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Sandy and Brad Ch. 01

By: Rugrat60



"Sandy And Brad – Ch-01"
"Home Comes The Warrior"


Part 1
"On The Sidewalk"


The uniformed Marine who was wearing his Dress Uniform with Sargent stripes with several ribbons, was standing on the sidewalk beside the taxi cab, leaning on his cane.  He was waiting for the driver to get his bags from the trunk.  He took a deep breath and slowly breathed out in a long, slow, tired sigh.  

There was no one here.  He had called.  They said they would be right down.  Of ourse, he realized, he had only called when he got here.  He was just so wrapped up with his Discharge and returning home.  And he was feeling so tired from the long hours of traveling.  But this was not his home.  And he knew that his parents were not coming.  They had died two months ago in a car accident, while he lay unconscious in a Military Hospital in Germany.  

There had been a letter waiting for him when he had awoke in the hospital.  It was from his Mom.  Written when his Mom and Dad had last visited.  There was also a small bundle of letters from his best friend.  Since then he had read his Mom's letter every day.  As well as the others.  He now carried his Mother's letter with him in his pocket.  With it was another letter from his best friend.  The last one she had written.  His Best Friend, the girl he dated in High School.  It was just one of many he had received from her while in the hospital.  And that friend who had also made the trip to visit him in Germany several times, even when he was unconscious.  

Sandra Brooks, his long time friend from high school, had been there when he was awoken in Germany.  He was so happy to see her.  Then after a time she had the hard task of informing him of the death of his parents.  And Sandy had stayed with him as he grieved.  It had been so much to take in those first few hours he was awake.  And Sandy had remained there holding his hand. 

And she had insisted, that when he was released, he was to come back to live with her.  She would not take no for an answer.  And he could not think of any other place he wanted to be.  And he finally realized just how much he cared for her.  So he had readily agreed. And he knew, deep down, this was what he had wanted.  After all those years, he was happy to be going home to her.  That was what she had told when she left two weeks ago.  He was to come home to her.

And at the time, back in the hospital, it was the single bright spot in his life.  It was what kept him working hard those last two months he spent in the hospital.  To go home to Sandy.

He glanced up at the apartment building.  It looked to be about twenty five stories high.  Again he looked at the number on the building.  1776 Liberty Ave.  He smiled.  He really liked the address.  And this was where he was suppose to come and be met.

Taking another deep breath he blew it out as he began to feel how tired he was from the trip from Germany.  The long overnight flight to New York and then there was the several hours of waiting for his connecting flight.  And both of his legs still ached from his wounds, the numerous surgeries and the stiffness from being in bed for months recovering. And his back was sore from those hard as rock, plastic airport chairs.  He snorted.  He ached all over.

He yawned.  Maybe, he thought I should have stayed over night in New York.  Then he remembered all the connecting flights were booked solid for the next three days.  So he endured the wait, thinking mostly of getting home to see his best friend.  The girl he was in love with.  His High School Sweetheart.

He then shook his head in disgust, again thinking of the asshole of a TSA Agent in New York, who did not believe he had all that metal in him from his surgical pins and metal plates in his left leg, holding the bones together and several more pins in both arms.  The only questions the Agent kept asking were: What was he hiding?  And why?  But what really boiled him was when the Agent demanded he take off his artificial right leg for examination.

He remembered he was getting so irritated at the agent's stupidity, he had thought about stuffing him into a near-by trash bin.  In pieces.

Fortunately, a TSA Supervisor showed up and had quickly got him on his way.  Good thing too, he thought, taking a deep breath and blowing it out.  He had walked away with both agents' names.  He would be filing both a strongly worded complaint and a thank you.

He again shifted his stance to ease the pain in his left leg.  He needed a nice long nap.  And he knew it would help a lot to get his perspective back.  He never was quick to anger, but that TSA Agent had almost pushed him too far.
He sighed again.

And he knew, that his stiffness and pain was also from his not being active while in the hospital.  Due to his injuries he had been sedated for quite sometime.  The doctors had stated that the pain would fade in time and for him to take it slow and easy.  Until then he had the prescription for some pain pills.  And a bottle with a bunch of them was in his duffel bag.  He sighed.  He hated taking them.  His mind got fuzzy from them and they made him sleepy too.  Something else he was going to have to deal with.

Sighing heavily he realized that he had spent far too long medically sedated as his brain slowly recovered and healed from the pounding it had taken when he had been injured.

Perhaps at bed time would be best.

His thoughts again drifted back to that last hazy day in Afghanistan.

And to the wounds he had received in Afghanistan.  Wounds that had placed him in a Military Hospital in Germany for months.  Wounds that got him discharged with a full medical.  Wounds that got him a Purple Heart.  

He sighed, shaking his head.  Like he really wanted a medal.  All he had wanted, was to get those in his squad through their tour and get them home, without loosing anyone.  And there I was, he thought, on my third combat tour and I'm the one sent home.  His Military Career finished after seven years.  He looked down at the sidewalk.  Down at his legs.  Well, one leg, he again reminded himself bitterly.  He had nothing left of his planned future.

He sighed heavily.

"Brad!!!" came an excited female voice from behind the Marine.

He turned.  A smile filled his face.  "Sandy!"

