Finding Mr. Right

Chapter 18

I usually liked to sleep in on Sunday mornings but I was way to excited to sleep in because I wanted to see Caleb. I was happy he offered a helping hand to me in order for me to get my car up and running faster. Two mechanics were definitely better than one and he was cheap labor. All I would need to do is feed him a good meal. I call that a win win for me. I had planned on getting him some really good take out since we would be busy working on the car and they would deliver it. Also another win for me.

I decided to call Caleb and let him know he could come over anytime he wanted. I didn't want to seem too excited even though I truly was. He of course was up and ready and said he would be on his way. I think he was just as excited to see me as I was to see him. I decided to go ahead and head outside to the garage so I could get everything ready. Dad had tools everywhere and I needed to be more organized than the hectic state it was left in. Everything had its place but he seemed incapable of putting it back in its place. I guess he was rebelling at the fact that I organized it in the first place. But in my defense it made life easier with everything being organized. My father on the other had presumably disagreed with that.

Once everything was put back up, I started to get all of my parts in order so that everything was readily available. That was one thing I got from my mom. She always liked to have everything in order. She had a place for everything and you had better not dare put it in a different spot or she would let you have it. Her organizational skills rubbed off on me but somehow skipped Elizabeth. She was just like dad and that drove me crazy sometimes. Having them both outnumber me with their messiness was enough to make me go mad. But I loved them both and therefore had to love their messy flaws as well.

As I sat there lost in my thoughts I didn't hear Caleb pull up and approach the garage. He startled me and I jumped and screamed. He looked at me wondering if I was alright. I just started to laugh so hard that tears started to stream down my face. He started to laugh also. It had been a long time since someone scared me and I just couldn't help but laugh. I think I scared him more than he scared me judging by the look on his face.

"Well I know I can be a bit scary sometimes." He said while shaking his head.

"Your not that scary." I said with a small smile.

"I am here and ready to work. What do you need me to do first."

"Well we need to replace the ignition switch. So I would say that would be a good place to start."

As we began to work on the car I started to think of questions I could ask him. That hopefully would not get him upset.

"So how did you like being in the military?" I bit my bottom lip hoping he would be ok with my line of questioning.

"You know I was able to get fed three square meals a day and make pretty decent money also. I met some really great men and women who also shared a love of their country like I did. It's an experience that I was glad to be a part of and would do it again in a heartbeat."

"So why did you decide to enlist?" I continued to work not looking in his direction as I asked the question.

"I really didn't have anything else going for me. Joining the military seemed like the best think to do at the time."

"What about family? Weren't they worried about you going overseas and possibly getting hurt?" I knew that this could be crossing a line but I wanted to know about his family.

"Well, that wasn't a problem. I don't have any family. My parents died when I was little and my grandma took care of me until I was 17 and then she passed away. I went into foster care until I turned 18. That's when I decided to join the Marines. They became my family." He said with a sad look on his face.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry. I'm sure they would all be so proud of you." I rubbed his back to let him know I was here for him also.

"It's ok. I'm good now. The military saved my life. I don't know where I would have ended up if it weren't for them."

"I'm sure they were just as lucky to have you as you were to have them."

Time was flying by and before I knew it it was lunch time. I called in an order for my favorite Chinese restaurant. Caleb told me to get him whatever I was getting. He said it would have to be good if I liked it. The food arrived pretty quickly and I paid and we headed back to the garage. We ate and then took a small break chit chatting about different things before getting back to work. I was amazed at how much we had gotten done. Only a few more small things to do and it would be up and running. It would take us another two hours tops. I had to admit that I wished that it would never end. I enjoyed Caleb's company so much. I was finding out that his past wasn't horrible at all. He was just a little guarded about letting anyone know about it because he didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him. I could understand that. Having lost my mom I understood how having people pity you made you want to crawl in a hole and never come out. The looks that you get and the sympathetic tone people use make you want to scream, but you just nod your head and smile politely.

Before I knew it my car was up and running. I took Caleb for a little test drive to blow out the cobwebs. It ran like a dream. I finally had wheels and I was so grateful to have such wonderful help. As I drove us back to the house Caleb said that he wanted to take me out again soon and for me to pick a day that worked best for me. I pulled back into the garage and he placed a small kiss on my lips.

"See you tomorrow at work." He said before getting out of the car.

"Yes, see you bright and early." I got out of the car and walked him to his Jeep.

He hopped in and waved good bye. I was going to have to tell dad about our relationship tonight. I just hoped that he wasn't going to be upset by it.

I hope you have enjoyed my chapters so far!! Stay tuned for more to come!!