CHAPTER 4

A little later a nicely warmed Captain Gregg found his way downstairs to join the family at the dinner table. Martha had prepared a hearty goulash dish with freshly baked bread. She again complimented the Captain on his shopping instincts. "The kids drank the last glass of milk at lunch today and Mrs. Muir was down to her last cup of coffee." Daniel acknowledged with a nod of his head how it would indeed be a tragedy for Carolyn to be deprived of her favorite hot beverage. Throughout the meal Jonathan and Candy kept up a running dialogue with their Captain, peppering him with questions about his latest stretch of active duty while simultaneously giving him a scene-by-scene account of their parts in the elementary school's recent Christmas show. The children had claimed the seats on either side of Daniel and frequently leaned against him or clutched his arm for emphasis. He did his best to chew his food and give equal amounts of attention to the boy and girl by his side. At intervals he impulsively gave affectionate touches to each child, tapping Jonathan on his nose or brushing Candy's bangs back from her eyes, the children beaming back at him in response. Martha was just a little worried the Captain wasn't able to concentrate on the dinner she had prepared. "Kids! Let Captain Gregg eat, why don't you?"

Their mother agreed with their beloved housekeeper. "Yes, Martha is right. You two chatterboxes have talked his ear off. Eat your dinner before it gets cold." Carolyn made eye contact with Daniel and couldn't keep the smile off her face. She fought back a strong desire to reach across the table to take his hand in her own. Emily Williams observed with fascination the change which had come over Carolyn and her grandchildren since the Captain's arrival. Happiness radiated off the trio and Martha Grant as well, the Captain obviously adored them all. Despite the instructions to stop pestering Daniel and to eat their dinner, the kids still had stories to share about winning the class spelling bee and a promise to show the Little League trophy won for Most Improved Player.

"I'm so proud of you both! Oh, how I wish I was there to see your triumphs!" Daniel assured them. Carolyn's heart melted because she saw the joy in her children's eyes. She quickly wiped away an emotional tear. Her mother saw her do it and immediately understood the significance. Carolyn had found happiness and love again. Emily was delighted and reached out her hand under the table to place it on her husband's knee and give it a gentle squeeze. Brad acknowledged her unspoken message with an understanding smile and nodded towards the butter dish as he reached for another slice of bread.

After the meal finished Daniel insisted the children and himself would do the dishes as a way to thank Martha for the wonderful meal. Martha protested humbly stating it was "nothing special—a simple dish to whip up". But the Captain stepped close and put his arm around the great lady. Quietly he told her, "I need to thank you for more than dinner. Thank you for keeping watch, for taking care of them when I couldn't."

Martha fought back tears of gratitude. "Go on now, you old sea horse! It's good to have you back at Gull Cottage where you belong!"

Pain stabbed Carolyn's heart when she heard Martha's words. She had yet to confess to her family—and now to Daniel—that the house was theirs no more. She dreaded telling them and was determined to wait until after Christmas to give them the bad news. She wanted them all to have one last Christmas at the home they loved. She masked her sorrow and began pitching in with the kids to clear the table and wrap leftovers. As she maneuvered around the kitchen Emily didn't fail to notice her daughter took every opportunity to make physical contact with Captain Gregg. Carolyn rested her hand on his shoulder when she placed a dirty dish in the sink and once, she briefly wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head for a moment against his back. Daniel acknowledged the embrace by turning his head to look back, smiling and then returning his attention to the sink and his helpers. Grandpa Brad finished his coffee and announced he wanted to watch the nightly news with Walter Cronkite. He shuffled to the family room where the Muir family's old black and white television was located. He wasn't as quick as his wife to be enamored by this Gregg fellow. Daniel Gregg had plenty of explaining to do as far as he was concerned.

Meanwhile Daniel Gregg had questions of his own. "Tell me now family, why is this house devoid of Christmas decorations? This close to Christmas and no tree? Why is that?"

Martha could see by Carolyn's expression she was embarrassed by his inquiry. She jumped to her employer's rescue. "Why we were waiting for you to get home, Captain! Christmas can really begin now. You've brought me everything I need to whip up several dozen Christmas cookies tomorrow. So, if people have an aversion to flour, eggs, shortening and sugar—they'd better stay clear of my kitchen tomorrow."

