Cassnova and Jezebel, Aidan's Glee & Bruce
Medicine Hat – Hotel Lobby
The reception desk was deserted when Sam and Jules walked in. They hovered at the desk waiting for the person to return. It was the nicest hotel in Medicine Hat. It had been booked by the SWAT competition for all the participants. Sam was so ready to get to a room and shower and change. That flight had been both heaven and hell. But he was tired of being in damp clothes that still reeked heavily of alcohol.
The old as dirt receptionist came slowly out of the back room. He eyed the couple sizing them up. The smell of alcohol wafted to him off the man. Not an alcoholic he thought. They were always so annoying. The old man looked at the young blonde man with distaste evidenced on his craggy old face and turned to the young woman instead.
Directing his words to her only he said "May I help ya missy?" he said with a country drawl.
Jules took an instant dislike to the man. His cutting nature of dismissing Sam irritated her. But remaining professional Jules answered "Callaghan and Braddock. We are with the SWAT competition. We booked a room early."
Sam only gave the old man a half smile. He looked like an old cowboy and sounded like one too. Sam thought his alcohol embed clothing must have set the guy off. Sam said "Can't wait to shower. Bloody Mary's don't make such good cologne. At least not in such large quantities."
Jules looked at him and couldn't resist the smile and chuckle "Good thing we have time for you to clean up before we meet up with Aidan. Can't imagine what he would think if he met you smelling like this."
Sam grinned "Probably warn me to stay away from you."
Jules turned back to the receptionist that had been pulling up their reservation. He looked at it and drawled "I be showin' only one room fer two of ya."
"Yes that's right" Jules said.
"That's not right. Gals and guys need ta be havin' separate rooms. We's don't have another room available" the receptionist stated. Then he looked at Sam and said brusquely "Guessin' ya be findin' another hotel. Allow the young lady ta be havin' the room."
Jules bit her down lip to stop the laugh that threatened at the look of incredulity on Sam's face. She saw for once he was speechless and came to his aid. She said "That won't be necessary."
"Missy that ain't proper" he stammered out shocked at her suggestion.
Jules sighed "We are engaged. It is fine"
The old man looked between the two. He shook his head "Engaged ain't married. Not proper. Not proper at all. Won't be allowin' it in this here fine hotel."
Sam hung back and watched Jules handle the situation. The man was so old fashioned thoughts of their first scenario at Wanderlust Lodge popped into Sam's head. He was the Cassnova and Jules was the Jezebel in this old man's eyes. It was hard not to laugh but Sam managed.
Eventually Jules got the guy to issue them two keys and they were on their way to their room. As the door to the elevator closed Sam said "Whoa talk about time warp. What is it here, the fifties?"
Jules chuckled "Welcome to small town thinking. I'm sure it will hit the old foggies rumor mill and spread like wildfire. Someone will eventually figure out it is me and it will get to my brothers and father. Won't be surprised if Aidan doesn't know we are shackin' up before we meet with him. The engagement part will be lost in the retelling."
Sam chuckled "Should I be worried? I mean according to old crusty cowboy down there I'm an alcoholic good for nothing Casanova that is tempting a fair young miss to be a wanton jezebel."
Jules couldn't stop the laughter at the recollection of the scenario they did for training years ago at Wanderlust Lodge. It seemed apropos at this moment. Calming a bit she smiled as she said "Probably not of Aidan but Keagan and Finley can be hotheads. Brayden usually thinks before he acts."
Stepping off the elevator on the sixth floor Sam said with humor trying to mimic the old man "Ya know darling, I don't relish a fist fight with your brothers. But boy howdy, ya know I will fight for you. You are my Jezebel. Ain't no one gonna take you away from me."
Jules slapped his arm and laughed "Sam that was a terrible accent." He just waggled his eyebrows at her.
Medicine Hat – Hotel Room
Inside the room Sam started to undress for his long desired shower as Jules started to put their clothes away. He stood in the bathroom door way fully unclothed and said huskily "Wanna join me Jezebel?"
Jules turned and took her time taking in all of him. She could look at him forever and never be bored. His strong broad shoulders and chest. The biceps toned and bulging. His rock hard abs. His powerful legs. His other attributes that more than satisfied her when they fitted together and became one.
God she wished they had time to dally together in the shower. But with all the time spent at the front desk they were running behind. She smiled and said "Later Cassanova. Later."
Sam laughed and said in the horrible western accent "Holdin' ya to that Jezebel."
Jules finished putting away their clothes and decided to change. She pulled on her favorite hip hugging jeans and a red tank top with a light jean jacket over it. She chose a pair of her platform shoes. She brushed out her hair and checked her makeup in the mirror. She sighed deeply and wondered how it was going to go with Aidan.
