Read Online Operation Family by Marissa Dobson - Free Book Online Page A

having his head on straight, not distracted by a woman, especially not one he was denying himself of.
    He stepped into the living room and wondered why he was denying himself her physical company. The excuses he gave himself were just that. If he wanted her bad enough, they’d find a way to make it work.
    “Lieutenant Commander García, it is nice to finally meet you.” Mr. Batty stood and held out his hand as Mac came around the sofa.
    “Please call me Mac.” He took the lawyer’s hand, returning the firm handshake.
    “Nicole has been filling me in on your plans to return to Virginia together. I think a trial run before the paperwork is drawn up would be the best way to test out joint custody. It will also give her a chance to check out Virginia and your lifestyle.”
    “Raising the girls together seems like the perfect way for us. She loves them, and they need that.” Mac sat down on the sofa and laid his hand over Nicole’s. “Going to Virginia for the holidays will give her a good insight to military life. The Christmas parties will allow her to meet my men and their wives, as well as other military families, without pressure. As you said, it’s a good introduction into the life.”
    “Very well. Then if you’ll keep me updated, I can draw up the paperwork when you’re ready. After the New Year, we can also finalize the house, Shawn’s business transactions, and other documents. Merry Christmas.” Mr. Batty rose from the chair he had been sitting in and grabbed his briefcase. “I’m very sorry for your loss, for both of you. Shawn was a good man. He had an excellent business mind and has made sure the children will have a secure future.”
    “Thank you.” When Mac first pulled up to the house, he wondered what Shawn had done to afford an estate like this. Careers were one thing they’d never discussed; it just never came up, and Mac had never wanted to share the details of his own life. “I’ll see you out.” He rose from the sofa and led the way to the door.
    “I appreciate you coming to us.” Nicole called after the lawyer before he could get out of hearing range. “I’d have called you and saved you the trip, but with the girls’ allergic reaction, I forgot about it.”
    “There’s no problem, Nicole. I’m happy the two of you have worked something out. If you need anything, you have my number.” Mr. Batty stopped by the living room entry.
    “Thank you. I believe it’s all going to work out. We’ll be in touch. Enjoy the holidays and try not to work too hard.”
    Mac listened to Nicole and Mr. Batty’s exchange, but only one comment actually mattered. She was optimistic. Knowing she was on board and looking forward to what the future held gave him hope. It was going to be a bumpy road for both of them, maybe more for her than him, because when he was back on duty, caring for the children would fall on her.
    The lawyer paused before he left, glancing toward the living room. “I received notification this morning that a cottage was purchased by Shawn the day he died. He has already given the owner a check, but with the circumstances, I might be able to get you out of it if you’d prefer. Or I can arrange to put it back on the market.” He kept his voice low and Mac wondered if he knew the importance of the cottage to Nicole.
    “No.” He glanced back toward the living room. “Do what needs to be done, I want it to go into Nicole’s name. It’s hers.”
    “Okay. I’ll be in touch.” Mr. Batty stepped outside and tugged his coat closer. Even in Texas, the cold winter air beat against them. “Take good care of Nicole and the girls, they mean a lot to everyone in this town.”
    “I will. Small towns are hard to find anymore, but don’t worry…we’ll be back. I have no plans to sell the house, so if you know of anyone who’d be willing to keep it maintained while I’m in Virginia, please let me know.”
    Mr. Batty nodded before turning to go back to his car. Mac stood