Chapter 14:

"I think you should go see what is keeping your parents. Didn't they promise you a surprise today?" Miles grinned deviously as his identical grandson stumbled over each other attempting to get up and beat each other toward the flap on their parent's tent. Of course that left him unprepared for the smack to the back of his head a moment later.

"That was unnecessary and cruel. Are you really trying to scar Nate and Noah for life with what they will likely walk in on?" Nora rounded on him, but didn't have any real power behind the reproof.

Snaking his arms around her waist, Miles pulled her onto his lap and began placing sucking kisses along her collar bone. Mumbling into her skin he replied, "I shouldn't have to be the only one whose retinas were scarred by that image." Moaning Nora ignored his less than focused rant in favor of the feel of his lips. Running her hands along his shoulder Nora was startled seconds later when she was dumped on her ass, as Miles was shocked by the syrupy voice behind him.

"Don't worry Daddy, Bass and I have been up for hours, we wanted to take an early morning skinny dip; so the only thing those two will see is an empty rack. Besides, I've been traumatized by you two enough for a lifetime of therapy."

Looking up Miles saw Charlotte glaring down at him, hands on her hips and Bass chortled at her side. Rubbing his hand over his face, Miles groaned, "Again, stop with the visuals! A swim – you were only taking a swim… nothing more."

With an evil grin Bass added, "Sure, we were swimming, just naked! You know the water is the perfect temperature for…"

"Damn it Bass! How many times have I told you not to share details about your antics with my daughter? And sneaking up on me is just wrong." Miles yelled.

Trying to look sympathetic Charlotte asked, "Oh, poor daddy. Did we give your weak old heart a scare?"

As she brushed herself off Nora grumbled, "No, his heart is fine, it's my ass that hurts from being dumped on the ground."

Miles reached for her smiling as he offered, "I'll kiss it and make it better…" causing Bass to erupt into laughter as Charlotte shuddered at the image, and earning a swat from his wife. "Fine, Charlotte why don't you and Nora gather the kids in the wagon so we can get started." Miles stood and watched them depart before turning toward Bass to address some business. "Blanchard should be here with his great-grandson by now. Did the last intel say he would meet us at the field?"

Starting to walk away from the rest of the family Bass nodded, "Yes, he joined up with the team just after their last game and before they crossed the border. The update outpost guards said he had a very small contingent of men with him, but left and entire garrison of rangers at the border – damn idiot thinks he needs guards he is kidding himself. They also said that he had two of his great-grandsons with him."

Miles shook his head and grinned, "If it had been Carver all these years we might have considered it, but we have solid trade with Frank and I hear Tre is being groomed to take over instead of his father."

Shaking with laughter Bass acknowledged the gossip, "Jr was really a piece of work. I heard he was floating around California; but his son is supposed to be a really strong option; and hey if that doesn't work how old is little Frankie?"

Patting his friends back, Miles choked out, "I'd guess 15, so you might want to avoid calling him 'Little Frankie' during this visit. Why are we having his meeting anyway?"

Shaking his head and starting back toward the horses, Bass sputtered, "Hey your guess is as good as mine – we both read the same letter."

Standing alongside her best friend Charlotte watched as Bass called for John and Robert to join him, while Miles moved to address the remainder of the Militia guards. Their entire attitude seemed off for a day that was supposed to be fun for the children. She listened as Nora got the children settled and welcomed Robert's sisters into the wagon, wishing she could hear the conversation between her husband and the boys. Deciding on an approach that might work, Charlotte started toward them with a broad smile.

"… I don't want them leaving the park once we enter – is that understood?" Bass continued his lecture unaware of his wife's approach.

Circling his waist with her arms Charlotte rested her head on his broad back before speaking, "I am sure after all of these weeks they know their jobs. Boys why don't you mount up – the general and I have something to discuss."

Looking down at her with a carnal grin Bass asked, "And what would you like to discuss Mrs. Monroe?"

Releasing her hold, Charlotte circled around to face her husband before speaking. With one hand splayed over his heart she sweetly explained, "If don't tell me what is actually going on today then the only people reaching base will be the men on the field."

Smirking at her threat, Bass reached out for a grasp on her hips before whispering in her ear, "Awe… but you know how much I adore 2nd base. It is my favorite and I don't remember any complaints on that last grand slam I banged out."

Bass could almost feel the eye roll she gave, he certainly felt the smack he got for his play on words. Determining that she would not be happy unless he was upfront with her, he explained, "Frank Blanchard sent a message requesting a meeting, but he asked for something quiet – inconspicuous. Jeremy forwarded it by train to us while we were in Richmond with the suggestion that Blanchard arrange for a friendly baseball game between one of the Texas league teams and one of our Carolina league teams – in fairness Jeremy had also already sent word of that to Frank and to one of the local teams. Miles and I agreed that it would allow us to talk a little business while the kids were entertained and it wouldn't look like anything significant; and before you ask, neither of us know the topic of the meeting."

Grumbling, "Fine, but your punishment for keeping this from me is you get to ride in the wagon with the kids." Charlotte pushed away from him and called out to Nora, "Great news! Miles and Bass are giving us the horses so they can ride with the kids in the wagon."

