Master Chief Marrone

 

My Daddy is a Hero: Master Chief Marrone Copyright © January 2012 Dahlia Rose Cover Art by For the Muses Design ISBN 978-1-936668-81-6 All rights are reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

Chapter One Outside in the harsh mountainous land of Afghanistan, soldiers made it as livable as possible. The wind was bitterly cold as it blew the snow up off the sand. One could wonder why such a desolate place needed snow storms to make conditions worse. Little reminders of what they left behind decorated their sleeping quarters and there was always a radio playing with music from home. Regardless of whether it was hip hop, R& B, pop or rock and roll, the music kept soldiers upbeat as they went about their duties. Master Chief Fabian Marrone walked through the FOB, the snow and ice crunched under his boots as he went to his quarters. Two more weeks, he thought with elation. Then he would be going home to his daughter and the warm waters of Florida. He joined the Navy because he loved the water. He even owned a boat back in Florida. The mountains of Afghanistan were no place for a Navy man. But being a Seal meant he went where they told him to do the dangerous missions few would consider taking on. This was his last tour for his navy career as a Seal. When he went home he would become an instructor for the Navy teaching new recruits. He was glad for the opportunity because now it would keep him at home close to his two year old daughter. He stepped inside the converted shipping containers that made up their homes away from home. There were two men to each and he was lucky to have this one to himself. Fabian pulled his daughter’s picture from the wall and smiled. She was in the sand wearing her pink bathing suit and smiling at the camera. Taryn had taken that picture and sent it via email for him to print out. He missed them both and couldn’t wait to see them. His family was made up of his baby girl and his best friend. His parents died years ago and he was an only child. Cae’s mother turned out to be the worst mistake he ever made. The only good thing that came from it was his daughter, whom he had custody of. Because of Jackie’s drug habit she was only allowed supervised visits and that was where Taryn 1

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

came in. While he was in theatre she had temporary custody of his child and kept her safe from his ex-wife. Taryn had been his rock through so many things that he didn’t know how to repay her half the time. He took another picture off the wall. Taryn held Cae on the beach and they both looked happy. His daughter was mixed and could be Taryn’s child to anyone who didn’t know the situation. She owned and operated her own preschool made it easy for her to take his daughter to work with her and his baby was growing by leaps and bounds. Some milestones he’d missed. It was so very clear when he spoke to them a few days earlier and Cae could say “Daddy, I love you.” It made his heart ache to see her, and very soon he would be holding his daughter once more. Both of them, he smiled thinking of Taryn, her soft mouth that curved in a smile. Her dark brown eyes that held flecks of gold in the sunlight. She was a breath of fresh air and sometimes her laughter echoed in his dreams. Her body was to die for and she was a tiny thing, five-three to his six-two. Yet she was so curvaceous that his hands ached to touch her. There was something between them and he wanted to build on it. When he got home, Fabian planned to make his move and win her love. There was nothing more that he wanted than to make Taryn a permanent part of their small family. She was a fixture in their lives one he couldn’t do without. He’d spent so much time in the friend zone in between custody hearings and work. He wondered if in that time he had missed the window to be with Taryn. There was a pounding on his door and Fabian sighed. “Just a few minutes of peace is all I ask,” he muttered and threw the door open. The soldier saluted. “You have a priority call sir.” “Thanks, I’m on my way,” Fabian replied. Luckily he hadn’t taken his coat or boots off so he stepped out of his quarters and jogged to the communications room. Computers line two walls where soldiers could email or talk to their families via video conferencing. His cell phone was out of minutes of course and he’d forgotten to get a card. It was probably Taryn worried that 2

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

she wasn’t reaching him. Since he was a senior officer he had the luxury of having his own office. It was no bigger than a small walk in closet and his desk was a nothing more that a folding picnic table. It wouldn’t be his desk for two much longer. Most of his guys were already on their way home and he was just finishing out his paperwork and getting ready to hand things over to the new team leader. He picked up the phone and put it to his ear. “Master Chief Marrone here.” “Fabian? Jesus, I thought you were out on a convoy or something.” Taryn’s voice was filled with worry. Fabian chuckled. “I’m fine Taryn, no convoys or missions for me until I leave.” “I’m sorry, so sorry,” Her breath hitched and he knew she was crying. ‘Something happened, Fabian.” His stomach dropped and he spoke slowly, fearing the worst. “Is Cae hurt?” “Jack took her,” Taryn said. “I was in the office in a meeting and we hired a new teacher. Cae was in her class today doing finger painting. The teacher, she didn’t know better. Jackie came in and told her she was there to sign her out and she was her mom. Every teacher knows to come ask me when it comes to Cae, but she was new. I saw her loading the baby into the car, I chased it down, fell, but they tore out of there. A man was driving. I called the police, there’s an Amber alert out… She has our CaeCae.” The word seemed to echo in his head. Jackie and some strange guy had is daughter. “I’m coming home, I’m coming home.” “Should I pick you up at the airport?” “I’m going to try to get into NAS Jacksonville,” Fabian said and ran his hand through his short hair. “Jesus… Damn it, Jackie.” He controlled the anger burning in his gut. ‘Taryn, meet me on base. It will take a few days to get me home.” “Your cell is going straight to voice mail, You ran out of minutes again.” she said quietly. “I’m so scared for her.” 3

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“Nothing is going to happen to her,” Fabian said firmly. “I’ll load my phone with as many minutes as I can. Keep me updated, leave me voicemails if you can’t reach me. I’ll be home soon.” “Okay.” Taryn took a deep breath and he knew it was her way to center herself. “I’ll see you soon. I wish you were coming home to something other than this. We’ll find her, Fabian.” “Yes we will.” Fabian swallowed past the lump of emotion in his throat. “I’ll call when I have travel secured.” He hung up the phone and the urge to rage at something became so fierce he had to sit down. He clenched his fists and pounded on the plastic surface of the table until he regained his composure. He was going to get home and find his daughter safe and well. This was the last straw, no more supervised visits. Nothing. Jackie was going to be out of their lives permanently. And if his daughter had even a bruise on her skin, God save them because no one, not Jackie or her new man would be safe from his wrath. **** Taryn put the phone back on its base with trembling fingers. She wanted to scream and cry but it wouldn’t do any good, plus it wouldn’t help Cae. How could I be so stupid? She blamed herself of course. But how could she have known? No one had seen Jackie in months, well before Fabian was deployed. Now she shows up and takes the baby, Cae must be so scared. The thought brought fresh tears to Taryn’s eyes. Fabian entrusted her with his cherished daughter, and she gets kidnapped from under her nose. How could he ever trust her again? The thought made her nauseous. In the ten year friendship she and Fabian had, most of that time she had spent in love with him. “Ma’am, the amber alert is on ever news station and we made sure the public knows the little girl is the daughter of a soldier overseas.” The detective in charge sat beside her. And she could see the sympathy in his eyes. “Her name is Cae and she wont be able to sleep without her boo-boo bear,” Taryn whispered. This time she couldn’t help but let the tears fall. 4

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“I spoke to her father. He is on his way home. We have to find her…we have to.” “We will, ma’am. There is nothing to suggest that Jackie Sommers took her out of the state,” the detective explained. “Even if she did, the highway patrol is on the look out for the car you described. Your memory of the license plate was a stroke of good luck.” “He’ll be so worried, she is his life,” Taryn said, knowing how Fabian felt about the baby girl. She handed the detective a folder. “This is all the paperwork showing her dad has full custody and I am her guardian when he is deployed. You can speak to Judge Moore if you need more information.” The detective took the folder. “That won’t be necessary, Ms. Neville, we’ll have her home before her daddy gets back.” She watched him walk away and speak to another police officer. She’d been there when Fabian came home with a wife, and it broke her heart yet she stayed his friend. She’d held his hand though every rehab stint Jackie ever had and when he fought for custody of Cae. From Petty officer to Master Chief, and every tour overseas, she had been there, and now this time around this happened. God couldn’t be so cruel as to take the one person they both loved. Taryn loved the baby as if she was her own, and she could wrap her hands around Jackie’s neck for taking the little girl. All she had to do was call, and she could have made some arrangement as long as Fabian said it was okay. She was high and not thinking straight, that was for certain. Because Fabian would unleash hell to bring his daughter home. The next day came in gloomy and gray. The one officer who slept on her couch monitoring the phones in case Jackie called was diligent. Taryn had walked out there a few times as the hours moved slowly by to offer him coffee or something to eat. After a few times, she could see he was beginning to hate the interruptions, so she told him to help himself to anything in the kitchen. Then she stayed in the room, angry that the phone didn’t ring and terrified when it did. She sat on the bed and couldn’t sleep, she just kept thinking of how she could have changed the day so Cae 5

