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Robert Michaels awoke abruptly as he felt the sharp nudge in his rib cage. He was aware he'd been dreaming, but he couldn't quite recall it. He became aware of two things at the same time: Steven was crying and Margo was the one prodding him.
"Your turn," came his wife's muffled voice. "I'm exhausted."
Robbie sighed and dragged himself out of bed. Their seven month old son was teething and had been cranky for the past few days. It had been hard on Margo dealing with an irritable infant all day. He didn't blame her for not wanting to get up in the middle of the night, even though she knew he had a seven o'clock meeting and would have to be up and out the door by six a.m. The baby wore her out, as she reminded him frequently, and he was more than willing to give her as much help as he could. He wanted Margo to be happy. If missing a little sleep could accomplish that, then that's what he would do.
He shuffled down the hall to the nursery and moved quickly over to the crib. He scooped his son up into his arms, realizing at once that the boy was wet and that was probably what all the fuss was about.
"It all right, sport," he crooned softly as he moved over to the changing table and set about the task. "Daddy's here. It's all right." His hushed voice and a dry diaper quickly quieted Steven's cries and he was soon snuggled down in Robbie's arms. After a few more minutes of gently swaying to ensure the baby was really asleep, Robbie kissed his son's forehead and lay the baby back down in the crib. He quietly pulled up the quilt his mother had made as a christening gift for her latest grandchild.
He stood there for a moment, smiling as he watched his son sleep. Then he moved back out into the hallway, closing the nursery door partway. He glanced at his bedroom door but he was fully awake now. If he went back to bed, he would only keep Margo awake with his tossing and turning. Instead, he headed downstairs. Maybe a glass of warm milk or cup of tea would help him get back to sleep.
He noticed the light in the kitchen and knew he would have company for his midnight snack. He smiled as he saw Jenny sitting at the table, a cup of something hot already there waiting for him.
"Hey, Junebug," he greeted softly. She turned to give him a small smile at the use of the name he'd called her when she was very little. She'd just turned seventeen, but sitting there in her pajamas, sipping at her cocoa, Jenny Michaels looked like the little girl Robbie had left at home all those years ago when he joined the navy. He'd always had a special place in his heart for his youngest sister and he was happy she was visiting. He knew she wasn't very pleased to be here at the moment, though. "Sorry if the baby woke you up."
Jenny shook her head. "I couldn't sleep anyway. When I heard him cry, I figured you'd be up, so I made some hot chocolate."
Robbie took a seat and sampled his drink. It was warm and felt good going down. "Thanks, sis." He didn't even ask her how she knew it would be him and not Margo who would get up for Steven. His sister didn't much care for his wife, but he chalked it up to a personality clash and something he just had to accept. Besides, he didn't want to get into that right now anyway. He knew very well why Jenny hadn't been able to sleep and it had nothing to do with Margo or the baby. He reached out to place a comforting hand on hers. "It's going to be all right, Jenn. You'll see."
Her pretty face darkened and he could see the tears well up in her eyes. "No it's not, Robbie. It's not fair. Mom and Dad have been just awful about everything... well, mostly Dad. I think Mom likes Matt, but she doesn't want to cross Daddy."
"He's only doing what he thinks best..."
"I know that!" Jenny cried in a harsh whisper. "He thinks he's protecting me, but he's all wrong about Matt... he is! Matthew loves me... " She paused to control herself and when she spoke again, her voice was calmer, though just as adamant. "And I love him."
Robbie squeezed her hand. He wasn't usually comfortable talking about these sorts of things. If it had been any of his other sisters here, they wouldn't even be having this discussion, but somehow he'd always been able to open up to Jenny. He never felt awkward expressing himself around his baby sister. "I know you do, sis. Mom talked to me a lot about everything before you came out. She realizes you love Matt. It's just that... well, Dad's a little concerned about Matt's intentions."
Jenny pulled her hand out of her brother's grasp and pounded it against her leg. She made a little sound of angry frustration. "That's because he saw Matt out with that floozy Emily Granville. But he was only helping her with her car. I tried to tell Daddy that, but he thinks Matt's a womanizer and that he's not serious about me."
Robbie felt his eyebrows rising. He knew Emily Granville and her reputation. No wonder their father was mistrustful of this Stetson guy, if he was hanging around Em. His sister caught his expression and glared at him.
"Don't you start. You don't even know Matt, so don't go judging him."
Robbie held up his hands and gave her a smile. "I didn't say anything."
Jenny simply sighed. "Matt asked me to marry him," she went on. "He's being transferred to Washington and he wants me to go with him. That's why Mom and Dad sent me out here to visit you. They think I'll forget about him if he goes away. But I won't. I could never forget him."
