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Chapter or StoryAuthor's Chapter Notes:
This chapter is not exactly as I had planned it. There is something about it that I am not totally happy about, however, if you ever want to see the next chapter I guess I need to move on.
Thanks to those strong brave ladies that enjoy a challenge.ME.
WARNING: Buckle your seat belts and prepare for another long chapter. I did try but it just kept going and going and going.
CHAPTER 11
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
Blackbird fly blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
BLACKBIRD by the BEATLES
Jarod sat up, something seemed wrong; the bed was empty and the space beside him cold. She had been gone for sometime, he wondered if she waited for him to fall asleep before leaving. He should have known she wouldn’t rest after the day of revelations; in fact it surprised him that he managed to sleep. He laid on his back listening to the sounds around him, when the voice he was straining to hear was absent he slowly got out of bed and retrieved a pair of shorts and tee shirt then wearily closed the bathroom door behind him.
“Good morning Son, I take it you slept well?” The Major was the only one in the kitchen. He watched Jarod look around for the others, then answered the unspoken question, “They are down on the beach walking. Both were up and out of the house before I got up. The coffee was made and empty bowls in the sink.”
Jarod walked out to the screened porch to look around the patio. His father tapped him on the shoulder offering a cup of coffee.
“Why not have a some breakfast and then go down and join your family.” When Jarod accepted the coffee but continued looking puzzled the Major suggested, “Jarod, maybe you should include Jem in the rehabilitation process with Macario. It would give you all time as a family and perhaps training him in a few moves of self defense and yoga stretches would help him feel that you are prepared to include him in your ‘plan B’.”
“That’s just it Dad, I don’t want him any where near that place or those people. If anything were to happen to him---“
“You think she would hold you responsible?” The Major now stood directly in front of Jarod.
“Yes, and so would I. The Centre has interfered in our lives much throughout the years that I don’t think we could stand more heartbreak. As a family we are still tip toeing around issues and each other. Losing him would be a blow that would tear us so far apart we would never find our way back.”
“Then Son, maybe you need to sit down as a family and figure out reasonable expectations.” When Jarod frowned, he added, “Do you think your mother and I had any idea of what the future held for us? Life is filled with the unexpected. In some families, the catastrophes can literally tear them apart. Loving someone does not mean you will be able to deal with them during stressful circumstances. But, for those who realize that the cruelties forced upon us are often times undeserved and have learned to depend upon each other – they are the ones that survive as a family.
His father looked lovingly down on his eldest son, with a tinge of sadness in his eyes, “If anyone knows the twists and turns of disappointment and pain I’d say it is you and Macario.”
The Major then turned Jarod around to guide him to the kitchen table. “Have some breakfast, I think you and I should have a father son talk. Son, what do you know of the birds and the bees?”
Jarod smiled at the thought, “Is this where you explain sex to me? I’ve heard of this, when the parent talks with the child about procreation. But I have to tell you Dad, I already know more than most children. I have even delivered babies.”
The Major smiled, “Yes, in some respects I’m only a couple of decades late.” He poured more coffee into each cup and watched as Jarod filled a large bowl with Fruit Loops.
Jarod finished pouring the cereal and looked up at his father’s silence. Thinking he was being inattentive he shoved the cereal in front of him. “I’m sorry Dad, you were saying?”
“Go ahead and eat Jarod, you just surprised me with your choice and amount of breakfast foods.” The Pretender smiled and scooped up a spoonful of cereal. “Son, I think we need to discuss your relationship with Macario.”
“Dad…”
“NO, before you say you love her, that part is evident. But, have you two made a commitment as to the family you now have?”
“Dad…”
“ Let me give you something to think about: In some countries, including the United States, if you are not related to or have proof of a relationship, should something happen to –let’s say you –she may not be allowed in to see you or have a voice in your medical care, if you were unconscious. The same would be true if it were Macario that were sick – you would have no rights in the decision making of her care. The children also would have a harder time with other kids if the need would come to explain a relationship, although family is not defined as it was when I was a youngster.
“Dad…”
“Jarod, you two may not feel the need to make it official, but if the feelings and the desire to fulfill that commitment are there then it would be easier legally to make it official.”
Jarod bowed his head down in thought, shaking it slightly. “Dad, I tried to approach this subject with her. She feels her ability to understand and demonstrate a good family life is lacking. I don’t know how to approach it again with her. I do not doubt for a second that she would fight to take care of the children and I think she loves me, but…” Jarod fell silent.
His father stood behind him, his hands on his son’s shoulders. “Jarod. I have no doubt that the woman loves you and Jem and will love that baby. I think she needs affirmation of those feelings. Is there any way you could safely talk to Sydney? I understand he knew her from the time she was a child. He probably understands her reluctance and can shed some light on how to approach her. It is important that you do not put her on the defensive and work around those feelings of inadequacy.”
----
Jarod stood on the patio as the two members of his family walked together along the beach with their arms around each other. The water shoes keeping their feet safe from stings and sharp shells as they skimmed the incoming tide, he watched as they allowed the water to splash up their legs, sometimes racing the tide back to the beach. The smile that grew on his face had less to do with their antics as it did with the fact Jarod understood what a treasure he had in them. Seeing the happiness the two on the beach seemed to have found in that moment with each other was more gratifying than anything he could ever imagine. It surprised him just how much he wanted this family, this unexpected twist in his life.
He watched as the mother of his child stooped to pick up a seashell and showed it to their son. With their heads nearly touching, they studied the item together.