Sam came out of the bathroom and quickly dressed in jeans and a medium blue button down shirt. He tucked it in and then rolled the cuffs up twice and pushed them up to his elbows. He chose his tan soft boots and laced them quickly. He ran the towel over his short hair and then a quick comb then messed it up a bit.
He turned to Jules and said "You ready for this beautiful?"
She came to him and went on her tippy toes to kiss him. "As ready as I'll ever be handsome."
They headed out and Jules reached for his hand. With Sam beside her she could face this no matter how it turned out.
Medicine Hat – Inside Ice Cream Shop
Aidan had arrived early. He was so nervous as he took a seat at the back table. He could see out the big display window. As he kept watch for Jules his heart raced and his mind skidded through so many thoughts.
He was the first to meet with her. So much was riding on his shoulders. If he screwed up she might decide not to meet with the others. If that happened would they hold it against him?
But part of him was ecstatic too. She chose to meet with him first. With him; not with Brayden, Keagan or Finley. They had always been close because they were the closest in age. He was usually the one to stand in her corner even though she was the one doing the fighting. But he was there as her backup.
Aidan was glad she had finally decided to meet with them. But he wondered why now? What was this news she had to tell them? Would he like the news?
He stiffened as Jules came into view in the window. She stood there for several minutes. He saw the blonde man put a hand to her face and gently lift it up. He said something to her. She nodded. He saw her square her shouldered just as the door opened and she entered followed by that man.
Medicine Hat – Outside Ice Cream Shop
Sam and Jules walked from the hotel to the ice cream shop. Jules played tourist guide and pointed out a few places from her youth as they went. She appreciated Sam's quiet strength beside her and that he did not call her out on her nervous chattering.
They arrived at the ice cream shop. She stopped as her heart began to race. She looked in the window not really seeing. Her hand clutched Sam's tighter.
After a moment Sam stepped in front of her and gently caressed her face and lifted her chin so their eyes met. Sam lovingly said "You can do this. You are the strongest most exceptional woman I know Julianna Callaghan. I'll be here if you need me. I'll always be here for you. Always."
Jules could not find words so she just nodded. She squared her shoulders as Sam opened the door and she entered.
Medicine Hat – Inside Ice Cream Shop
Her eyes found Aidan. She knew exactly where to look for him. He was at their table.
The table the two of them always sat at as kids. The table where she ranted and raved about the injustices of being the youngest and only girl with four overbearing big brothers who never let her do anything. The table where she cried and Aidan comforted her after mom passed away. The table where they laughed and joked together so often. The table she and Aidan had claimed as their special place.
When Aidan was at that table he was always willing to listen to her. To soothe her. To celebrate with her. To share her ups and downs. He was always in her corner when they sat at that table.
Aidan was there now. Would he be there for her now? She looked at his face as she approached. She was good at profiling now. She read a myriad of emotions. However the main one she read was sadness and regret.
Jules stopped at the table. Sam stopped beside her. Brother and sister stared at one another for a long time.
Aidan finally broke the silence as he stood up and wrapped Jules in a hug and choked out "I've missed you so much Jules. Thank you for seeing me."
Jules found her arms wrapping around Aidan and years melting away.
Sam stood back and watched the touching sight. In his eyes this was a good start. He hoped when they began to speak it would work itself out.
After several minutes Jules pulled back. Aidan reluctantly released her and stepped back. The man was still there. He looked at him then back at Jules.
Jules said "Aidan this is Sam. Sam Braddock."
Sam put out his hand and shook Aidan's as he said "Nice to meet you Aidan."
Aidan only nodded then said as recollection hit him "Sam Braddock, as in Jules's teammate?"
Sam nodded. He would allow Jules to divulge their engagement when she saw fit.
Aidan said "I met your sister Natalie. She was very nice to me in the waiting room that day. She actually spoke to me when everyone else only …" He trailed off not really wanting to bad mouth her other teammates. Aidan finished up "Well it doesn't matter now. Please sit."
Sam was surprise to hear Nat had met Aidan. She never told him about that. But then again they really never talked about that time. Nat had a hard time whenever he was hurt. At first he thought she just didn't care. It was quite the opposite. It hurt her so badly to see her strong brother hurt. It made her cry and frightened. By mutual agreement they never talked about his injuries or anything related to them.
Not taking a seat he said to Jules "How bout I get us some ice cream? Double, double chocolate fudge?"
Jules smiled "Sure" Turning to Aidan she asked "Strawberry still your favorite?" Aidan nodded.
Sam said "I'll be back."
Biting her bottom lip Jules turned to Aidan. She looked at him again for a long moment then said "Thank you to agreeing to meet alone. I read all your letters. I think I understand why you did what you did but it still hurts. You know I shoved them unopened into a desk for a long time. I swore to myself that I did not need you guys in my life. I built a life without you all. I created a new family; new brothers and a new father."
That was like a punch to the gut for Aidan. But he kept his face passive. He deserved whatever pain she meted out to him. He would sit here and take it and hope that she would forgive him.
