A Soldier for Poppy Read online

  “I wish I had half their energy,” she sighed. “I get tired just watching them go.”

  “Do they ever slow down?”

  Poppy snorted a laugh. “Only when they’re sleeping.”

  “It amazes me how you handle everything so effortlessly.”

  “Effortlessly?” She let out a burst of laughter. “Hardly!”

  “What I mean is, your children are well-cared for as are your house and garden, and you work, too. How do you do it?”

  “I don’t think about it much. If it needs done, I do it.”

  “Superwoman!” he teased.

  “No, just keeping busy. It helps fill the days and kill the time.”

  “I should think so.”

  “Speaking of keeping busy, I should start dinner.”

  “Want some help?”

  “Nope, just relax and keep an eye on the children for me would you?”

  “You got it! One question though.”

  “Yes?” She saw the mischievous glint in his eyes and wondered what he was thinking.

  “Is there another squirt gun around?”

  She chortled with laughter. “In the garden shed. Have fun.” Still laughing, she went inside before she became involved in the water fight.

  ***

  Carl was bushed and soaked to the skin when he entered the kitchen with happy kids some time later, but then, so were the kids. Poppy ushered them upstairs to bathe and dress for bed while he showered and made himself presentable again.

  His leg throbbing unmercifully, he let the pounding spray of hot water work its magic while his mind turned back to the conversation he’d had with Poppy at the restaurant. From what she’d said, he didn’t stand a chance. She wanted a man to be home with her and the kids, not off fighting a war God knows where. That man wasn’t him. All he knew was the army way of life. What would he do when he retired? It was something he’d never given much thought to.

  Maybe spending the summer together wasn’t such a great idea. Too late to bow out now. He’d just have to make the best of it and try not to become anymore attached than he was. Family friend…urgh!

  He could always apply for a position on base, as she’d mentioned, but that would be second choice for him. In the thick of the action, helping the underdog attain victory and a measure of peace—that’s where he wanted to be. Where he needed to be, if he was being truthful with himself. He liked making a difference in peoples’ lives and, although a satisfactory outcome wasn’t always possible, he and his men gave it their best.

  Poppy didn’t understand what drove people like him to get involved. Could he make her understand? Would she even listen? She was a beautiful person inside and out, loving and giving of herself, but she could be stubborn as well. Hell! That stubbornness probably helped her keep going every day.

  Showered and dressed, he grabbed his cane, much needed after his shenanigans today, and hobbled downstairs to the pleasant aroma of a home-cooked meal.

  Poppy turned at his approach. “Hi! I was just going to call you for dinner.”

  “No need. I just followed my nose.” Placing one hand over his heart and giving her an innocent, hangdog expression, he pleaded, “Feed me, woman, before I die of starvation.”

  She giggled at his antics. So did the children, already seated at the round, oak table.

  “Have a seat. I’m dishing up now.”

  “For which I shall be forever grateful.” He propped the cane on the back of his chair before lowering his body onto the seat. “What are we having?” he asked as he ogled Nathan’s plate.

  Becky giggled. “Stew.”

  “Beef?” he asked, a hopeful note to his voice.

  “Nope, chicken. Bock, bok, bok, bok,” Nathan imitated.

  Carl chuckled. “Even better. Bring it on!”

  When Poppy set his plate in front of him, he pulled her down for a swift kiss. “That was for cooking the first homemade meal I’ve had in ages and for making dumplings…my favorite. You’re an angel!”

  Nathan and Becky snickered.

  Poppy giggled. “Hardly an angel, but shouldn’t you reserve praise until after you’ve sampled it?”

  “No need, the delightful aroma tells its own tale.” He picked up his fork and stabbed a huge morsel. “Ummm, ummm. Delicious!”

  For dessert, she produced a huge layer cake with chocolate icing and cherries on top, setting a large slice in front of him and two in front of Becky. Nathan sat greedily eyeing the cake but never asked for so much as a bite.