The last dish put into the drying rack, Daniel wiped his hands on a towel and then leaned back against the sink. "Right then, as soon as this blasted storm blows itself out and the road is cleared, we'll head into town. I have a good bit of shopping to do; I could do with a few more clothes and some other essentials." He looked down at the kids with twinkling, mischievous eyes. "Some presents for under the tree, eh?" He wiggled his eyebrows playfully to their delight.

Carolyn slumped into a chair next to Martha and her mother. She shook her head in genuine disappointment. "Car's in the shop again."

Daniel kept his mood cheerful. "No matter, love. Where there's a will, there's a way. Right mates?" He looked at the children again, reaching out to draw them both to his side in a fatherly hug.

"Aye! Aye, sir!" They agreed wholeheartedly. Life was fun again now that their Captain was home from his long absence as far as they were concerned.

It wasn't too much later that most of the family had settled themselves in the front parlor near the blazing fireplace. Daniel was resting comfortably on the floor. His back was against the easy chair which Carolyn sat in, her legs and feet tucked neatly underneath her, her hand at different intervals reaching out absent-mindedly to stroke his hair. Once again Candy and Jonathan settled on either side of the Captain, chattering away, leaning against him or sitting on their knees with one arm looped about his neck. Grandma Williams had settled herself on the sofa, her gaze shifting from the living Daniel to the portrait above the fireplace mantel. "You know, Captain. I find the resemblance remarkable. I am assuming the sailor in the portrait is an ancestor of yours? How it ended up in a home leased by my daughter and your subsequent relationship is…quite fascinating. Don't you think?"

Daniel chose his words carefully. "First off, let me correct you dear lady. The correct term is seaman, not sailor. Secondly, the odds of your latter statement are quite astronomical, I would think." He tugged at his ear and thought for a moment. "I'm from the Emerald Isle originally, County Cork. "Gregg" is a fairly common surname is it not? But who knows? If one did a full genealogical study perhaps, we are distantly related. A quite fascinating coincidence at the very least." He hoped she would be satisfied by his answer and drop the subject.

But Emily Williams would not be dissuaded so easily. She repeated herself, "Such a remarkable resemblance. I'm sure you noticed, Carolyn."

Mrs. Muir nodded and smiled fondly at the man seated at her feet. "I suppose that's why I was attracted to Daniel when I first saw him. A truly magnificent-looking man," she emphasized affectionately with just a touch of teasing in her voice.

"Thank you, my darling," he noted with false modesty.

"I was speaking about the portrait, dear Captain." She quipped.

Walter Cronkite and the CBS News had signed off. Brad Williams came into the room and surveyed the seating arrangements. "Why isn't anyone sitting in the new La-Z-Boy?"

"Oh Dad, that's your throne, reserved for you."

"Hhmph," Brad grunted. "I'm off to make a phone call to Mother Nature. I'll be back."

Jonathan was quick to be helpful. "Nuh-uh you can't, Grandpa. The phone lines are still down, 'member?" Brad merely grunted and kept walking upstairs. Carolyn reached over to tenderly muss her son's blonde head.

"It's about time for bed, you two."

"Aw Mom…"

"Aw mom, nothing. Get upstairs and get ready for bed now. You've had an exciting day."

Candy made a counter offer. "Will you and Captain come up to tuck us in?"

"Depends if I can get myself up off this floor, dear one," Daniel replied.

"We'll help!" Jonathan announced gleefully. Both kids grabbed one of his arms and tugged with all their might.

Daniel emitted a mock groan and rose to his stocking feet.

"Piggy back ride!" the little boy whooped. Carolyn suddenly remembered the sight of Daniel's back.

"Not tonight, young man. Captain's tired."

"That I am lad," Daniel agreed, "but tomorrow's a new day, eh?"

"Okay," Jonathan was disappointed but understood. "Race yuh, Candy!" He took off at a sprint.

"Slow done! Walk!" Carolyn ordered.

"Aw, Mom…" came the protest again.

Carolyn rolled her eyes, exchanging glances at Daniel and her mother. "Boys!" She unwound her legs and stood.

Daniel smiled and wrapped an arm about her. "The lad's got spirit! Just like his mother!" They followed the children up the stairs and passed Grandpa Brad on the landing coming back down the steps.

Brad entered the parlor to find his wife. He settled himself heavily beside her. "So, what do you think about this Captain Gregg?"