Jules turned and looked at Sam. Aidan followed her gaze. Then she turned back to him and stated "But Sam showed me that family is important. He showed me that reconciliation was possible. That often it is just misunderstandings by one or more. That actions on the surface may appear to be one thing but are really another. Sam showed me that it might be painful and it might take a lot of effort and time but in the end it is worth it. Family is worth the effort."
Aidan said quietly "His sister said something like that to me. It stuck with me. She told me crisis can bring families back together. It did mine."
Jules nodded "Yeah, it took a crisis for Sam and his family to come back together." She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly as thoughts of that time ran into her head. She had nearly lost him several times now.
Worried at the emotions playing across Jules face Aidan asked "Is there a crisis for you? Is that why you are here now? Can I help? I'd like to be there for you if you need me. Please let me be there. I have so much to make up for Jules."
Shaking those old thoughts away Jules looked at Aidan. She was about to answer as Sam came back with the ice cream and set it down for all of them.
Sam smiled "They have almond coffee ice cream. I think I like this place." He took a big scoop and winked at Jules.
Jules smiled at the boyish delight on Sam's face and took a bite of her double, double chocolate fudge. Some of the tension released and she said to Aidan "No crisis. It's just that I missed having my family at a special celebration."
Aidan looked at her confused "Celebration?" His heart dropped. Did she get married and he was not there? Did his stupidity of youth cause him to miss out on one of the happiest days of his sister's life. The spoonful of strawberry ice cream hung in the air midway to his mouth as he waited.
Jules held up her left hand and showed the ring "Our engagement party. It was almost perfect. The only thing missing was my family. I want to reconcile because I want my wedding to be perfect. I want my family to share in my happiness when Sam and I get married."
Aidan's spoon clattered onto the table. "YEE HAW. MY LIL' SIS IS GETTIN' MARRIED."
All heads in the ice cream shop turned and stared as Aidan clamored out of his chair and around the table to embrace Jules in a tight hug. Aidan's glee was clear as day for everyone to see.
Jules laughed as Aidan spun her around dancing about completely out of control. This was the brother she missed so terribly. Her heart burst wide open and any doubts she had about forgiving Aidan melted like his strawberry ice cream sitting forgotten on the table.
Sam gave Jules a WOW smile as Aidan cavorted around the room with Jules. He thought one down four more to go. He was so happy for her.
Medicine Hat – Outside Ice Cream Shop
Bruce was taking an afternoon break and decided to stop in at the ice cream shop to say hi to Phoebe Allen. He had taken Phoebe out several times. She was okay to have fun with, a good lay but he wanted nothing more. He was not the marrying kind. He had an itch to be scratched so to speak and wanted to see if she was available tonight.
He stopped as yelling erupted in the shop. He looked through the window and saw Aidan Callaghan. Christ that man was an idiot yelling and whooping it up in a public place. Maybe he could get some revenge and cite him for disturbing the peace. He had never forgiven Aidan and his brothers for beating the crap out of him and running him out of town all those years ago.
Having nowhere to go he had joined the Army. He became an MP because it gave him a sense of power. Then he tried out for Special Forces. He had all the right stuff. But then that General's son had come along and ruined everything.
Bruce opened the door meaning to cite Aidan when he came to an abrupt halt. Aidan was hugging Jules. Jules was here. After all these years Jules was back home.
He had heard the town gossip that her family shunned her when she went off to become a cop. He snorted. As if such a tiny thing could be an effective cop. She was probably just a glorified meter maid.
Hell he knew firsthand how easy she was to take down. That night in the bushes had been a real treat for him. She fought like a little wildcat but he got into her pants with little trouble. It was almost worth the beating to have a piece of that tiny vixen. What he would give to have her again. He had to adjust his pants at that thought.
Bruce watched as Aidan danced around with Jules as she tried to get out of his hold. Then it registered what Aidan was saying. His sister was getting married and he was excited.
Finally Jules was doing what a girl should do, get married and have babies. She was probably marrying some milk-toast sop. Bruce thought he'd just have to have her before that happened. Remind her what a good lay was like. What a real man felt like.
His eyes landed on the man next to her as he heard Aidan say "So Sam you want to marry my little sister?"
No way in hell! Bruce Nealy's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. He closed the door of the ice cream shop unseen by the three of them. He watched through the window was Aidan shook Braddock's hand. The world was small but he never considered how small.
How in the world was his Jules marrying the General's whelp. The one man that denied him his spot in Special Forces. The one man that humiliated him beyond measure more than once.
Bruce had to think. No one got away with humiliating him. He would have his revenge; on both of them. How dare his Jules chose someone like Braddock and deny him?
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AN: If you have not read Alphabet Injuries you will not know who Bruce Nealy is to Sam. Read 'K' if you want to know more about Bruce Nealy.