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

would be home with her. No matter how many times she thought of it, it came back to the same conclusion. Jackie was the crazy bitch who took a chance and was successful. The next day came with no news and it was driving her crazy. She’d seen missing children on TV before and wondered how their parents ever coped. Now she knew there was no coping, only a tenuous hold on reality and prayers to bring the baby home safe. Her cell rang and she picked it up to see the familiar number of Fabian’s phone. He’d kept this number each time he was deployed over the last few years while his regular cell was in his home. They bought townhouses right next to each other on the beach so there wouldn’t be a big upheaval for Cae when she took care of her. “Hey, where are you?” she said when she answered the phone. Her voice was scratchy from crying and lack of use. “They got me to Germany and I’m waiting for the flight out to Florida,” Fabian replied. “Any news?” “No nothing so far,” she sighed. “I wish I knew where to go. The detective said it was useless for me to drive around the streets looking but it’s better than sitting here.” There was silence before he spoke again. “I’m so angry, Taryn. How could she do that? We haven’t heard from her in a year. How did you let her…?” “How did I let her get Cae, you mean?” Taryn asked bitterly. “Like you said, it’s been a year. I didn’t know I needed to lock the baby to my side because of your ex. You’ve been gone for five months and everything has been fine. You married her, Fabian, not me, and I picked up the slack she left behind. You’re blaming me for this, why don’t you blame her?” “I’m sorry, Taryn. Jesus, I don’t blame you. I’m just sick with wondering, you know?” She’d never heard him sound that devastated. “I know, but she’ll be fine. Jackie might not be good to herself but she loves Cae. She won’t let her get hurt, she’s just confused.” “I’ll be in by ten tonight,” he said. “If anything changes…” “I’ll text your phone,” Taryn finished the sentence. 6

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“Bye.” She heard the three beeps as he hung up and her emotions swirled to the surface. Didn’t he know how much she’d given up for him and Cae because she loved them both? This was tearing her up on the inside, and knowing he blamed her didn’t make it any better. She went to the kitchen to make coffee for her and the police officer in her living room. The news was reporting on the kidnapping again and her stomach clenched. She couldn’t eat, hadn’t slept, and instead of excitement because Fabian was coming home she felt dread. What if he came home to bad news? As she filled the coffee pot, she knew if something happened to Cae, nothing would ever fix what would break inside him. The day passed with tips coming in to the police lines but not much else. People said they saw Jackie and the baby in Miami and South Beach. One woman even claimed she was in Alaska with the baby. The cops ran down the ones they could and couldn’t find any leads. Taryn was sure that Jackie was in town, she wouldn’t stray far. There was no one to go to outside Florida. It was just a matter of finding her. She sat impatiently tapping her fingers against the steering wheel. It was five after ten, and she was waiting for Fabian to come in. She’d seen the huge plane land around nine forty-five and he still had yet to come out. Soon she saw a figure come out the hanger doors carrying a big duffel bag and striding toward her car with purpose. There was no doubt it was Fabian, she knew that stride anywhere, those broad shoulders and long lean legs. His uniform was slightly rumpled. She got out of the car and stood next to the door as he came up. He looked tired, there was stubble on his face and those green eyes were filled with worry and anger. His crooked grin was one of the things she loved about him. But his mouth was set in a grim line as he threw his bag in the back seat without a word. She played his coming home in her head a thousand times; he would hug her tight with the baby in between them. This was not the way he should come home, to find his child missing with no clues. “Any news?” he asked when he closed the passenger door.

7

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“No, the cop left my house early afternoon, after they surmised that this is not a ransom case.” She gave a short laugh. “I told them that Jackie wasn’t looking for money. They finally started to believe me.” “We’ll go home and I’ll get changed and we’ll start hitting the parts of Florida that she liked to frequent,” Fabian said. “I told the cops the places I knew from the past, and they checked them,” Taryn said. “Nothing was found.” “I know some places they would not think about. I’m finding my daughter tonight. I’ll drive.” Fabian got into the driver’s seat after she handed him the keys.

8

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

Chapter Two She was barely buckled in before he pealed out of the parking lot with the squeal of tires. He drove with controlled fury and they got back to their townhouses in less time that it took for her to drive there. The dark clouds of the day finally opened up and the rain began to fall in big angry drops. Fabian made a sound of frustration and got out of the car. He slammed the door and paced in the rain, his emotions getting the better of him. Taryn exited the car, not caring that she got soaked. The thunder rolled, but somehow the beating of her heart seemed to be louder by comparison. “Its going to be ok, Fabian, we’ll find her,” She said. “Let’s go inside and get changed, then we can go looking.” He grabbed her by her shoulders. “She should be home in her bed, asleep while it rains outside. I left you my child…she’s gone.” Everything she tried to hold inside burst free and she wrenched herself away from his grasp. “I love Cae like she is my own, I was there when she was born and stood with you when you got custody with her. I’ve walked ever step with you both and you don’t think this is tearing me up inside? It was under my watch Jackie got her and it’s killing me until I can’t breathe. You’re not the only one in pain Fabian and do you know why I do it, why it hurts me like this?” He shook his head. “I don’t…” She sliced her hand thought he air. “Be quiet! I do it because I love Cae-Cae. I love you just as much. She has my heart like any mother would love a child and you have it for how any woman would love a man. I cried when you married Jackie and swore I would never intrude on you marriage. When you broke up, every time you asked me for anything I was there hoping you would see the woman who truly loved you!” She pressed a fist over her heart and she was sobbing. “Me… But you never saw and I’m tired of trying to make you see or waiting patiently. I refuse to take all the blame. Your mistake with Jackie led to a perfect child, but I cannot be responsible for her actions.”

9

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

They stood staring at each other in the rain. She was breathing hard, and he was staring at her with an expression she couldn’t define on his face. She vaguely felt the buzzing of her phone in the pocket of her jeans. Taryn pulled it out and tried to make out the number in the downpour. She pressed the button and put it up to her ears. “Hello? . . . Jackie…Jackie where are you?” Her heart leapt with excitement as she listened. “Okay, don’t move, don’t move, we’re on our way. Don’t you dare move!” She hung up and looked at Fabian. “She’s at the Sunrise Hotel somewhere off 14th street in Dade County. Room eighteen. I can find it on my GPS. Cae was crying in the background.” “Let’s go,” Fabian said grimly. “If my baby is hurt…” She was glad he let the sentence end there, hoping no violence was needed when they got to the motel. There was definitely no time to change because Cae needed them. She was shivering when she got back into the passenger seat and flicked the hot air on high to warm herself in the uncomfortable damp clothes. “About what you said…” Fabian began. “I don’t want to talk about it,” she snapped. “We have to,” he said. “No, what we need to do is get your baby girl. After this, after she’s safe, things are going to change,” Taryn said. Emotions still flooded her as she worked the GPS to find the motel. “I love Cae and I still want to be a part of her life. I will take her to school, bring her home like I always have, and if you need help by all means I will take her like I always did. But I spent years waiting for you to see me for the woman I am. I’m done with that. I’m going to date and find love because obviously you are too brick headed to see what you had right in front of you…until it’s gone.” He said nothing as the robotic tone of the GPS unit directed him where to go. The silence between then was deafening as he drove through the rain. The Sunrise Hotel was a dump of a place, one level of rooms with a parking lot that had grass growing through the cracks. The flashing neon sign half worked with some of the letters completely black while the rest 10

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

flickered red. He parked in front of room eighteen, a dingy blue door the only thing that barred them from getting Cae. “One knock and she better open the door or I’m breaking it down,” he growled. “Let me call the cops.” Taryn pulled her damp phone from her pocket. She knew it probably had water in the system and hoped it didn’t break. The warranty had lapsed three weeks ago. The call to the cops barely went through and they were on their way. The detective had asked they not go into the room, but she explained that there was no stopping Cae’s dad. She certainly knew she couldn’t. The rain had lessened to a soft drizzle as they approached the door. Fabian’s knock was vicious and she had no doubt he could probably rip the flimsy door from its hinges. Jackie opened the door and her eyes widened in alarm. “I told you to come get the kid, not bring him.” “This is his daughter, Jackie. How did you think that was going to happen?” Taryn snapped. Cae’s wail came from inside the room and Fabian moved forward. She followed and the little girl was sitting in the middle of the bed. Fabian scooped her up and held her against him. “Don’t cry, ssssshhhhh, Daddy’s here, it’s okay,” He murmured and she could hear the raw emotion and relief in his voice. “She might be hungry,” Jackie mumbled. “She didn’t eat her chicken nuggets and she didn’t want no soda.” “Jesus, Jackie, has she had any milk in the last two days?” Taryn asked in exasperation. “Matter of fact, why did you take her?” “I wanted to see my kid, okay!” Jackie shouted. “Every time I have to play with her under supervision, and I haven’t seen her in so long. Then Mark said I should go get her and maybe we can make some money from T.” “Whose fault is that, huh?” Fabian asked viciously. “No one has seen you in a year, then you waltz in and uproot my child… My child.” “She’s mine too,” Jackie shot back.