Sandy rushed up and stopped about two feet before him.  She was at least four inches taller than the Marine.  She had long auburn hair which she wore loose, her greenish eyes sparkled and she had a big beautiful smile.  She reached out and gently touched his arms.  Then she started crying looking at him.  "You're home, Brad.  You're home."

"Sandy, I won't break," stated Brad as he held out his left arm.

She looked down at his legs then slowly up his body then at his face.  Then into his eyes.  Her smile faded.

"I promise," stated Brad as he dropped the cane and took a slow step to her while wrapping his arms about her.

Sandy quickly joined him and hugged him, holding him tight against her.  She rested her head against his.  "Oh, Brad!" was all she could say before she started weeping again.

The Cab Driver closed the trunk and set a pair of green duffel bags down on the sidewalk.  He then reached down and picked up the cane and waited.

Brad looked at the Cab Driver.

"When I got home from Nam," said the Driver, "my Mom cried for hours.  Even my Dad cried."  He shook his head.  "I can wait, Marine.  For a home coming.  I'm in no rush."

Sandy finally stood back, still holding him at arm's length, looking at Brad.  Tears still running down her cheeks.  She took a deep breath and sighed as she smiled at him.  "You must be tired."

"A bit," agreed Brad.  "Had a seven hour delay in New York."

"You should have called me," pouted Sandy.  "I would have come to New York to get you.  Even to Germany."

He smiled.  "Wanted to surprise you," returned Brad.

"You certainly did!" declared Sandy.  "Was not expecting you until Friday."

"Got released early," replied Brad.

"Sargent Cassidy," said the Cab Driver.

Brad turned to look at the driver.  "Yes?"

"Do you need help with your bags?" asked the driver.

Sandy smiled at him with tears still running down her face.  "I can handle them."

"Wait!" said the Cab Driver, pointing at her.  "You're Sandra Brooks the tennis player."

"The one and only," confirmed Brad.

"My grand daughter is a big fan," stated the Driver.  "She watches all of your matches."

Sandy smiled.  "Does she play?"

"She does," answered the Driver.  "Still just starting.  Been playing for a couple of years."

"I'm sponsoring a tennis camp this summer" said Sandy.  "Actually two one week camps.  Here in the city."

"We know," returned the driver.  "But the cost is too much for us."

"Can I borrow a pen?" asked Sandy pointing at the pens in the driver's shirt pocket.

"Sure."  He handed her one.

Sandy pulled out a small pile of elastic wrapped business cards from her pocket.  She pulled one out from the elastic.  "My card.  This is the Bradford Returning Active Veterans Endeavor.  Or as I like to call it The Brave Endeavor.  Its sponsoring the Tennis Camps."  She wrote a phone number on the back then signed it.  "Have your grand daughter call me.  Her name?"

"Kimberly."

"Kimberly," repeated Sandy as she again wrote on the back of the card.  

"Bradford?" questioned Brad.

Sandy laughed and pointed at Brad.  "BRAVE is named for him.  Bradford!"  She turned to Brad.  

Brad shook his head, confused.

"I needed a name," chuckled Sandy.  "And yes I got the idea sitting there watching you in the hospital.  And while talking to the others and their families."  She looked back at the Cab Driver.  "The VA and the military do a lot.  But sometimes the Veterans or their families need something they can't afford or something hard to find.  Or help and they don't know who to turn to.  Or they maybe need some type of medical equipment.  The foundation is there for that."

"Big order," stated the Cab Driver.  

Sandy handed her card and the pen to him.  "Not really.  Not when our Veterans are so Brave.  If they can step up and do those hard things that need to be done.  Then we should step up and support them when they need it.  Usually its just us doing the research and connecting the two together.  Its surprising how much help we do get."  She looked at him.  "Have Kimberly call me tomorrow.  We have plans for tonight."

"Understood," replied the Driver.  He shook his head.  "Still can't afford it."

Sandy smiled.  "Don't worry about the cost.  I'll wave her fees." 

The Driver stopped and just looked at Sandy for a moment.  "Thank you.  Thank you very much."

The driver then held out a card to Brad.  "Sir, if you or Miss. Brooks ever need a ride.  Call the company and ask for number 52 or use my name, Dave Tanner.  I'm usually on days."

"Thanks," replied Brad taking the card.  "What's the fare?"

The driver held out his hand.

Brad took the offered hand and shook it.  

The driver said, "Marine, you already paid your fare."

"But..."

"Nam!" stated Tanner.  "My reception when I got home was 'Hanoi Jane' and getting spit on by a bunch of war protesters.  I vowed never to let that happen to another service man or woman.  You all deserve better."

Still holding Tanner's hand, Brad gave him a firm handshake.  "Thank you."

Tanner looked at Sandy.  "Take real good care of him."

"I plan to," replied Sandy.  "Thanks."

Tanner held out the cane.  "Yours, Marine."

Brad took his cane, nodding his thanks.

"Remember my card.  My cell number is on the back.  I know all the places that are Vet friendly.  So give me a call."  He looked at the young Marine for a moment.  "Or even if you just need to talk to someone who knows what you've been through."

"Thank you," said Brad.

"I'll remember," added Sandy.

"Actually," stated Tanner, "I think the protesters should have gone to Washington and spit on a few of our Congressmen."

Brad chuckled and nodded.

