All of Me (A Prophecy Series Short Story) by Lea Kirk

Author:Lea Kirk [Kirk, Lea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Sci-fi romance, Prophecy, second chances, ghosts, paranormal, science fiction romance, SFR
Publisher: Lea Kirk
Published: 2016-03-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

October

“Don’t put that in your mouth, buddy. Ice plant doesn’t taste very good.” Gunner folded his letter of acceptance and orders from the Unified Defense Fleet and shoved them back into his coat pocket. “Mama would not be happy with me if you ate it.”

David looked at him with those crystal-blue peepers of his. “Ga?” The boy opened his chubby hand and shook it, but the tubular leaf stuck to his palm. “Uh-oh.”

“Here, let me help.” Gunner flicked the leaf with one finger, and it dropped to the ground.

Looking first at the leaf, then up at Gunner, the little boy laughed, his round cheeks pink from the crisp autumn air. Gunner’s heart squeezed at the joyful sound. He couldn’t love this kid more if David were his own son.

But he’s not my son.

A heavy sigh slipped out. Last night he’d made a decision, and today he had to break the news to April. He would accept his orders with the UDF. Then he’d have a week to report in for his two-year tour of space duty. He didn’t want to leave, but it didn’t seem she would ever be ready to let him be more than a good friend. She was still in love with Dave. And at her age, with all the romantic notions of youth, that wasn’t unreasonable.

There was a good probability that she’d be relieved to see him go. Or maybe she’d ask him to stay. Reed, you’re a pathetic lost cause.

He checked his watch. Almost naptime. “Let’s go, buddy. Mama’s waiting.”

David fit into the crook of his arm as though it was custom-made to hold the boy. Gunner strode through the town, greeting others who greeted him. At least people no longer asked why he carried April’s kid around. The innocent reminders that David wasn’t his son had shredded his heart.

The orphanage cube came into view at the top of the rise, and Gunner stole a glance at the child cradled against him. David’s eyelids drooped, then closed with a sigh of surrender.

Li-Min met them inside the front entrance, reaching for the sleeping baby. Gunner waved her off and she gave him an understanding smile. Turning, she shooed the kids in the room toward the back door and the playground beyond. Bless that woman.

He treaded the hallway as quietly as humanly possible in Army boots, then gave a light rap on April’s door. No answer. He nudged it open with one shoulder. “We’re back, Mama.”

The sound of running water came from the direction of her bathroom. In the shower. No problem. He’d become an expert at putting David down for naps. Gunner settled the little guy on the mattress. Perfect.

David’s eyes popped open, and he began to fuss. Not so perfect. “Binky. Where’s the binky?” Gunner cast a look rapidly around the cradle. Not here. Not on the night table. Not on April’s bed.

Crap. He was doomed.

Wait—the bathroom. It had to be there. But so was April, and wouldn’t she be thrilled if he walked in now? David’s pre-cry coughs were reminder enough as to who was really in charge.

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