  “Is that what I think it is?” asked Carl.

  “Black Forest cake, if that’s what you were thinking.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” he said before digging in.

  “Mommy, why do I have two pieces?”

  “Nathan gave you his dessert tonight as punishment for scaring you on the swing.”

  “But it’s his favrit.”

  “Favorite? Yes, I know.”

  “Lady, you are one mean Mama,” Carl whispered in her ear.

  A short time later, Becky spoke again. “Mommy, I’m full. Can Nathan have the rest of my cake?”

  Suspicion shone in her eyes as she looked at her daughter. Becky had eaten the smallest of the two pieces. “If you’re too full to eat, then I guess it’s all right.”

  Becky slid the plate across to a smiling Nathan.

  “Thanks, Becky.”

  Poppy waved Carl away when he joined her to help with the dishes.

  “No need. Go watch a movie with the kids and stay off that leg. I saw you limping when you came in.”

  “It’s not as bad now. I can help.”

  “Nope! Scat!” she said, swatting him away with the dishtowel.

  The kids giggled and, each taking a hand, dragged him from the room. He sat in the recliner, Becky on his lap, while Nathan started the movie. He was surprised when Small Soldiers started playing. Nathan looked to him for approval on his choice and he nodded in agreement, a lump the size of Texas forming in his chest for these thoughtful children. When Nathan perched on the arm of his chair, Carl put an arm around him and pulled him down on his other leg to watch the movie.

  It felt right to sit holding both children on his lap. He loved these kids. Now this is family. It’s just too bad it wasn’t his family.

  Chapter Five

  The next few days went by in a blur for Poppy. She contacted her clients and made alternate arrangements for receiving work while out of town. Luke agreed to stop in and turn the sprinklers on for her precious flowers on the days when no rain was expected. She caught up on laundry and started sorting through their clothing for the items they’d need during the summer.

  Carl kept busy oiling door hinges, checking window locks, and a multitude of minor tasks she hadn’t had the time or inclination to do anything about. He also kept the kids busy and took them all on outings to the zoo and the circus. It was a wild and wonderful time.

  On May thirty-first, they packed up the perishable foods to take with them, locked up the house, dropped the key for the garden gate off to Luke and hit the highway. They were on their way.

  For Poppy, setting out was almost anticlimactic. She’d been so busy preparing for their vacation that to sit in a car for hours with nothing to do had her nerves on edge. A busy highway at the best of times, the I-81 S out of Scranton, Pennsylvania, at eight in the morning was unreal. She didn’t dare make conversation that might take Carl’s mind off his driving.

  They were breaking up the thirteen-hour road trip by stopping in Richmond, Virginia. He’d called to reserve rooms at the Holiday Inn.

  Poppy had heard about the great success of the Children’s Museum there and wanted her children to experience the activities they had on offer. When she mentioned it to Carl, he’d agreed that it could prove interesting, especially the Safari Train and Pirate’s Cove.

  Both kids fell asleep during the drive, so Carl drove straight through to Richmond, except for a brief stop at a drive-thru for coffee. They arrived shortly after one o�
��clock and, as their rooms weren’t ready, left their luggage at the front desk and went to the Café in the lobby for a quick lunch.

  The Children’s Museum was a veritable wonderland of learning, including water play, an art studio, a mini farm, a cave to explore, and so much more. They’d been there for over three hours while the kids checked everything out and played to their hearts content. At the end of it, they were all exhausted. By mutual agreement, they decided to call it a day.

  They returned to the hotel and checked into the suite Carl had reserved. There were two bedrooms with a sitting room between.

  “I’ll sleep on the pull-out sofa in the sitting room. You and the kids can have the bedrooms,” Carl offered.

  Nathan, always forging ahead, investigated the bedroom. “My bed is huge! You can sleep with me, Uncle Carl.”

  “And Becky can bunk in with me,” said Poppy. “I doubt that sofa bed would be long enough for you to be comfortable.”