Sandy covered her mouth as she snickered.

Dave Tanner looked at Sandy. "And I'll have Kimberly call you tomorrow."  Tanner got back into his cab and drove off leaving Sandy and Brad standing on the sidewalk in front of the apartment building.

Brad looked up at the apartment building.  "Top floor?"

"Brad, you should have called," pouted Sandy.

"Turn about is fair play, Sandy.  You sitting there by the bed when I woke up."

Sandy moved to stand in front of him.  She shook her head.  "Only the fourth floor.  Three bedrooms."  She gazed into his eyes for a long moment.  "What am I ever going to do with you?"  She then reached up with her hands and held his face and leaned close, closed her eyes and kissed him.

After several long moments Brad broke the kiss and smiled at her.  "Maybe we should go inside."

Sandy nodded.  She smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll get your duffel bags."  She handed Brad a key ring.  "Your keys.  The silver one is for the front door.  The brass one is for the apartment's deadbolt and the one with the rubber thing on it is for the regular lock."

"Three keys," stated Brad.  "I think I can do that."

"We're in Apartment 4 D."  She then hefted up the two green bags. "Don't worry.  There's a pair of elevators.  And only one step up at the front door.  There's also a wheelchair ramp on the left side."


End Part 1



"Sandy And Brad – Ch-01"
"Home Comes The Warrior"
Part 2
"Welcome Home"


As they exited the elevator, Sandy stated, "To the right.  Second door on the left.  That's ours.  This door," continued Sandy as they walked by a door on the right with a small sign labeled 'Emergency Exit,' "is the fire stairway.  With your legs I thought the fourth floor was high enough."

"Thanks," replied Brad.  "Maybe in a year or so I'll do all 25 or more."

Behind him Sandy chuckled.  "I bet you will, Brad.  Bet you will. While I'll huff and puff my way behind you."

Brad snorted.  "Some tennis player you are."

Behind him Sandy continued to chuckle.  "Brass key for the dead bolt," directed Sandy.  "The one with rubber thing is for the regular lock."

Brad unlocked the apartment door then stepped in and held the door for Sandy.  Then closed the door.  

Sandy set the duffel bags down against the cabinets next to the refrigerator.  She gestured back towards the door.  "Double bolt it."

Brad gave the deadbolt another twist.

Sandy stepped over to him.  "Then we put the security bar up."  She picked up a heavy square bar that was leaning by the door and dropped it into a set of 'U' shaped clamps on each side of the door frame. There was another set of clamps mounted on the door that the bar sat in. 

"There was a break in on the second floor just over a month ago," explained Sandy.  "They kicked in the apartment door.  So I requested the additional security.  And now our PCs are wired up to the building's internal video camera system.  When we order delivery we can see them at the front door to buzz them in.  And track them in either elevator and every hallway."  She touched the door.  "That way we can see and know who's knocking on the door." 

"Nice," stated Brad.

Sandy then rapped the door with her knuckles.  It gave off a heavy sound.  "Heavy duty steel door.  It cost me a bit.  But it will hold off your average criminal."  

"Nice security," agreed Brad.  

Sandy pointed at door.  "When we 


 we can take it with us unless the owners pay for it.  Got it in writing."

"Is there a back door?"

"This is the back door."  She pointed through an arched opening. "The front door is in the living room.  Same set up."

Brad moved to the opening and looked.  "Same keys?"

"Yep!" replied Sandy.  "And in the city the delivery guys have to have a photo ID from the restaurant," continued Sandy.  "Ask them to flash their ID."

"No ID," stated Brad, "No entry."  He looked around.  "I know this furniture."

"You should.  Most is from your house.  The rest is in storage.  As is the rest of the furniture and stuff from your house, its all in storage," explained Sandy gesturing towards the living-room.  "So you can sort through it later.  And the house is currently rented out.  A six month continuing lease.  In case we decide to move there. Otherwise you have some income coming in.  Oh, Brad, all of your books are here."  

She stepped over to him.  "Come.  Sit down.  We need to talk."

"Your parents still in Bolton?"

"For another couple of months," responded Sandy.  "Then out to 'Big Sky' Montana.  Or they were."

"Sandy?  Were?" 

"Yeah, they're going out there but just to scout out a place.  Then they'll be coming back."

"Why?" asked Brad.  "They were looking forward to moving out there for years."

"They want to make sure that we're okay."

"Sandy," began Brad.

"Brad, please," she said, pointing at the sofa.  "Sit down."

Brad looked at her then moved over to the sofa.  Then he slowly eased himself down on to the sofa at the left end.  He laid the cane on the floor behind his feet.

Sandy sat down next to him, on his right.  She then wrapped her arms about him and held him tight.  She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.  "Brad," she whispered.  She began crying again.  

Brad wrapped his arms about her and just held her.  He closed his eyes just feeling thankful that Sandy had waited for him.  His  thoughts went back to high school.  He remembered the first time he saw her.  All the guys in the science class had watched her come in.  Even many of the girls.  Back when they were Freshman and his being assigned with Sandra as her lab partner.  He was nearly tongue tied into speechlessness.  Him with one of the prettiest girls in the school.  They both soon discovered they had many interests in common.  And slowly a friendship developed and grew.

