The Soldier's Surprise Family (7 page)

“Bumper! Stop it.” Anjelica picked up Rio and balanced him on her hip, then scooped up the energetic dog with her free arm. “Shh, be nice. Rio, this is Bumper.” Bumper stretched her neck out and licked Rio's ear. The little boy giggled. Selena reared up on her back legs with her front paws on Rio's leg. She pushed her nose between her boy and the fluffball of a dog.

Tension tightened Garrett's muscles. A dogfight could break out with Rio and Anjelica stuck in the middle, and he had Pilar in his arms. He wouldn't be able to react fast enough if he needed to.

Bumper barked and Selena's tail wagged as Anjelica patted her on the head. She chuckled. “Look, Rio, they're already friends.” She made eye contact with Garrett. Her eyes gleamed. “This is a good sign. Everything's going to be all right.” She smiled at Rio. “Ready to see your new home?”

He leaned over and checked out the people on the porch again. Looking up at Anjelica, he gave her a solemn look and a slight nod. Garrett had not been able to get any response from the boy—well, unless glares counted.

God, I know I haven't talked to You much, but it seems I really need some guidance with this little guy.

With Rio on one hip, Anjelica released Bumper to the ground and took Selena's leash from Rio.

This is it.
Garrett followed her again. She waved at the women on the porch. That seemed to be the permission they needed to swarm. Before he blinked, they were surrounded.

He couldn't keep an eye on all of them at once. Someone touched his shoulder from behind. He jerked around. Pilar lifted her head and gave a soft cry.

Breathe, Garrett. Breathe nice and easy. No one here is trying to harm the kids. You are in Anjelica's front yard.

Anjelica's mother led the pack. “We hear congratulations are in order. What a shock, right? So we are throwing you a surprise baby shower and home-warming party all at once.” All the women laughed.

He worked to keep the panic off his face; he could play it cool. Something must have slipped, though, because Anjelica looked at him with concern. He tried to smile and reassure her he was fine, but it felt a little forced.

“Mom, I'm sure all he wants right now is to get the kids familiar with their rooms and settled.”

A small herd of children ran through the yard, disappearing into the house.

He couldn't do this.

* * *

Anjelica wanted to protect Garrett from the wave of people, but she learned long ago to go with the tide. It went much smoother that way and you got out faster. She knew they meant well, but they didn't seem to understand someone not wanting them in his life.

She glanced at Garrett. This had to be a bit alarming for a man who sought solitude. Less than a day and his world had been turned upside down. Her heart went out to him as he tried to take it all in stride.

“Officer Kincaid!
Como esta?
How are you?” Buela cupped his jaw and kissed the cheek opposite the sleeping child. “They have worked very hard and the apartment is almost done! Praise God, in time for your new family.”

“Como esta, Buela?”
Anjelica greeted her grandmother.

“
Muy bien.
Good, good.” She went to her granddaughter and cupped Rio's face. “So tell me who this fine boy is.”

“Rio, this is my Buela and my mother.” She shared a smile with the older women. “This is Garrett River Kincaid Jr., Garrett's son and Pilar's very brave brother. He goes by Rio.”

He tucked his head against her shoulder, closed his eyes and started sucking his thumb.

“Hello, Rio. We heard how very brave you were to save your sister. This will be a great home for both of you and your dog. Big dogs love living in the country.”

Her mother hugged Garrett, then placed a hand on Pilar's back, her hand going up and down on the small rib cage. “Oh,
mijo
, your daughter is precious.”

“Mamma, this is very nice that everyone's here to greet us, but I think it might be overwhelming for the kids.” Rio had tried to pull the blanket back over his face but just managed the corner. She refrained from pointing out that Garrett had gained a slight green tint to his skin.

Anjelica couldn't help but think she should get Garrett his own superhero blanket.

“
Mija
, they are almost done with the apartment. While everyone is clearing out, let's visit the playroom we set up for the children while they are with you.”

Taking Garrett by the hand, Anjelica led him through the sea of women. He muttered a few thank-yous as they crossed the yard.

The other women backed up, making a clear path to the front door.

“Oh, we're so sorry.” Aunt Maggie was standing on the steps. “We wanted your children to feel welcomed.”

“We didn't even think about all the newness of this for the poor lambs.” Yolanda joined her mother.

Words swirled around them. She noticed Garrett taking deep breaths through his nose. Pilar stiffened and started fussing again. He patted her back.

With Rio still on her hip, she led Garrett up the steps and to her house. Vickie held open the door.

“Thank you.” She turned to Garrett. “This is Vickie. She's married to Sheriff Torres.”

With a nod to the woman, he followed Anjelica and Rio into the living room. The smell of fresh cinnamon rolls from the oven filled the air. Garrett adjusted Pilar and whispered to her.