  “Problem solved. Now, do you want to order room service or go to the restaurant?”

  “Can we eat here and watch TV?” Nathan asked him.

  “I don’t see why not? The table and television are both in the same room.” He cast a quick glance at Poppy. “What do you think, Mom?”

  “It should be fine this once, but don’t get used to it,” she warned.

  “Yippee!” squealed both children as they danced around.

  “Carl, you go ahead and order dinner while I get these two bathed and into pajamas.”

  “Will do.”

  The luxury of having two bathrooms meant having two tubs. She settled Nathan in one and took Becky through to the other. Both bathed and dressed, they were picking out a movie to watch when the food arrived. They quickly decided on Shrek and sat down to eat and watch, laughing at the donkey’s antics until Poppy thought her sides might burst. It’s a wonder none of them choked on their food.

  After dinner, they settled on the sofa to watch The Sound of Music, a family classic that never seemed to go out of style. Although the kids sat between them, Poppy was supremely conscious of Carl at the other end of the sofa.

  He was comfortable to be with, a real family man when he was around, caring and concerned about all three of them. It didn’t hurt that he was a handsome devil either. If only he wasn’t in the army. She knew he’d be back on active duty come September, and the knowledge of the dangers he faced in his work prevented her from acting on her attraction to him.

  As if he could read her mind, his arm extended behind the kids, close enough for his hand to touch and gently squeeze her shoulder. She glanced over to meet his gaze and saw the heat of desire registered there mixed with confusion.

  Was she giving off mixed signals? Just because they were in a hotel room miles from home didn’t mean they had to be intimate. Did it?

  She yearned for human contact…for the feel of strong arms holding her close. Could she simply have a summer fling with Carl and assuage the hunger building inside? No, she’d never been free with sexual favors and to start with Carl, well, it just didn’t seem right. In her twenty-nine years, she’d only been with one man and that was her husband. And as for flirting, she wouldn’t know where to begin.

  She did wonder what he saw when he looked at her. Did he see her as a woman? Or as Peter’s widow. Was she just a friend? Or a responsibility he wished he didn’t have? She wished she knew.

  The movie ended and she put the kids to bed, which left her alone with Carl. Somehow, it was different here, more intimate than being alone with him at the house these past few nights. Should she claim fatigue and just go to bed? Maybe he was tired from all the driving and planned on an early night himself. Only one way to find out.

  Carl had dimmed the lights and music played softly in the background when she reentered the room. He passed her a glass of white wine as she settled on the sofa.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “After all the rushing about the past few days, I figured you could use some time to wind down.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you. Are you going to sit with me? Your leg must be paining after all the walking and standing around we did today, not to mention the driving.”

  “A little, but not as bad as you might think.” His drink in hand, he sat at the other end of the sofa. “Cold, damp weather affects it more. Winter was hellish.”

  “When did you get hurt?” she asked, thinking it had been recent.

  “Last fall.”

  “Last fall? Why didn’t you come to us sooner? I would’ve been glad to put you up and care for you. You know that.”

  “It wasn’t that simple, Poppy. I had three different operations for reconstructive surgery and then rehab. They only released me the week before the parade. I have to return for an assessment in September, before going back to…work.”

  She heard the slight hesitation and knew he’d been about to say active duty, but he’d spared her the reference. Was this to be a time together without mention of wars and army duties? It was such a major part of his life. Her insides did a dance of joy at the thought that he’d consider her feelings and not talk about it.

  “For your sake, I hope it goes well.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  “Are you okay about bunking in with Nathan?” she asked as she finished her drink and set the empty glass on the side table.

  “Sure, as long as he doesn’t snore or sleep crosswise the bed.”

  He smiled, rose, and gave her a hand up as she got to her feet. She stood so close to him she could feel his body heat and wondered if he’d make a move, kiss her goodnight or something. The brief kiss he’d bestowed on her that first night at dinner had whetted her appetite for more.