"Doesn't matter one fig what we think. Carolyn is head over heels in love with him, so are the children for that matter. Have you noticed, Brad? They can't keep their hands off of him. The kids are all over him, Carolyn as well. I don't remember her being so openly affectionate with Bobby—at least not in front of us. Do you?"

"Hmph, now that you mention it, no."

Upstairs the kids were finally done with sponge baths, teeth brushed and in their flannel jammies. Each were tucked into their bed and given a kiss goodnight by both their mother and Captain Gregg. Carolyn paused at the light switch by the door. "No nonsense now, close your eyes and go to sleep." She closed the door gently but firmly behind them and then took Daniel's arm and steered him in the direction of the bathroom. "Take a seat, Captain and jettison that sweater. Let me tend to your battle wounds." She rummaged through the medicine cabinet and brought out a green tin labeled "Bag Balm". Daniel obeyed her commands without protest and relaxed as she took a dab of the salve and began to massage it onto his shoulder and back where the straps from the trailer load had rubbed his skin raw and red.

"I could get used to this," he sighed tiredly.

"As well you should, my dear Captain. It'll be some time before I let you go off on another adventure alone." After she was satisfied she had treated him properly she replaced the container's lid and slid upon his lap for a cuddle.

Daniel took the tin from her hand. "What did you slather on me?" He read the label. "What say?! This is for a cow's udders!"

"Mmm, hmm. But it also works wonders on chapped hands and irritated skin. You'll see. Trust me."

"I do, love. Explicitly." Their lips met in a sweet kiss which grew in intensity. After a long moment Daniel's head began to spin. He reluctantly pulled away and moved his forehead to touch Carolyn's in a tender connection. "We'd better get back downstairs. Your parents will think I'm up here having my way with you."

She giggled, "They might at that!" She slid off his lap and helped him pull the sweater back on. They headed downstairs hand in hand and Carolyn moved toward the kitchen. "I'd better let Scruffy out for the night. Be back in a sec."

The Captain took a calming breath and joined Brad and Emily Williams in the parlor. Brad had lit his pipe and a cloud of blue haze hung about the air above his head. He bent now and was jabbing the logs he had just added to the fire with the poker and then replaced the screen. Emily greeted Daniel with a smile and motioned for him to sit in the new recliner. It had been a family gift Brad and Emily had purchased and arranged delivery for even before they had left their home in Philadelphia. They had a similar chair in their house. Daniel eased his tall frame into the comfy chair, it rocking gently as he settled his weight. Emily stood up and came over to show him how to use the handle on the side to slide the chair into a reclining position. Daniel was pleased, "Almost as comfortable as my bunk on the ship."

Brad saw his chance to question Daniel more about his naval background but stopped when Scruffy came scampering back into the room. The little dog turned around and round several times in primordial instinct, trampling down imaginary grass and weeds until he was satisfied his bed was made. He plopped down in front of the fireplace. Carolyn came into the room and spotted Daniel in the La-Z-Boy. She didn't hesitate but made a beeline for the recliner and climbed up beside him in the chair, the Captain scooching over a bit. She snuggled contentedly against him. "I'll admit it," she announced to her folks and Daniel, "I'm jealous my kids got most of your attention this evening. It's my turn Captain." Daniel merely wrapped an arm around her as she nestled her head on his chest. "This sweater is so soft," she commented drowsily as her hand stroked the soft fuzzy cotton covering his torso. Her eyes soon closed.

Brad had returned to his seat on the couch beside his wife. Emily watched her daughter with a mother's solicitous eye for a moment and then cleared her throat to break the room's silence. "Tell us again, sweetheart, how the two of you met and why this is the first we've seen of Daniel. Hmm?"

Carolyn popped one eye open. "Um, we met a couple of years ago."

"A couple of years? Carolyn, you've been holding out on us," Emily admonished only half teasing.

Daniel tightened his arm around Carolyn a little. "That's really my fault. My…circumstances…at the time of our first meeting didn't allow me for much…transparency," he hedged.

Brad Williams leaned forward. "Better explain yourself, Gregg." His tone was paternal and serious.

"Dad!"

"Well? We're still your parents."

Daniel tried to sit up a little in the chair but Carolyn was comfortable and not about to budge. She was just as interested in what Daniel was about to say as her mother and father. "You see I was on active duty, on loan as it were to U.S. Naval Intelligence from my command assignment with the British Royal Navy."

"I thought you were Irish?" Brad questioned.