With the door closed to the chaos outside, there was an unobtrusive peace in the house. The baby reached for his nose and smiled at him. Her heart melted as Pilar made the sweetest gurgling, and Garrett smiled. Some of the color returned to his face.

The door opened. Pulling the baby close, he turned to face the intruder. It was her mother, her sisters and Buela. Her tiny grandmother clasped her hands together. “Come on. Before we check out the apartment, we can show Rio the playroom in my house.

Eyes closed, Rio had gone into stealth mode.

“Garrett, these three are my younger sisters, Mercedes, Esmi and Jewel,” Anjelica said.

He nodded to each of them as his large hand supported the back of Pilar's head. He moved next to Anjelica. “We'll just have to show Pilar the playroom, since we can't find Rio.”

Anjelica smoothed the boy's soft curls. “I hope he likes trains and basketball.” She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “If not, he'll need to let me know what he likes. I hear he has a bed that looks like a car.”

Her mother placed her hand on Rio's back. “It's been a long day for everyone. Let's get everyone out of the yard, then we can show you your new room in your dad's apartment.” She leaned in close to Garrett. “All the women are cleaning up and clearing out.”

“Thank you, Mamma. We can give Pilar a tour of the house. Buela said the apartment was almost finished. Will it be ready for them to sleep in tonight? I could fix a room upstairs.”

“They'll be ready tonight. Just the final touches.”

Buela waved her hands toward the kitchen. “Dinner is warming in the apartment oven.”

“We thought about setting it up here, since this house was meant for a family, but the babies' main home will be in the apartment with Officer Kincaid, right? You should have switched houses.” Her mother gave her a pointed stare.

“Mother.”

Garrett's gaze met hers across the room. The panic seemed to be climbing back into the mist of his green-gray eyes.

She wasn't sure who needed comforting more, Rio or Garrett. Well, Garrett was a grown man. A man she didn't want to be attracted to. She couldn't let his vulnerability convince her heart to look at him as anything other than her boss. The screen door opened, and her youngest brother, Philip, popped his head in “I was sent to tell you that they will be ready upstairs in another fifteen minutes.”

Chapter Five

“G
ood, we have time to see the playroom.”
Buela had apparently had enough talking and marched out of the room, not even questioning if her troops would fall in line. Like a good private, Garrett followed her.

Adjusting Rio to her other hip, Anjelica moved next to him and leaned in close. He had to tilt his head to focus on her soft voice and not the scent of vanilla and spice.

“I'm so sorry. She looks all sweet, but she is kind of a bully. She tends to take over.” She looked up at him and smiled.

He decided not to point out she was always trying to feed him and had even jumped in to rearrange his life without his asking for the help.

Jewel laughed. “Yes, a tiny bully with good intentions, but a bully nevertheless.”

Crossing the living room to the nursery, they passed four kids sitting around the coffee table, coloring. Bumper was curled up between two of the girls, her short tail thumping when she saw him. Selena had not left Anjelica and Rio's side.

With a deep breath, he trailed the women. There had to be something for him to do, something to move or fix. He'd have joined the men working, but it didn't seem right to leave the kids with Anjelica so soon.

Six women crowded the room, staring at a man on a ladder. Tiny clothes covered every surface.

“Look at this one.” The sheriff's wife, Vickie, held up a mini dress in pink camo print, drawing everyone's attention. Daddy's Girl was printed across the front. “Isn't it the cutest?”

The knot in his stomach pulled tighter.

Maggie Shultz, one of the aunts, was opening packages of little towels and putting them in a basket. “We were just organizing the chaos before leaving. Most of these things will be moved to the kids' room in your apartment. We decided to stick with the secret-garden theme. Is that okay?”

Was she really asking his opinion? “Sure.” He couldn't imagine a baby would even notice.

The man with paint in his hair started down the ladder. “It's done.” He stepped down and reached a hand out to Garrett. “Hi. I'm Gary, a friend of Pastor John's. I was asked to add
Credo
and
Amor
along with
Pilar
and
Rio
to the wall. Anjelica said she wanted
Faith
and
Love
along with
Hope
. I did some work upstairs first so it would be dry by the time they moved in.” He nodded to the baby on Garrett's shoulder. “We cut it pretty close.”

Yolanda put a stack of clothes she had been folding in a dresser and hugged Anjelica. “It's beautiful. How are you doing with all the changes?”

“I'm good. It's time.” After one more nod and a tight hug, Yolanda turned to him. “This must be a jolt to the system. From bachelor to suddenly having two children in one weekend.”

Understatement of the year. “Yes, ma'am.”

“Please, call me Yolanda. I don't understand how a woman could not tell a man about his children.” She patted his arm. “Anjelica told us about your mother not being able to help.”