Yes, his father was right, he had to make Macario see that the term ‘mother of his child’ was fine, but he and his children needed a more definitive term, a term that conjured a lifetime together. They all needed a sense of permanency in their personal lives. The brief glimpse of unconditional love Jarod and Macario had as children would never be enough for their children. They deserved more. They deserved to know – to feel – that emotional security constantly and he was determined to provide it for them. It would certainly be an adventure living together and learning how this arrangement would work.
He reflected back to the information he had read on the basic needs of humans; Parker needed to feel his respect for the many and varied abilities she possessed. Though many at the Centre feared her, it came from being the daughter of the Chairman. It came from the power she held over others. She required - and deserved - the kind of admiration she had garnered from the few that actually came to know her, like Broots, Sydney and possibly Sam.
When they were children he loved and valued her as his friend. Years later, he had come to acknowledge her abilities as his huntress and, if the Centre had known how much, they would have used it against them both. Old man Parker managed to ignore her attempts to gain his attention as a teenager and, now as an adult he used her emotions against her. Worse, her father underestimated her, never allowing her the self-esteem she needed as a person.
He knew that without a doubt, that family, a real family would make her blossom. These days on the island proved it. Though she had always had his respect, she had now won that of his father and their son.
Jarod wanted nothing more than to remove her from all the negativity her blood-relatives had engulfed her in. Their family - he and their children - would supply everything she required to meet all that Maslow’s theory listed for a human reaching self-actualization. He would also work as her partner to raise the family. Their love for each other would bring them a new life.
They would both need to chase in this new life, they would chase the knowledge of being good parents, chase the desire to please each other as well as their children. These pursuits would be never ending, and so much more satisfying than either of them have ever known.
Jarod allowed his imagination to take him to that world of happiness. He drifted with the sensations his mind supplied before turning from the railing and going inside to make a call to his mentor.
=
“Jem look, aren’t those the birds you were hoping to get a chance to see?” Parker pointed as several large white birds flew over them and further up the beach toward the cliffs, even from the beach the long trailing white tails stood out. “They’re beautiful.” The words held such awe and a natural appreciation that Jem looked up at her with a huge smile on his face as he nodded in agreement.
“Bermuda Longtails, look how they fly in a type of group formation. The book said they are very social and soar in small groups. They are here to nest in the spring. Let’s see if we can follow them, maybe find a nest.”
Jem started to run along the beach with Parker following at a slower pace behind him. They reached an area where a rocky bluff met the sandy beach. There was enough room to walk around the rocks and not walk into the water but Jem slowed and waited for Parker to catch up. His face was dancing with excitement as he pointed to where the birds were flying up and down the other side of the rocks.
“Do you think it would scare them if we walked around the other side? I don’t want them to abandon their egg or anything, I just want to get a closer look at what they are interested in.”
Parker glanced at the birds then nodded. “Let’s move slowly so they aren’t startled by our appearance. Jem, these birds are beautiful, the black markings on the white wings, the long tail, just beautiful.” Her voice lowered to a near whisper as they moved around the rocks. She laughed softly, “Look they appear as if they are wearing eyeliner.” She looked at his confused face and added, “Like the Egyptian paintings, the dark ink around the eyes.”
Jem smiled, “They really are beautiful. I’m glad we got to see them. Do you know they live life out at sea except to come to some of the islands to mate and lay their egg in the spring?”
Parker put her arm around his shoulders, “Jem, I’m happy I got to see them with you. Maybe we can drag your dad down with us tomorrow for a look. What do you think?”
He grinned mischievously at her, “Or we could die trying!”
Parker found herself unexpectedly laughing out loud scaring the birds further up the rocks and away from them. She tightened her arm around him, “Your father may not appreciate that you have my wicked sense of humor!” They turned to begin the walk down the beach toward the house.
Jem looked seriously at her, “I think he may like me even more because I have some of your traits.”
“Jem, he has always loved you - we both have, even before he knew you were our son. I saw it every time he looked at you, the way he looked at you. He told me he always wanted to be a father, he just didn’t know if it would ever happen. It was as though you answered his dream.”
“He loves you too. I think he loved me because he saw you in me, just the same way you saw him.” His dark eyes held her gaze, seeing the surprise in them. He was amazed that she didn’t realize what he thought was evident to everyone that saw them together.
“We do have very strong feelings toward each other. We’ve known each other since we were younger than you are. Things just got complicated along the way.”
“The Centre?”
“Yes, and the fact that neither of us understood just how much of a role the Centre had played in manipulating us.” Parker again leaned into him, “But that has nothing to do with why we both love you. Yes, you are apart of each of us, although those feelings were there before we knew that. Remember the time I came to visit you? I was determined then that you would live free of that place. I never imagined I would be so graced as to have you completely in my life.”
Jem smiled at her, enjoying the warmth that emanated from her soul. “I asked the Major- my Grandfather about what a real family was like.” He watched her brows arch as he admitted his search for understanding. “He told me what his childhood was like, with his parents and brother and sister. It sounded very nice.”
They stopped walking back toward the house as Parker moved to put the sun at her back to better see his expressions. “And you were wondering or hoping that you would have that too?”
Jem shrugged, “I’m happy with what we have here now. We aren’t them, it isn’t the same time.”
“Boy, does that sum things up! Neither your father nor I had anything close to what many people would consider a normal family life when we were growing up. I’m afraid as long as the Centre exists we will never be able to provide that for you, if indeed we are capable of doing it all.”