Miles looked confused as, in response to her words, Nora leapt down from the back and raced toward the mounts calling out "Have fun!" behind her.

Glaring a Bass, Miles groused, "What the hell, Bass?" as he hopped up into the back with the yelling, excited children.

"Quit your bellyaching and let's explain to the kids where we are going." Bass added as he joined the group.

Moments later the party was underway and Bass was deep into his explanation of what a barnstorming baseball game was, "Back when Grandpa here was young…" he said as he elbowed Miles, "…there were professional baseball teams all across the country, but before players got to the major league teams they would play in the minors. One of the best known was the Carolina League – I'm not really sure if the Durham Bulls were actually part of the original Carolina League, they had a movie made about them that I loved – anyway, the Carolina league had been around for 110 years before the blackout and even though professional sports as we knew it is gone, about 10 years ago we convinced some teams to start up again. The teams travel all over the south playing games and Uncle Jeremy arranged a game against a Texas team the Midland Rockhounds." Listening to the eruption of cheers from the boys, Bass smiled, while he waited to field their questions.

An hour later, Bass had thrown out the first pitch with a surprising level of skill, according to Miles, and Jake had been coached to yell, "Play Ball!" which was met with cheers from the crowd. Everyone had settled into seats with plates of barbecue to watch the game, before Charlotte whispered, "It was a smart move politically to both pay for this game and arrange a free cook out for the locals…"

Before she could continue her thought, a robust, red haired man with a thick beard interrupted, "Well Lady Monroe never let it be said that your snake of a husband doesn't know how to play good politics."

Looking up shocked at the insult to her husband, Charlotte saw a second, grizzled man with shoulder length grey hair and a scruffy beard standing next to him. "General Blanchard it is so good of you to bring along Mr. Franklin. I imagine few people in Texas get the pleasure of enjoying his company – at least voluntarily."

With a hard chortle Frank bent and reached out for Charlotte's hand. Softly kissing her knuckles, he addressed her, "Always a pleasure to see one so beautiful as you. I never know what surprises me more – that you are the daughter of such a grouchy, ugly old curmudgeon or that you chose to marry so far beneath your obvious importance."

Before she could respond, Bass had muttered a greeting to Frank and John; and was attempting to escort them off to meet with Miles. The final comment she heard was her husband threatening his guests, "…how many times have I told you to stop flirting with my wife?"

In the field along first base Danni and Claire sat under the watchful eyes of John and Robert while the 4 ate and enjoyed the game. Leaning into her sister to comment on the muscled young man playing 1st base, Danni's attention was distracted from the batter and missed the foul ball hit in their direction. Claire yelped startled by the ball flying toward them and dove toward Robert for protection, as a lanky tall boy wearing a cowboy hat leapt in front of them and caught the ball with a hand sewn glove. Looking up with a radiant smile, Danni was captivated by the young man that was staring down at her with a triumphant smirk. Softly she said, "Oh, thank you. It was so incredible that catch you made – are you on one of the teams."

As Robert helped Claire up and checked to see if she was ok, John stepped in between Danni and the intruder, "Danielle, I am sure this boy just got lucky. My guess is that his father is the coach or manager of that Texas team and he spends a lot of time chasing balls."

Sizing up the broad shoulders of the pit bull standing between him and the young lady, Frank decided to make his play. "I appreciate your brother's wit, but as the heir to Texas I don't have time, nor do I need to chase anything – I get chased."

Confused at their banter, Danni stood and tilted her head before examining the young man from head to toe. The growl from John didn't distract her, as she attempted to level the bewitching smiled she and Claire had been practicing for weeks, "Well, it is very wonderful to meet you, 'Mr. Heir to Texas'." She said as she thrust out her hand, "I am Danni – Danielle Monroe and this is Claire Monroe and these are our guards, not our brothers. Our brothers are out past left field attempting to catch a homerun ball with our uncles."

Growling John attempted to interrupt, "Danielle, you don't know this boy or anything about him – we should return to your father and grandfather."

Enjoying the role of devil, Frank extended his hand with the ball to Danni and introduced himself, "I doubt either your father or grandfather are available, as they are meeting with my great grandfather – I am Frank Blanchard the fourth and it is my pleasure to meet the stunning Monroe twins, particularly you Miss Danni."

"Oh, that's it." John yelled as he grabbed Danni's arm, "You are going back to you mother and away from that lecherous Casanova." Danni attempted to smile over her shoulder as she grasped the ball in one hand and was dragged along by a clearly angry John.

As they approached her parents John noticed the two large older men in cowboy hats speaking with General and Mrs. Monroe. Slowing he considered his choice of words in case there was any truth to the boy's story. "Pardon General sir, but your daughter needs to sit with Mrs. Monroe now. There was a…uh… there was a threat." John announced.

All three men stood at that statement and stared at the young military officer who was still holding the elbow of the General's daughter. Beyond the couple approached Robert and Claire with 'Mr. Smooth talking Cowboy hat', as John was now mentally referring to him. After the other three had joined the party, General Blanchard spoke up, "Bass, Mrs. Monroe allow me to introduce my great grandson, Frank. Frank this is President Monroe and his wife," then in a gruffer tone of reproach, "…it appears you have already met their daughters."