waiting for her. Still a handsome man in his mid-sixties, his once black hair was now peppered with gray, giving him a distinguished look. His body was still in good shape from staying active. It helped having his grandson around.

  “See, Papa, look what you did. Now I owe the money jar, for yelling in the house,” Jace—pronounced Jase— said in mock anger as she walked down the stairs.

  His dark eyes sparkled as he reached one brown arm out to his daughter. “Well good. You shouldn’t be yelling in the house. Now come on, I have to get you to the airport.”

  “All right. Let’s go.”

  “You look fine, by the way. Looking to impress anyone special?”

  One eyebrow rose as Jacey glanced back to her daddy. Was he making a roundabout comment on her long time crush on Derek? Or her unreasonable desire to make sure their reunion made him realize that she had changed for the better? “We are going out for dinner, that’s all. I just want to look nice. Who would I have to dress for to impress?”

  “Oh I don’t know, anyone of those boys back there in Leeburg.”

  “No, Papa. I have enough trouble with the men in my life now.” She gave her father a pointed look. “What’s wrong with the way I am dressed?”

  “Nothing is wrong with it. I was just wondering if you were dressing for anyone special, that’s all.” There was mischief in his eyes.

  “Papa, I haven’t been back to Leeburg since the day we left. Why would I dress for people I ain’t seen in over fifteen years?”

  Her father just smiled.

  Soon she stood before the security gate at the Sea-Tac airport and turned to her son. “Goodbye, baby, be good and help out. Mama loves you. ’Kay?”

  “I love you too, Mama. I’ll be good, don’t worry.” Those soulful blue eyes gazed steadily at her as her arms enfolded him.

  “I’ll see you in a few weeks. I love you, Caleb.”

  “Bye, Mama.” Caleb kissed her and stepped back as she hugged his grandpa.

  “See you soon, Papa. Tell Mama I said goodbye.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll tell her. Bye, Jace. See you in Leeburg.”

  She kissed the men in her life one more time, then strode up to the gates. Settled on the plane, Jacey tried to sort through her feelings. How was it that the mere thought of Derek Moser sent her body into doing things that it shouldn’t have been? Hell, what was she worried about, he was probably married now, anyway. Even if he weren’t, she was now a single mom, not exactly a huge man attractant.

  Six hours later, Jacey, despising the heat and humidity, climbed into her rental car. She had a blue Mustang convertible at her disposal. She left Hotlanta and sped off towards Leeburg. The drive took her a little over an hour and probably would have taken her longer, but she sped, allowing the thick, muggy air to flow over her face.

  As she entered Leeburg a wave of homesickness engulfed her. Jacey found herself actually glad to be here. The city hadn’t changed much. It still looked much like it had when she lived there. Now, for her, it was a step back in time. No stoplights and everyone knew everyone else, and was in your business whether you wanted them to be or not.

  Except her. People stared at her as she drove down Main Street. It was like they didn’t recognize her and so stared and tried to figure out just who she was and what her business was in town.

  Jacey drove straight through and headed out to the Moser farm. They lived twenty miles out of town, and this time she drove the speed limit.

  The large fields called to her. Herds of horses ambled around, as did some cattle. How she loved the country. The tall trees, fields of alfalfa, and of course the fresh air.

  She drove slowly up the driveway and looked fondly at the old farmhouse that waited there. It seemed to be barely holding together. The fence was falling over and could definitely use some work. A fresh paint job and some other things came to mind. The screen door opened and she saw Franklin and Aurora Moser step out onto the porch.

  Seeing them brought tears to her eyes. She slowed the car to a stop and shut off the engine. Jacey gathered herself before she got out of the car into the early July evening and shut the door.

  “Jacey, girl. Is that you?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” she said, swallowing the big lump in her throat.

  Aurora continued, “Get up here and give us a proper welcome.” Aurora moved her body to the steps.

  With long, sure strides, Jacey went up the steps and was instantly enfolded in her arms.

  “Auntie Ro.” She towered over the woman now, but still felt safe and loved in her embrace. Even after all these years Auntie Ro smelled the same, just like fresh baked bread.

  “Get over here and give me a hug.” Franklin’s deep voice reached her ears. So she did.

  As she was in his embrace she felt like she was home. “Uncle Frank, it’s so good to see you. Both of you.”

  “Let me get a look at you, gal.” Frank stepped back and held her at arm’s length. A low whistle escaped his lips. “Look at you. Beautiful.”

  “Uncle Frank.” Jacey blushed and turned her head.

  “No, no. You do look wonderful, dear. I bet Honey is not even gonna recognize you. We almost didn’t, but the picture you sent Honey we actually got to see. Not that you look like that anymore. You are so beautiful.” Aurora sent a small glance towards her husband. He nodded knowingly.

  Chapter Three

  Another car pulled up next to where Jacey had parked and a very unladylike scream came from the interior of the vehicle. Jacey knew it was Honey and so didn’t really pay attention to Aurora’s statement to her husband. “She’s gonna knock his socks off, he won’t even know what hit him.”

  “You said it, honey, this is gonna be one interesting wedding.” Frank chuckled.

  “Jacey!” The earsplitting voice pierced the air. The car door swung open and a trim brunette jumped out. She wore short shorts and a tank top, her hair flying free as she ran towards her friend.

  “Honey!” Jacey bolted down the steps and hurried into her friend’s embrace. The tears were flowing as the women laughed and cried at the same time. Jacey stood taller than Honey in her heels, but not by much since Hone
y was wearing heels herself.

  They stood together, hugging each other tightly for a bit until a deep voice intruded on the women’s tearful reunion. “Uhh humm. Can I be introduced to the young woman, darling?”

  The two friends broke apart and wiped away tears. “Of course, David, I’m sorry. This is my best friend in the whole world, Ms. Jacey Damia Thompson, also known as Jace. Jacey, this is my fiancé, David.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, David. I have heard nothing but good things about you from Honey.”

  “I must admit, it is good to finally meet you. I have heard many things about you. All good, of course.” He reached for her hand and shook it.

  “Well, that’s surprising.” Jacey winked at them both seconds before the screen door swung open on its hinges, slamming hard against the wall of the house. Jacey figured some of the little remaining paint must have fallen off by the force of that hit. The noise pulled everyone’s attention towards the house, allowing Jacey the time to shutter her reaction to David. She didn’t like him. Not at all. One touch told her all she needed to know—he was not good. Definitely not for Honey.

  “Carson Dermott, what did I tell you about slamming the front door?” Auntie Ro scolded her nephew.

  “Not to do it.” A low lazy drawl reached them and Jacey turned to look up at the man standing on the steps.

  Damn. He looked good. Carson had hair the same color as his cousin Honey. He also had sparkling brown eyes that seemed to be full of mischief, just like they had when they were young.

  Jacey could feel his eyes roaming over her body in appreciation. Settling her features, she raised an eyebrow and waited for him to finish his perusal of her body. Being eyeballed was nothing new for her and so she took it with her usual aplomb. Boredom.

  He sauntered down the steps, as though sure of the handsome sight he made, and strode over to Jacey. “Well, well, well. Look who has finally come back to town. Hey, runt, how you doing?”