1.70 The past

Thirty Two years ago

“Raise your hands together in a toast to Major John Morgan who will be much missed at the base.” They all cheered as John looked around at his army mates, “I can’t believe my time in the army has come to an end but now it’s time to take on the business world.”

One of the solders saw movement from upstairs and thought it was strange considering everyone was present so decided to investigate. He opened the door to find a young girl backed against a wall, “Miss, are you alright?”

She was nervous and quietly said, “Ye...ye...yes, thank you but you can’t be here.” He closed the door staying where he was and asked, “Why aren’t you downstairs with the guests?”

“Do you see any females down there Corporal?”

“I guess not. My name is Andrew, Andrew Reid and you are?”

“Louise Morgan…”

“You are Major Morgan’s daughter…shit if he catches me up here I’m in trouble.” Suddenly she laughed, “You aren’t afraid of my father are you?”

“We all are I mean he is a nice guy but he is also scary too. Hang on weren’t you nervous a few minutes ago?”

“You made me laugh so I’m not now, Andrew.” He moved closer and asked, “Are you sure you want company?”

Louise moved closer and said sweetly, “I’d welcome the company.”

“How old are you?”

“I’m seventeen and you?”

“Almost twenty.” 

He saw something in her that he’d never seen before and was fascinated, “May I kiss you?” She looked at him in the eye and smiled, without saying anything more Andrew kissed her.

A few months later

“Get out of my house, Corporal Reid.”

“Sir, I know you are angry but…”

“You were welcomed into my home and you get my daughter pregnant and you think you can explain it away.”

“Sir, please…I want to marry your daughter, I love her.” John was angry and yelled, “When you love a girl you date her first not impregnate her then marry her.”

Andrew was trying to explain but John wouldn’t let him, “Stay away from my daughter and the child she is carrying, you will never know.”

“You can’t do that to me, I’m the father.”

“I’m taking my daughter away from Lucky Palms so take one last look because you will never see her again.” 

When Andrew was pushed out the door he tried to get back in but John stood by the door. He heard his daughter plea, “Daddy, I love him and he loves me please let me marry him. He will be a good father.”

“One day Louise, you will marry but not to him. I know you think I’m being harsh but I have your best interests at heart and that of my grandchild you are carrying.”

Six months later

Louise was resting on the bed when her Dad walked in. 

He went to the crib and lifted his grandchild and said, “You have made me proud, Louise. Have you thought of a name for him?”

“Daddy, I want to name him after Andrew…” The glare she got from him was unmistakeable but when he looked at his grandson and saw those eyes looking back his heart melted, “Very well Louise, you can name him after Andrew but he has to have the family surname.”

“After his Dad?”

“His surname will be Morgan not Reid.” He looked at the baby and smiled, “Andrew Morgan, you have a good name their son, make your Grandfather proud.”

Present day

“Why did you never go after her?”

“I was an idiot who should have fought harder. A few years later she married an asshole when Andrew was young so he thought that man was his Dad. I only learnt that Louise and her husband had died when I came back. I went to see John but he still refused to let me see my son.”

“Didn’t John die when Andrew was a teen?” 

“Andrew was eighteen when he died but the only proof is in the house my son lives in. John hid his real birth certificate that names me as his father.” The room fell silent as the door opened and the officers brought Andrew inside, “Corporal Morgan.” 

1.69 Andrew's fight

Andrew was pushed into the yard where a smug Sergeant Major looked at him but he wasn’t in uniform just in his workout gear and Andrew asked, “Why am I here?”

He walked a steady pace not once taking his eyes of Andrew, “You have something I want…”

“And what would that be?”

He grabbed Andrew and said coldly, “Like my fake call up letter, I had to get you here.” He spat in Andrew’s face and dropped him to the floor, “I want Kirsten back and you are in my way. She comes from a very rich family and her father has the connections I need. When I first dated Kirsten in our teens, her father looked at me as if I was a waste of space but no more…” 

Andrew had heard enough as he launched himself at him and kept punching him until he was pulled of him. “Kirsten is my girl and she is marrying me so leave her alone.”

“Strong words for a guy who is about to be sent overseas.”

“You faked the letter…”

“I did to get you to the base and lucky for me, a position came up, and guess who I’m sending…you. I ripped up your letter of resignation so unfortunately for you there is no record of you wanting to leave the army and when Kirsten hears of your death…well let’s just say I will be there to pick up the pieces.”

Andrew broke free and this time kicked him in the stomach and the guy went down. Andrew walked up to him and said, “I’m not going anywhere Sir so with due respect accept this verbal statement as me resigning my post in the army.” 

Andrew went to walk away until he heard, “Halt.”
Andrew turned around and saw Colonel Reid in front of him.

Corporal Morgan, my office now.”Andrew marched with two guards either side of him to the office. 

He stood to attention in the office waiting to be addressed, “Corporal, would you like to tell me what is going on?”

“SIR, the Sergeant Major and I had a disagreement, SIR.” The Colonel looked him in the eye then told the guards to leave. 

“Andrew, don’t bullshit me. I served many years with your grandfather and knew your mother very well so I will ask you again what went on in that yard.”

