“I don’t think quantity counts as quality, Mom.”
“Don’t get sassy with me, young man. Your sister’s marriage is on the rocks. Brice has threatened to leave her, just because she bought a new pair of boots. Well, I told her to call his bluff. He’s just trying to prove he’s the alpha and she’s submissive to him. I read all about it in my magazine.”
She took a deep breath, and Jax braced himself.
“I told her to go out and buy a new outfit, something sexy and silky—”
“Mom, I don’t want to hear about my sister’s sex life.”
“As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted… Go buy something pretty to go with your new boots, and make a nice dinner reservation. Once he sees that she was simply trying to look good for him, he’ll understand and forgive her.”
“Mom, didn’t Brice lose his job last month?”
“Yes. What’s your point? You know not everyone is cut out for the military, and jobs around here are iffy.”
“Exactly my point. Brice is worried about money, and Missy should be too.”
The line went quiet for several long moments.
“Mom?”
“You men just don’t understand us women. No matter how hard we try, it’s never good enough for you. We try and try and try, and all you can see is the downside of things.”
“Mom, what are you really upset about?” The last time she’d gone on about the faults of the male species, husband number three had left her.
“He’s getting married.”
“Who? Brice?”
“No, you ninny.” She exhaled deeply. “Your father. He told me marriage wasn’t for him. That his leaving me had nothing to do with me, it was all him. Clearly, that’s not the truth since he’s getting married again.”
“I didn’t know.” He lowered his voice. “You can’t hold what he said twenty-five years ago against him. He’s changed, Mom. He’s let go of his anger and made peace with his life.”
“I wish he’d let go of that anger before he got kicked out of the Army. He could have been so much more.” Her voice held the same bitter disappointment he was used to hearing, but also a touch of sadness.
“Be happy for him, Mom. He was when you married husband number two, and three, and four. Everyone deserves to be happy. This is his shot.”
“You’re right.” She sighed. “What about you, baby? Are you happy? Have you found someone to share your life with yet? You know I’m not getting any younger, and I’d like some more grandkids.”
He ran his hand through his hair. How many times had she asked him this same question or tried to guilt him into settling down? Too many to count. It was moments like this that made him think an assignment to Diego Garcia would be worth it. “I’m good.”
They chatted for a few more minutes, then hung up after promising he’d call more and she’d try to be happy for his dad. He turned back around to see Bella and Risa both fast asleep. Given what she’d gone through the last couple of days, he’d bet she hadn’t slept that well.
He studied her. She was pretty. Stunning, really. Funny and compassionate, insightful, and a complication he didn’t need. Then again, sometimes a person should put their wants first.
Risa slowly stretched and yawned. “Sorry. She was so warm and cuddly.”
“Not something most people would associate with a military working dog.”
“Speaking of, can you bring her by my place tomorrow after work? It’s too early to test her physically, but we can still test her temperament. Plus, you can do whatever you planned to do today in regards to the vandalism. I’ll even throw in dinner.”
If SECOP found out, he’d get in serious shit. If Senior Chief found out, he’d be in even more shit, which he didn’t need, with his application circulating among the federal agencies. He looked at Bella. They’d been through so much. Risa put her hand on Bella’s head and Belladonna, trained warrior, snuggled closer, tail wagging like a puppy. He knew then, he was about to become a rule-breaker, and it would be worth whatever punishment came his way.
“I’ll bring dessert,” he replied.
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