While Brad was into wrestling, Sandra enjoyed tennis.  Later Sandra liked going to watch Brad during his meets.  Brad loved to watch Sandy on the court playing tennis.  She was so graceful in her moves, while Brad displayed his skill and strength during his matches.  Then they made study trips to the library with burgers later and a ride home from one of their parents.  Then he had asked her out to go see a movie.  By that time one of their parents would always drive taking them to whatever the match was then drive the other home.  Until they each got their drivers license.  Sandy first then a few months later Brad got his.

Brad's memories skipped forward to when he stood at attention as a new Marine after boot camp.  He was so surprised when Sandy ran up to him.  He had not expected to see her.  She had made the trip with his parents.  And his Dad had saluted him, telling him he was very proud of him.  And he remembered his Mom had hugged and told him to do his duty but to be careful.

He suddenly snorted at a memory.

"What?" whispered Sandy, still hugging him.

"Just remembered something."

"What, Brad?"

"My first over seas assignment.  To our Embassy at Melbourne, Australia," replied Brad.

"I remember," said Sandy.  "Your Mom was so relieved about it.  As were my parents."

"I can imagine," muttered Brad.

"And me," said Sandy softly.

Brad tightened his hug.

"So what about Australia?"

"The guys making fun of me cause I watched your matches," said Brad.

Sandy snickered.  "I can imagine that."  

"I told them I knew you from high school," stated Brad.  "They didn't believe me."

"So..." began Sandy, "you never told them we dated."

"Only once," replied Brad with a chuckle.  "It took a while for them to stop laughing.  Think it took about three days for the ribbing to stop."

She lifted her head to look at him.  "So that's why they all dropped their jaws when I kissed you."

"Yeah," said Brad slowly.  "They stopped laughing at me after that."


Sandy and Brad Ch. 01



"Well there was the Australian Open," stated Sandy.  "Held in Melbourne of all places.  My second tour and I placed second."  She hugged him.  "Not too bad for a new kid on tour."

"I'm glad that you could stay that extra week," said Brad.

"I planned on it."

Brad just smiled and nodded.  "The guys watched the matches with me after that."

"Why?"

"Bragging rights," replied Brad.  "They could say they knew you."

Sandy leaned back against him and cuddled.  "Brad," she took a deep breath before she continued, "when you gave me power of attorney ... back when you joined, I knew it was in case you did not come home.  To take care of things so your parents would not have to."  She looked at him and sighed.  "I never thought I would have to make those decisions for your parents.  After that car accident.  But..."  She looked silently at Brad.

Brad took her hand and held it.  "Sandy, I was in a military hospital in Germany.  For three months I was in an induced coma due to the concussion and swelling of my brain.  And a really big crack in my skull."  He looked down at the floor.  "From when I ... when I got hurt.  When ..."  Brad looked up at Sandy.  He took a deep breath then let it out.  "From when I stepped on that IED."  He took another deep breath and shook his head.  "Sandy, I could not have made those decisions myself."

"I know, Brad" said Sandy.  "The Recruiter I went to.  Gunny Sargent Dale Frances, really helped out.  He wants to meet you.  He even went to your parents services.  He made sure your father got a full Marine burial.  And Sargent Frances even went to the funeral and burial."

She paused looking at Brad.  "I cried when they played taps,  I did not want too.  But I loved your Mom and Dad.  And I cried when they presented me your father's flag."

Brad just nodded.

"Brad, even my Mom cried.  She really like spending time with your Mom."

Brad said, "My Mom's letters told me how our parents got to be friends.  She said there would be four sets of eyeballs watching us."

"Oh my!" exclaimed Sandy standing up.  "I got to let my parents know you're here!"

Brad chuckled.  "Go ahead.  Tell them I said 'Hi'."

Sandy leaned over and gave Brad a quick kiss.  "Only a minute!"  She went to the kitchen then walked back into the living room pressing keys on her phone.  She then stood before Brad as she held the phone to her ear.

"Hi!  Dad!" stated Sandy excitedly.  "Brad's home!"

"Just today!  Got here about twenty minutes ago. --- No, Dad.  He's home!  He's here in my living room! --- Yeah.  Early release. --- Not today! --- Tomorrow?  Dinner?"

Sandy looked at Brad.

Brad nodded then raised his voice.  "Hi, Mr. Brooks.  Dinner tomorrow will be nice.  Look forward to seeing you."

"Yes, Dad.  Tomorrow. --- About noon, Dad.  I know.  He looks good. --- I'll tell him."  Sandy walked back to the kitchen.  "Bye, Dad!."

Sandy closed her phone and set it on the kitchen table then walked back to Brad.  "Big home coming dinner tomorrow."  She sat down beside Brad.  "I could hear my Mom crying in the background."

Brad just nodded.

"My Dad said to tell you 'Welcome home!"  Sandy looked at Brad. "Actually he said 'he was Damn! Glad you're home.'"

"That sounds more like your Dad."

"Yeah."  Sandy looked at Brad.  "Guess the next few days will be parading you around to friends and relatives." 

Brad hugged Sandy.  "I don't mind.  Just have to do it slow and easy. It's gonna take me time.  To get back my strength.  My stamina."

"Brad, no matter what we are doing," stated Sandy.  "When you've had enough let me know.  Then we'll head home or go someplace where you can rest."

