DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS.
Just love writing about them!
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Morning came and as I made my way down the stairs the smell of coffee brewing greeted me. I expected to see Shannon bustling about the kitchen, so was stopped short to see Leroy fixing bacon and eggs, toast already piled on a plate.
"Good Morning, Son," I poured myself a cup of coffee. "This is a nice surprise."
I saw him hiding a smile, "Figured I owed you one form years ago."
"Wasn't even thinking about that far back." Changing the subject, "So how long have you been up?" noticing it was barely past six o'clock.
"Got up around four thirty. Went for a run, came back and showered. Figure Shannon will be up soon, Kelly soon after. I knew you'd like to eat before starting your day."
"I do appreciate it. Glad you remembered how I like my coffee."
"Got so used to it, it's the only way I can drink it myself, Jack."
He filled a couple plates and handed one to me. Nodding my thanks we ate in silence for a few minutes.
"So, things went well with Shannon?" I asked.
He smirked, "You were right. She's strong and supportive. She even tried to comfort me because I was going to be away from them," he coughed a laugh.
I shook my head picturing that scene in my mind. Yeah she's exactly what Leroy needs.
As I was rinsing my dishes my leg was suddenly trapped in a fierce hug. I reached down freeing my leg and lifting Kelly up for a big hug of my own.
"Mornin' Sunshine," I kissed her nose.
"Morning' Grandpa," she giggled. Seeing the food on the counter she told me, "I'm hungry."
Setting her down I prepared a plate for her as she went to take a seat next to her daddy, stopping to give him a hug and kiss first. "One of daddy's specials coming up," I bowed to Kelly serving her breakfast. She graced me with more laughter; I swear I could never get enough of that sound.
Shannon soon joined us fixing her own plate while I poured some coffee for her and some juice for my granddaughter.
"So what are your plans for the day?" I inquired.
"Since the weather is so nice today, I thought we'd go out to the state park and walk a trail or two," Leroy suggested.
"That sounds real nice, "Shannon agreed.
I nodded wondering if he planned to show them some of his old camp sites. "Well you kids have a good day. I'll have supper ready around seven if you want to come back then."
"Thanks, Dad," Shannon smiled at me.
"Sure. Well," I clapped my hands and then rubbed them together, "I best get cleaned and dressed to open up." Bending down to Kelly I whispered, "Be a good girl and I'll have something special for dessert."
"I will Grandpa," she answered excitedly. Leroy and Shannon shared a bit of quiet laughter as I grinned leaving the room.
My day was rather unremarkable, the usual customers and new news to discuss. Those that knew that Leroy was coming to town had already spread it around, so everyone was aware. No one asked about him. I wasn't sure if he'd consider that a good or a bad thing.
I closed up and went in to start the steaks and potatoes. While they were broiling I made some pudding for dessert with whipped cream on top.
The trio made it home in time to wash up before eating. They were pleasantly tired from their outing, so after dinner we sat and relaxed in the living room. Watching Kelly sitting on her mother's lap listening to a story reminded me of a picture of her father when he was around her age. I went searching in my room and found the photo album with the picture I was remembering.
I handed it to Leroy and tilted my head toward his girls. He smiled seeing the similarities that I recognized. As much as Kelly may have more of her mother's looks, something of her father lingers there as well.
We sat for another hour with small conversations, but mainly enjoying the relaxation, before we decided to call it a night. I was hoping the rest of the week would be as nice and casual.
