Soldier's Son

(15) The Gathering

8:00, my son was dressed and looking nice...and no I didn't need that shower I claimed earlier...but damn close, but this night isn't over yet.

Riley and I set the table as if hosting a presidential dinner....I did take etiquette class in middle school and passed with flying colors. Never knew I'd be using that minor talent.

Richard and Norman were finishing up the food area. I already needed another shot of Gentleman Jack once Riley and I were done.

"Hey bartender pour me a double. I said feeling as if I would unravel.

"Your not alone, I believe I will join you." Richard said as he poured four shots as Mingus came in looking like a young model.

I drank my large shot down to get that fuzzy feeling to regain my power to meet Richard's family. I needed air and I had twenty minutes...that is if his family comes right at 9:00.

Stepped out on the back snow filled deck. Taking deep breaths as I looked at the clear dark night sky full of stars, wondering what in God's name am I doing? I don't have to leave...but I must. I felt strong arms wrap around me and cross themselves over my belly. I laid my head back to make contact with a hard chest.

"Your going to be fine." Richard said as I rubbed his arm.

"I hope to God so, but I need this, it will help me in my deep soul thinking for the next few weeks." I said.

"I know." Richard said as he brushed his face in my hair as I closed my eyes.

"I don't want to go." I said as I turned to Richard and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"No one is forcing you to go." Richard said as he leaned down and kissed me as I parted my lips for him to deepen the kiss as he held me tighter against him. A low moan escaped his throat. I pulled from the heated kiss as I shook my head no.

"I have to, I have ties at home I have to deal with." I said as I licked my lips to taste his taste on my lips making our parting kill me. The door bell rang as we both looked to the house.

"Shall we?" Richard asked as he lifted his head.

"We shall." I said standing on my tippy toes to give him a quick kiss before going in where we heard an older woman ask Riley if she was Elise.

"No ma'am, I am Riley her sister." Riley said as she shook hands with our 3 guest.

I let Richard enter the living room before me. Richard put his arm around my waist as I felt as if I were a prize winning mare with their eyes on me. Then his mother smiled and came to me and took my hand in hers, before she hugged me.

"Such a tiny tiny thing you are...and so pretty. I am Margaret, Richard's Mother....my husband John, and our eldest Christopher." She said as I nodded to them before they shook my hand. I saw Richard in his older brother.

Still had a few minutes before everything was done. Norman and Riley came into the living room where the rest of us were.

"Ahhh man Norman Reedus." Chris said as and he and Norman shook hands. "How the hell do you know my baby brother?" He asked as I loved their ascents, he stood with his hands in the back pocket of his jeans.

"I'm hungry." Gunner said before looking at the different people who studied him and Richard together.

"We will eat soon buddy...I too am hungry." Richard said.

"I can see why the tabloids said he was yours Ricky." Mr. Armitage, Richard's father said.

"Gunner's father passed away over in Iraq almost 3 years ago." I said as his mother looked at me with soulful eyes.