Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) by Breanna Hayse Read Free Book Online Page B

ability. I got leave for next weekend. Is that too soon to see your folks?”
    “No! But what about reservations and stuff?”
    “First class reserved, leaving Friday at 1300. I just want to make sure you can let them know we’re coming in case they have plans.”
    “Can I call them now?”
    “Go ahead, use my phone. I have an outside line.”
    “Where are you going?” She grabbed his hand as he stood.
    He kissed her. “To break the news to my sister. She’ll think I’m deserting her. I’ll be right back.”
    Jen’s hand shook as she called her parents. Her mother answered the phone. “Hey Mom, how are you doing?”
    “Well, it’s the voice from way out in California! Dennis! It’s your daughter!”
    “Who? Do I have a daughter?” her father said, picking up the other line. “Funny, I haven’t heard from any daughter of mine for a while.”
    “Cut it out, I talked with you guys last week. I was wondering if you had plans next weekend. I want to come see you.”
    “And to what do we owe this honor? Did you win the lottery?” Her father laughed.
    “Dad, stop it. And yes, I did.”
    “What?”
    “Not like you think. I met this guy; he’s wonderful. I want you to meet him.”
    “Wow, he must be special to risk bringing him home to face us.”
    “Dennis, stop it. Tell us about him, baby.”
    “Mom, he’s so incredible. And his family has adopted me like one of their own. He’s the brother of the girl I work for. His name is Michael.”
    “What does he do?”
    “He’s a Marine Corps lieutenant and runs the labs. And he’s beautiful.”
    “Uh oh, Jen-girl’s in love,” her father teased.
    “Yes, I am,” Jen said quietly. Her parents grew quiet.
    “You’re serious, aren’t you, honey?”
    “Yes, Mom. He took care of our trip right when I asked. He’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. And his sister and I have become close friends. Her boyfriend has adopted me as a sister too. It’s awesome, I have another family here. It makes it so much easier for me. It doesn’t hurt as much being gone.”
    “Well, I would certainly like to meet this young man. He better be a gentlemen,” her father grumped.
    “Dad, he’s more than you would ever expect me to have. His father and uncle are also the base commanders. They are generals and have taught him manners.”
    “Generals, huh? Hanging out with big wigs now. So he won’t go belching at the table like that boy Vern you brought home?”
    “Dad! That was in 8 th grade and you belched first!”
    “What about the one who farted during the movie?”
    “That was you.” Jen rolled her eyes.
    “I don’t know, Lil. It sounds like this boy might be too uppity for the likes of us farm folk.”
    “Dennis, hush up. We’ll get your room ready. Will he, uh…”
    “If you don’t mind, yes, I’d like him to stay with me. We won’t do anything, I promise.”
    “He could stay with your brothers,” Dennis grunted.
    “Dad, I want to keep this guy, not scare him off. It’s bad enough he’ll have to meet the twins. Please be nice. And NO drinking.”
    “Goody two-shoes doesn’t drink?”
    “Not often. He’s 22 and very responsible. PLEASE be nice!”
    “I’ll try.”
    “Thank you. Mom? Keep him under control.”
    “I will. Does your young man like anything in particular to eat?”
    “He’ll eat anything. Except Dad’s chili. No chili!”
    “I like chili,” Michael whispered, sitting down next to her. She shook her head violently.
    “How about ribs?”
    “He loves ribs, Dad. Go for it. We’ll be in late Friday night, about ten. Mike said he’ll rent a car and we’ll drive out, okay?”
    “I could come get you.”
    “Thanks, Dad, but I don’t want to be smashed between you and Mike in your pickup.”
    “He can sit in the back.”
    “Bye, Dad. Mom, please make him behave,” Jen begged.
    “He will, I promise. We’ll see you Friday, honey.”
    Jen rolled her eyes again, leaning back in the chair. “My father is impossible,