He shot a glare at his nanny. Was she going to be telling them everything?

She looked worried. “I told them she was working and couldn't get off with such short notice.”

“It's understandable. I'm sure she'll come as soon as she can.” Buela stood in front of the newly painted wall. “Gary, you're truly gifted.” She turned back to the group. “Now, Officer Kincaid, you must have no worries. You have us. If there is one thing Ortegas are good at, it's taking care of kids. Had eight myself and raised twelve.” She moved to Rio. “No worries for you, either. Pilar will have many sweet dreams in her new room upstairs.”

The artist gathered up his paints and said his goodbyes.

Garrett watched him leave with longing. “Maybe I should check on the apartment before we take Rio and Pilar up there?”

“Let's put a blanket on the floor so Pilar can stretch and play. She's been in the car seat all day. And you can see what the men are doing.” Leaning down, Anjelica put Rio in front of a large basket full of toys. “Rio, pick some toys for your sister.” With a job to do, Rio started digging through the basket.

The little girl blinked a few times and looked around the strange room. Her arms tightened around his neck when Anjelica went to remove her from his arms. His heart twisted and he placed his free hand on her back. “It's okay. I've got her.”

Anjelica nodded and petted the back of the soft curls. “She already trusts you. That's good, but she needs floor time to build her strength.”

He moved to the blanket on the floor and laid Pilar on her tummy, but she fussed a bit. “I can take her with me.”

Yolanda had a strange seat-looking thing. “This will help her sit up.” The women took over, gently pushing him back. Rio gave her toys.

Garrett stood at the door for a while and watched as Pilar smiled at her brother. The women encouraged the brother and sister with their praise.

Hesitant to leave, he backed into the living room. Glancing out the front window, he noticed most of the cars were gone. The house did seem quiet...quieter than it had been when he arrived. The little dog sat on the pillows as if waiting to be served. As he walked past her, she jumped down and followed him.

Moving to the back door, he found the sheriff, Jake Torres, and Pastor John in the kitchen.

The pastor held out his hand. “The apartment looks great. My guess would be better than before with the De La Cruz twins on the job. Couldn't help but notice a nice collection of saxophones. I take it you play?”

“Yes, sir.”

“We have a solid band at the church, and the family likes to play. You'll have to join us sometime.”

“Thank you for helping with the repairs.”

“Hey, Kincaid.” Torres shook his hand and then pulled him into a shoulder bump, finishing it off with a couple of hard pats before he stepped back. “The apartment looks great. You're staying here and Anjelica's watching the kids. Sounds like a perfect fit.”

“I think it'll work for now. Thanks for helping.” The sheriff had grown up in Clear Water. He would know more about Anjelica's husband. “Torres, did you know Steve Garza?”

Tight-lipped, he gave a sharp nod. “Anjelica's husband? Sure. He was a few grades behind me in school. Good kid, a bit reckless sometimes, but he never meant any harm. They got married the week after graduation. He enlisted and was killed his first tour in Afghanistan.” Torres gave him the look. “She's special to us.”

The pastor nodded. “She has a tendency to give and not allow others to help her.” He cleared his throat. “We're a close community and would hate to see her taken advantage of by someone she's helping.”

Garrett gave the men a quick affirmation. “Duly noted, but she is a bit forceful in her offer of assistance. She really hasn't given me much choice.”

Both men chuckled. The pastor grinned. “She's an Ortega. I'm married to one and know them well.” He patted him on the shoulder. “Sorry—they will come in and try to take over your life. But their plans are all for good.”

“Two kids and a storm already messed up any plans I had managed to make.”

Jake Torres nodded. “You know what they say about plans.”

Garrett raised an eyebrow. He really had no clue.

Torres put a hand on his shoulder. “You make plans and God laughs.”

“Yeah, well God's having a grand old time with me, then.”

Anjelica's grandmother joined them. “You gentlemen look up to no good.”

Pastor John hugged her. “Officer Kincaid was just saying how impressed he was with the Ortegas' fast-moving organization.” With an arm around the small woman, Pastor John turned back to Garrett. “You have to thank the little general here.” He nodded to the matriarch of the Ortega family. “When she mobilizes the Ortega army, anything can get done.” He winked at the blushing grandmother. “She's a great friend to have on your side.” He turned back to Garrett. “I'm going to gather up the boys I brought and take them for the pizza I promised. We'll be praying for your new family.”

“Thank you.”

Jake gave him another hug. “You're doing a good thing here, keeping the kids together. Don't hesitate to call.” Jake stood back and stared him straight in the eye.