“With all due respect SIR, nothing went on in the yard.”

“Ok Corporal then you give me no choice. Guards,” the officers returned, “Escort Corporal Morgan to solitary confinement for 48 hours.” 

Next to be interviewed was Sergeant Major Lance, “Have a seat.”

“Thank you Sir.”

“Now tell me what the fight was about in the yard?”

“The corporal is missing his girl and I was just teaching him that when you’re here your personal life stays at home.”

“It looked more to me! Can you explain?”

“Sir, I assure you that I was teaching him a valuable lesson.”

“The word at the base is you’re jealous of Corporal Morgan because he is dating the girl you want…” 

The Sergeant Major stood up and tried to defend himself, “That is a lie. I don’t go around fighting every man on this base because they have a girl.”

“I wasn’t born yesterday, I did a background check on you and you once dated Miss Decker in your teen years but as I understand it her father hated the ground you walked on and forced the break-up.”

“Kirsten’s family are very well connected…” He looked at him in disgust, “You make me sick, you would break up a happy couple because of money…you are a disgrace to this base and if I had my way, I’d throw you out but we don’t dismiss from the army because a person’s love life. Shame as I’d recommend you first.” 

The Sergeant Major went to leave then turned around and firmly said, “My advice to you Colonel leave the army because let’s face it you have past your sell by date. I mean look at you, no family no life.” The Colonel went to punch him but his long-time friend and officer said, “Don’t he’s not worth it,” as he handed him a letter that had been taped back together and file. 

He glanced at it quickly then smiled, “Oh Sergeant Major Lance…”

“What!”

“ATTENTION.” He stood up right and looked dead into his eyes as the Colonel continued, “I see Corporal Morgan is to be sent overseas but strangely we seem to have a resignation letter…you weren’t doing a cover up, were you?”

“NO SIR.”

“Good then you won’t mind taking his place then and before I forget…try a stunt like this again and I will personally have you dishonourably discharged from the army. Guards take him away. Also get the Corporal out of solitary.”

“Which Corporal, SIR?”

“Corporal Andrew Morgan and bring him here.”

1.68 The ultimate gift

Matt was working on his course work as he and Hazel had a lot to catch up on when Hazel leaned over and asked, “Are you finished yet?”

“Almost,” then he saved his work and pulled Hazel onto his lap and kissed her and asked, “Did you finish your work?”

“Yeah I did but only just. We missed so much…” Matt put his finger on her lips and said, “I have had enough with coursework today…”

“Do you want to get more comfortable?” Hazel asked as she dragged him to the bed. 

Matt smiled at her stroking her cheek, “Are you sure?” Hazel responded by kissing Matt deeply, moving her hand down his back. She then removed his shirt and said, “I love you of course I’m sure.”

Matt removed Hazel’s top and ran his hand down her side and she jumped slightly, “What’s wrong?”

“Your hand was cold.” Matt let out a faint laugh and said smugly, “Let’s warm them.” He kissed her with passion as he moved his hand down her chest, brushing past her stomach and inside her trousers. As he moved his hand Hazel held on tighter and deepened the kiss as it became more intense.

Hazel whispered in his ear, “It needs to be now.” 
Matt was in shock but it had be awhile since they had made love and with all the emotion lately it wasn’t too surprising that it was going to be heated and quick. 

Matt helped Hazel remove her trousers as well as his own. As he went deep inside her, she let out a scream that was both intense and satisfying. Then Matt let out a moan as he came with Hazel then kissed her softly once more.

“Why do you need to see me?”

“As you know Spencer is helping his brother in-law and that is why he asked for me to speak to you.”

Matt looked at Jake and then at Mr Davis, “Why do I need to be here?”

“He wanted a family member here as he couldn’t be here himself and Kay he is really sorry about this. This was something he wanted to do in person. Here is what he hopes will be a birthday gift you’ll like.” He handed an envelope and inside were papers, Kay looked puzzled at Jake. 

He held her tightly and asked, “What is this?”

“It will be odd to hear but when I was asked, I did research for Spencer and found out it was possible but only with your consent, in other words if you sign the documents. What Spencer wants to do is adopt you Kay.” The room fell silent and Kay was in shock, Matt was puzzled and then Kay asked, “What!”

Mr Davis replied, “Spencer thought after everything you had been through and the fact you do think of him as your Dad, this might be something you’d consider so legally he’d become your parent.”

Hazel was concerned about Matt and asked, “Are you ok?” Matt looked at her and said, “I’m still trying to process this in my head.” He looked at Kay and asked, “How do you feel?” She looked at him and said, “I’ve always thought of you as family but I never thought it could be made legal, especially as an adult.” She then spoke to Mr Davis, “Why are there two documents in front of me?”

“Your Dad told me how you felt about Mathew and asked for two sets to be drawn up. The one document will mean Spencer becomes your Dad as I said before but the second document means both Spencer and Tracy, Mathew’s parents become your parents too. He wanted to give you the choice. However it was to be stressed to you that Tracy would never replace you Mum whom you loved so much and you could still call her Tracy. If you choose to sign neither of the documents, Spencer also wanted to say that he would always think of you as a daughter and on his part nothing would change but the choice is yours.”