"Thanks."  Brad kissed Sandy on the cheek.  "So.  We were talking about our Moms being friends."

"Yeah, they were."  Sandy chuckled.  "It was interesting listening the two of them planning our wedding.  For when you came back after your tour."

"Our wedding!" stammered Brad.

Sandy began giggling.  "They had plans ranging from us eloping and living in a trailer park to a Grand Ball at the Naval Academy and you becoming the Marine Commandant."

"Really!"

"And then on to the White House."

"The White house!"  Brad shook his head.

"Yeah, really."  Sandy hugged him.  "And we were to have a least one boy and one girl because our parents both wanted grandchildren."

"Grandchildren?"

"Grandchildren!  So they could spoil them rotten.  Fill them with candy.  And then send them home to us."

Brad smiled.  "Sounds like my Mom's brand of humor."

Sandy pulled him back against her.  "I just wanted to hold you.  To feel you against me.  To have you safe in my arms again, Brad."

Brad relaxed against her.  He took a deep breath and slowly let it out.  And closed his eyes.  Almost feeling content.  His mind still filled with some doubt.


Part 2
The End


"Sandy And Brad – Ch-01"
"Home Comes The Warrior"
Part 3
"Facing The Doubt"


Sometime later Sandy spoke softy.  "Brad."

"Sandy?"

"There are some things I want to tell you."

"Okay."  Brad sat up and turned to face her.

"Sargent Francis was the one who kept me informed on how you were doing.  He was able to push my legal status through so I could make the necessary arrangements for the services."

Sandy leaned back against him.  "He also helped me get a Dependent ID so I could get over to Germany to see you.  So the Doctors over there would talk to me."

Brad made to speak but Sandy touched his face.  "I know, Brad."  Her eyes began to tear up.  "You were out of it.  But I had to see you.  To know you were still alive."

"Must have been hard."

"It was worse not knowing," said Sandy, wiping her eyes.  "I was still fighting the legal stuff.  And the hospital would not say anything because I was not family.  But Sargent Francis cleared the way for me."  She pouted looking at him.  "I had to get back to see you.  I was a total wreck after the services for your parents."

Brad gathered Sandy in his arm and hugged her.  "I'll have to thank him."

"Brad," said Sandy softly, "we can go visit your parent's graves when you're ready."

Brad just nodded.  He knew he was not ready for that.

Sandy pointed across the living room at a tall, five shelf, wooden bookcase with glass doors.  On the top of the bookcase where there were a pair of triangular shaped, wooden, glass covered cases.  "Your Grandfather's Flag is on the left.  Your Father's Flag is on the right.  My Dad made the bookshelf for you.  Well for us.  And the case for your Father's Flag so it matched your Grandfather's."

"My Dad," began Brad, "he did not like the war in Nam.  But he thought it was the right thing to do.  So he joined the Marines because his Father, my Grandfather was a Marine during World War II out in the Pacific.  My Dad was seven when they got the news about Gramps.  All I know of my Grandfather is what Gram told me growing up."

"I know, Brad," said Sandy softly.  "Your parents told me a lot about your family serving.  And about your Family's history going back to Bunker Hill."

"My Mom got the bug from Grandma," said Brad.

Sandy hugged him as she pointed again at the bookcase.  "Those are all the books your parents had on your family.  Some of the other really old documents and the older books I put in a vault for safe keeping.  Only the copies your parents made are here."

Brad smiled.  "My last letter from my Mom," he patted the front of his uniform jacket, "said they were doing research on an old family rumor."

"What rumor?"

Chuckling, Brad said, "Probably nothing to it. But, when George Washington was crossing the Delaware River and later defeated the British in Trenton, New Jersey, one of the men rowing the boat Washington was in, is suppose to be a Cassidy.  On my Mother's side."

"Really!!" exclaimed Sandy.

Brad shrugged holding up his empty hands.  "That's the rumor."

"We'll have to work on that."

Brad smiled.  "Looks like I'll have time now."

Sandy touched his arm.  "Are you hungry?"

"Some."

Sandy smiled.  "Good.  There's a couple of nice restaurants in the area.  Both within a couple blocks.  Or we can order in."  She tilted her head.  "Or you can risk your life and taste buds and try my cooking."

Snorting, Brad sputtered.  "I've had your cooking before.  Its not bad."  Brad gave her a little smile.  "Let me take you to dinner."

"Are you sure?" asked Sandy.  "If you're tired I know a couple of real good take out and delivery places."

Brad looked at Sandy and nodded.  "Yeah," as he yawned.  "I am tired and its been a long day, but I just want to talk with you for a bit.  It's been a long time, Sandy."

Smiling, Sandy touched his arm.  "Want to change before we eat?  Get comfortable?"

Brad nodded.  He looked down at the floor.  "Sandy.  I'll ... need some help."

"Brad," stated Sandy, sliding over next to him and putting an arm about his shoulders.  She sighed.  "Brad, when you enlisted, I told you I would wait.  I told you when you were ready, I would walk down the aisle with you.  I promised I would marry you."

"Kind of hard to do that now," stated Brad still looking down at the floor.  "Can hardly walk.  Never mind standing for a long time."

"Bradford Allan Cassidy," stated Sandy firmly.  "I will marry you, Brad – even if I have to - throw you over my shoulder - and carry you down the aisle myself."