  “No, he doesn’t snore and Becky’s the one who wiggles all over the bed at night.”

  “Then I got lucky.”

  “Yes, I guess you did.”

  “Poppy, I’m aching to kiss you,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her. “Would you mind?”

  Her gaze locked with his. “I think I’d mind more if you didn’t, but what are we playing at, Carl?”

  “I’m not entirely sure, but one taste of you wasn’t enough. I’ve thought of nothing else all day.”

  His lips covered hers, gently at first, teasing, coaxing a response, then passion overcame her and she wanted more, kissing him back with feverish intent. Molded to his body, the firm ridge of his desire pressed against her, infused her senses, and drove her crazy. She felt herself swimming in a whirlpool of lust and madness.

  Without a doubt, she wanted him!

  The knowledge had her gasping for breath and pulling away. “I… I’m sorry, Carl. I can’t do this.” She fled to the sanctuary of the bedroom, straight through to the bathroom, running cold water over her wrists to cool her heated body. It didn’t work.

  She stripped off and ducked into the shower, turning the spray on cold, then gradually warmer as her breathing evened out and her pulse returned to normal. The hotel towels were huge, fluffy and soft. She wrapped one around her body sarong style then went in search of a nightgown before crawling into bed beside Becky.

  Sleep eluded her. Body and soul, she wanted to be back in Carl’s arms, but he wasn’t the man for her. He was career army. She was home and hearth. The two didn’t mix—not for her anyway. How well she’d learned that lesson and paid a hefty price into the bargain. Was still paying. However, when her eyes finally closed for the day, it was Carl’s face she saw in her dreams.

  ***

  Carl tossed back a Scotch on the rocks as he stood looking out the eighth floor window at the city below. He’d been a damn fool rushing her like that. His need had overruled his common sense and sent her running, but not before he’d gotten a response. She wanted him. He knew that, but he also knew she still grieved for Peter.

  Maybe that was why he’d never committed to anyone, not that there had ever been anyone special, but to make plans for the future and have them go up in smoke had to be difficult to en
dure, especially when children were involved.

  He’d promised Peter he’d take care of Poppy and the children if anything happened to him, but seeing her as Peter’s widow no longer kept his ardor at bay. He’d always been attracted to her, but tamped it down because Peter had been his best friend. These past two years he’d almost gone crazy, corresponding with her and visiting every time he was stateside. Her gentle yet determined spirit drew him like the proverbial moth. Poppy accepted his presence in their lives as she always had and treated him like a member of her family.

  No one, not even his own mother, had loved or wanted him enough to commit. Hell, he didn’t know if he was capable of love like that himself. He figured if he hadn’t found it by now he never would, and he took his responsibility to Poppy and the kids seriously.

  It certainly didn’t bode well that his hormones were on the rampage around her. He hadn’t intended to scare her off before they’d even arrived at the beach. He’d set up the summer vacation so they could spend time together in the hopes of convincing her to marry him. Marriage would provide a measure of security and enable him to care for them much better.

  Of course, he wasn’t kidding himself. He did have an ulterior motive and having her respond to him so passionately seemed promising. It was a start and he’d have to be satisfied with that. He’d be patient, bide his time, prove how much easier her life could be if he was in it permanently. If he hadn’t already ruined his chances, that is.

  On a long, drawn out sigh, he turned and headed for the bedroom. He rummaged around until he found a pair of shorts to sleep in. Pajamas hadn’t been part of his wardrobe for years.

  He grabbed a shower and returned to the bedroom to find Nathan sprawled sideways across the bed, covers tangled around his sleeping body. He covered him as best he could, grabbed a pillow and the spare blanket and went back to the sitting room. Not bothering to pull out the sofa bed, he turned the TV to a movie channel and lay down, certain he wouldn’t sleep a wink, but exhaustion overtook him before the credits rolled.