“Is that why you’re so determined to work with Colonel Berby?”
She sighed and nodded. “We have to put the Centre out of commission if there is any chance for you and the baby of having something close to normal - something your father and I didn’t have.”
At the tilted head and look in his eyes Parker questioned, “There’s more isn’t there? You have something to ask or say. I’ve seen that look before! Come on, you can talk to either of us about anything. I will try to answer your questions.” At his continued silence she prompted, “Jem?”
“I just don’t know.”
Parker’s eyes narrowed at the boy’s loss for words. “You don’t know -what? How to ask, or what exactly you want to ask?”
His features eased at your understanding, “Both, I think. I don’t know what is appropriate to ask you.”
“Why don’t you just try telling me what is on your mind, and we’ll go from there. This family thing is going to be a work in progress for all of us. I hope that once your father and I get our feet wet things will come much easier.”
He looked down at her feet then out at the waves before looking back into her face to see her amused expression.
“It means once we get some experience in being a family we’ll be better parents. We are new to this too, you know. We have had more experience in the world and experiencing relationships than you have had, but this family thing is new to us.”
Jem absently nodded. “I have a lot of questions. I don’t know what to call you. How do we all fit together? Who is in charge of making decisions? Remember when I came into your room? Was that wrong because I took something that didn’t belong to me? Or is it because I didn’t show you respect by knocking at the door? And, what about respect? Is there an order as to who gets how much?”
Parker took Jem’s hand and led him to a shady spot under the scrub pine near the steps up to the patio. “Let’s sit down. This is going to take a while. First, what do you want to call me?”
“Most kids call their parents by Mom and Dad don’t they?”
“Or some variation of that, yes. Is that what you want to call us? Keep in mind that you don’t get to change it according to circumstances.” Parker grinned at the tilt of the head. “In other words when you are unhappy with a decision we have made you don’t get to call us names.”
“Oh, I would never do that.” Jem watched her closely as he asked, “Could I call you Mom? And would it be okay to call Jarod, Dad”
Parker’s eyes filled as she worked to keep the emotion out of her voice, “Yes, Jem. If that is what you feel the most comfortable with we would be happy with those choices.” Her hand was once again gently rubbing his back. “How we fit together is that as your parents we are in charge of taking care of you. Doing the best we can to see that your future is a good one, as healthy and happy as we can make it.”
Parker looked up at the patio hoping to see Jarod so she could signal him to come down and help her with handling some of the questions. Of course, now he wasn’t anywhere to be seen.
“As for the room. Well, that is actually a two parter. First, you did take something that wasn’t yours without asking. However, the reason I asked you to knock is out of respect for privacy. Unlike the Centre, here, we have the option of giving each other a bit of space. If a door is closed, it is respectful to knock and wait for a reply. If it is an emergency you can of course let us know that even if the door is closed. Call out to us, or to whomever you need.” She lightly ruffled his hair, “Jem I was not upset about the computer. I just thought it might be a good time to practice showing respect for other’s property. You are a considerate young man, in the way you treat everyone, and in how you talk to us. This is just an area that you are not familiar with, and we will all work on it. When your door is shut we will knock before entering.”
His eyes continued studying her as she answered his questions. Parker could tell there was another coming that he held back; her instinct was telling her this was going to be the mother of all questions.
“Grandfather,” he paused still uncomfortable with the terms, “grandfather said that his parents were married and the children came later. Does that mean that you and Dad are married or getting married?”
Parker sighed. Her instinct had been right. “Jem, we didn’t know we had children. We didn’t have our children like most parents do. So we were a bit unprepared for you.”
His dark eyes never wavered as he continued to watch her face; she knew he was learning about her reactions, studying her response with her expressions. “Your father and I have a very complicated past.”
“But you love each other. I can see it in the way you tease each other. The way you kiss and touch. Isn’t that a requirement in a family, the reason for getting married? That you love each other?”
“It certainly helps, I would guess. We have talked about getting married Jem. I thought it might be a good idea to wait until we finish with the Colonel.”
“Why? Aren’t you planning on coming back to us?” His face held the same accusatory expression she had seen countless times on Jarod’s face.
“Have I said or done something that makes you think I don’t want to come back to you?” Parker held his face between her hands, his face mere inches from her own.
“No, but then why wait until later? You want to wait until you have the baby too?”
“No, having the baby with us is not an issue as to when we get married. Jem, my life has changed drastically since we left Blue Cove, much as your life has changed. And Jarod’s.”
“But if we are going to live together as a family, does it make a difference if you two were married?”
“I don’t know. Probably not.” She pulled him closer to her until those noses touched, “Jem, did Jarod put you up to this?”
His mouth dropped open, the expression on his face answered her question. She kissed his nose. “Never mind. I’ll tell you what, Jarod –your father and I will continue to talk about this.” At his smile she continued in a light warning tone, “I’m not making any promises as to what or when, all I’m saying is that we will talk. When we make a decision, you will be the first to know.”
-
Jarod sat looking at the cell phone he had updated to securely call Sydney. The house remained quiet so he assumed his family had not returned from their walk on the beach.
He thought about the plans he made for the day, and how they were already half a day behind where he had hoped they would be. It was nothing that couldn’t be worked around, and perhaps it was Parker’s way of letting him know that they would need to make those plans together. He didn’t necessarily have the final say on how her day was going to work out. Jarod silently shook his head, this living and working things out together was going to be an adjustment. Although it was certainly an adjustment he was willing to work at.