When Mr Davis left, Kay just stared at the two documents in front of her. Jake asked, “What is on your mind?”

Kay looked at him, “Strange question considering…I’m just in shock.” 

She glanced at Matt and asked, “How do you feel about all this?”

“Same as you shock but thinking about it, you are my sister so it just means it would be real. Would you have the same surname as me?”

“I never thought about that…” Hazel then spoke, “Kay, the more I see you and Matt together you very like siblings. I think you should at least think it over.”

“You are right he is like a brother but I want quality time with Matt on my own.” Hazel replied, “I know you do and I’m ok with that.” She then turned to Jake and asked, “Would you be ok with me signing the papers?”

“I want you to be happy but if you want my honest opinion then if it helps ease that bastard from your life then I say go for it.”

Kay got up and walked out towards her room; Jake followed her and said quietly, “I didn’t mean it like it sounded.” Kay looked at him and said, “Yes you did but I’m not mad at you. I’m just thinking about this as it’s all a shock. I thought the next time I changed my name would be when I got married, not adopted.”

Jake smiled and replied, “That does seem funny. The decision is yours and I know you will do what is right for you.”

Kay kissed him and replied, “Thank you.”

1.67 Lonely

As Kirsten woke up she glanced at the empty side next to her. She ran her hand across the sheet but there was no warmth it was cold as ice. 

It really was true Andrew was called up to go somewhere, destination unknown at this stage. She had hoped that when she had opened her eyes he would be next to her with that smile staring back at her. 

She went through the normal routine of getting washed and dressed but her heart was still aching for Andrew to come home. When she made the breakfast she almost broke down as she had made it for two.

Kirsten went to the mail box and checked to see if there was any letter from Andrew but there was nothing and thought, ‘ Yeah, there is really going to be a letter in here less than 24 hours after he left. Kirsten get a hold of yourself.’

She went to the park to think, swinging on the swing, ‘We want the wedding at home, Mum and Dad are back on holiday, I need to plan this wedding but I can’t do it on my own. It’s going to be a disaster.’

She wandered back to the house and when the phone rang she jumped. She answered it in the hope it was Andrew but it wasn’t, “Hello can I speak with Kirsten Decker please.”

“Hi I’m Kirsten Decker.”

“You emailed us about catering for your wedding.” Kirsten was disappointed it wasn’t Andrew but she wanted a distraction and planning the wedding was it, “Yes we want the wedding at home in our garden. We were thinking of a buffet style so the guest could help themselves.”

“I have done a few weddings for the home, what style of buffet were you looking for?”

“A simple but elegant buffet…”

“You mean a bit more up market than just ordinary party food.” Kirsten with a smile in her voice said, “Yes that’s it.”

“I can come and see you and your fiancé…ummm tomorrow if that is convenient?” Kirsten’s heart sunk again and quietly replied, “He’s been called up so I’m dealing with all the arrangements.”

“Not to worry, do want to book an appointment?” Kirsten thought for a moment and replied, “Yes, would tomorrow be ok?”

“Say at 2pm.”

“I’ll see you then, sorry your name is?”

“David Brown.” 

Kirsten hung up the call when she heard, “Need any help?” When Kirsten looked up from her phone she saw Hazel and pulled her into a hug, “I’m so glad you are back. Where is Matt?”

“He took the case to our rooms. Have you heard from Andy?” Kirsten shook her head and replied, “Not yet. Do you think…?”

“Kirst, he will be home soon.” Kirsten smiled at Hazel and asked, “You will be here tomorrow when the caterer comes?”

“Of course I will be. Do you have any ideas on what you want?”

“It’s going to be a small wedding I don’t think the guest list will pass 50 guests. Talking of wedding have you told your Mum you are engaged?”

Hazel looked away then said, “No.” 

Matt had been there a few minutes and asked, “Why?” Hazel jumped and replied, “My Mum isn’t fond of weddings,” 

She moved closer to Matt and put her arms around him and continued, “In fact she’d rather I marry a dirty old man who has money move on to the next one after the guy has died.”  

Matt was in shock and heard Kirsten say, “It’s true, I met her Mum once and she would so disapprove of you.”

Matt looked at Hazel and suggested, “We will tell her after we are married then.” Hazel giggled and Kirsten replied, “Go get a room.” 

Hazel kissed Matt and with a step in her voice said to Kirsten, “Sorry it’s just…”

“Don’t be sorry I’m just glad you are friends again.” After they left Kirsten, she thought long and hard and rang Andrew, “Hay Babe, you ok?”

“When are you coming home?”

“I miss you too but it will be awhile.”

“Andy I’ve been thinking and if you aren’t coming home till the wedding then I see no point taking the pill every day. How would you feel if I stopped taking it?”

“What if I had leave?”

“I know but can’t we just forget the pill.”

“Kirst, I know what you’re thinking but please stay on it for a while longer. On the way to the base I booked the honeymoon but where we are going is a surprise.” Kirsten smiled and replied, “Where we are going better be very private and isolated.”

Andrew laughed, “Am I going to get sleep on this honeymoon?”

“No and don’t expect any.”