Brad snorted.  He turned to look at her.  He smiled even as his tears dripped down his face.  "I know you would.  I love you, Sandy."

Sandy said softly, "Yes I would.  I love you, Brad.  I have for a long time."

Brad reached up to wipe his eyes.

"Brad," whispered Sandy.

He stopped.  "What, Sandy?"

Sandy replied softly, "I know, Marines don't cry." She leaned closer and softly kissed first his right cheek then his left.  Then she sat up and looked at him intently.  "But, I'm glad that you still can."

Brad just hugged her and held on to her.

Sandy kissed Brad on his forehead.

"My Mom use to do that," stated Brad.  "When I was a lot younger. When I got hurt playing."  He leaned back to look at Sandy.  "My Mom kissed me like that before I went off on my tour."

"I know, Brad," said Sandy.  

"I know." nodded Brad.  "You were there too."  Tears were running down his cheeks.  "I still can't believe they're gone."  He then closed his eyes and buried his face at her shoulder.

Sandy held him tightly against her as he cried.  She sighed heavily. "I have you, Brad.  I have you."  She took a deep breath and slowly let it out.  "You're safe now."

Sandy lost track of the time as she held Brad.  Remembering who he was and how much and why she loved him.  How much she had feared for him.  Memories quickly filled the time.

"Sandy."

"Yes, Brad."

"After I woke up in Germany.  That first time."  He paused.  And for a few moments did not say anything.

Sandy said softly, "I'm here, Brad."

"In Germany, after you went home that first time.  I ... I was afraid you would not want me any more.  After seeing my injuries.  Knowing what happened to me."

Sandy sat up and looked at him concerned.   "Why, Brad?"

"You being so athletic and a champion tennis star.  Being world famous."  Brad sat up and looked at her.  "You even have your picture on a cereal box.  And I've seen your commercials.  And you are one of the smartest, most wonderful people I know."  Brad looked at her and sighed. "And you are so damn beautiful to boot."  Brad looked away.  "And there I was.  And here I am.  Just a badly wounded, used up – useless Jar Head that had ... ."

"Brad!" stated Sandy firmly, interrupting him.  "First off, Marine! You are a Jar Head and you be damn proud of that!  As proud as your Mom and your Dad were of you.  As I am of you.  And my parents too!" She touched his face.  Her voice softer.  "Second, you are not used up.  And you are far from useless!  And you seemed to have forgotten you earned the Bronze Star your second tour."  

Brad slowly shook his head.

Sandy suddenly jabbed a finger towards the window.  "You go tell that to the four Marines you saved last year.  You tell them you're useless!  You tell that to their families!"  She began crying again.  "You're not!  And I am so very proud of you, Brad.  As were your Mom and Dad."

Brad shook his head again.

"Look!!"  Sandy pointed across the room at the pictures on the wall above the bookcase.  

Brad looked.  There was one of his grandfather in his greens on the left.  Beside his grandfather's photo, in the middle, was one of his father in his Marine Dress uniform.  Then next on the right there was his photo in his dress uniform wearing the Bronze Star.  The fourth frame held the citation for the Bronze Star.

"Your father had those pictures," stated Sandy, again pointing at the photos, "on the wall over his desk.  Right beside your grandfather's picture.  And that one of himself.  He was damn proud of you, Marine."  Sandy sobbed as she added softly, "And don't you ever forget that."

She wiped at her eyes. "As for the rest.  What you said about me."  Sandy gave him a slight smile.  "I might be able to give a mean return on the court."  She sighed looking at him.  "And the cameras do seem to like me.  But my heart belongs to you, Brad.  Not to the tennis court.  Not to the fame.  And certainly not to those sideline bums at the court like the media claims."  

She took his hand.  While with her other she touched his face.  "I love you, Brad.  No one else."  She looked at him for a long moment. "And, Brad, not once have I been with another man.  Not once!  Only with you."

She smiled again.  "And another thing, Brad," continued Sandy softly.  "Every couple of weeks your parents had me over on Saturday for dinner.  Your Mom taught me what you liked.  And how to cook it.  Then over dinner they started telling me about your family's history."

"Must have been boring?"

"No way," declared Sandy.  "I loved it.  I always loved history.  You know that!  But your parents brought it alive."

Brad smiled.  "That they could do."

Sandy leaned against him.  "Then sometimes they had me sleep over.  I slept in your bed, Brad.  Curled up with your pillows.  Under your blankets.  I wore your wrestling sweatshirt sometimes.  I missed you so much.  Sometimes I cried myself to sleep because I was so scared for you.  I was so afraid that ... that I would never see you again.  But I was also so very proud of you.  For the man you are."

Brad leaned towards her and kissed Sandy.  Then he wrapped his arms about her and just held her close to him.

"I remember one night," continued Sandy, "your Mom came in.  She heard me crying.  She sat on your bed with me.  And held me, Brad.  She told me that she had no worries about us as a couple.  Or us getting married.  She said she already thought of me as part of the family."  She snickered.  "Your Mom, also told me that I might have to push you some to marry me.  That night she too kissed me on my forehead."

Brad smiled.  "Sounds like Mom.  Sandy, I knew you were all proud of me.  But ... "

"Don't change the subject, Brad."  Sandy looked at him, putting on a stern face.  "You still have a duty to do, Marine."

