Love's Sacrifice Read online

  “Yes … that … was my … work out for the day…” she panted closing her eyes.

  Cody kissed her temple. “No one but you.” Was the last thing she heard him say, before she fell asleep in his arms.

  Chapter Nine

  Cody’s eyes fluttered open, and he watched Shon sleep in his arms. Carefully he lifted his wrist, looking at the time on his watch. He leaned down and kissed her shoulder blade. “Babe, I have to go pick up Michele.”

  “What time is it?” Shon rubbed her eyelids.

  “It’s four fifteen.” He slid his arms from around her body and sat up in the bed. “I’m going miss her.”

  Shon flipped to her side and leaned on her elbow, facing him. “You won’t be able to miss her.” She smiled. “She’ll be calling you every day.”

  “Or I will.” He turned and set his feet on the plush rug. Cody gazed at her. “We will make this work. I will make this work.” He caressed her legs. “Don’t do anything drastic like disrespecting Commander Roberts.”

  “I’ll try not to, but he deserved what I was going to lash out at him.” Shon sat up in the middle of the mattress. “I have three more years on my contract.”

  He propelled himself off of the bed. “Let me worry about the Navy. You just continue what you’re doing. I got this.” He picked up his uniform off the floor.

  “What do you mean you got this Cody?” Shon’s tone showed concern, as she moved out the bed.

  “Shony, don’t fuck up your career.” He gazed at her and ambled out the room naked to the family room.

  “Cody…”

  She startled him when he twisted around and she was next to him, he didn’t know she’d followed him. She now wore a short, black, silk robe. “You look sexy in that.” His manhood jerked as he gawked at her chocolate legs. He pulled on a pair of jeans.

  “Don’t change the subject. What aren’t you telling me?” She crossed her arms under her breasts, pushing them up.

  “Babe, it’s my last day with you guys. I want to enjoy it.” He pulled his shirt over his head. “Michele wants us to be together tonight,” he sat, putting on his sneakers. “Play table games, watch some kiddy movies. She wants the same thing I want.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “My family.” Cody saw the emotions passing through Shon’s eyes, and she dropped her hands to the side. He knew she blamed herself for them not being a family, and she was right, it was her fault; nevertheless, he loved her and everyone makes mistakes. Hers lasted almost thirteen years, but now he needed to focus on the future. “I won’t let distance or the military keep us apart.” He strolled up to her and bowed his head, giving her a soft kiss on the lips. “Let’s enjoy our last night together. Our last night for now.”

  “I’ll start dinner.”

  “That’s okay, babe, take a break. I’ll pick up some pizzas.”

  “Okay.” She continued toward the hallway. “See you when you get back home.”

  Home… Yes, this was finally his home.

  ***

  “Mom!” Michele hollered in her Ricardo voice, coming through the door with grocery bags in her hands. “We’re home!”

  Cody followed in tow with two boxes of pizza in his hands, chuckling. “Your mom’s going to kill you. She might be asleep.” He placed the boxes on the kitchen counter.

  “Naw.” Michele sat the items in her hands on the table. “She loves me too much to kill me,” she giggled. “I’m still alive, right?”

  Shon sat in the living room shaking her head. “I’m right here.”

  “Mom.” Michele strolled over to where she was seated and dropped next to her. “How was you day?”

  “It was okay.” Shon fixed Michele’s hair, moving a strand out of her face. “How was yours?”

  “Just okay, what happened mom?” Michele observed her with concern in her eyes. She knew Shon.

  “Nothing, I’m just a little tired, and it’s been a long day.” Shon hugged her little girl. “So, how was your day?” She asked again.

  “It was great.” She smiled. “We learned how to build a tent and how to survive in the wild, if anything happens.”

  From her perch on the sofa, she watched as Cody took the groceries out of the plastic bag and placed them in the refrigerator.

  Shon could tell something was wrong with Cody. He was extra quite while Michele spoke about her day.

  “Michele, go get cleaned up for dinner.” Shon rose.

  “Yes, Mom.” Michele stood and went to the back toward her room.

  “Cody…”

  He lifted his head, and her heart sank. Cody’s eyes were red and shiny. She took fast strides. “Baby, what’s wrong?” She cupped his face.

  Cody placed his hands over hers. “I just met her, Shony… I don’t want to leave her.”

  “I know how you feel; it’s the same way I feel every time I have to leave her.” She caressed him. “It never gets easier.”

  “I never knew I could love someone so fast, in a matter of minutes. This trip changed my life and opened my eyes to what’s important in life.” He sighed, kissing her hand and stepping back. “Fuck material things, possessions, what counts is family, and I have that now.”

  “Please, don’t you do anything crazy because of us.” She knew him. He was scheming up something in that head of his. “We can have a long distance relationship for three years.”