Garrett nodded and tried not to break eye contact. He was afraid that as a fellow marine, Jake saw too much. Jake narrowed his eyes. “Call for any reason, even if you just need to talk. I also know a man who works at the VA named Reeves. He's been there. Easy to talk to. Don't try to do this alone.”

Garrett smiled and nodded. “Got it. Thanks for all the help today.”

“Not a problem.”

Vickie came into the kitchen with the now-small group of women. She wrapped an arm around her husband. “Hey, missed you.” She gave him a quick kiss. The town sheriff and former marine laughed. “Missed you, too.”

Anjelica, her mother and a couple of other women giggled. Someone muttered, “Newlyweds.”

Everyone started talking at once. Garrett couldn't keep track of the conversation, but they didn't seem to have a problem.

Man, how did people keep their sanity with big families?

He focused on Anjelica. She was talking to her mother. “I am more than capable of making dinner for a small family. I cook large dinners all the time.” Frustration replaced her usual cheerful smile.

Some of the ladies agreed with her, while others started arguing.

Buela held her hands up. “Ladies, please. You're giving poor Officer Kincaid a headache.”

“What about me?” the sheriff asked.

“Oh, Jake, you're used to us!”

“And on that note, I'm out of here. Call at any time, Kincaid.”

“Now,
mija
,” the tiny grandmother said, taking charge, “we know you are more than capable of fixing dinner for a whole mess of people. But there will be two scared babies under your care and a brand-new father. They need your full attention, so let everyone pitch in and help Officer Kincaid by providing dinners for the first week he has the children. Everyone wants to help. You should let them.”

Anjelica's face softened. “You're right, as always, Buela.” She kissed her grandmother's cheek. “Okay, Mamma, sign people up.”

Maria Ortega turned to him. “Do you have any preference or anything you don't eat?”

He shook his head. “You really don't have—” Her glare cut off any argument he might have thought he had. “No, ma'am. I eat whatever you put in front of me.”

She smiled and nodded. “Good. Your mother did well. Okay, we are out of here. You both get some rest. You're going to need it.”

And with that, they were all gone. “Let's get the kids from Jewel and take them to their new home.”

He followed her back to the playroom. His pulse picked up as Pilar lifted her hands to him. Her grin did him in. This was why he'd sacrificed his serene one-man existence. Now he needed to prove he deserved her trust.

“I think she wants you.”

Rio crossed his arms and glared again.

“Hey, little man, the look's getting old. Come on—get Selena and let's go upstairs.” If he kept after it and stayed the course, Rio would open to him.

Anjelica took his son's hand, and Garrett led his new family home.

The apartment looked brand-new. Not only had his roof been fixed, but there was new carpet. Someone had hung artwork on the walls, framed pictures featuring the American and Texas flags. There were a couple of paintings of mounted Texas Rangers. It actually looked as if someone lived there.

The old sofa was gone and in its place was a large sectional, wide with pillows stacked high and a soft cozy blanket on the back. The old table was still there, but it now had three chairs and a wooden high chair.

Anjelica turned in a slow circle. “Wow. This looks great.” She looked at Rio. “Let's go see your and Pilar's room.”

Garrett followed, along with both dogs.

After a very brief tour of the new room, they moved to the table.

“They left a macaroni casserole and baked chicken in the oven.” She pulled out plates and set the table.

“Pilar, I'm going to put you in the high chair so we can eat.” He explained everything step by step as he strapped her into her seat. He made sure to include Rio in his one-sided conversation.

Anjelica handed him a small bowl of cheesy pasta. “Here, feed the baby.”

The big brother watched Garrett's every move. “Does your sister eat solid food?”

Rio looked over to Anjelica and nodded. The kid was still refusing to acknowledge him.

She gave him a hesitant smile. “It seems she does.”

“Are these safe to give her?” He blew on the hot noodle.

“Does she have teeth?”

Garrett tried to look in her mouth. Sticking his fingers inside didn't seem like a good idea. She smiled at him, showing off a few tiny white teeth. He handed her one curved pasta. Love and adoration radiated from her face. He sat on the chair closest to her and handed her one piece at a time.

“You need to eat, too.” Anjelica set a full plate in front of him. She helped Rio into his booster chair.

“I should have thanked them for having this ready for us.” Garrett kept his attention on Pilar, making sure she didn't choke.

“They understand that there's times when help is not asked for but needed. Please, don't worry. You thanked them several times, plus you aid the community as a whole. Everyone appreciates your service.”

The short silky tail wagged as Bumper sat up on her hind legs. Rio laughed and the little dog jumped up onto his lap.

“Bumper, no. Get down.”

Not to be left out, Selena tried to nose her way into Rio's lap, also. The Yorkie jumped onto the table. With a lunge, Selena tried to jump up, but her heavy paws landed on the edge of the plate, flipping it and tossing food through the air.