There was a knock on the door to the study, Jarod smiled. He had closed the door to talk with Sydney hoping to have the time to discuss the changes in their lives with his old friend in private. Sydney as usual, questioned him regarding how Parker would react to things, allowing him to put things into perspective accordingly. His old mentor also asked to be kept in the loop regarding the outcome and wished them the best.
They talked about Dannie and what Parker considered to be odd behavior from a man that just found a missing child. Sydney relayed that he had spoken to Colonel Berby and also found something odd about his reactions, although, he considered it a combination partly of the man’s training and his cautionary instincts.
Jarod had grown to believe in Parker’s gut instincts and as much as he had teased her using Igor regarding that inner questioning and knowledge he respected it. He sat simming out different outcomes without really knowing the original plan. But if he were to draw up the initial plans he began outlining different important points that had to be met for this mission to be successful.
The knock was a bit louder with a touch of impatience the second time. Jarod knew without a doubt that it was Parker. He had to give her points for her attempt at patience.
“I’m sorry, I forgot the door was closed. There was some research I was catching up on.” He knew by Parker’s face she didn’t buy it.
The figure beside her smiled, “Hi Dad, want to come along to see those birds I was telling you about? We found an area that we think they may be nesting.”
Jarod smiled and pulled Jem into a hug, “Yes, I’d like that very much! Thank you for thinking of me.” He looked over at Parker to see her affectionate smile. He wasn’t sure if it was for Jem or him. At that moment it didn’t matter. He was so touched by the boy calling him Dad, that nothing was going to ruin the moment.
“We thought that since the birds seem pretty active in the morning you would like to get up with us tomorrow and walk down the beach to where we think they may have their nests.” Parker spoke for Jem who was still crushed to Jarod’s chest. She motioned to their son, “Jarod, you’re smothering him.”
“I haven’t had time to be over protective, and when I am it will be for his protection and well being.”
“No Jarod, I mean you are really smothering him. Let him up for air.” Parker was laughing at the emotion and surprise on his face, as he quickly set Jem back from him and looked him over.
“I’m sorry, I just overreacted a bit to hearing you call me Dad for the first time.” Jarod’s eyes were filled with the wonder of a first time father.
Jem solemnly asked, “Was it okay, that I call you Dad? Miss Parker, I mean Mom, said she thought it was okay?”
Parker grinned at her boys; life was going to be interesting. “Jem, he’s happy about it, you just surprised him, but it is a good surprise.” Her hand resting on his shoulders she felt his muscles relax as he looked over his shoulder at her. The tentative smile he gave her slowly broadened as he saw the deepening affection she unconsciously showered on him and his father.
Jarod was still nearly beside himself with emotion when he reminded them of the morning activities they were already behind in getting started. “I thought it would be good to out on the patio and start with some simple stretches. First though, I should look at the wound, I want to make sure it is healed over enough that you won’t be opening it.”
Parker nodded, and began to pull off the tee shirt. Jarod cleared his throat to get her attention. He wasn’t sure how he felt about her stripping down to the bare essentials in front of his son.
“Jem, want to see how well you and your dad put me back together?” Parker looked at her son. “You two probably saved my life.”
She turned to Jarod and gently stated, “He should see how well his contribution to my health is doing too.”
Jarod nodded, “Come over where you can see the shoulder better Jem.” He pulled the tank top straps over out of the way. “See how the skin has closed over the wound. No sign of infection. Carefully feel the area around the area. Does the area around the wound feel unnaturally warm or filled with fluid?”
“No, the incision itself is still red but the area around it looks good.” Jem felt around the top of the shoulder and the bony area near the wound.
A look of concern filled his face as he turned toward his father, “She has lost muscle mass. Is that what we are going to work on now?”
Jarod’s pride in the observation was evident in his smile and tone, “Yes, exactly. I thought if you wouldn’t mind joining us, your mother might be more inclined to behave herself and show up for the therapy.”
Parker pulled away from them to turn and raise her brows at Jared. He smiled and tossed her the tee shirt she had discarded. “Let’s get to it then. We’ll stop in the kitchen and grab several bottles of water.” He smiled at Jem and with a hand on his shoulder guided him into the hall.
Parker shook her head, determined to discuss the family structure with Jared, and the idea of using the children as leverage. She watched as father and son walked ahead of her the strides matching as they walked into the kitchen. Jarod dug five bottles of water out of the unit and tossed the plastic bottles over to Jem take out to the patio.
Just as Jarod was closing the door Parker called to him. As he turned toward her, the brunette quickly tossed five bottles of water at him to replace the ones he had taken out of the cooler. The plastic projectiles came in quick succession and with each one, his expression hardened. Awkwardly balancing the water bottles in his arms, he stared at her.
“What’s wrong?”
“Do not use Jem to get me to do something. You ask me or talk to me directly. Got it?” She turned quickly and followed Jem outside before Jarod had a chance to respond.
Dropping the water into the cooler, Jarod followed the woman onto the porch. Standing beside their son at the wall, she was looking down at the beach oblivious to the worried expression on Jem’s face as he stared at her.
Jarod shook his head, silently chastising himself. Sydney warned him of Parker’s intolerance of being manipulated by events and people she loved. His actions had been innocent, with no real motive, except to work as a family, something he knew was important to both of them; and yet it had backfired on him. He would have to be careful to completely shed his old approach to getting her to do what he wanted. Jarod only needed to look at his son to be reminded that this was a totally new relationship with Cario, not the old push and shove he had previously shared with Miss Parker.
