Semper Fi by Keira Andrews Read Free Book Online Page A

up a few rungs and went to work on pruning another branch. He didn’t meet Jim’s gaze. “I’m not missing out on anything. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
    “But you’ll make a great father, Cal. And you wouldn’t believe how wonderful it is to have children. Until Sophie was born, I didn’t know I could love another person that much.”
    “What about your wife?” As soon as the words left his mouth, Cal blanched. “I’m sorry. God. Forget I said that.”
    The ever-present guilt churned Jim’s gut and dried his throat, but he kept his expression neutral. “Of course I loved Ann. She was a good woman.”
    “Absolutely.” Cal ran a hand through his hair. “Geez, I’m sorry. I think I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Don’t listen to me. What the hell do I know about any of this stuff anyway?”
    With his good looks and gift of gab, women had always flocked to Cal, but since Jim had known him, Cal had never kept a lady around for long. As they went back to work, Jim wondered if Cal had ever been in love.

    “Pass the carrots.”
    Jim shot Sophie a reproachful look. “Pass the carrots, please. ”
    She appeared ready to roll her eyes, and Jim’s grip on his fork tightened. He didn’t want to send her to bed without supper, but he’d had enough of her backtalk and attitude the past several months. Cal’s arrival had unfortunately made it worse.
    But she apparently thought better of an eye roll and grudgingly muttered, “Pass the carrots please.”
    Cal handed the dish over. “Here you go.” He smiled, but Sophie kept her eyes downcast.
    They sat at the round table in the kitchen. Jim’s father had only used the dining room for special occasions, and Jim had kept up the tradition.
    “This roast is delicious,” Cal said.
    “Mommy’s was better.” Sophie was clearly intent on disagreeing with everything Cal said, no matter how innocuous.
    Before Jim could interject, Cal answered. “I’m sure your mom’s cooking was really good. Say, how was school today?”
    Sophie peered at him suspiciously before hitching her shoulders. “Okay.”
    “Just okay? You told me you got an A on your math test.” Jim smiled at her encouragingly.
    “Wow, that’s great! I sure never got an A in math,” Cal said.
    “Why? Are you stupid?”
    Jim dropped his fork with a clatter. “Sophie Elizabeth Bennett. Apologize to Uncle Cal.”
    “I was just asking a question,” she muttered.
    Exhaling heavily through his nose, Jim counted to three in his head. “I’m going to take my belt off in a minute. You apologize. Now.”
    Tears shone in Sophie’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled.
    “Now put your plate on the counter, go to your room, and get ready for bed.”
    Her wooden chair scraping on the linoleum, Sophie did as she was told, her little footsteps quick on the stairs as she raced to her room. Adam, aware that something was wrong, sat on his padded chair with wide eyes, mashed potatoes dribbling down his chin.
    Jim reached over and swiped at Adam’s face with his napkin, giving his son a smile. “It’s okay.”
    “She’s just acting out, Jim. Don’t worry—I can take it.” Cal chuckled awkwardly. “Not many women I can’t win over in the end.”
    “It’s not okay. Lord in heaven, I barely know my own daughter. She’d have never acted like this before…” Jim trailed off. Ann was gone, and there was no bringing her back. He was on his own.
    “She lost her mother. Just give her some time. She’ll come around.” Cal patted Jim’s shoulder.
    No, he wasn’t on his own, and Jim felt a wave of profound gratitude. “I’m sure you’re right. Although in the meantime she won’t be speaking to you or anyone else with that kind of sass. You’ll tell me if she does when I’m not around, all right?”
    Cal raised an eyebrow. “So you can take your belt to her? I have to say, I can’t picture mild-mannered Jim Bennett worked up into such a rage.”
    “Well, the truth is I’ve