"Other than loving you?"

"Yes!" stated Sandy.  "Brad, you more than anyone knows what a returning Vet needs in the way of support.  What their family needs.  You understand what they are going through with their injuries.  And if not injuries, the nightmare of combat.  And what they will be facing later.  Going out into public.  Apply for work.  Dating.  Falling in love."   Sandy paused.  "And getting married."

Sandy again paused and touched his face.  "I need you to help me make BRAVE be better.  To do the right things.  Not stumble about making mistakes.  Or worse.  Forgetting someone or something in the paper shuffle."

"You're really serious about this," said Brad.

"As serious as I am about spending the rest of my life with you," returned Sandy.  "Married or not.  There is no one else, Brad.  Not for me.  And there never will be."

Brad took a long moment to look into her eyes.

Sandy looked back at him and gave him a small smile.

Brad took a deep breath as he looked at Sandy.  The deep worry he had held for so long was gone.  "Okay."

"Okay?" questioned Sandy.

"Yeah!" he said more firmly.  "Okay!"

"Now that's my Marine talking."  She leaned close to kiss him.  "Welcome home, Brad," whispered Sandy softly.  "Welcome home."

Brad held her a little tighter.

"Then I might as well get changed into something more comfortable." Brad looked up at her.  "I'll need help getting up.  And changing." He grinned at her  "Before you decide to toss me up on your shoulder and lug me down to a restaurant.  Or some place else and ... have your way with me."

Sandy smiled at him and started to chuckle.  "I just might do that."

"What?" asked Brad.  "Lug me down to a restaurant?"

Sandy smiled.  "Have my way with you, Marine," she said softly.


The End 
Part 3


"Sandy And Brad – Ch-01"
"Home Comes The Warrior"
Part 4
"The Pain of War"


Sandy rose and stood before him.  "How do you want to do this?"

Brad looked up at her.  "Sandy, you might want to sit for this.  And ... and I'll tell you what I remember.  Let you know what you'll be facing.  And ... what happened to me."

Sitting back down beside Brad, Sandy took his hand.  "You don't need to do this now.  We can do this when you're ready, Brad."  She paused looking at him.  "Besides, I visited you in Germany.  And more than just a few times."

"Then all you saw of me was the casts and bandages."

"No, Brad," whispered Sandy.  She began to cry again as she touched his face.  "I could see your face.  I could watch you breath."  She pouted and lowered her hand to his chest.  "And ... I could feel your heart beating."  She wiped at her eyes.  She smiled at him.  "And after a while the nurses would let me give you a shave on the mornings I was there."

"Sandy," said Brad softly, looking up at her.

"I love you so much, Brad."  Tears came to her eyes again.  "I had to go to be with you.  To see you."

"And I love you, Sandy."

"Brad," said Sandy softly, "I have been in love with you since our Freshmen Science Fair."

"I wish I ... I should have told you how I felt, Sandy.  A lot sooner than I did."

"You didn't have to, Brad," said Sandy.  "I knew."  She pouted.  "I knew for a long time."

Brad could only look into her eyes.  "How?"

Sandy leaned closer and kissed Brad.  Leaning back she smiled. "Because you were always there for me.  Even when I acted like a brat and did something stupid.  You were always there.  You never once forgot my birthday."

"How could I forget?" stated Brad.  "Two days before my Mom's."

"I know," stated Sandy.  "You even stayed after school when I debated.  You being there made me try to do my best."  She chuckled.  "I always studied extra.  I wanted you to be proud of me."

"I always was, Sandy."  Brad smiled shaking his head.  "I spent hours with my Mom learning to dance.  And watching my Mom and Dad dance in the kitchen.  I wanted to be ready for the 'Fall Ball Dance.'"

Sandy laughed and hugged him.  "You did that to impress me?"

"No!" declared Brad.  "I did not want to be a fool.  Stepping all over your toes.  Or tripping over my own feet."

"You didn't," replied Sandy.  "I had a wonderful time."

"I remember when I walked you to your door," stated Brad.  "After wards."

"And your Mom driving me home," added Sandy.

Brad looked at Sandy and slowly smiled.  "Then you gave my first kiss."

Sandy reached up with her right hand and touched his face.  "I remember."  She leaned close kissed him long and slow.  Leaning back she asked, "What did your Mom say?"

"About what?"

"About us, Brad," snickered Sandy.  "And our making out on my front porch."




Sandy and Brad Ch. 01



Brad chuckled.  "She just smiled," replied Brad, "and said good for you.  And your parents?"

"Mom gave me a hug," replied Sandy.  "Dad sternly warned me about wrestlers and their wandering hands."

"So you never told him about your wandering hands?"

Sandy smiled.  "He'd have grounded me for the year."

"So," began Brad, "How's he feel about me now?  Us being together?"

"You know he likes you, Brad."

Brad snorted.  "How can I tell?  He hardly ever spoke to me."

"Remember before you deployed last year?" replied Sandy.  "You were over for the family cookout."

"Yeah."  Brad hugged Sandy.  "Your Dad and I sat there and he gave me a beer.  We talked a bit."

"My Dad never has a beer with someone he does not like."  Sandy laughed.  "Then he drove you home cause you had four beers by the time you two were done talking."