11

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“Not for long. I’m going to court and get any visitation rights rescinded,” Fabian replied. “Your ass is going to jail for taking her, you and whoever Mark is.” “You can’t do that.” Jackie stared at both of them with a wild look of terror in her eyes. “Don’t let him get me arrested, T!” “Jackie, you need help. You’re using again,” Taryn said gently. “Maybe the judge will let you go to another treatment center.” She shook her head, her limp dirty hair moved like medusa’s snakes as she did so. “I’m not going back… I’m not. They do things there and stuck me with needles and they take things from my mind.” It was then that Taryn truly saw that the years of drug use had taken a toll on Jackie’s mind. Cocaine, meth, heroine and countless pills had eaten away her mind until reality was nothing more than dreams she sometimes awakened to. Taryn could hear the sirens coming and a man rushed into the room. “Jackie, we gotta go. Dump the kid, they found us…” His footsteps stopped and he looked around the room. “Who the fuck is this?” “Take Cae and go outside,” Fabian said calmly. Taryn shook her head even as she took the baby from his arms. Cae had begun to whimper again. “Hell no, I’m not leaving you in here to beat the crap out of him. Let the police take care of it. You have to think of your career, you need to get past the anger and think of Cae.” “I’m thinking of her,” Fabian said, his voice deadly calm. “I will, each and every time I plant my fist in his face.” The guy, Mark, grabbed Jackie’s hand and ran for the door. They were just a few steps outside when the police cars pulled in. Quickly surrounded, Taryn and Fabian watched as the cops took Jackie and her new man into custody. The detective wanted a statement from them but said that they could come down to the station the next day to file the formal paperwork. “Daddy.” Cae held out her hands to him. Fabian took Cae again and cradled her to him. “Oh I missed you, sugar bear.” 12

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

The police let them leave and Taryn strapped the baby into the car seat before getting into the passenger seat. They pulled away from the dingy hotel with their precious cargo strapped safely in the back seat. It was the first time she allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief, but the tension in her body was for another reason now. All the things she said and confessed to Fabian in the heat of anger were like a wall between them. I should’ve kept my mouth shut, she thought miserably. She probably ruined their friendship with the fact that she loved him. Taryn also knew she couldn’t stand seeing him with another woman or seeing someone else care for Cae if he got married again. It was better that it happened now before things got more complicated. It was time to pull back, and reality was a slap in the face. She was living a dream where she actually did have Fabian’s affection. It was obviously not the case. More than once she saw him glance into the back of the car as if making sure Cae was there. She also felt his look at her a few times and she kept her gaze firmly out the window looking into the darkness as they drove. Finally, he stopped the car in front of the adjoined townhouses. Back home safe and sound, she thought. “We need to talk,” Fabian said quietly. “No we don’t,” Taryn responded. “Taryn, you don’t understand…” Fabian continued. “I think I do, and it’s fine.” Taryn cut him off. “Take her inside, give her a warm bath and some milk. Spend sometime with your daughter and don’t worry about me.” “Damn it Taryn, listen to me.” She reached over and grabbed the car keys out of the ignition. “There’s nothing to talk about. I’ve been staying at your place a few times a week so she could sleep in her bed and the transition wouldn’t be a problem. Boo-boo is in the crib and the sleepy time show is now her favorite thing to fall asleep with. Fifteen episodes are recorded on your TV.” She looked back at the bright eyed child sitting quietly in the seat, and when Cae smiled her heart ached. She pushed back the tears and

13

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

sighed. “I’ll pick her up for school next week. A few days with her daddy is what she really needs.” The house was silent, too silent in fact. His homecoming should have been different. She had it in her head how she would make him a great meal and they would play with Cae until she went to bed. Then they would sit on the back patio facing the beach and talk about everything from the past five months. There would be wine and maybe, just maybe, she would have been brave enough to kiss him and let him know how she really felt. None of that could happen now because he blamed her for Cae being taken and she could see why. But now she had to move on because Fabian would never look at her as more than a friend. She showered, taking the chill and the rain from her skin, and climbed into bed. Then she let the tears fall, hoping it would wash away the misery she felt. She fell asleep from tiredness that went bone deep, but the ache never left.

14

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

Chapter Three Fabian did like Taryn said and gave his daughter a bath and fed her a banana. Then he sat down with her in his arms and found the shows on his DVR that Taryn had recorded. She drank her bottle and looked up at him. He chuckled when she held out one hand with chubby little fingers and tapped his face. Her eyes never left his face. And he bent his head to kiss her tiny cheek. Fabian closed his eyes and inhaled the scent of baby shampoo, powder and milk. It was better than any perfume he’d ever smelled and his heart felt full. He was home and his daughter was safe. The only thing missing was Taryn and as the shows lulled his daughter to sleep he thought about the woman just a few walls away from him. He grinned knowing that she loved him, then frowned because she thought he never cared. She was so far from the truth, and in true stubborn Taryn style didn’t want to listen. Now it was up to him to prove to her how much he cared and how much he wanted her. He looked down at Cae. She slept soundly. He picked her up and turned off Tootsie the Flower Fairy telling soft bedtime stories. He had a little girl and should get accustomed to girlish kids’ shows. But after watching three episodes, he firmly decided to watch a baseball game and drink a beer. That didn’t happen, of course. He put her in bed and stared at her sleeping with Boo-boo. She was covered in her pink flowered blanket and looked so peaceful. The events of Jackie taking her flooded back to him. The fear that he would not see her again crashing him in waves. He pulled up the rocking chair close to Cae’s crib so he could watch her sleep. Fabian stayed there all night and slept in the chair next to his daughter’s bed. The next day he woke up with a crick in his neck and his daughter’s laughter from her crib. She was standing looking at him and threw one of her bears at him. She smiled and he noticed she’d gotten four more teeth since he left. Fabian didn’t mind the stiffness in his body from sleeping in the chair. Seeing her smile was the best wake up he ever had.

15

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“Are you ready for some breakfast, Cae?” he asked and lifted her out of the crib. “Nanas, Daddy,” she said and began to sing in her own baby way. “More bananas, huh. You keep that up I’ll have me a little monkey,” he teased and tickled her. She squealed in laughter and he deposited her in her high chair with a loud smacking kiss on her cheek. Taryn kept his kitchen spotless and in a few minutes he was doing the everyday routine of making his daughter breakfast. It was bliss. He set her princess bowl in front of her and got himself some cereal. He sat at the table and held out a Cheerio to her. She opened her tiny mouth and he popped it in side. “Mmmm.” She clapped her hands and he laughed. “So, how do we get Ms. Taryn to fall for me huh?” he asked. “We love her, don’t we?” “Daddy, me… Taryn… watch Tootsie.” Cae smiled and picked up a piece of banana. “Yup, if daddy plays this right we can watch Tootsie every night with Taryn,” he said. “But first we have to get her happy again.” She was so completely wrong., How come he didn’t see it before? She thought he only cared for her as a friend and now she thought he blamed her. His emotions were all over the place when he got back and still no sign of Jackie with Cae. Not to mention the tiredness that he kept pushing away. From the time of Taryn’s first call it was a hectic rush to get transport, and he had been on three different planes to make it home in record time. Everything was a mad rush that was fueled by fear and anger. Now it was up to him to fix it and show her she meant everything to him. Cae and Taryn were the only ones who had his heart. He would prove it starting today. After breakfast, he cleaned up both the dishes and Cae all the while she jabbered and he listened. He decided to take her to the beach and maybe he could talk Taryn into going. But when he looked outside her car was gone. He dressed the baby in her bathing suit and put on his own shorts and a T-shirt to hit the beach. He put on his sunglasses and her pink 16