  He arched his eyebrow.

  “Think about it. I won’t re-enlist. You can come visit, and we’ll come and visit you. No one will have to know we’re together.” She stared up at him. “I don’t want you to loose everything you’ve worked for, Cody.”

  “What’s it worth?” He peered at her. “You’re right. I’ve worked for a lot, and I will keep what I’ve earned.” Cody leaned forward, kissing her lips, and then he slipped in the tip of his tongue, when they heard a certain someone clear her throat.

  Michele had a smile from ear to ear. “Yes!” She pumped her fists in the air.

  Shon and Cody both shook their heads and chuckled.

  They sat around the table, and he opened the pizza boxes. “Michele, your turn to say the prayer.”

  They all held hands. “Heavenly Father … thank you, thank you, and thank you again for hearing my prayers.” She squeezed her parents’ hands. “This is my dream come true to have my mom and dad together again. Oh … thank you for the food we are about to eat, amen.”

  “Amen.” Cody winked at her.

  “Amen.” Shon smiled. “Nice prayer.”

  Michele grabbed a slice of pizza. “So, when did you two start kissing?”

  Shon cocked a brow, staring at Michele. She was defiantly her daughter, and she said what was on her mind.

  “I was just asking.” She took a bite of her pizza. “So, should I expect a baby brother?”

  Shon choked on the pizza she chewed on. “Michele!”

  Cody’s chuckle was loud, and he had to cover his mouth with his hand.

  “I’m just saying, I would really love to have a baby brother or sister before I turn twenty.” She eyed them.

  “I’ll see what I can do.” He took a sip of his soda.

  “Cody, don’t egg her on.”

  “I’m being serious.” He winked at Michele.

  “Thank you, Dad.”

  Shon cast a glance at her family and smiled; another baby wouldn’t be so bad after all. She could make up for the decision she made, keeping them separated. They sat at the table—talking, being silly—simply enjoying themselves.

  ***

  They were all seated in the living room watching Michele’s favorite teen movie. Michele sat in the middle of them, talking through the whole thing. Cody shook his head. He grinned, watching his girls; they were so much alike. His decision was made.

  “Dad.” Michele took his hand in hers, “This is not goodbye, okay?”

  He shook his head.

  “Tonight is, see you later.” She got up on knees and kissed his nose. “When I dreamt ab
out you. I pictured you shorter.”

  He laughed. “You thought I was short? Look at you, you’re almost as tall as your mom, and you thought I was short?”

  “Well, I didn’t have much to go on.” Michele gazed over at Shon.

  “Whatever, Michele.” Shon tickled her. “I told you how he looked.”

  “Yeah, you said he was white with blue eyes.” She stifled a laugh. “But he’s more than that. He’s handsome, funny, and best of all, my daddy.”

  Cody sniffled. Michele was getting to him. Leaving her behind would be harder than he ever thought. Yes she was only a phone call away, but it wasn’t the same. He couldn’t hold it in anymore, and his tears rolled down his face.

  “Don’t cry…” Michele’s voice cracked as she cupped his face with her soft hands. “I love you, Dad.”

  Cody wrapped his arms around his little girl. “I love you more.”

  Shon had tears in her eyes. She got up and left the room.

  “Daddy, don’t be sad,” she whispered next to his ear. “We will always have each other no matter the distance.”

  “I know, baby.” His hold tightened.

  “Dad, you’re squeezing me,” she grunted.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” He released her, wiping her tears from her eyes. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  “I was blessed with the best parents in the world.” She sat watching the TV as if nothing just happened.

  Cody sat up all night with Michele in his arms, watching movies. Shon must have gone to sleep, because she never returned to the living room. He would be leaving for the airport in less than an hour.

  Michele fell asleep on his lap. He picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. He flipped the light switch on, walked across the room, lifted her sheets, and then placed her in the middle of her mattress. Cody tucked her in and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Princess … I love you. If you need me for anything, no matter what time, call me.” He kissed her temple.

  “I promise.” She yawned and went back to sleep.

  Cody stood, looked at her one more time, turned off the light, and walked over to Shon’s room. She was on her bed crying with her hands over her eyes.

  “Shon…” His heart ached watching her cry. Cody took several strides and reached her. “Babe, I promise I’ll be back before you know it.”

  She hugged him. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “I won’t let you miss me.” He tilted her chin. “You’ll get tired of me.”

  Shon’s lips curled to a smile. “This time, no letting go; no matter how far or for how long.”

  “No letting go.” He kissed her. “I have to go.”

  “Bye, Cody.” She kissed his cheek.

  “See you soon, love.” He hugged her one more time and stepped out of her room without turning back. Cody picked up his suitcases and headed to the door.

  Shon ran out of her room into his arms, making him drop his suitcases.