Jarod stepped out on the patio, letting the screen door bang against its frame. Immediately, she turned to face him. The regret in his eyes was evident – reminding her of a scolded puppy. Reluctantly, she decided to accept the unspoken apology.
“Let’s see how much work we have to do,” he said softly. “Cario, show me how far you can move your arm upward keeping it straight in front of you before it begins to hurt.”
Nodding, she reached toward him straightening her arm until it was level. When the muscles in her shoulders began to burn, she raised it a few more inches before stopping and letting it drop slightly.
Jarod was instantly behind her with his hand over her should blade to massage the area. “Try to hold it there for a few minutes. Now, let’s try it straight out to the side, lift it as far as you can until it hurts.”
When she lowered her arm he checked the wound to make sure it hadn’t opened.
Satisfied, his massage became a caress, “Okay, we know where to start from with the upper body. Let’s do some yoga stretches with the legs and build up your strength.”
The three worked for an hour and half before Jarod called a break and tossed Jem and Parker a bottle of water. He walked up to Parker and gently massaged her shoulders, “How do you feel?”
“A bit out of shape.”
“That’s to be expected. It’s going to take some time. Want to go down to the beach and cool off?”
She looked over at Jem and saw his eyes light up. “No why don’t you two go ahead and enjoy yourself. I’ll stay up here and help the Major start dinner.”
She saw the defeated look on Jarod’s face and knew he thought it had to do with the incident in the kitchen. Parker reached up to touch his chin, “I’ll be fine here, go on, enjoy it today. It’s suppose to start raining tomorrow so enjoy the beach while you can.” She smiled and nodded at him letting him know they were okay.
As Jem and Jarod started into the house she called after them, “Don’t forget the sun block and Jellyfish repellent.” Jarod turned to look back at her; the look on his face was that of a child being forgiven for a misdemeanor. Parker smiled.
She was sitting sideways on the section of stonewall overlooking the beach when the two came out dressed for the beach.
Jarod stopped behind her, “Are you sure you don’t want to come down with us for a while?” His hands rubbing her shoulders, he found that lately he needed to touch her every time he was within arms length. The fact that she allowed it and even seemed to enjoy his touch was an added impetus.
“Jarod, it’s okay. Go spend sometime with your son. We’ll talk tonight. Go on, he’s waiting on you. Did you get the repellent and block?”
He smiled and held them up, his face mask perched on top of his head and the snorkel attached to it, with the towel over his should he did indeed look prepared. He leaned down to give her a quick kiss on the lips then studied her appearance before running a finger down her cheek.
“We’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
She nodded her acknowledgement.
Parker looked at her son, he stood behind his father watching their interaction, as Jarod started down the steps, he stopped and looked at her not sure what to say. Parker smiled, “Have a good time, make sure you use the repellent and block too! We don’t need anymore jellyfish scares or a sunburn to keep the fun out do we?” She surprised him with a quick hug. “See you in a while kiddo. Oh, remember the quick remedy for the fish stings.” She arched her brows and heard a soft chuckle.
“I’ll never forget that one. See you later Mom.”
Jem said it so causally, so naturally, it took her breath away. She now understood why Jarod reacted the way he did earlier.
Parker found the kitchen empty and walked through the house looking into the shared rooms. The Major wasn’t in the living room; she approached the library and found the door open. She rapped softly on the frame.
Bent over a large book, he looked up and smiled, “Come in Macario.” He watched as the brunette took a seat opposite him.
“Thought, I catch up on some of the island lore. I need to work to keep up with that grandson of mine. He has this unquenchable curiosity about everything.” His look morphed into a pained expression of loss.
Parker understood immediately, “Yes, he gets it from his father. Jarod has always had that trait, still does, actually. It’s a trait he must have inherited from you.”
The Major’s pained expression lessened, “Could be, getting older has slowed down the flow between gray matter I’m afraid.”
Parker chuckled, “Not from where I’m sitting it hasn’t.”
“So, how can I help you? I’m almost certain you didn’t come here to boost an old man’s ego.”
“Well, I thought that since the boys are down at the beach, perhaps I could enlist your help in getting something started for dinner.” She was finding that she enjoyed being in his company more and more.
“I have some fish that needs cooked, that is if you aren’t tired of it yet?”
Parker grinned, “Your son can use some healthier eating habits. I think it sounds like a good idea. Although, let’s try and finish it up tonight. I’ll be ready for a change after that.”
She paused after holding his gaze, “Major, I know you aren’t pleased with the way Jarod and I are handling Colonel Berby’s plan so far. But I am asking that you have patience with us, and allow Jarod to go through with his own back-up plan.”
The Major opened his mouth to respond when Parker held up her hand to stop him, “Please let me finish, Major. Jarod and I have both developed our own survival instinct and frankly, I have found that we have survived many times because of that instinct.”
She paused and at his nod continued, “I also know Jarod meant no disrespect. I guess we are all going through a bit of a life change. What I am asking of you is to do me a favor. No matter how this turns out, no matter how things go down with the Colonel and the Centre, be there for Jarod and Jem. Both of them love you and if you would distance yourself from them I think it could ,,,,,”
The older man reached over and took her hand, “Miss Parker, Macario, there is nothing that would make me alienate myself from my son and grandson, or from the woman that they both love. You have reminded me that not everything is as it appears.”