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

ones and grabbed her shovel and bucket so she could dig in the sand. He made sure he had snacks in her baby bag and the big umbrella to stick in the sand. There were ready to go and he handled carrying her and all the things he had in his arms easily. He stopped by the mirror in the hallway and looked at his reflection with his daughter. “We look cool,” he said and she giggled. He opened the sliding door and walked the few yards to the sand. The sun was hot against his skin, and he looked forward to soaking up the rays to chase away the cold of Afghanistan from his bones. They played on the beach until Cae yawned and he looked at his watch to see it was almost two in the afternoon. “Tine for a nap, sugar bear,” he said and began to pack up their stuff. By the time he got to the house she was almost asleep against his shoulder, so he gave her a quick wash to get the sand off and dressed her before putting her in her crib. One warm bottle that she drank half asleep and Cae was out like a light and so was he. Later when they woke up, he went and gave his statement down at the police station, and Cae came out with a sucker. At home there was still no sign of Taryn’s car. He called the preschool and they told him she was in a meeting. He watched TV, dozed a little and made dinner for himself and Cae all the while he thought how empty it felt without Taryn around. By the time dinner was over, and they played with her blocks and toys on the floor, it had started to get dark outside. He began to worry all the while he got the baby ready for bed, and she was down by seven. “Hey, this is Fabian. Give me a call and let me know you’re okay,” he said and hung up the phone. It was the second time he’d called only to reach her voicemail. It was nine at night when he finally saw the lights to her car in the driveway. He got up and went to the front door opening it as she got out the car. She certainly wasn’t dressed for work. The little red cocktail dress and matching shoes fit her amazingly. He felt his mouth go dry looking at her and then he frowned. She wasn’t dressed that way for him. “Hey, stranger, I left you a few messages,” he said, stepping out the door. 17

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“Is something wrong with Cae?” Taryn asked. “No, we had a good day. We did the beach and stuff, tomorrow we’ll go grocery and clothes shopping,” Fabian replied. “It’s Saturday, want to come with?” “We’ll see,” she said with a small smile. “About last night… Taryn don’t say anything, please, let me get this out.” He made sure to get that in before she could cut him off. Fabian gave her a pleading look. “I do not blame you in the least because of what happened. Taryn, I was just coming off back-to-back flights all the while thinking my child was in danger. I was going crazy, but it doesn’t mean I blame you. I wanted to say that. I left her with you and I should have been there. I was feeling guilty like I should’ve been there. To protect her and to be here for you.” She sighed. “I understand, Fabian, and there’s nothing to apologize about. We were both scared.” A tense silence stretched between them before he asked, “So, you look nice. Did you go to a party or something?” “No, umm, I had a date,” she said hesitantly. “A dentist that comes in to talk to some of the older kids about teeth. He’s asked me out a few times and I said yes.” “Oh… Did you have fun?” Fabian felt jealousy threaten to overwhelm him and pushed it back. “It was nice.” “What about the things you said, about caring for me…?” “Fabian, you like me as a friend. I get that now and I’m ok with it,” she said firmly. “Anyway, I’ll let you know about tomorrow and shopping. I’d like to see sugar bear get some new dresses. Goodnight.” She began to walk to her door and some kind of primal instinct took over. “Oh, fuck that,” he said under his breath. There was no way he was letting some dentist move in on his woman. He’d had a plan to come home and take their relationship to a whole new level. There was no way in hell he was letting her go now.

18

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

She wasn’t full to her door when he caught her by the arm and swung her around. He pulled her against his chest and wrapped her in his arms. Without hesitation Fabian took her lips in a searing kiss. It was the first time in the entire time of their friendship that he’d kissed her like this. Fabian wondered why he didn’t do it sooner, because her taste was intoxicating. Taryn opened her mouth under his with a soft moan and he sank his tongue past her teeth. One kiss and he was rock hard for her, aching to feel her naked beneath him. Fabian molded her against him as he devoured her lips like a man possessed. He finally pulled away, groaned and went back for a second taste before lifting his head to stare at her. Her eyes were heavy with desire and he wanted to drown in the chocolate depth of her gaze. “I’ve wanted you for a long time, Taryn, and if you think I’ll step aside graciously, you’re wrong,” Fabian said. “Tell the dentist you won’t be seeing him again because you belong to me. I’ll give you tonight to come to terms with that and tomorrow we’re going to pick our girl some new clothes. I will have you, hot, naked and moaning my name when I take you…that’s a promise. Okay?” He waited until she nodded slowly and Fabian kissed her hard. He left her standing there and a look of amazement was on her face “Goodnight sweetheart, see you tomorrow at eleven. Cae and I will pick you up.” He walked back inside and watched through the blinds as she went to her door, unlocked it and went inside. Gotcha off center, that’s good, he thought with a grin. He had no intention of giving her a chance to see that dentist again. Taryn was his and he planned to show her in every pleasurable way possible that he was the only man for her. **** Taryn looked at herself in the mirror and pressed her fingers against her lips. The kiss that Fabian gave here was still on her mind. She went to sleep thinking about it and woke up after an amazing dream when he took her to the heights of passion. A smile broke free that she couldn’t restrain. 19

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

The first kiss, and it was everything she dreamt of and wanted for years. He’d made it perfectly clear he wanted her and as if on automatic pilot she’d walked in the house, promptly called William the dentist and canceled the date they had for that Saturday. In actuality, while they ate dinner she wanted to run away. The man was as boring as dry toast. She knew she still had to play it cautious with Fabian. One kiss didn’t mean a thing. She’d wanted him for so long but didn’t just want to fall into his arms. If he wanted her, he’d have to bring his A game. She picked up her brush to pull her hair up into a ponytail. The white tank shirt clung tight across her breasts and the pink plaid shorts completed her casual clothes. He said they would be at her door at eleven, and Taryn had no doubt of it. Sure enough, as she took her bag off the counter he was coming through her front door. They both had keys to each other’s house, yet she heard two knocks before he strode assuredly inside and looking at him made her mouth dry. The white T-shirt accentuated his muscles and the khaki cargo pants show off his firm calves. The man was fine in and out of uniform. He pushed his sunglasses back on his head and grinned. “Cae is all strapped in. Ready to go?” “Yes I am, and I’m only doing this for Cae-Cae. One kiss and an order does not make me jump to your bidding, sir.” She said primly even though her heart jumped in excitement. She tried to walk past him, and he caught her arm and kissed her senseless once more. He bit her bottom lip and she whimpered before he smiled slowly and in a husky voice said, “You taste damn good, Taryn.” “Um, okay.” She really couldn’t think after his mouth decimated her senses. “Do you do that just for another kiss? Darling, you could have just asked,” Fabian teased. “You and your ego.” She rolled her eyes and stepped out the door, he followed and locked up. Taryn got in the car and turned to see Cae drinking from her sippy cup in the car seat. “Hey sugar baby, how’s my girl?” 20

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

Cae took the sippy cup from her lips and laughed. “T-T hug!” Unable to resist, she knelt in the passenger seat and reached back to hug the baby in the car. Fabian got in while her rump wiggled over the hand rest. “Lord, woman, are you trying to make me more…um…hotter than I am?” Taryn sat quickly and buckled her seatbelt. “Nice to see you’re curbing your tongue in front the impressionable baby.” He laughed as he drove away from their homes. “I had enough time to cuss like a bandit while I was away.” “How was it this time around?” Taryn asked. She noticed the tenseness in his jaw as soon as she mentioned his deployment. “It was the same ol’ thing.” His answer was short. “You’re trying to BS the one person who knows you better than anyone,” Taryn said with a smile. She rested her hand on his hard thigh. “When you’re ready to talk about it, you know I’ll listen.” He smiled at her. ‘Thanks…if you want to move your hand up just a little…” She pulled her hand away. “I never knew you had such a fresh mouth.” “My mouth can do lots of things you didn’t know about,” he said with a wink. “So we’re really doing this huh, taking our relationship to a whole new level?” “I’ve wanted to take it there for a long time,” he admitted. “First you were seeing that fool when Cae was a few months old, and then I thought about our friendship and I didn’t want to ruin it. While I was gone I thought about it and came to the conclusion us getting together could only enhance what we have now. We’ve got the friends part down. Don’t they say to be friends before you’re lovers? You’re my best friend T. You know me better than anyone and you love my daughter… So I guess the only other question is, wanna date me?”