"Aye, I was born in Ireland, County Cork. My father was actually an American and met my mum on holiday—but that's another story. I signed on with the British Navy as soon as I was old enough. Times were tough for my dad and mum. I needed a job when none were to be had at home. I worked my way up the ranks as time went on. Anyway, several years ago I was assigned to the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and that's when I first met your Carolyn."

She now understood where he was going with his story. "I was in town doing a magazine piece on the lives of military wives for News Journal, remember? You came and stayed with the kids during that week?"

"Oh yes!" Emily said as she thought back. "It was during late summer before school started again."

Daniel's eyes stayed on Carolyn. "I was smitten with your daughter from the first moment I saw her in the hotel lobby."

"Definitely mutual," she added smiling to herself.

"As often as my schedule would allow, I visited Schooner Bay but tried to keep a low profile about town. I have been told before I bear a striking resemblance to the local legend," he pointed at his portrait hanging on the wall.

"You do, absolutely!" marveled Emily.

"Still," Brad frowned, "You've been in Carolyn and my grandkids lives for two years—"

"Closer to three," Carolyn whispered quietly.

"…and you say nothing about a romance," Brad finished his objection.

"Again," Daniel interjected, "my fault and apologies. My job required…discretion… and I feared entanglements with my personal life might lead to complications. I'm sorry I'm still not free to discuss details. I can share my posting required me to deal with high levels of security working with N.A.T.O. to counteract Soviet plans in the western hemisphere."

Brad Williams was now impressed and intrigued. He leaned forward and puffed on his pipe. "I see, I see. Top secret stuff. I'm a former military man myself, you know."

"Yes, I am very much aware," Daniel assured him. "Jonathan is very proud of his grandfather. U.S. Army, as I recall?"

Brad nodded and leaned back on the sofa, crossing one leg over the other. "Yes, stationed at Fort Dix in New Jersey for a time."

Daniel stroked Carolyn's back as he went on, "Unfortunately for our relationship, I was very often away with sea duty, sometimes on a nuclear submarine. More than once due to the nature of our mission I couldn't be sure I could return to this family." Carolyn frowned against Daniel's chest as he went on, "I was under orders not to reveal mission objectives and destinations, you'll understand. I could only hope Carolyn kept her worrying about my whereabouts and well-being to a minimum." Emotion welled up in Carolyn Muir and she wiped away an errant tear with her finger, she knew what he was really alluding to. "At any rate," Daniel's tone brightened, "that is all behind us now. I am officially mustered out of the ranks and retired. Schooner Bay is my home port from now on." Carolyn smiled as she felt his arm tightened its embrace. But she couldn't stop a thought from racing through her mind about the impending loss of the house, like a lurking headache ready to flare into pain.

Emily Williams gave a gentle smile of sympathy to her daughter. "Well sweetheart, "Now you truly understand what military wives and mothers have to deal with when their husbands and sons are deployed in combat zones…when I think of all the men we have over there in Vietnam…" Carolyn made an almost imperceptible nod of her head.

"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you about Daniel…I wanted to, believe me," she confessed quietly.

"Oh, it's alright dear. Your father and I understand the circumstances, don't we darling?" She touched her husband's knee.

"You bet," Brad nodded, his pipe clenched between his teeth.

The adults' conversation drifted to other topics as the evening wore on; Daniel's upbringing in Ireland, his passion for the sea, Williams family life in Philadelphia and Brad's career. When the subject switched to suggestions about what Santa Claus should bring Candy and Jonathan, they noticed Carolyn was sound asleep. "I suppose it is getting late," Emily noted and looked at her wristwatch. "My goodness! It's after 11 o'clock. Come along dear, it's time we turned in for the night." They bid Daniel goodnight and headed up to the guest room.

Brad and Emily didn't speak again until they both had changed into their night clothes and pulled back the covers on their guest bed and got comfortable under the blankets. Brad leaned over and gave his wife a quick, affectionate peck on the cheek and then reached beside him to click off the lamp on the nearby night stand. "Night, dear."

"Well, I for one think he's just marvelous!" Emily gushed happily, obviously not quite ready for sleep. She lay on her back, her hands folded across her stomach. She stared up at the ceiling in the darkness listening to the wind rattle the old tree beside the great house. When her husband didn't respond immediately, she moved her leg to nudge his for emphasis. "Don't you think so?"

Brad turned on his side and punched his pillow to get more comfortable in the unfamiliar bed. "Time will tell, I suppose."