He pulled her to her feet and wrapped an arm around her shoulders just as he had done with his son and grandson, “Let’s go play with the fish.”
---
A tickle brought her from a deep sleep. She felt a warm breath on the back of her neck. Slowly she opened her eyes to see the gray light filtering through the windows. She remained still allowing her senses to fill in the blanks.
When she went to bed the men were playing the new electronic game. She had waited for Jarod but must have fallen asleep before he had come to bed. Now she felt the warmth of his hand across her waist and the heat of his breath came in time with the soft snores.
She sighed. Did it really matter if they were legally married? Her future had always been tied up with this man. First, she had been his friend, then his huntress. Now, they were the biological parents of children they had not physically participated in creating. She would never endanger any of them. Life as she once knew it was over, and with that acknowledgement came a feeling of contentment. Once the Centre - and the misery it regurgitated – was removed from their lives, she would shift her focus to the reality that was the family she shared with Jarod. The normalcy that they had all lacked for most of, if not all, of their lives would come, she told herself.
The hand across her slid up her arm. “You’re awake.”
She turned toward the deep voice, “It would seem so. How late did you guys stay up playing that game?”
Jarod leaned up on his elbow to look down at her, “Too long. You were sleeping when I came in last night. I tried not to wake you.”
“I wish you hadn’t tried so hard. I was hoping we could talk.” She smiled at the sight of his hair standing straight up in the front. She caressed the side of his face and brushed his hair down to see it spring back up.
Jarod began to lean into her when a soft knock at the door pulled him away. He slid off the bed and pulled the shorts from yesterday from the floor and quickly stepped into them.
He opened the door to see Jem fully dressed.
“Dad are we going to see the longtails this morning? It’s going to rain so if you want to see them maybe we should go now.”
Jarod nodded, “We’ll be right there, give us a minute to get dressed.” He smiled at his son and closed the door.
The figure in the bed groaned, “Well, I guess it’s up with the birds, and we’ll talk later.”
The threesome were walking close together down the beach toward the rock mass the birds were flying around the day before. The air was heavy with the humidity the dark clouds above threatened to release at any moment. The white-capped waves were high and rolling in at an alarming rate while the gulls above seemed to be screaming the prediction of the approaching storm.
The longtails were flying around the rocky cliffs just they had the day before.
Jem grabbed his father’s arm to show him their flight pattern. “Mom, look, there are two mates! See how they soar with the ends of the wings touching.”
Parker’s head was tilted up watching as the beautiful birds floated on the air currents above them. When she felt a slight touch on her hand, she looked down to see Jarod’s fingers lightly wrapped around hers. Weaving his fingers between hers two hands were lightly though thoroughly intertwined. The feeling brought both a sense of strength and of a sensuous intimacy. Turning her head to look behind her, Parker met Jarod’s gaze and leaned back into him, feeling more at peace with herself than she had in a long time.
Jem felt the first drops of rain and turned to inform his parents, stopping when he caught the tender moment. There was much he didn’t understand about family and life outside of the Centre, but no one needed to explain the look on the face of his parents or the way they behaved around each other. The undercurrent was there, and he knew his mother was happy, he knew that he was happier now than ever before. They were pieces that fit together just like she tried to explain; now he could feel the clicking of the interlocking pieces of their souls.
“Time to go Jem, it’s going to storm.” Jarod reached across and took his arm, while wrapping the other around Parker’s waist, they ran for the house.
They entered the house to the smell of pancakes and sausage. Parker immediately picked up the fresh scent of brewed coffee and headed toward the coffee maker. The men found their seats and began to eat.
“Cario, you need to eat.” Jarod watched as she ignored the plate in front of her and held the coffee cup under her nose inhaling the fresh brew.
“I think I’ll just have a bowl of “good for you” cereal. I don’t usually eat a heavy breakfast. Go ahead and enjoy it.” She smiled but continued to sit and enjoy her coffee.
Jarod knew she was probably mentally preparing herself for whatever it is she was waiting to talk to him about. A small frown pinched his lips downward.
She noticed he was watching her with a concerned expression. Under the table she patted his knee. “I’ll have a good lunch, you eat and enjoy while you have someone else cooking! Things are going to change when your dad isn’t the one preparing your meals.” She smiled menacingly.
Jarod laughed and continued the banter about who was cooking what, but through out the banter he enjoyed his meal.
She could hear Jarod and Jem’s lively chattering as she sat in the sun porch and watched the patterns the wind tossed rain made across the patio and further down across the more turbulent waves. She didn’t need to turn when the door opened behind her; she knew that it was Jarod.
“I thought maybe we could sneak in some time together. Jem and Dad are going for a rematch in the living room.” He stood behind her chair and lifted her hair to gently caress her neck. “What did you want to talk about earlier?”
Parker placed her right hand on the hand on her neck, she turned slowly, “I need to see your face to discuss this. Would you mind sitting down?” She motioned to the empty seat across from her.
“This sounds serious.” His eyes studied her; he nodded at the expression that it was indeed serious to her as he took the seat indicated.
“Jarod, remember the topic that came up the other night? I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about it.”
At her hesitation, he grew uneasy, “And what have you decided?”
Parker reached across the space between them, “You realize this is not going to be easy on so many fronts? Most of my life I’ve been alone, so suddenly living with people that have different expectations of me is not going to come easily.”
Jarod’s smile melted her heart. “But these expectations are not the same, Cario. We only want what you can give. You have already shown us that you can give us affection, care and concern.”