21

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

Taryn laughed. “I’ll give it a whirl, I like to live dangerously.” Then she said with all seriousness, “We’ll take it slow, we have Cae to worry about as well.” “I’m glad she is first priority for both of us,” Fabian said somberly. They pulled into one of the shopping malls that graced Florida. The palm trees were lush and green and the sun wasn’t too hot as they got out of the SUV. March in Florida did bring sunshine and heat compared to places like New York that was still gripped in winter cold. But it wasn’t like summertime where the sun could beat at you mercilessly. Fabian got Cae’s stroller from the back while Taryn held her. When the baby was strapped in they went into the cool interior of the mall and shopped at the different stores. It was a great day. They rode the carousel three times with Cae while she giggled and laughed. Bought her an assortment of new clothes and sandals. Fabian had no problem splurging on his daughter. It was clear when they went into the toy shop and he bought her a dollhouse that was bigger than her and a toddler kitchen for her room. That, along with the dolls and clothes, and soon they were not only pushing the baby’s stroller but a shopping cart as well. They stopped at the car and delivered their packages before moving on. They had an early dinner is one of the local restaurants and laughed as Cae fed herself with mac and cheese, making a mess of her face and the table. The waitress said they made the perfect family and Taryn truly could see that. From the time Cae was three moths old and Fabian came to the hard decision to file for divorce and custody simultaneously, Taryn had been there. They were her family and it would break her heart to lose either of them. No other relationship had felt right since she’d met Fabian. She recalled when he told her Jackie was pregnant and the elation on his face. She was happy for him, and cried because she wanted to be the mother of his children but was too much of a coward to say anything. The chance was lost and she’d resigned herself to friendship even when he saw Jackie’s drug use hit home. Taryn was determined to help him save his family and held his hands when his marriage self-destructed. Her friend 22

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

meant more to her than her own feelings, and now their paths had turned toward each other for the first time. Maybe waiting was the best option after all, because the romance would be much sweeter. After a long day, they went home and as usual she went inside Fabian’s house. Cae was tired after the trip since the mall held so many things she could see there was no naptime. Taryn offered to give her a bath. With some warm milk in hand Taryn sat on the couch with the little girl and switched the TV to her usual night time shows. It took less than a half an hour for her to fall asleep and she looked down on the floor where Fabian stretched out. He was asleep as well, and when he gave a tiny snore she laughed softly. This was her family. She took the baby to her crib and looked at the princess clock on the dresser drawers. It was only a little after seven and she decided to let them both have their rest. She found her shoes on the carpet and passed by Fabian to go quietly out the sliding doors to her own place. She made a little squeak of surprise when his fingers closed around her ankle halting her movements. “Why are you sneaking out?” His voice was husky. “Cae is down and you were asleep, I thought I’d let you both rest.” She placed her hands on her hips. “You were snoring two seconds ago, how the heck could be awake so quickly?” “I’m a navy man, sweetheart, we’re light sleepers. Plus you know how it is with Cae, always have to keep one ear open.” He replied. He was still lying flat and tugged her ankle. “You should come down here and kiss me.” “I should, huh?” she said wryly but excitement made her shiver. He nodded. “I’ve been good all day, I think I deserve a reward.” She bent to him. “One kiss and them I’m going— Oof! In one quick movement he sat up and pulled her down to him and before she knew it she was under his hard body. “Nope I don’t want a peck, I want a deep long kiss,” he murmured, and his big hands cupped her cheeks. “So, may I have this kiss?” “Uh-huh,” she said and cringed. How was it when he was this close she forgot how to form words? 23

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

He grinned before his head descended. Fabian took his time to kiss her slowly, rubbing his lips against her with gentle friction until she moaned in frustration. Fabian groaned in response and took the kiss deeper, harder until she clung to his broad shoulders. His tongue tasted, tangled and danced with hers all the while daring her back to his own mouth. She took the queue and sank her tongue between his lips, drinking, and his long deep groan reverberated against her. Fabian traced his hands up her rib cage and cupped her breasts through the tank shirt and she felt as if she was dying from the heat alone. Almost frantically she pulled his T-shirt up so she could feel his skin. One quick movement and he pulled the shirt over his head, tossing it aside carelessly before going back to her lips. His big hands delved under her tank, pushing it up with agile fingers the front clasp of her bra was opened. Her breasts were revealed to him and he bent to pluck at the nipple with his lips. Taryn couldn’t help but whimper, and covered her mouth with her hand to hold back the cry as he sucked the tip deep into his mouth. Fire shot straight to her core and she writhed under his mouth. Her hips rose to press against the hardness of his cock settled between her thighs, searching to relive the ache he was creating. “Damn but you taste good,” he said and moved to lay on his side. His hand was on her torso and deftly unbuttoned her pants. She stilled his hand with her own, her breath coming in little pants. “I don’t think I’m ready to go there yet, I—we promised to go slow.” He kissed her before saying. “I know, but I’ve waited to touch you for so long. Let me feel you and please you, baby.” She moved her hand in assent to his request and while they kissed, Taryn felt his hand slide into her shorts and cup her sex. His mouth swallowed her cry as he slowly caressed her pussy. She was already slick and hot as his finger slipped between the velvety folds to rub her clit gently. Taryn bucked under his hand as pleasure shot through her. Oh my god. She’d never felt anything that intense in her life. He drove her to distraction and when he sank his finger into her she arched against his hand. 24

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“God you’re so hot, you’re off the charts,” he said against her ear. He sank two fingers inside her and she pressed her face against his shoulder to smother her cry. “No, let me see you. I want to watch when you come for me. I want to see your eyes.” Taryn lifted her lids and gasped when she saw his face. Desire and intensity.. Fabian fucked her harder within his fingers, finding the spot deep inside her that made her melt. She couldn’t close her eyes, she was caught in his gaze and when she came, she swore she went blind for an instant. Her body was tense and he kissed her wildly as she came under his onslaught. He pulled her against him and hugged her tightly against his body. She could feel his hardness and felt him shudder with need. “Don’t go next door, your place is here with us,” he said. “I want to feel you in my arms, I’ve dreamt of it each night I was gone.” How could she refuse those endearing words? “I’ll go get my pajamas and be back.” “I love you, I hope you know that, Taryn.” He said and kissed her. “I think I’ve always loved you but never looked past our friendship to see you’re the one I really wanted.” She shook her head. “You don’t have to say that, Fabian…” He cut her off. “No, let me finish. In Jackie I saw the model I met in South Beach that all my friends wanted. She was a prize, and even then I should have seen she had a problem. The life she lived and the people she knew… I tried to look past it all, especially when she got pregnant. But it had already taken hold and I caught her once almost using when she was pregnant with Cae. I stayed for Cae to try to give her some semblance of the family I had before my parents died.” He sighed. “Even I couldn’t change the path she was on. But you always haunted my dreams, and a few times when you were dating I thought I lost the chance. Trust me, I won’t lose it again. You’re mine, and I’m never letting you go.” “Oh, Fabian.” Her words were lost again, in the things she was waiting to hear for so long. “You said you loved me, did you mean it?” he said quietly.

25

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“Of course I did, you know I never say anything I don’t mean,” Taryn answered. “I do love you, I love Cae and not being with the two of you would destroy me. You two are my family.” “Well then, I think we should be living together, loving each other as a family,” Fabian said simply. “Marry me and let’s make what’s already right a forever thing.” “I would very much like to be your wife and Cae’s stepmother.” She felt her heart soar. “Wrong. You are more of a mom to her than the woman who brought her into this world,” Fabian said. “Don’t ever forget it, you are her mother.” Taryn sighed. “I want Jackie to get well and try to be a mother to her someday, I don’t want to take that from any woman.” Fabian sat up and brought her with him. “Honey you saw her that night, she doesn’t even know reality anymore. Before we picked you up, my lawyer called and he said the papers to terminate her rights as mother will be no problem after this last stunt. I won’t let her die alone in the streets, and when we can get her into a facility we will do so. But she won’t be allowed to put Cae in danger again, never again.” “I understand, I just wish there was more we could do for her,” Taryn said. He kissed her once, then twice. “Go get your pajamas and come to bed. You won’t be sleeping away from me ever again.” “What about if you’re doing annual training at NAS? You are going to be an instructor now, you know,” she teased. “Don’t make me spank you, wench,” he said and swatted at her butt as she scrambled away. “Promises, promises,” she said and she danced out the door. “I’m not going to even touch you until we get married, I’m doing this the old fashioned way,” he stated. “But when I do, I’m gonna smack that tush.” Taryn waved at him cheekily before grabbing her keys and heading outside. So much for taking it slow, she thought with a grin. How much 26

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

slower could it have been? After ten years of friendship that turned into love nothing felt more right. She grabbed her night wear and her toothbrush quickly before heading back over, making sure her sliding door was locked. There would be a lot of changes and only for the better. Back at his house, she changed and they sat watching TV, talking about things to come and making plans. They checked on Cae, who was still sleeping soundly. And he was true to his word. When they got in bed, he held her tightly and whispered his love before they fell asleep. Taryn didn’t have to dream of him because she was in the perfect place, wrapped securely in his arms.