Robbie wished he knew what to tell his sister. He was aware of exactly what his parents were hoping for when they shipped Jenny out here and in his heart he felt they were wrong. He'd seen how miserable his sister was about the whole thing. He could hear the depth of her feelings for Matthew Stetson, but he didn't feel it was his place to cross their folks or to encourage Jenn in her rebellious nature. He settled for trying the reasonable approach.
"They probably think you're just too young," he suggested. "Maybe if you waited till after you finished high school. If Matt really loves you... "
"Don't even say that," Jenny interrupted, her blue eyes flashing. "Do you know how many times Mom's told me that? 'If he really loves you, he'll wait till you're old enough.' Ugh! Do you have to be a certain age to love somebody? Thelma was only eighteen when she married John and nobody had a fit about that. Mom was only eighteen when she married Daddy!"
"So what does Matt think about all this?" Robbie asked, deciding to try another angle. Maybe if he could get a handle on Stetson's part in the whole thing, he would know better if it was just his little sister who was all worked up.
Jenny's face softened and she smiled, her first real smile since she'd arrived two days ago. And suddenly Robbie saw this wasn't just teenage infatuation. This wasn't just ol' head-in-the-clouds Jenny, off on some tangent. He saw the love in her eyes and he felt a sudden ache for something he felt he was missing in his own life.
"Matt wants to do the right thing," she said softly. "He doesn't want Mom and Dad to hate him or to cause any bad feelings between them and me. He's so sweet, Robbie. I wish you knew him, then you'd see." The tears were now falling unnoticed down her face and Robert felt his own eyes growing watery. "He loves me, Robbie," Jenny told him tearfully. "He wants to marry me and I want to marry him. Is that such a terrible thing?"
Robbie scooted his chair over so he could wrap his arms around his little sister and hold her tight while she sobbed quietly into his chest.
"Shhh, Jenny... it's okay. We'll figure something out, you'll see."
And he meant it. Sitting there while Jenny spent her tears of sorrow and frustration, he resolved that if there was anything at all he could do, he was going to help his sister. Their father was wrong in this, of that he was sure. It wasn't something that happened often, but this time their parents were so far off the mark, he wondered how they could be so blind. How could a parent not understand the true feelings of his own child? True, he'd only been a father for a few short months, but he hoped with all his heart that he would never make this kind of mistake.
After a time, Jenny managed to collect herself, dabbing at her eyes with the handkerchief Robbie had found for her. He got up and walked over to the sink, his mind working furiously. There had to be a way, but they would have to work fast. He turned back to his sister.
"Can you get in touch with Matthew?" he asked suddenly. By the guilty look on her face, he knew Jenny had been doing just that, even before she gave him a small nod. He smiled indulgently. "Good. How long before he has to report to D.C.?"
Jenny swiped at her eyes again. "Next Friday," she told him and her face grew curious. "Why?"
"That gives us almost a week. That should be enough time."
"For what?"
Robbie let his smile grow wider. "To get you two married and on your way to Washington."
It took a moment for what he'd said to sink in, but when it did, Jenny leaped up from her chair to throw her arms around her brother's neck. "Oh, Robbie!" she sobbed joyously. "I... don't know how to thank you."
"You don't have to, sis," he told her as he returned her loving embrace. And she didn't. The happiness radiating from her face was all the thanks he needed.
Lieutenant Matthew Stetson leaned against the bar and fidgeted nervously with the beer he'd ordered. Not quite twenty-three years old, he'd fought the Germans and killed several before being wounded. He was then sent behind the lines to spend the rest of the war recuperating and working in one of the field offices. Shortly before the end of the war in Europe, he'd been approached by the Army's Intelligence division. What they offered him had intrigued his sense of adventure, something he'd felt had been cut short by his injury. It had taken several more years for things to come together, but now everything was set and he was about to start a new life, one that would include mystery, intrigue and danger.
As exciting as this new path appeared to him, he knew it would mean nothing if he had to report to Washington alone... without Jenny. Now, standing here in the dark, smoky club waiting for Robert Michaels to show up, Matt was more nervous than he'd ever been in battle. The next few minutes would mean the fulfillment of all his dreams or the end of everything. If Jenny's brother decided not to help them, Matt knew the woman he loved with all his heart would never be his. He'd have to report to Washington and then the distance would only work against them.
That was why he'd come to San Diego. Jenny's call was vague to say the least, but she'd hinted at the possibility of her brother being on their side and he'd hopped onto the first bus out of town. Technically he was AWOL. Though he'd received his transfer orders, they weren't in effect until the day after tomorrow. He hoped that in the confusion of paperwork he wouldn't be missed.
