Surprises
Chapter 1
Maddie Rawlins was in trouble and she knew it. She'd always had a weakness for bad boys and her latest boyfriend was the worst of the worst. Seth was abusive, demeaning and controlling. But it wasn't just herself that Maddie was protecting.
Her two-year-old son; Oliver was the light in her dark world. He was the result of a failed relationship and his dad didn't know he even existed. Now; his dad was her only hope.
She was afraid of what Seth would do to Oliver if ever given the chance. As badly as she wanted out; she wanted Oliver safe more. She had read in the newspaper that Mike was in town at some sort of meeting so she waited until Seth was at work; packed Oliver's belongings up in a backpack, bundled him up and took him to the area where Mike was at. Finally, she saw him come out of the hotel so she approached him.
"Admiral Slattery?" Maddie asked. Oliver was holding her hand and looking around.
"Yes…oh, Lieutenant Rawlins?" Mike asked.
"Do you remember a couple years ago when we were involved?" Maddie asked. She immediately noticed that he tensed up.
"Sure." Mike answered.
"I am not here to cause you trouble. I just need help. I am in a situation with someone and this is Oliver. He is yours. I know you may not believe me, but you can have a paternity test done. My point is; its not safe for him to remain with me. I need you to take him." Maddie said.
"I can help you." Mike offered as she wiped a tear away.
"No. I got myself into this situation. I just have to protect him and you are the only person that I trust him with. All of his paperwork is in the backpack and you will be able to get him medically taken care of." Maddie said as she handed Mike the backpack.
"Maddie, seriously? I can help you. He'll miss you." Mike begged.
"And I will miss him. Please…just remind him everyday that I love him." Maddie said as she bent down to Oliver's level. "Oliver, this is your daddy. He's going to take care of you for a while and I need you to be good for him. I love you very much and will think about you every day." Maddie said before giving Oliver a kiss. She knew he didn't understand so she was counting on Mike to make it easy for the little boy.
"Please call me if you need help." Mike said.
"I will. Mike; please. I don't want to do this but it's the only choice I have at the moment. When I am ready, I will call you; I promise." Maddie said. She stood back up and nodded at Mike.
"Is there anything I need to know about Oliver?" Mike asked.
"No allergies, no medical issues. His teddy bear is in the bag and he won't sleep without it. He loves being read to and can count to ten. He doesn't like peas at all. He also loves a warm bath and I included some lavender lotion I use on him before bedtime. I know its not your thing but he is a cuddler and he loves sitting in my lap for hours. He minds well and is a really good little boy." Maddie said.
"Again, I can help you." Mike answered.
"Just take good care of him. Is your number the same?" Maddie asked. Mike took a business card out and handed it to her.
"My cellphone number is on the back. Don't hesitate to call me." Mike said.
"Thank you. I know he'll be safe with you." Maddie answered. She gave Oliver another kiss before giving Mike his hand and before anything could be said; she walked away.
It broke her heart to leave Oliver. He was the one light in her dark world, but she knew that Mike was his only chance of not being hurt. She just hoped someday, she could be reunited with him and they would both be safe.