27

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

Chapter Four They were going to be married in a week and everything was a flurry of activity. Combining her stuff with his and Cae’s meant they needed a bigger place. Luckily an opportunity fell into their lap that was too good to refuse. A military friend of his was being transferred to another Naval base to take over command and selling his house. The property was perfect and close enough to base and faced the beach so they would still be able to take Cae onto the sand. Each night they went to bed the need was there, pulsing and making her ache. Their kisses were frenzied and primal, yet Fabian kept to his word and they fell asleep in each other’s arms. It was the Wednesday night before the wedding. They only invited two witnesses, Fabian’s friend Darren and her assistant Christine, for the small service they were having on the beach. Fabian had even surprised her with tickets to Disney World and they would be staying for a week in a suite. She couldn’t think of any better honeymoon that taking little Cae to Disney and spending time as a family. Darren came over to watch a game with Fabian and while they were doing the man thing. She’d taken the baby to the beach at sunset so they could enjoy the warm breeze and the baby could work off some energy playing in the sand. She came back inside holding Cae on her hip as they were yelling at the TV at some play they deemed wrong. “I’m going to get her a snack and some milk and we’ll watch her shows in the bedroom till she goes down,” Taryn said. “You two seem to be having fun.” “The dip you made is awesome, thanks for having me over,” Darren said. “With your impending nuptials you guys should be frolicking naked or something.” Taryn laughed. “You’re always welcome, and frolicking usually has to wait until after the baby is sleeping. Learn it, single guy, for when you get married.” Darren raised his hands in the air. “I’m staying out of that pool, I’m too much man for one woman.” 28

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

She rolled her eyes. “Okey-dokey and I see why you two are friends. Your egos met and bonded.” Fabian laughed and kissed Cae loudly until she squealed with laughter. “Nighty Night, sugar bear.” Taryn had the sippy cup and her snack in hand when she took the baby and headed into the bathroom to give her a bath. She poured some of the baby wash to make bubbles in the bathtub, and ran the water making sure it was warm but not too hot for her tender skin. Soon she was splashing with bath toys and having a grand time. Taryn let her play before using the washcloth to clean her up. She wrapped her in a fluffy towel and got her dressed for bed. They settled in the Fabian’s big bed and she put on the television for their nightly routine. Cae ate her snack and lay back against the pillow with her cup and drank while the toddler show played. Taryn played with Cae’s fingers and hair, feeling contented to be able to be there with such a beautiful child. She wondered what her and Fabian’s children would be like and smiled drowsily. She fell asleep with Cae while the TV played in the background. A loud laugh woke her up and she looked at the clock groggily. It was after nine and Cae was sound asleep. The laugh came again as she got up to put the baby into her room. After turning on the night light and covering the baby with her blanket she had every intention of walking down the hall and telling the men to keep it down. Darren’s voice halted her steps. “I’m going to head out buddy. You have a big day coming up and I should go see what’s going on in the club tonight,” Darren said. “I remember the days you used to be there with me checking out the babes. Now you have a kid and are moving on to your second marriage.” “Those were the days…” Fabian said. Darren laughed. “You’re kidding me, right? I mean, I like T and all but she is not the type that I know you like. Jackie man, she was smoking hot, tall and legs that went on forever. T is the girl you hang with, you know? I didn’t expect you’d end up with her. But she’s cool, you know, a good

29

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

mom for Cae. I expected you to have another model on your arm after Jackie.” Taryn didn’t need to hear any more, and she turned away and went to their room. Darren’s words burned her. She knew he didn’t mean them as insults but she took them that way. She wasn’t a model or a bombshell body. She was tiny and Fabian towered over her. Did he just want to get married because of Cae, because she was just mom material? Taryn hated that his friend’s words could make her doubt so quickly, but as it stood she knew him for way longer that Jackie. It took him only a few months to marry and claim he loved Jackie. How did he not see her in the same light? Was what they had his safety net because she was the girl he could hang with and be comfortable? All the questions burned through her head as she went and took a shower. By the time she came out he was lounging in bed without his shirt, since he slept in only pajama bottoms. “I finally got rid of Darren,” he said with a smile. “Really, I thought you might want to head out with him and look for some tall thing with legs up to her neck.” Taryn couldn’t help the anger that infused her voice. “You heard what he said, huh?” Fabian said quietly. Taryn laughed. “Oh yeah I heard. I’m the girl who is good to hang out and keep the kids but not your type, is that it Fabian? Are you just marrying me for a mom for Cae? Because it’s not necessary. I was her mom from the time Jackie left, a ring won’t make a difference. That way you can head off with Darren and look for your type…” “Whoa, whoa, where’s this coming from?” He threw the blanket off and came to stand in front of her and took her by the shoulders. “You think I’m not attracted to you?” She shrugged. “From what Darren said I’m not your type of woman. You like the ones who look like Jackie. I mean, ten years and it takes till now for you to make a move, and with Jackie it was a snap of the finger.” ‘Taryn, when I met her I was hound dogging with that fool and I had stars in my eyes,” Fabian said quietly. “I learned really quickly that all that glitters is not gold. Cae was born and I never once missed that life. I was a 30

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

dad and I know what I had with my mom and dad. There was no way my child would have less. If you had listened for the rest of the conversation you would have heard something else. I told Darren you were the hottest, most passionate woman I’ve ever met. I was lucky as hell that you weren’t snatched up and I still had my chance. We weren’t mean to be with each other back then, our paths were meant to be right where we are now and with Cae. Don’t you ever doubt my love or desire for you Taryn Neville, soon to be Mrs. Marrone.” He lifted her into his arms. “In fact I’m going to show you right now exactly how much I want you.” “What about waiting for our wedding night?” she asked breathlessly. “I, Fabian Marrone promise to love and cherish you Taryn Neville for the rest of my life,” He said softly as he laid her on the bed. “Do you agree to do the same for me?” She reached out her hand for him. “I do, one hundred percent.” “Then by the power of my love for you, I pronounce us man and wife and Friday is a formality,” he said firmly. “Now I’m going to kiss the bride.” His lips met her in a tantalizing kiss that made her tingle from the roots of her hair down to the bottom of her feet. Taryn didn’t need to analyze her feelings anymore. They were true, and she and Fabian were solid. Tonight for the first time she would have the man she’d dreamt about for years. She wanted to feel, immerse herself in him. His lips met hers and she kissed him softly, then with growing passion. Fabian groaned, and his hand went to the back of her neck, pulling her closer into his chest. As she kissed him, Taryn stroked her hands over his broad shoulders and muscled arms. His hands slid up her thighs to her waist, and then farther to cup her breasts over the material of her sleep shirt. Taryn moaned and she arched, pressing herself more firmly into strong fingers, moaning softly against his lips. Fabian moved. “Let me undress you.” She lay still while his hands skimmed down her body, taking her pajama bottoms down her legs. He chuckled. “I never knew white cotton panties were such a turn on 31

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

until I saw you in them. I made a note to buy you a drawer full.” She laughed huskily and sat up so he could take off her top. She was gloriously naked, and she felt the heat of his gaze travel across her skin. She held out her hand to him and the bed dipped as he climbed in with her. He said her name almost reverently before he kissed her. That turned to pure heat as their tongues mated, her hands urgently pushed his pajamas down his hard lean hips and his hand aided her in the struggle to free him. When he was finally nude, as his naked skin met hers, they both moaned. His lips travelled down her body until he came to her breasts. Fabian took her nipple into his mouth and she trembled. He made a hungry sound in the back of his throat and he filled his mouth with the smooth globe. His hands massaged the other breast and then his lips played, taking over where his hands left off. “More please,” she whimpered. “Look at me while I touch you,” he ordered softly. “I like to watch your eyes turn to liquid chocolate when you come.” His hand slid down between the valley of her breasts to the flat plane of her stomach and her cupped her mound. His first touch caused her to bite her lips and she was already dripping wet. Her eyes met his as he slowly rubbed her clit, then added a little more pressure. Her lips parted as little moaning pants escaped when she felt him circling the sensitive flesh of her entrance. He slipped his fingers inside and she bucked against his hand. She knew it pleased him to watch her as she felt pleasure. Fabian sank his fingers deeper and faster inside her until her hips was meeting his rhythm and grinding against his hand. “Come for me. Ah, Taryn, yes take more,” he whispered harshly. “Oh god,” she moaned. She felt it building inside her, reaching for that star that would blind her as she grabbed it and soared free. His plunged two fingers inside her and his thumb still pressed against that secret button. She clutched at his hand, trying to make him stop and still wanting it to go on. “Come darling, let go,” he said with desire lacing his voice. She shuddered against him and then she came apart, her body shaking 32