He pulled her to him and on to his lap. He needed her as close as possible; it was a growing need in him to feel her next to him. It was something he hadn’t experienced before and didn’t understand. Perhaps it had to do with feeling her react, since she still had the tendency to hide behind her mask, the tenseness in her told more than her expressions.
Her hands were rubbing his arms and his shoulders, finally resting behind his neck as she brought their faces closer. “What if I reach the point that I cannot give what you need?”
Jarod smile was reassuring, “What makes you think that will happen? Or that it doesn’t happen at some point to everyone living with other people? We work it out. I am committed to this family. That means that no matter what I am determined to do all that I can to make it work.” His hands slid up her back, “What about you? How do you feel right now about this.”
“I want more than anything to make it work. I don’t know that I can. I have these ugly dark places that will probably always be there. I’m afraid that if they show I’ll scare you and scar the children. I grew up fearing my father’s love and at the same time needing it. I don’t want to do the same to my children or to you.”
“Cario”, the name was a whisper of many emotions. “You have been here with us for how long? You have never made me fear that I was wrong. Okay maybe that once on the beach when you…”
She laughed and put her fingers on his lips. “And that scared you? I think you obviously have the wrong woman for the job.”
He pulled her down to him for a sweet kiss. They both tasted the need and longing in the other. “I have what I have always wanted. So, does this mean you are reconsidering my offer of marriage?”
Her eyes filled, “God help us all, but I have reconsidered it.”
Jarod pulled her to him and kissed her lips, then moved to her eyes and cheeks, he was making his way down her neck when she nudged him playfully.
“What about paperwork and passports. I don’t have mine with me. We need to get all that if you intend on doing it here.”
Jarod smirked, “I have every intention of ‘doing it’ here.”
Parker’s eyes danced with amusement and warmth, “You know what I mean, horny toad.”
She watched as he silently mouthed the words ‘horny toad’ and then the huge smile that graced his face after ward. “I have a lot to live up to don’t I?” He brought her head down for one more kiss before explaining, “I’ve already started all that. We don’t know when Jem was born; I have Broots searching for as much information regarding those facts as possible. Dad thinks I have a Social Security Number under the name I was born with so we are running a check on that. Sydney is sending your passport, birth certificate and driver’s license by special delivery. It isn’t going to take a lot of time to fill in the information I don’t have. The forms are in the library and just waiting for the information.
Jem will officially be our child, as soon as we get a date of birth and I can manage a birth certificate, actually, Broots is going to do that and send one with a raised seal. Once he has the information he can forge one then send it to be updated. Where do you think you may have given birth to him? Away from Blue Cove?’
She smiled, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have had him here? This is actually where he became our son.”
Jarod nodded, his grin still splitting his face. “That could be tricky, but I’ll see what we can do. I’m aiming for this week. So pick a nice spot for the ceremony.”
“You pick. All I ask is it’s a beach at sunset. We all wear white. All white. You would look so handsome in a white short-sleeved dress shirt and slacks. Jem too. Shoes are optional.” Parker watched his face; it never wavered from the smile that made his eyes sparkle. “I never was one for a big wedding with all the fuss. Just something special to us, so tell me what do you want?”
“I just want you. The rest is all icing on the cake. Maybe that private beach with the pink sand will do. Afterward, you and I can slip away for a couple of days.”
“You know what would be special is that the beach faced the sunset. And we need someone to make it legal, but no crowds. We don’t want to draw any attention.” She leaned down to kiss him. “We are really going to do this?”
“Unless you changed your mind already, yes we are doing this.”
“There is one person that needs to know first.” She watched as he tensed up, “Our son. I promised him we would be the first to know once we decided.”
Jarod laughed and brought her to him again. Between kisses Parker warned, “There is one thing you … should… know.”
Breathlessly Jarod managed, “What is it?”
“I… don’t believe in divorce….murder yes. You cheat on me…. “
He pulled back to give her the same look Jem gave her when she asked if Jarod put him up to asking about marriage. “I would never do that!”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“It goes both ways. So that’s our pact?” At her nod they both snickered.
“Cario, I have never had these feeling for anyone. It’s strange and frightening. I don’t ever want to know what my life would be without you in it.”
Her heart held such pain at his words; she put her finger to his lips. “I don’t want to discuss that. You have always been there, I don’t want to think of a time when I won’t have you and Jem.” She leaned in and gently kissed the top lip before catching his bottom lip and sensuously holding it between both of hers before releasing it and allowing him to repeat the action to her.
They were so lost in their moment that the soft cough caught them off guard. Jarod pressed her face into his neck as he looked at the doorway to see Jem smiling and a bit embarrassed.
“Ah, just the young man we wanted to talk to.”
Parker’s head lifted as she smiled at her son. “Your father and I had our discussion and decided that we would like you to be the best man at our wedding.”
The time spent before the wedding was spent in either building Parker’s strength and mobility or going over plans. Broots and Sydney were working on the lists that the Colonel requested and items that Jarod requested.
Parker’s nerves were fraying; Jarod and the family assumed it was the upcoming wedding. Parker’s instincts were kicking her in the gut over the Colonel. There was just something about him that didn’t set well with her, and it was driving her crazy as to what it was.
It was the day before the wedding, Jarod’s preparations were finished and much to his liking if his whistling, beaming and all around good nature was any indication. Parker thought it must be like a virus because Jem was behaving in much the same way. She wouldn’t have found it annoying if she could figure out why she was so on edge.
