Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) by Breanna Hayse Page A

floor, eager to impress their new friend as they did pushups. Michael grabbed their belt loops on either side, helping them.
    “To your feet, recruits! Atten-hut! Very good. Dismissed.”
    “Yes, sir!” The boys giggled, running away.
    “I must say, I am impressed,” Lil commented. “Are you kids hungry?”
    “I’m always hungry, ma’am.” Michael chuckled as Jen nodded.
    “Mike! Come sit with me while the women-folk get grub,” Dennis ordered.
    Jen pushed Michael towards her father, giving him a quick kiss. “Thanks. For everything,” she whispered, following her mother into the kitchen.
    “He’s a looker, Jen. With perfect manners,” Lil said, dishing out some pie.
    “He is perfect, Mom. Everything about him is genuine. I wasn’t surprised about how he handled the boys; that’s how his folks are with him. Even now.” She giggled as she shared the playtime she had witnessed between Michael and Scott.
    “You haven’t said anything about his mother,” Lil noticed. Jen explained that as well.
    Lil glanced to the living room. “Poor kid. I’ll mama him.”
    “Trust me, Mom, he has never lacked for love or nurturing. His family is incredible. I have two new dads now. They take good care of me.”
    “Um, have you given up your little habit?”
    “Yes. They ensured that I won’t be smoking pot ever again. I’m so blessed with them. I guess Dad likes him, huh?” Jen asked, hearing the two men laughing loudly.
    “It seems so. He’s never taken to any of your boyfriends like this. So, how serious is this, honey?”
    “He’s the man I’m going to marry one day,” Jen responded.
    Her mother sighed. “I hope so. He seems to have made you happier than I’ve ever seen you. Grab the coffee.”
    “I’m sorry my father put you through that interrogation,” Jen said as they readied for bed. Michael kissed her, sliding in next to her, pulling her onto his chest.
    “No worries. He’ll probably spend the night on the Internet trying to verify everything. He’ll find enough to satisfy him.”
    “My mom loves you. And the boys…”
    “Your family is great. I’m glad we came. Come here and give me sugar.”
    “Just kisses. I don’t need more harassment from my father,” Jen said.
    “I’ll be the perfect gentleman. I was taught by the best, remember? Good night, my love.”
    “Night, Mike. I love you.”
    Jen woke the next morning, stretching and sitting up. She was alone in bed and noticed that Michael's running shoes were gone. She threw on a robe and ventured downstairs.
    “Good morning, honey. Coffee?” her mother asked.
    Jen nodded. “Please. I slept like the dead.” She yawned. “Have you seen Michael?”
    “He woke your brothers at eight and made them go running with him. I’ve never seen those boys move so quickly.”
    “He’s going to be a good dad one day. He wants a dozen.”
    “He was raised well, that’s for sure. Unlike other men we know… Dennis, put on a robe. We don’t need to see your shorts.”
    “Fine. Got a big time Special Forces officer here with all kind of honors and Oxford PhD and gotta get formal.”
    “Did you stay up all night looking up his credentials?” Jen asked, amused.
    “There were too many. Lil, that boy has a PhD in physics and engineering!”
    “Yes, I know.”
    “He’s also a Rhodes scholar. Believe that?”
    “He’s very humble about it, Dennis. You’re making the big deal.”
    “His father and his uncle are decorated generals!”
    “Yes, Dennis, we know.”
    “Did you know his eighteen year old sister is also a lieutenant, and a Rhodes scholar, and in Special Forces?”
    “No. Are you serious?”
    “Yes, Mom. Sam is amazing. She keeps Mike on his toes.”
    “But eighteen? She’s just a baby.”
    “She is just like her brother. Trust me, she gets lots of chances to be a teenager in that family. She makes my stunts look like child’s play.”
    “Maybe we should send Mike home with a wooden spoon for her, then,” Dennis