Made to Love You

By Kendra Mei Chailyn

Christie Huang has always been in love with Rashid Jennings. Even when she had to stand by and watch him marry another woman. Years later his first wife has died, he’s deployed to fight in the war against terror, and he's engaged to marry another woman. When his fiancée takes off leaving Rashid’s son alone, Christie steps up to the plate. When Rashid comes home again she has to fight her desire to be his woman.

Rashid Jennings knew Christie Huang had a crush on him—her brother told him. But he never believed it. When he comes home to find his fiancée gone and Christie taking care of his son, he finally steps back and looks at her as more than his best friend’s kid sister and is shocked at the amazing woman he finds. But can they make things work as a family?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Mar 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781772332933

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Published by Evernight Publishing ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2015 Kendra Mei Chailyn

ISBN: 978-1-77233-293-3

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Tricia Kristufek

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To the most patient readers in the world….

MADE TO LOVE YOU

Kendra Mei Chailyn

Copyright © 2015

Chapter One

While on patrol, Rashid Jennings managed to keep his mind on the task at hand. It was hard enough being in a warzone without adding more drama atop all that. His heart was heavy as his squad rolled through the streets of Farah, Afghanistan, heading back to base. The squad was quiet as usual, trying to keeping their minds focused and prepared for any eventuality.

The moment they were in the relative safety of base camp, he debriefed his men, and after they stowed everything away, he took a shower and made his way to the mess tent.

Something was wrong at home.

Rashid carried his tray and sat at the table with his men. As much as he’d like to sit by himself and stew in his depression, as their leader, that wouldn’t go unnoticed. Then everyone would have questions he didn’t have answers for.

He picked up a piece of chicken and shoved it into his mouth. It’d been three weeks since he heard from his son, and six months since he heard from his fiancée. He was beginning to get worried. Sure, Carter had school and Emily had her job, but they couldn’t be that busy they didn’t have time so say hello.

You look in deep thought, his friend and fellow sniper Drake said. Want to talk about it?

I don’t know, Rashid replied. It’s been a while since I heard from home.

It could be nothing. We haven’t really gotten much mail through in the last little while. They say it’s an issue with the satellite so the Internet really isn’t working right. The only thing that comes through is what needs to for the mission—you know that. Rashid turned and asked the others. Any of you got letters from home?

Out of the four, only one nodded.

Rashid arched a brow. Perhaps they had written, but it was eaten by the Internet gremlins. He took a breath, sad about being cut off from the rest of the world, yet happy he wasn’t the only one missing home.

His appetite was still not as it used to be, and after a few more bites, he excused himself and went back to his quarters. He sat with his back against the headboard, going through old e-mails he’d printed and kept with him. Out of all the e-mails, only one was from Emily. A part of him felt sad about that, but there was nothing he could do. Emily wasn’t really sold on him being deployed, and he’d promised her it would be the last time. The other letters were from Carter, his teenage son from his first wife, Clara, who had died of cancer when Carter was only four.

Rashid dropped the papers back into the bag beside his bed and took a breath. He had to be patient. In a few days, he’d be on his way home. He had sent an e-mail and then an actual letter to inform Emily and Carter he would be returning, and had been slowly ticking off the days. Since he hadn’t gotten a receipt that the e-mail had been delivered, he could assume one of two things happened: either the e-mail did arrive but Carter didn’t check it, or the satellite went out before the e-mail went through.

But even with the knowledge that he was finished and heading out, he couldn’t get overly excited. Until he was on that plane, Rashid had to remain focused on the mission, on keeping his men safe. He groaned and rolled onto his side.

Captain, you all right? Drake wanted to know.

We’re in private now, Drake. Rashid sat up and faced his friend. Drop the captain, would you? It makes me feel old.

Drake smiled and sat on the bed across from Rashid. Sorry. I always forget.

I’m fine. I just can’t shake the feeling something is wrong back home, he explained. It’s just that weird sensation, you know?

Well, you get to find out in a few days. There’s nothing you can do for now. Even if something is wrong, what would you do from here? Don’t get all distracted by it. That won’t help any of us.

Rashid smiled. Drake was right, but he couldn’t help the gnawing at the back of his mind.