  “I love you.” She had tears rolling down her chocolate face.

  “Me too.” He kissed her one more time. He opened the door and grabbed his stuff. She stood at the threshold as he stepped down the pathway to his rental. Cody placed his items in the back seat. “Bye.” He waved as he entered the car and closed the door. Shon stood in front of her house until he drove off. Once again, he left part of his heart.

  Chapter Ten

  “Bye, Dad,” Michele’s voice echoed in his ears.

  “Bye, princess, talk to you tomorrow.” Cody swiped a finger across the screen of his cell phone.

  Three months had gone by, and he was still separated from his girls. Three months and he kept his promise. He talked to Michele every day, even if it was just for five minutes. He longed for Shon, thirteen years was too long, and now this. He wasn’t the same person as before. He was unhappy, and the only time he smiled was when he spoke to Michele or Shon. They always found a way to get him to smile, especially on video chat.

  There was a knock on his door. “Come in.”

  His commanding officer walked in with some papers in his hands.

  Cody snapped to attention.

  “Relax, Mitchell.”

  “How can I help you, Sir?”

  “Are you sure this is what you want to do, Mitchell?” Admiral Kirk asked. “I can rip these documents up right now.”

  “Is that the reply, Sir?” Cody moved away from his desk, looking at the documents in his commanding officer’s hands.

  “Mitchell, you’re up for commander. Your future looks so promising.” The Admiral pointed out. Do you know how many strings I had to pull to get this?” He waved the piece paper in his hand. “It usually takes nine to twelve months to process this request.”

  “I understand, Sir.”

  “I signed that damned request and rushed it because you asked me to, but now looking back, I should’ve denied it.”

  “Sir, I have my reasons.” Cody watched the man he admired, his mentor in his career.

  Admiral Kirk shook his head. “Congratulations, Mitchell, you got what you wanted.”

  Cody grabbed the documents out of his hands and smiled, reading over them. “Thank you, Sir.”

  “Damn, I haven’t seen you this happy in a while,” the Admiral stated. “I’ve never seen anyone so delighted to receive that shit. Usually, they’re devastated.”

  “Sir, I love serving my country, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love.” Cody placed the letter in a closed folder.

  “Mitchell, if you ever need anything, give me a call.” His commanding officer shook his hand. “It has been a pleasure.”

  “The pleasure has been mine, Sir.” Cody squeezed his mentor’s hand.

  He released the Admiral’s grip. “Good luck at your new command,” the admiral said on his way out.

  “Thank you.”

  “Tell me it ain’t so.” Barkley entered his office right after the Admiral walked out. “Dude, over a woman?”

  “Not any woman.” Cody sat, placing the folder on his desk. “She’s the mother of my only child, and the love of my life.”

  “I’ve never heard you say mushy shit like that before.” Barkley dropped into the chair in front his desk. “She must be the real deal.”

  “She is,” Cody sighed. “I never knew what I was missing in life until I met my daughter. She’s brought me so much joy and a few headaches.” He chuckled.

  “Daddy’s little girl, I can’t fault you for wanting to be there for her, but you can do that from afar.”

  “Barkley,” Cody watched him, knowing he tread on thin ice with what he was about to say, “I hope what am about to say doesn’t affect our friendship.”

  “Say what you have to say, Mitchell.”

  “You don’t have a problem just being the dad that sends money to your child. To me, that’s not being a real father.” He entwined his fingers. “You only call her on her birthdays and holidays. She doesn’t even know you, man. I met my daughter three months ago, and I know her more than you know yours.”

  “That’s how you feel?” Barkley glared at him.

  “Yeah, you need to reach out to your daughter. Before you know it, she’ll be a grown woman resenting you.” He leaned forward. “Everything I’m doing is for her.”

  “You don’t think I’ve tried? Her mother won’t allow me to,” Barkley spat. “She has full custody.”

  “Then fight, dammit.” Cody banged his fist on his desk. “They’re worth it.”

  “I know.” Barkley stood. “I’m trying.”

  “Try harder.” Cody peered up at his friend and stood too.

  “For what it’s worth, I’m going miss you.” Barkley roamed over to him and him a bear hug, patting his back. They pulled away. “Thanks for the advice. I see fatherhood has affected you in a good way.”

  “Yes it has.” He grabbed the frame off his desk with Michele and Shon’s picture in it. “I wish you the best. You’ll make Lieutenant Commander in no time.”r />
  “I hope so.” Barkley walked to the door. “I plan on stopping by legal and seeing what my options are with my kid.”

  “Good luck.”

  Cody didn’t know what came over him. He had no right to tell his friend what to do when it came to his kid, but he couldn’t help it. Being a father changed his whole outlook on life. He smiled, grabbed a box he’d purchased earlier, and started packing his office. “I’m coming home.”