Soldier's Son

(9) DALTON

Donna helped me go thru some of my clothing I put at her and my Father-in-Laws house since my apartment was so small.

"Do you like this English guy...the dwarf actor?" Shawn asked.

"I don't really know how to answer that Shawn...I mean I've only known him a little over a week." I said as Donna brought out my winter dress that I wore to Michael's awards celebration.

"Shawn, don't put that child on the spot...she did right by Michael and he has been gone almost 3 years now...are you sure you still can wear that Elise?" Donna asked as I wondered myself as I looked at my waist.

"I wasn't putting her on the spot, but the young man seemed to like her and Gunner, and I was wondering if she felt the same." Shawn said as I went into Donna's bathroom to try on the black dress that went down to my knees, long tight sleeves, low cut front and open back that stopped at the top of my waist, a tear drop diamond that hung at the bottom of my back.

The dress barely fit, but also had a dress for Riley that I thought Norman would like...it was also black it went a little above the knee but covered everything and it was lace and it had a choker part to it something Japanese since Norman liked Japan.

Grabbed both dresses after I removed mine and heels that went with them and my winter wraps for both of us that covered our shoulders. I put them in the truck before going back in to give them my loves and to tell them that Norman and Riley would be bringing Gunner soon.

My Cell phone rung when I got back to the truck and got in. It was Richard.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Hey...where are you?" Richard asked.

"I'm at Donna's getting Riley and my dress for tonight...and don't get use to seeing me in one of these things...I'd rather be in jeans and boots." I said making him laugh.

"Norman said don't worry about that, you girls wont be in them long...please don't listen to him though...but as I was saying we are at the hospital meet us there before going home to get ready...and watch out Norman's on edge a little and don't know why." Richard said.

"Oh God did they break up?" I asked.

"No...oh, no no no no....Norman nor Mingus will let her out of their sight." Richard said as I wondered what was going on.

"Ok...and oh yeah thank you for reminding me...on my way." I said. "Oh and Richard...thank you for keeping watch as I slept." I added as I pictured him shyly smiling.

"You drive safe love, see you at the hospital." Richard said as I heard nothing from Norman which I knew something must have been deathly wrong with him.

"I will try." I said as I hung up on Richard and headed towards the hospital.

****Hospital****

Parked by the BMW of Richards and Riley's dusty covered Dodge Challenger, wondering why it was dusty I had a feeling I will know about it soon enough.

"What did you do? Grow wings and fly here?" Norman asked in a tone I didn't feel comfortable hearing as I got to the group and met him at the bathroom.

"Bat out of hell when Gunner isn't with me." I said as a young man came up and stood by Norman guessing it was Mingus. "Well hello Mingus right?" I asked as he nodded.

"Yes ma'am."Mingus said trying to smile at me but I could tell there was tension there.

"Norman come walk and talk to me now please." I glared his way as he nodded and walked away but Mingus followed. "What is wrong with you? Where is my sister? Is there trouble already in paradise?" I asked.