Look, if you’re that worried, Drake continued, you said you have a couple of buddies who are cops back home, right? Why don’t you try getting word to them too, ask them to look in on the boy?

I could do that, Rashid agreed. I’m sure Daniel or Percy wouldn’t mind doing me a solid. But if e-mails aren’t getting through, it wouldn’t make much sense. Have you heard from your boyfriend back home?

Drake smiled. Yeah. Last week. Only part of the e-mail came through, I think. It was cut off midsentence, but I’m happy. Listen, Rashid, thanks for keeping my secret.

Gimme a break. It’s not my secret to tell, Rashid explained. You shouldn’t have to hide it in the first damn place. You’re a good soldier—that should outweigh gay or straight.

Yeah. But these are the times we live in, my friend.

Rashid pressed his lips into a thin line, then patted Drake on the shoulder. Rashid reached for his cap. Listen, you get to go home in a few months. Once you do, you can begin your life, live it the way you want. Don’t spend it focusing on other people’s hatred, because life is short—you hear me? Love who you love and do it completely. There is no time to half-ass anything or take other people’s stupidity into consideration.

Drake smiled. I never thought you would be okay with this. Actually, you’re the last person I’d think would be.

Why?

Come on, I listen to reggae. You’re from an island where homosexuality can get you killed.

Rashid frowned. He’d heard that repeatedly, but it still wasn’t any easier to swallow. I know. But I have a son and I need to have an open mind, because one day he could very well come to me and say ‘Dad, I’m gay.’ I can’t love him any less.

So I’m your guinea pig, huh? Drake laughed.

Nah, man. This isn’t about a gay thing. It’s a human thing. You’ve had my back since day one, man. And gay or not, you’re a damn fine soldier and a good man. Gay means nothing.

Thank you, Rashid. Seriously. Thank you.

For what?

I know you think being open minded should be a normal thing, but I live in a world where I know better. This means a lot to me.

I’ll see you later—I have to check my e-mail one more time.

When Rashid left Drake and made his way to the common space, the computer was free. He checked the signup sheep, and there wasn’t anyone due on it for another twenty minutes. He quickly went to his e-mail and was happy when he saw one from Carter.

Hey, Dad. I haven’t heard anything from you in a little while. I guess you’re busy or these e-mails aren’t getting through. But I’m sending this one anyway. Everyone is safe, we’re okay—don’t worry. Be safe. Love, Carter.

Rashid smiled and logged out.

Chapter Two

Carter! You’re going to be late if you don’t hurry, and we both know what happens if you’re late! Christie Huang called from the foot of the stairs. Get the lead out!

I’m coming! Carter replied. It’s not like I want to have detention! I’m trying to find my homework.

It’s on your dresser, under the laptop.

There was a slight pause before Yes! echoed down the stairs.

Uh-huh, Christie said with a smile and hurried back into the kitchen. She packed up some food and poured some orange juice into Carter’s water bottle. She then met him at the foot of the steps. Here you go.

Thanks. What’s this?

Breakfast. You’re going to have to eat while I drive.

Carter nodded and she reached for the keys just before the two bolted out the door. The ride to Carter’s school turned out to be much more of a hassle than before. Traffic was at a standstill for most of it. Then add in those who chose to switch lanes without signaling, those who honked at her if they thought she didn’t move fast enough, and those who gave her the finger after cutting her off and she honked at them, and it was a nightmare. Eventually she gave up, pulled off the highway, and took the back way along Lawrence Avenue. They made it to Carter’s school with fifteen minutes to spare.

Dad’s supposed to come today, but I didn’t get another e-mail from him, Carter said, then drank what was left of his juice. I’ll hold on to the bottle. I have gym today.

Okay. Christie took a breath. Don’t worry, sweetie. I’m sure we’ll hear something from your dad. You know how these military types are—you plan for something, and then they get new orders.

But this was supposed to be his last tour! He can’t re-up again!

Christie touched Carter’s cheek gently and smiled. And I’m sure it is. I’ll find out what’s going on, okay?

Reviews for Made to Love You

[readunderthemoon · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

sweet story, short and very basic kind of choppy writing style