"I'm not one to make snap judgements but I can already tell Daniel Gregg is everything Bobby Muir was not. He's loyal and loving, and it is obvious he'll be more of a father to our grandchildren than Bobby ever was—or pretended to be. I can see that right now."

Brad grunted.

Emily continued her assessment of the Captain. "He's a military man, battle-tested, I've no doubt."

"Careful with the hero worship, dear," he grumbled. "We really have no idea about the man and his motives. I'd like to know the real reason why he's parked his carcass on our Carolyn's porch."

Emily smiled in the darkness and reached to stroke her husband's back. "Because they're in love, Brad. Our Carolyn is very deeply in love."

"I certainly hope so." He turned over in bed to face his wife of 36 years. "Tell me this, Emily. Doesn't it bother you at all we left our daughter snuggled up against this Gregg fellow downstairs? You know he'll probably maneuver her into bed before morning comes."

Emily smiled and leaned close to him in the darkness to place a soft kiss against his lips. She repeated his own words. "I certainly hope so!"

Downstairs Martha appeared in the parlor dressed in her robe and slippers, curlers in her hair wanting to know if anyone needed anything else before she retired for the night? She smiled when she took in the scene of Carolyn Muir sound asleep in the Captain's arms. "I hate to wake her," Daniel whispered.

"Don't," Martha advised. "She needs her rest. The poor dear hasn't been well, Captain. She's been battling insomnia and stressed out with worry."

"About?"

"You, of course…and finances, let me get you two a blanket," she shuffled away and soon returned. She unfolded the blanket and covered the sleeping form of Carolyn. Daniel pulled it up and around them both. Martha smiled down at him fondly and then apologized quietly, "I'm sorry about the sleeping arrangements. If we had known you would be home today, we would have been more prepared—that darn leaking roof—we lost the extra guest room."

"I'm fine where I am," Daniel reassured her. "Now off to bed with you, dear lady."

"Nighty-night," she reached to switch off the lamp in the corner of the room and shuffled back towards the kitchen and her room. The fireplace dimly lit the parlor with its dying embers as Daniel closed his eyes and slipped into a restful sleep.

Several hours later Carolyn stirred in her sleep, awoke and drowsily came back to awareness of her location. She took a deep breath, breathing in his scent and exhaled in contented happiness. Daniel's soothing baritone caressed her ear. "It's late, love. Time for you to get up to bed for some proper sleep."

"Time izit?"

"Very late."

She moved against his warm body to re-position herself a little. "I'm happy where I am," she mumbled against him.

"Carolyn…," he chided.

"You come up with me?" she suggested and raised one eyebrow.

"Darling, you know I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"We are not yet married."

"You haven't asked me."

"Will you?"

"Yes," she patted his chest for emphasis. "Now that is settled let's go to bed."

He chuckled and she felt his laughter under her cheek. He ran his fingers again through her hair. "My dear lady—you wish to take a man to your bed with your parents in the guest room across the hall? A man who is not bonded to you in wedlock?"

She pouted a little. "I thought we were engaged?"

Daniel was enjoying her playful streak and her determination. "We are love, but—"

"My dear Daniel, my parents are aware of the fact I am no longer an innocent school girl but a 35-year-old widow having given birth to two children. You've met them. Their names are Candace and Jonathan." The Captain attempted to speak but she reached up to put silencing fingers to his lips. "Not to mention the fact you are an exhausted man from your heroic efforts today."

"Yesterday, actually," he clarified.

"My point being you are hardly in a physical state to ravish me."

Daniel snorted in challenged amusement. "M'dear never underestimate me."

She couldn't help but snicker at his ego. "I don't. I'm just saying despite your gallant gentlemanly gestures of restraint—and respect for my parents—it is very late and we're both tired. There will be opportunities for…mmm…intimacy later. Let's just go upstairs, climb into that big, comfortable bed and get some sleep."

He didn't reply immediately and Carolyn thought she had him convinced. Finally, he rendered his decision. "No, Mrs. Muir. I cannot. I am a gentleman and social protocol mandates my remaining in this chair tonight."

"Very well, Captain Gregg." She tilted her chin and gently raised her lips to his. She sighed contentedly and rubbed her cheek like a drowsy kitty against his chest, settling down once again to sleep. "Goodnight. I love you," she purred.

His own smile lingered. "Sweet dreams, love."