Love of a Marine (The Wounded Warriors Series Book 2) by Patty Campbell

was this all about? Surely Dwayne couldn’t think he had any designs on Marla. He knew better than that. He took his cup and followed.
    When they got to the Big D truck, Dwayne turned. His brow wrinkled. “Did you ever meet Ollie Williams?”
    “Sure, but it’s been a few years, why? He must be retired by now. I know he did way more than twenty with the Navy.”
    “He came to me looking for a job yesterday. Said the wife was going to kill him if he didn’t get out of her hair.” A smile twisted Dwayne’s lips. “Can’t say I blame her, a little of Ollie goes a long way.”
    Cluny remembered the old Navy Chief with the foghorn bellow and gruff personality. “Doesn’t he live in San Diego? Why would he be looking around here for a job? How old is he?”
    “Can’t be more than sixty. He and his wife moved into half of a duplex his son owns in Thousand Oaks. They get free rent for managing the property and sitting with the grandkids after school. The old bastard can fix anything.”
    “You gonna hire him?”
    “I don’t need anybody, but aren’t you looking to take on a man for routine maintenance work?”
    “Yeah, I posted an ad for a plumber. I want to go after more new construction contracts. We can’t keep up with the little stuff. We work off customer referrals, and I can’t afford to jeopardize that loyalty by turning down too much work. But, Ollie? I don’t know, man. I might kill him myself.”
    “I know what you mean.” Dwayne chuckled and unlocked the truck. “Think about it. If you want his number let me know. I didn’t tell him you were looking, but I think he’d be interested.” He pointed up. “Fog’s burning off.”
    Cluny glanced at his watch. “Yep, it’s time to round up Amber and get going. I’ll think about Ollie and talk to you when we get back today. Am I invited to dinner?”
    “Always.” Dwayne fired up the engine and put the truck in reverse. “Later.”
    Back on the porch Cluny gathered up Amber’s belly boards and the stack of towels next to them. “Amber! Get a move on. Time to go.”
    She came to the door carrying Declan. “Just a minute, Mom’s on the phone.”
    He held out his arms. “Let me hold him.” He lifted the baby and grinned into his fat little face. “How’s it going, scrapper?” The kid looked just like Dwayne except for the red fuzz on his head. His eyes were darker than the day he was born, so maybe they wouldn’t stay as blue as his dad’s.
    Marla reached the door. “Here’s Mama.” She took him from Cluny and nuzzled his face.
    “We’re off then,” he said. “We’ll be back before dark.”
    “Have fun. Amber, did you remember the sunscreen?” Marla raised her brows. “Make sure she puts on more when she gets out of the water, Cluny. If she gets out of the water.”
    “Check.”
     
    * * *
     
     
    “They’re here.” Santos ran through the front door, holding his towels.
    “Oh, no you don’t!” Graciella said. “Take the cooler out to the van and come back for those. It’s too much for me to carry in one trip.”
    Cluny entered the apartment. “Tote goat reporting for duty, ma’am.” His happy grin and blue eyes melted any tension she’d felt about seeing him again after yesterday’s little upset. “I’ll carry the cooler.”
    “You’re right on time.” She returned his smile and handed over the big ice chest. “I’ll get the rest. The blanket and umbrella are still in the trunk of my car.” She retrieved her hat and large beach bag, locked the door to the apartment, and followed them.
    Santos scanned the parking area. “Where’s Amber?”
    “She took Queen to visit the vacant lot across the street.” He lifted his chin in the direction of the van. “There she is.” He turned to Graciella. “Everything OK?”
    “Yes. I’m glad you twisted my arm to do this.” This quiet, big man was good for her. Good for her son. “Santos has been up since the crack of dark.” She laughed. “I worry he might