Safeguarding Kelly(51)
Author: Zoe Dawson
“So, so happy.” She kissed him on the cheek. Then shook her head with a squeal. “Ooh, bristly. You need to shave.” She put both hands on either side of his face and brought her face close to his. Kelly thought he must be going cross-eyed. He was laughing. “I wanted you to be my daddy, and now you are. That’s the bestest thing in the whole world. Now you have to read me a story every night.”
“I do, huh?” he groused and made a face. “I don’t have a say in the matter?”
“Nope. That’s what daddies do and they loves it.”
“You’re just as bossy as your mom.” He tweaked her nose and she giggled.
“You bet,” she said. “I can read you stories, too.”
She tilted her head, her voice lilting. “That’s fair. Then, I take after my mommy and my daddy.”
Jason chuckled and said, “That you do. Let’s go make some plans and eat some cinnamon buns while they’re still warm.”
Jason sat on his mom’s porch overlooking the pool listening to Kiko’s laughter as his mom and daughter played in the water.
He was still reeling from all the emotions he’d experienced two days ago when Kiko had called him Daddy. It had to be one of the most defining moments of his life. Damn, but he loved that little girl. And it was love at first sight when his mom and Kiko met. She started calling her Nana, to his mom’s obvious delight.
After that first night, she’d told Jason that he’d done good. He loved Kelly and Kiko. That was apparent as well, Kelly and his mom were as thick as thieves planning the wedding. Kim and Kelly’s mom were supposed to be here tomorrow for a big powwow. He just grinned.
His cell phone rang and he picked it up.
“Jason, this is Commander Jensen.” He straightened in his chair. He’d only talked to his CO a couple of days ago. He hadn’t expected the decision to come back so quickly. “Can you and Dr. Hu be in my office in thirty?”
“Yes, sir,” Jason said, immediately going into the house to find Kelly. She was sitting on the sofa paging through wedding magazines. The smile faded from her face when she met his eyes.
“What is it?” she asked, setting down the magazine.
“My CO just called. He wants to see us.”
She nodded. “We’re ready for this.”
They both changed into their uniforms and drove to the US Coast Guard Station San Diego located across from the San Diego International Airport. As they approached, Kelly reached over and clasped his hand. He saw the rounded roof of the building where he had his office and felt the same pride he had all the years he’d worked for the service. Whatever happened, he’d had one hell of a good ride.
A Jayhawk flew overhead, the stark orange and white helicopter making him homesick for what he had lost, but he was honored to continue his investigative job. His life was on a different path now and he wouldn’t go back.
They waited in reception until the assistant told them to go in.
His commander sat behind his desk and Jason’s experience was that he’d been a fair and good CO, mostly leaving Davis and him to investigate and clear cases without much interference. He had only asked for updates along the way.
The recent serial killer case was a feather in his cap and he and Davis had received a commendation in their files for working on the task force and assisting NCIS with the case.
“Hollow,” he said as Jason entered. “And you must be Dr. Hu. Please have a seat. Can I get you anything?”
Kelly shook her head and sat down with a smile. She was a rock. “Nothing for me, sir,” Jason said.
“Okay, so I’ve consulted with your commanding officer over in the reserves, Commander John Renick. He has nothing but good things to say about you, Dr. Hu, and has left the decision up to me. I’ve reviewed your file and am duly impressed.” He leaned back. “Your record is exceptional, Jason. I’ve already told you that.” He set his elbows on his desk. “It’s disappointing, Dr. Hu, to find out that you violated the fraternization policy. As an officer, it’s your duty to set an example for enlisted in your chain of command. Most of the responsibility of this affair falls on your shoulders. I’d like to hear what you have to say.”
“Sir, I apologize for and deeply regret my actions in this matter. I take full responsibility for initiating and continuing this affair between Warrant Officer Hollow and myself.” He wanted to step in and protect her. Take his share of the responsibility, but the best thing he could do for Kelly right now was to keep quiet until his CO asked him to speak. “I am ready to receive whatever punishment you deem fair.”
“Not surprising.” He looked thoughtful. “There was an offspring from this union. Is that correct?”
“Yes, sir, Jason and I are parents to Sakiko. She’s five years old.”
“May I see a picture of her?”
Surprise crossed Kelly’s face and she fumbled for her phone, the first sign of her nervousness. She passed the device over to him. A smile lifted the corners of his mouth, softening his piercing blue eyes. “What a cutie.” He handed her phone back.
“Jason. It’s my understanding from you that you are planning on wedding Dr. Hu and committing to them as a family. You are going to claim your daughter.”
“Yes, sir. We’re planning now.”
“My condolences,” he said wryly, and Jason chuckled.
“So, this is my ruling with full agreement from Commander Renick. Due to the short nature of your infraction, Dr. Hu’s steps to end the affair, and the length of time that has passed, there won't be any judicial or non-judicial judgments. You’re both free to marry, and just so you know, I am eligible to marry people in the State of California. Just in case you need an officiant.” He vigorously rubbed his palms together. “So, if you’re both not busy, I’m ready for lunch. I was stationed in Kodiak a ways back and would love to discuss your time there.”
Later, back at the car after a free lunch from his CO, and their new officiant at their wedding taken care of, they just stood there looking at each other.
Kelly released a pent-up, almost hysterical laugh. “Did that just happen?”
Jason laughed and picked her up and twirled her around. “We’re free, babe. We’re free to live our lives together.”