Sailor Proof (Shore Leave 1)

“Mom. You finally get one kid happily partnered and then you start on the next. Let Calder find his own path, whatever that may be.”

She sighed. “I know, I know. Let Calder be Calder.”

“Exactly. Do you need me to sing you a song about it?”

That got a hearty laugh. “No, but you and Derrick better both be at family camp this year. The kids are counting on it, and I can’t wait to see the musical numbers.”

“I know. We’re planning on it. Derrick’s put in for the leave, but a lot can change as you well know.”

“Yes, I know. I’m crossing everything that everyone can come.”

“I’m sure—” I cut myself off at the sound of the door and Craig talking to someone in the hall. “I think he’s here. Can we finish this talk at breakfast?”

“Of course, honey. Have a nice night.” We ended the call right as Derrick appeared in my doorway.

“Hey.” He said it all casual, but his wide smile gave him away. He might have a killer poker face for Calder and his friends, but for me he was an open book, and I loved that about him. He was way less broody these days, and as I tugged him into the room, there was lightness to his step that hadn’t been there a few months ago. Leading him over to the bed, I stopped to give him a kiss.

“Hey, yourself. You taste minty. Did you get a peppermint mocha on the walk from the bus without me?”

“Yours is iced and on the counter in the kitchen, Mr. Cold Beverages in Winter.” Eyes twinkling, he gave me another kiss. “And you’re the one who got me hooked on the drink. And you.”

“Awww.” That got a third kiss before Derrick perched on the edge of the bed. I moved to join him, then stopped. “Should I go rescue our drinks?”

“In a minute.” He pulled me to sit next to him. “First, I’ve got news.”

My pulse sped up. Thump. Thump. We’d been waiting for this. And waiting. “News?”

“Yup. Orders came through early this morning. Groton, here we come. Got the instructor billet.”

“Oh my God. Finally.” I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. Ever since Derrick put in for the instructor position at sub school, we’d both been on edge. It was a big, huge change. For both of us. But it would mean him stateside for a few years. I was all for that as long as it made him happy.

As for me, I’d be close to the East Coast Eulers and all my Boston friends from college. It would be fun seeing them again, and even the snow would be a nice change and worth the hassle to be with Derrick. Really with him. Team us. We’d made this decision together, and I felt good and excited about it.

“Wait. You found out this morning? And you didn’t text?” I fake pouted. “I would have had a celebration waiting. Cake.”

“You Eulers and cake,” he teased. “We’ll order some later. Promise. And I was busy.”

“Busy?”

“Yeah.” He pulled out his phone. “I scored a last-minute phone meeting with the housing folks at Groton.”

“Oh?” All of a sudden, the lack of a text seemed less important. “And?”

“And I spoke to a great transition specialist. She thinks she has the perfect place for us. She sent pictures. Do you want to see?”

“You have to ask?” I made a grab for his phone, but he held it out of reach.

“Here, I want to show you.”

“Okay. But hurry.” I leaned in, his arm around my waist, anchoring me, as he called up the pictures he’d saved.

“So it’s a freestanding house.” He showed me an exterior shot of a small blue home of indeterminate age. The picture was clearly from the summer—no hint of snow or cold and there were cheery flowers out front.

“No apartment? No neighbors to complain about noise?” I liked the place already.

“Neighbors, but hopefully not close enough to hear you scream.” He leered at me.

“Counting on it.” I leered right back. “And maybe you’ll be the one screaming.”

“Yes. Please.” A faint pink flush spread up his neck. “And here’s the inside pics. Lots of windows. Kitchen’s bigger than I expected.”

“Oh, that’s nice.” I admired the white cabinetry and the appliances I’d have to put some effort into learning to use. “You can cook me lots of things there.”

“I will cook you all the things.” He kissed my forehead.

“I can’t wait.” I bounced lightly on the bed. “Show me more. One bedroom?”

“No. That’s the best part. Two.” He flipped to a new picture, this one a large, sunny L-shaped room. “Monster second bedroom. All yours. We’ll wire it all up for your studio, put some instrument hooks up...”

“I love it.” I kissed his cheek. “And heck, that’s so big, I may have to add to my collection.”