She decided to call Sydney and Broots to see what was happening. Again, it appeared all was going well, they were able to get the information and it was emailed to Jarod. Sydney was pleased to hear from her until he could discern from her tone that something just wasn’t right. He knew her well enough to know it was her intuition or instinct that was rearing its head. They talked for an hour before she asked to speak to Broots.
“Broots, I need you to double check all we think we know regarding Colonel Berby and the MI6. I just have a bad feeling about this, and it’s getting more pronounced as time goes on.”
“Miss Parker I’ll look into it. Has he transferred Dannie to his location yet?”
“No, we haven’t heard much from him. Has he been to see Dannie yet? When we were discussing him and we put him in touch with Syd I thought he would have Dannie by now. See what you can find out about that too, if he was released to him, find out when and where, everything you can learn I want to know. There is just something more about this that is eating at me.”
She quickly switched ears, “Broots I do appreciate you working on this and keeping things under the radar. Is Syd still there or has he taken off for home?” Jarod had arranged phones to be used at Broots residence. They weren’t taking any chances on using the Centre’s lines. Even if the lines were clean the Centre was to adept at keeping cameras and bugs in every corner, nothing worse than a paranoid parasite.
“No, he’s still here. Hold on. And Miss Parker I wish you and Jarod the best. I can’t wait to meet Jem and the rest of your family.”
“Thanks Broots. I mean that, you have been our ace in the hole.”
“Yes, Miss Parker?” Sydney’s soft voice was full of concern.
“Syd, did Berby say anything about Dannie’s release? Where he was being released to or when?”
“I completed my part of the paper work days ago. I haven’t heard anything so I expected the young man was with his family or in another facility by now. Let me find out for you. I’ll email unless it’s urgent.” There was a pause before the soft accented voice continued, “Parker, don’t let anything or anyone interfere with you finding and keeping your family. You deserve this happiness; I won’t allow anything to take it from you two. You take care of your family and yourself.”
“Thanks Syd.”
“I’ll keep in touch. We’ll use the code Jarod set up starting tomorrow. Be safe and well.”
“The same goes for both of you Syd. If things go as planned I’ll be seeing you soon. We’ll keep to the arrangements unless things change then we’ll let you know.”
After hanging up, she stood looking at the phone. She didn’t hear anyone approach until she felt the familiar arms wrap around her. The count’s whisper in her ear confirmed the owner of the embrace, “I can’t wait until you’re all mine… mine I say.”
She laughed and turned, “No more watching those awful Dracula movies with our son. I’m amazed he’s not up all night screaming.”
Jarod laughed, “They’re too cheesy to be scary. Besides it’s male bonding, even Dad enjoys staying up with us. You know you could too!”
He tucked an errant curl behind her ear, “Cario, what’s bothering you. I thought it was nerves about the wedding, but it’s not. There’s something else. You seem to want to be alone a lot. I find you starring out at nothing. Please tell me what’s going on.”
Parker looked into the eyes she had learned to read, the dark eyes that held her own reflection in their depths. “Jarod, I don’t know, it’s like that gut instinct or intuition. I just called Broots and Syd to see if they would do some checking into things for me. I wish I knew more. I don’t know if it’s a warning or just a danger beware sign. If so, what danger, what am I being warned of, something is wrong.”
One thing Parker learned early about Jarod, he rarely laughed off her feelings or warnings. That was something they both leaned upon each other for and understood, that their road was full of landmines and if either of them felt it was necessary to change course they would. Jarod always trusted his and her instinct. He always did more research to try and prepare too, but she never had to worry about him laughing at her.
“Is it regarding the wedding?”
“No, it feels more like it centers around Berby and the Centre. I’m not getting any bad feelings about tomorrow. You aren’t getting out of it now buster.” Parker leaned into his embrace and kissed his neck, feeling his heart beat in the artery she continued following it up to his ear and then across his chin to his waiting lips.
--
The morning of the wedding began with a beautiful sunrise. They had all decided to stay out on the beach that night to enjoy a quiet evening together and forget about the pressures of the next day. Everything was done in preparation. Parker was amazed at how simply it was all coming together.
As they loaded everything into the seaplane she looked at Jarod and asked, “So what direction are we going in?”
“I thought you didn’t want to know?”
“So shoot me, I’m curious.” She grinned at him in the way she knew always got her what she wanted.
“All I’ll tell you is it’s the north shore area, for your sunset.”
They landed and went to the cottages that owned the private beach. Jem was excited at that point about everything. He found multi-colored lizards but spent twenty excited minutes explaining everything he had read about them.
At last the time had come for the ceremony. It was a simple arrangement with all the participants in summer whites, a few on lookers from the cottages kept their distance but watched and applauded at the conclusion when the groom swept the bride off her feet to continue kissing and laughing with her.
Just as the sun was going down, Jem, the Major, Jarod and his new wife were enjoying the sunset when a green flash appeared on the horizon as the sun left it’s flaming trail to be quenched by the ocean.
“The Green Flash!”, Jem voice was hushed in awe. He smiled at his family, “Do you know how rare it is! And it happened on your wedding day.”
Parker smiled and hugged her son, “It happened on the day we are all a family, legally.” For the moment all her apprehensions disappeared and she felt she had everything the day would allow.
Chapter End Notes:
Hopefully no one has abandoned ship. The action begins next chapter.
For those that continue reading and leaving me notes, thank you! the typo queen.