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

as she fell over that sexual cliff. His hands still moved against her clit so her body still had little tremors. “Be with me now.” She pulled against his shoulders urgently. He covered her with his body and she wrapped her legs around his hard thighs. A groan escaped him as he sank into her. Her muscles contracted around him as he moved and he fisted his hands in her hair, kissed her deep and long. He fucked her with slow deep strokes, bringing the pleasure to her in waves. “Harder, Fabian, harder,” she moaned and lifted her hips against him. “Please give it all to me.” “Damn, you’re so tight, I don’t want to hurt you,” he muttered, and then groaned. “God you feel so good.” “You won’t hurt me, let go.” She gave in to the pleasure that was swirling around her. Taryn felt as if she was melting from the inside out. She moaned low in her throat that sounded like a sleek jungle cat’s purr when she felt his pace increase. He thrust into her hard and she spread her legs wider taking him even deeper. As the intensity grew, her fingers were tangled in his hair and she pulled his head down for a kiss. He lifted her hips against him pounding into her almost savagely. Her head was arched into the pillow as ecstasy coursed through her. “I’m going to come, be there with me Fabian.” Once again she exploded. She felt her self soar like the universe being built from one tiny spark. It was him, it was all because of him. He followed her over that edge and she felt him spill his seed inside her. He collapsed against her and there they lay, entwined until their breathing calmed. She looked up at Fabian, his eyes were closed and there was a small smile on his face. “I hope that puts all your doubts to rest,” he said as he stroked her shoulder. “Ask me that when I learn to speak again,” she murmured and he laughed. Fabian rolled to his side, taking her with him, and looked into her eyes. 33

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“I do love you Taryn. Mind, body and soul, I’m yours.” “I love you too, Fabian. And I never thought I’d ever get to say those words.” She smiled up at him. “Friday we get to start our lives together.” “Not start, sweetheart, we already began a long time ago,” he replied and kissed her gently. He was right and she pulled him close, knowing that he was the love that her heart always longed for. **** The county courthouse gleamed in the Florida sun as they stepped inside. His lawyer was able to get an expedited hearing for Jackie’s rights as a mother to be terminated. They hadn’t spoken to Jackie since the night when they got Cae back from the dingy hotel room. There didn’t seem to be a point actually. Fabian knew without a doubt that this was best for his daughter. Looking at Jackie as they brought her into the room dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit, he felt only pity. The woman he thought he loved was nothing more than a myth. She looked nothing like the model that he met. Her face was sallow, and the sickly pallor made her dark skin appear pale. Jackie glanced over at him and gave him a dirty look. He turned his attention away from her and focused on Taryn holding Cae in her arms. They were the only people that mattered. “All rise, the honorable Judge William’s presiding,” the bailiff called loudly. The judge walked in with his black robes and looked at the opposing sides of the room. “Be seated.” After they sat he scanned the paperwork. “This is the matter of Marrone versus Marrone. Master Chief Marrone is asking for the parental rights of the minor child’s mother to be dissolved at this time. After reviewing this matter and reading the accounts of the abduction of the minor child, I am ruling in the favor—” Jackie stood up and screamed, “You can’t do that. You can’t take my baby!” The judge banged the gavel and ordered, “Mr. Cobb, you’re her court34

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

appointed attorney. Silence your client.” Mr. Cobb shushed Jackie before standing. “I’m sorry, your honor, but as you can understand my client is upset at this travesty. Her child should not be taken because of her addiction problems. In fact, she should be offered help.” “In fact, your honor, Jackie Marrone has been offered and given help on more than one occasion, in some of the best rehabilitation centers in the country. Paid for in private and by military medical benefits through Master Chief Marrone.” Fabian tapped his fingers impatiently while his lawyer spoke. It was going in his favor, and all he wanted to do was to give his child the best care possible. In the midst of Jackie’s outburst, Taryn had slipped quietly from the room with the baby in her arms. His lawyer continued to speak. “In every case, Jackie Marrone either refused treatment, left the facility, or, in one instance, actually had her boyfriend bring her drugs on the premises. They were both caught, and she was thrown out and arrested. She showed no worry about the child when they took her from the safety of her guardian, and when they could no longer deal with the baby, the plan was to leave the child and make their escape. In none of these situations did she think about her daughter.” “My client has made preparations to enter a rehab facility of her own volition,” Mr. Cobb began. Fabian’s lawyer cut him off. “That is wonderful, and we hope she gets the care and begins the recovery process, but Cae Marrone should not be held in limbo. My client should not be looking over his shoulder wondering if his child will be taken again. Her rehabilitation has been tried more than once and failed. What makes this time any different?” The judge held his hand up. “Quiet both of you. While I agree that her rehabilitation is key to her becoming healthy and drug free, it’s not about her wants or needs. This is about what is best for the child mentioned in the papers. My ruling stands, and Jackie Marrone’s rights as mother to Cae Marrone are terminated. She is not allowed to be within one hundred feet of any residence or school where the child will be. If she violates this ruling in any way after her jail term is completed, she will be arrested and 35

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

her parole rescinded.” The judge turned his attention to Jackie. “I hope you get the help you need, but you are no longer viewed by law as her mother.” He banged the gavel. “This is my ruling.” Yes! Fabian gave a mental cheer and shook his lawyer’s hand. It was finally over. “Fabian, Fabian please.” Jackie called his name as the prison guard led her out behind him. Taryn stood up when they came through the door, and he gave her a nod. He could tell by her face that this wasn’t what she wanted either. But for Cae, it needed to be done. He took his baby from Taryn and kissed her gently. He vowed he’d never be afraid when she was born, and he meant to keep that promise. The best of what the world offered would be hers. “No, no!” With a show of strength, Jackie elbowed the guard in the ribs and ran over to Fabian and tried to snatch Cae from his arms. He held the baby tight to him with one hand and shoved the hysterical woman away from him. She came back more deadly than ever, scratching and screaming until the prison guard and a bailiff restrained her. “You can’t take my child. She’s mine, damn you. She’s mine,” Jackie screamed. “This was a plot between you and T to take her. Taryn always wanted my baby! Get your own, bitch!” “Take her,” Fabian told Taryn. Cae had begun crying at the loud screaming. She took the two year old and stepped away. Fabian turned to Jackie who still struggled angrily, and he finally let free all he had been holding in for such along time. “I’ve sat and watched you destroy yourself for too long, Jackie. Her first tooth, I picked you up from a crack house and dropped you off at rehab. Her first birthday she had cake, and then I bailed you out of jail. Her first steps, colic, all the things where a child needs its mother, you weren’t there. And you accuse Taryn of trying to stop you from being a mother? She has asked me to give you more chances than you deserve. All the times I wanted to lock you away, she believed in you. You’re sick. I understand that. I was there. I tried to help you each and every time, all the while tying to raise Cae. But at some point I had to stop trying to take care 36

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

of you and focus on her. What we had wasn’t love. It started as infatuation and then guilt on my part because you brought my most precious gift into this world.” He took a breath, and everyone around him remained silent, even the guard that held her, giving him time to have his say. “You’re to blame, Jackie. All of this is on you. Losing Cae is on you because even if we didn’t work out, she needed a mother, and you were never there. You’ve spent so much time blaming everyone else for your problems. How about taking the first steps toward recovery and accepting what you have done. No one made you take the drugs you loved pushing into yourself more than your child. I wish you better, Jackie. I doubt it, but, God, I want it for you. It’s not my responsibility anymore.” He pointed to the baby. “It’s all about her now, and if you loved her just an ounce, you’d know this. For once in your damn life think about someone other than yourself. Taryn has been her mother and stability for as long as Cae can remember. She’s always been there, not you.” With those words he turned and went down the hall to his family. Yes, Cae and Taryn were his family in the last few years, and he was blind not to have seen it long before the past few weeks. He took his baby and kissed her until she giggled and then pulled Taryn close and kissed her temple. “Let’s go home, my two special ladies. We’ve got a wedding to attend,” Fabian said with a smile. As they stepped out into the Florida sunshine, he felt the last vestige of guilt fall away. For too long he thought Jackie was his responsibility. It was time to look for happiness with the woman he loved. **** Their wedding day dawned bright and clear with a cool breeze coming off the ocean. By one in the afternoon they were saying their vows in front of the two witnesses and baby Cae. Taryn wore a simple cotton dress with spaghetti straps in white, her hair loose down to her shoulders. Fabian 37

