Booby Trapped and Baby Proofed Read Online Free PDF Page A

Harrison said. “This happens more than you think.”
    “But I never strayed,” Angel insisted. “I loved him and I worked hard to keep house and to make things nice for when he did come home. Anyway, I’m not the kind to hold grudges and live in the past. I’m sorry that he died, but at least he died doing what he loved to do. I’m just sorry that he died before we had a chance to find happiness.”
    Now he understood. She didn’t hate the Marine Corps or her husband. She was just lonely. “Military life can change a person,” Harrison told her. “Some can cope with the transition from boyhood to manhood without a problem. But there are others who can’t deal with the added stress. I had to take a lot of bullshit from officers, staff NCOs, and drill sergeants from the moment I stood on those footprints and was sworn in. But in the end, it made me a better person knowing I had done my part to keep this country free.”
    “You’re okay in my book,” Angel said. “I mean, I don’t think you’re the violent type.”
    Little by little, he understood what she had gone through. A lot of his friends and associates turned to alcohol to cope with the rigors of military life. And one or two of them had to go through domestic violence classes. It angered him that Henry had hurt Angel in the process and taken his frustrations out on her. “I passed the day care earlier and I liked what I’ve seen so far,” he said, trying to change the subject. “What time would you suggest I come for a visit tomorrow?”
    “Around nine would be fine,” Angel said, finishing up on her pie. “The kids should be finished eating breakfast by then and settling into their morning classes.”
    “You teach them things?” Harrison asked.
    “Yes. We like to start early teaching kids the things they need to know before entering kindergarten, like their colors and how to write their names.”
    “What can you teach a toddler?”
    “We teach them how to interact with other kids and we start them off with little books and puzzles. This year we’ve even begun teaching both English and Spanish to them so they can have an extra advantage.”
    The more she spoke, the deeper he found himself falling for her. “Have you ever dated anyone since your husband’s death?”
    Angel looked up, surprised. “No. He’s only been dead a little over a year. What about you?”
    Harrison shook his head. “I haven’t even been tempted.” He paused. “Until now.”
    Angel looked over at him, blushed, and then picked up her coffee cup and sipped. “Are you telling me that you’re interested in dating me?”
    “Does that surprise you? You’re a nice, caring lady. You’re pretty and you love kids.” It didn’t take him long to figure out that she couldn’t take a compliment. She blushed like a school girl. “I might be a little rusty at this, but I’m willing to give up widowhood for a solid relationship.”
    “Me too,” she said shyly. “And I like what I see so far.”
    Harrison smirked at her. “You mean you like my good looks or have you been swept away by my paternal skills?”
    That incited a smile out of her. “Both,” she answered. “But you need to work on those paternal skills. Ethan is an adorable child, but even I can see that you are in way over your head with him. First thing you have to do is spend some quality time with him so he can get to know you. You’ll see. Kids learn real fast at his age.”
    The object of their conversation appeared in the doorway of the den in drooping pajamas and holding Bunny.
    “Didn’t you put him in the baby bed?” Angel asked.
    Harrison nodded. “I can’t figure out how he does it. You’d think he’d fall or something.”
    “Forget what I just said. You need to baby-proof this house first. If he can get in and out of his crib, there’s nothing stopping him from climbing up and getting into cabinets or out of the windows. I’ll get you a list of things that you’re going to need