He realized he was drumming his fingers on the wooden counter and he took a quick drink to give his hands something to do. God, please don't let this Michaels brother be like the other one, he prayed silently. Matt knew that would end his chances immediately, without any hope of appeal.
He glanced down at his watch. 9:00. Right when they'd planned to meet. He let his eyes wander around the room again and then come to rest on the door. It opened and several people walked in. An older couple moved over to a table, but the man behind them stood at the entrance, obviously looking for someone. Matthew knew immediately it was Jenny's brother.
Tall, and built on the lean side, Robert Michaels looked nothing like his older brother, but he did resemble his sister quite a bit. He had the same dark blond hair and although his face was set in a carefully neutral expression, Matt could see the innate kindness in the man's eyes -- just like in Jenny's beautiful blue ones. For the first time all night, he allowed himself to breathe a little easier. He lifted his hand slightly. Robert nodded once and then walked purposefully in his direction.
Matthew watched anxiously as Robert came up to the bar and ordered a drink. He sat down on a tall stool and motioned for Matt to do the same. For the next few moments they both drank in silence, until Matthew thought he would crack from the tension. Finally, Robert spoke.
"I kinda thought you were younger," he said quietly, still sipping at his beer.
The lieutenant raised his eyebrows. This wasn't exactly the beginning he'd hoped for, but he kept himself calm as he answered. "Is that a problem?"
Robert shook his head. "Not to me, I guess. Just another reason why my folks were opposed to this."
Matt scowled into his glass. "It's not like I'm an old man," he stated. "I'm not even twenty-three yet."
"And Jenny's just barely seventeen," Robert shot back. Before Matthew could say anything else, though, he turned to give the lieutenant a placating look. "Relax," he soothed in a low voice. "I'm not the bad guy here."
Matthew let out the breath he'd been holding. "Neither am I," he murmured and felt Robert's hand on his shoulder.
"I know that," he assured him and gave Matt a smile. "My sister wouldn't fall in love with anybody less than Prince Charming."
Matt laughed at that, grateful for Robert's attempt to put him at ease. "Well... I don't know if I'd go that far."
"Jenny has," Robert said and his voice had grown serious. "She's putting everything she holds dear at stake for you. I just had to be sure you were worth what she's giving up."
Matthew felt the weight of guilt settle on his shoulders. "I didn't want it to be this way," he told his companion. "I'd give anything for it to be different."
Robert nodded slightly, gazing down into his beer. "Sometimes we just have to take how life turns out," he murmured softly. To Matt, it sounded like the man was talking about himself. He watched Robbie pull himself back from somewhere else, then turn to Matthew again. "So Dad took a dislike to you. Not a whole lot you can do about that, I suppose."
It was Matt's turn to glare darkly into his beer. "Not now," he stated glumly. "But things could've been different. I think your dad could've gotten to like me if only..." He stopped, unsure of how much to say in front of this man.
"If only what?" Robert prodded.
Matthew didn't meet his gaze. He felt his fist clench tightly around his mug. "If I'd had a fair start," he told him. "If... well, if certain people hadn't been there, filling your dad's head with all kinds of lies about me."
Robert suddenly sat up straight on the barstool and clutched Matt's arm tightly. "Jake?" he asked in a tone that let Matthew know there was not a lot of love lost between the brothers. He nodded and saw Robert's face grow grim.
"I had a run in with him a few weeks before I even met Jenny," he related. "I didn't think it was any big deal 'til later, when I realized he was her brother." Matt shook his head at the memory. "He sure took every opportunity to make me look bad after that and I can only imagine what all he told your dad."
Robert's face looked strained. "You don't have to tell me any more. My dad's a pretty fair person, but for some reason he's always had a blind spot about Jake's manipulating. Everybody else can see it, but Dad... " Robert heaved a sigh. "Maybe Dad just doesn't want to see it. It must be pretty hard to recognize the flaws in your own kids."
Matt grew thoughtful. "My dad died when I was just a kid, so I don't know first hand."
Robert was silent for a moment and Matt drained the last of his beer, shaking his head at the bartender. He'd had his fill for the night.
"Do you love my sister?"
Matthew turned to see Robert studying him in a thoughtful manner. There was no fault- finding, no accusations -- the man simply wanted to be sure his sister would be loved and taken care of. It was such a wonderful change from all the turmoil they'd been through in Glorieta. This was the first person in Jenny's family who'd even bothered to ask him how he felt. As Matt faced Jenny's brother, he felt the sting of grateful tears in his eyes.