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

opted to wear his military dress whites for the ceremony even though he didn’t need to. He took her breath away, standing by the sea trim and proper with his medals adorning his chest. She watched him on the beach before she went outside, holding Cae in her arms. The little girl was in a pink dress with white sandals and white ribbons in her hair. Taryn pointed out the where Fabian stood. “Who’s that out here looking so handsome, sugar bear?” “Daddy, Daddy,” Cae said and giggled. Taryn laughed and kissed the baby’s temple while the small arms wrapped around her neck. “That’s your daddy and he is a hero, don’t ever forget that Cae-Cae. For so many reasons he will always be our hero.” She walked out to be with the man of her dreams. Taryn handed Cae off to Christine and stood beside him, proud to become his wife. The wind picked up a few tendrils as she faced Fabian and he tucked it back behind her ear affectionately. The minister spoke and they repeated their vows. When he said you may kiss the bride, Fabian took her lips in a sweet kiss while Cae squealed and clapped her hands. He took Cae from Christine, and the first picture of them as a family was taken. After a simple lunch with their two guests, the car was packed up with their suitcases for the drive to Orlando. They changed in the amazing suite that Fabian had booked and went out to enjoy the park. Cae was ecstatic as she saw the different characters, a few she was afraid of but she still was brave enough to touch them. “That’s our girl,” Fabian said proudly when Cae approached a very large bear and wrapped her arm around his leg in a hug. “She is amazing,” Taryn replied as they held hands and the sun glinted off their matching wedding bands. Later that night, after they returned to the hotel and a very tired toddler was tucked into her bed in the smaller room of the suite, Fabian and Taryn stood outside on the balcony and watched the fireworks. He kissed her long and deep, setting off a chain reaction inside her that the colorful display in the sky couldn’t compete with. “Come to bed, let me love you,” he said. His voice was deep and 38

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

husky and she could see the love shinning the blue of his eyes. Taryn nodded, unable to speak past the emotions that clogged her throat. She felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Fabian had managed to captivate her senses as they walked inside. He sat on the bed, and he was looking at a picture of Cae sitting with a princess and beaming from ear to ear. She sat next to him and smiled. “We should get that blown up for the house.” “We’ll take tons of pictures so she will always have memories,” Fabian said. “And hopefully we’ll have her another little brother or sister to play with.” “How about we let that happen when it happens,” Taryn said. “Let’s get settled into our new home and get Cae on a schedule before we think about any new additions to our family.” He pulled her close and kissed her hard. “A son that will have hot wheels all over the house or another girl so she and Cae can play tea party. I think either sounds perfect. I think we should start trying right now.” “Trying to keep me barefoot and pregnant?” “No, just making plans for our future together.” He pulled her closer and kissed her softly. “I love you so much Taryn.” She was suddenly breathless as he pulled her closer. She could feel every contour of him through his thin shirt, the hard sculpted body that being a Navy Seal had created. Their lips met and clung to each other in a desperate need to claim one another. Taryn opened her mouth willingly to accept his tongue and his taste, one she knew she could never do without. He let his palms roam against her back, massaging her body and touching her with expert hands. She made a little sound of pleasure in her throat. His hands moved to cup her breasts, slowly massaging the firm round globes. Her nipples hardened against his palms and Taryn moaned into his mouth. Their tongues mated and she pressed her body more intimately against him in a silent plea for more. The urgent need to be closer to him and feel his skin against her own became her center. He tore his mouth away from hers and looked into her eyes. 39

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

“Forever?” Such a small word that meant so much but she knew the answer as easily as her next breath. “Always.” His eyes were on her when she stood before him. Taryn watched the heat smolder in the blue depths of his gaze as her dress slipped from her body to the floor and she stood in only a pair of white lacy panties. She unbuttoned his shirt as he sat there, and caressed his shoulders as she took the material off him. Taryn pressed her face against his shoulder, feeling the skin against her cheek and inhaling his scent. His hands wrapped around her waist and she could feel his heart speed up. He kissed her stomach once, then twice. “I’ll always love you,” he whispered. “You have me, I’m always yours,” she responded and she cupped his cheeks bring his face up to hers for a kiss. He kissed her, devouring her lips as he swept her off her feet and laid her down on her bed. He slipped her panties down her legs before he took off the rest of his clothes. Taryn looked at his hard length as he stood proud and naked in front of her. With a husky laugh, she pulled his hands until he lay on the bed. She kissed her way down his muscled body until she came to his cock and took it into her mouth. “Oh damn, Taryn.” The words and then his breath hissed out between clenched teeth. He combed his fingers through her hair and she took him deeper into her mouth. Every sound that Fabian made fueled her need. His hands caressed her ass and she felt his fingers bury inside her. She moaned but never stopped her movements as he penetrated her with his fingers while she sucked him. He pulled her to him suddenly and kissed her hungrily. He rolled and pressed her back into the bed, covering her body with his own. She felt his lips travel down to her breasts, and he took the hard bead of her nipple in his mouth. He moved from one to the other hungrily tasting and suckling her, moaning his need as he did so. Taryn cried out as ecstasy shot to her core. She bucked against him, wanting to feel him pressed inside her but he took his time, slowly bringing her to a boil with 40

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

his touch. She felt his finger slips between the moist folds of her flesh and press against her clit. Taryn turned her face into the pillow to smother her soft cries of need. “No, let me hear you come, don’t hide it from me ever,” he said softly. Taryn closed her eyes as his fingers slipped inside her, his thumb pressed against her clit. She cried out his name and felt him watching her as he sent her over the edge with his fingers alone. Her release made her pussy gush its fluid and it coated his fingers. He muttered her name and trailed his tongue down her body. When she felt his mouth on her pussy she clutched at the headboard. The need to be anchored because she felt as if she was being tossed in a sea of pleasure was foremost in her mind. His tongue penetrated her and he sucked her clit ravenously, tasting her until she broke apart under a wave of ecstasy that made tears leak from her closed lids. He did not let her catch her breath before she was filled with this thick cock. “Fabian, oh God, Fabian.” She bit his shoulder as sensation assaulted her. Taryn wished she could explain to him how good it felt to have him buried inside of her. She could see no words were needed as she looked at him. His eyes had gone dark blue with desire as he moved inside her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and lifted her hips to take more of him. She felt his hand slip under her bottom to pulled her into his every thrust. This time it was she who flipped until he was beneath her and she rode his cock. He pulled her low into his kiss and bucked beneath her like a horse unwilling to be broken. She gave back willingly, pounded against his hard cock, taking him deeper. His breath was harsh to her ears and she threw her head back while the sensations assaulted her body. Taryn heard him call her name and voice his need, which only heightened her pleasure. “I’m going to come…please don’ t stop.” He grabbed her hips and pumped himself into her earnestly. “No baby, I’m not going to. Fall with me Taryn my love.” She felt his body tense and shudder against her with each thrust. The sound of her slippery wet body meeting his filled the room. 41

My Daddy is a Hero

Dahlia Rose

He cupped her face. “Look at me. Damn it, look at me. I want to see it’s me that is making you feel this way in your eyes.” She opened her lids as she spiraled into her orgasm. She watched Fabian’s face as pleasure passed over it and his body tensed. His neck arched and a groan escaped his lips as he spilled himself inside her. With his head against hers, they waited for their bodies to stop shaking and their heartbeats to slow. All the while she caressed his body, luxuriating in the feel of him and enjoying the sensation as he did the same to her. “You and Cae are my world, so don’t ever stop loving me,” Fabian said in the quiet room. “Fabian, I’ll love you forever, I promise you that,” Taryn said softly against his chest. She meant each word as she pulled his head down to her for a deep kiss. His hands roamed her body again and she lost all sense of reality except for the man who held her tight. After all, he showed her love was worth waiting for.

The End

42