"I love her with all my heart," he answered simply. There was no need to elaborate or make flowery speeches. He'd told Robert all he wanted to know. He watched as Robert reached into his pocket and pulled out some papers. He held them out to Matthew.
"I'll hold you to that," he stated quietly. "This should take care of everything."
Matthew took the items and glanced through them. He could see train tickets, a birth certificate, something else that looked legal.
"They're fake," Robert explained. "Jenny's underage after all, but trust me, they don't look too close in Las Vegas. If they even ask for I.D. the birth certificate should take care of everything, but there's also a signed consent form. You've got bus tickets to Vegas and then a train to go to D.C."
Matthew peered closer at the train tickets. They were for deluxe accommodations, complete with sleeping compartment. He glanced back up at Robert. "These must've cost a mint. You didn't have to do that." He held the tickets back out.
Robert merely smiled and pushed his hand away. "Consider it a wedding present. Just because you're eloping, doesn't mean you can't have a honeymoon."
Matthew blushed in a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude. "I don't know what to say," he murmured. "Thank you doesn't seem to quite cover it."
Robert shook his head sadly. "I wish I could do more, but you're gonna be taking all the flack for this. I can't let my folks know I helped."
The lieutenant nodded solemn acceptance. "I know. I figure they're going to hate me for this."
Robert shrugged. "Who can say? In a couple of years... maybe a few grandkids come along... things can change."
"I sure hope so," Matt replied fervently. "It's going to be tough on Jenny to be estranged from all of you. Plus, with my work we're not going to be very close either. That'll make it even harder."
"Best you can do is follow your heart," Robbie assured him. "Everything else will fall into place." He got up from the stool. "Now... I'm going home and go to bed. I don't want to see or hear you, but I have a feeling Jenny'll be gone in the morning."
Matthew nodded and held out his hand. Robert took it and they shook firmly.
"I don't expect anybody else will ever do this, so let me be the one." Robert grinned. "Welcome to the family."
"Thank you, Robert," Matt told him gratefully.
"Call me Robbie. All the family does."
Matt smiled his appreciation. "Okay, Robbie. Thank you for everything you've done."
Robert held up his hands and his face took on a look of innocence. "I haven't done anything," he stated.
"I know," Matt said with a grin. "But thanks just the same."
Robert stood at the window, staring out at the driveway. He'd heard the taxi drive up and hadn't been able to resist going to watch. He saw Lieutenant Stetson walk over to the far side of the house where the guest room was. Robbie knew the ladder would be in plain sight. He'd been sure to leave it out of the garage. There was a soft sound as the window was opened. After a moment, he saw Matthew return, leading Jenny by the hand, her small suitcase in his other. They headed down the walk but before they got into the cab, Jenny turned and let her gaze move upward, seeking out the second story window. She caught Robbie's eye and waved to him.
He smiled and waved back. He saw Matthew look up as well and the man gave him a respectful salute. Robbie touched two fingers to his forehead in a return gesture. Then the young couple got into the taxi and closed the door. Just as it pulled away, Robbie saw Jenny blow him a kiss out the window. Then they were gone.
Robert stood there for a long time after. He wondered how his parents would react when he had to call them in the morning. He hoped they didn't do anything rash like track Jenny down and try to force an annulment or anything. He'd make a point of talking to his mother. He was sure she would be more open to reason.
"Are you coming to bed, Robbie?"
He turned at the sound of Margo's sleepy voice and pushed himself away from the window. "Yeah, I coming."
He moved over to crawl in beside her. He fully expected her to turn over and go back to sleep. Instead, she moved closer until he took her into his arms. She settled against his chest and he felt a closeness they hadn't had since before the baby.
"Are they gone?" Margo asked softly.
Robbie felt his eyebrows raise in surprise. "You knew?"
"I'm not blind, Robbie. The poor kid was miserable." He felt the sigh that escaped her. "I hope things work out for them."
"It will," he stated firmly. "He seems a stand up guy and Jenny's nuts for him. I have a good feeling about them."
"I'm glad," Margo said. She fell silent and just as Robert thought she'd fallen asleep again, he felt her lift her head. "You're a pretty good guy too, Robbie Michaels," she told him. "I love you, you know."
Robbie studied his wife's face for a moment. This kind of openness between them had become infrequent and it was something he missed.
"I love you too, Margo," he whispered. "I always will."
She lay her head back down on his chest. Before too long Robbie could feel the evenness of her breathing and knew she'd gone back to sleep. He tightened his hold on her just a bit, relishing this moment and knowing that with the daylight their lives would return to the routine they'd settled into. He thought briefly of his sister and hoped with all his heart he'd done the right thing.