"And Brad, just so you know, my Dad gave me the security deposit for our apartment," stated Sandy.  "He said he wanted us in a good place.  Helped me move too."

"Guess he does like me."

"More than just like, Brad."  Sandy leaned against him.  "When your parents came over to tell me what happened to you.  It really bothered him.  Then we all sat down for dinner."

Brad snuggled closer.  "They really liked you."

"My parents yours too," added Sandy.  "You know the deck on the back of the house?"

"Yeah," replied Brad.  "I do."

"My dad redid the steps so there's a ramp for a wheelchair," explained Sandy.  "Your Mom and Dad were not sure how bad your injuries were going to be.  They knew you had lost your right leg. And that your left was in bad shape.  My Dad figured a ramp would be the easiest for you."  Sandy sighed heavily.  "Brad."

"Yes?"

"Your parents then told me as we had dinner, they had bought three round trip tickets so I could fly over with them to see you."

"They really like you," stated Brad.  "Liked you."

"After the doctor told us what had happened," said Sandy.  "He explained your injuries.  And why you were sedated.  He said physically you would recover.  But they were not optimistic if you had brain damage.  They had to wait for the swelling to go down." 

Sandy leaned against Brad.  "After the Doctor left your Mom stepped over to your bed and took your hand.  She was wonderful."  Sandy smiled.  "She said simply.  Brad we're here.  Me, Dad and Sandy.  We are all here.  Now you listen to me, Bradford Allan.  You're hurt but you will be coming home to us in time.  Your job right now is to get better.  To heal.  And we will be waiting for you to come home.  Sandy too.  She's here now, Brad.  She has come to see you."

Sandy chuckled.  "Then your Mom pulled me over to stand beside her.  I had no idea what to say."

Sandy took Brad's hand.  "Your Dad stood on my other side and said and I quote, 'Sandy, just tell Brad how you feel.  He'll know.'  Then he kissed my cheek."

Sandy sniffed.  "So I did.  I told you I loved you and I wanted you to come home to me.  To come home to all of us."  With tears running down her cheeks she added.  "And now you're home."

"And Brad," continued Sandy, "Not once did your Mom or Dad ever doubt you would be coming home."

Leaning against Brad, Sandy continued.  "I remembered from High School.  You came to my matches."  She chuckled.  "Brad, you were there at every tennis match.  You where even at that match with Kaitlin Brown when I lost.  You even came back with another drink after I dumped the first one over your head."

Brad chuckled.  "Well ... it was getting rather warm on the court that day."

"Warm!  I was boiling over," stated Sandy.  "But you came back, Brad. You came back to me.  You handed me that second drink.  And I remember you looking at me.  You weren't even angry.  You gave me that silly smirk of yours.  I was there thinking I had lost the match and that I had lost you.  I lost my best friend cause I got angry over losing a stupid tennis match.  I just didn't know what to do."  

Sandy looked at him for a long moment.  "And you came back to me and smiled.  Then you kissed me on the cheek in front of everyone there.  You let me know that you still cared.  You showed me you were a real gentleman and that you had class.  Not just to me.  But to everyone there."

Brad snorted.  "I don't know about class.  I just wanted to show you I was not mad at you.  And that you were still my friend."

Sandy chuckled.  "What would you have done if I had dumped that second drink on you?

"Actually, I had thought about that," replied Brad.  "As I walked towards you."

"You did!" exclaimed Sandy, looking at him.

Brad nodded.  "Well, I figured I still had enough money for two more drinks.  And still buy us lunch."

Sandy smiled.  "Then you handed me my racquet and told me to go take her down."

"Then you won that match and the next," added Brad.

"I won because of you, Brad."

Brad looked at her.  "I did not want to loose you, Sandy."  He shook his head slowly.  "Not over a stupid drink.  I cared so much for you.  I still do.  The drink on my head was nothing.  You were everything to me.  You still are."  He smiled slightly.  "You still are, Sandy."

Sandy smiled.  "Just like I had to see you.  I had to go to Germany."  She paused and looked at him.  "Sometimes," Sandy whispered, "I would sit and read to you."  She sniffed.  "And hold your hand."

"What?" asked Brad.

"What?" asked Sandy, looking confused.

"What, did you read," asked Brad.

Sandy smiled and began to giggle.  "The old classics.  'Robinson Crusoe,' 'Swiss Family Robinson,' 'The Count of Monte Cristo' and 20,000 Leagues ... "

"Wait," interrupted Brad, looking at her in surprise, "why those books?"

"I found them in your collection," replied Sandy.  "Back in school you told me you liked them.  And I have never read them."

"So you flew all the way to Landstuhl just to read books?"

"Actually no," replied Sandy.  "Well ... when I went to see you, I read the books aloud.  I read to you.  And the guys in the ward listened in.  Helped them too.  Helped to pass the time."  She took a deep breath.  "But I was reading to you, Brad.  Trying to reach out to you.  Letting you hear my voice."  She smiled as she wiped her eyes.  "I was just trying to let you know I was still there for you."

"Sandy, thanks," stated Brad.

Sandy looked at Brad for a few moments.  "So what did you want to tell me?"

"Better you know now," he stated.  "About my injuries."

"Okay, Brad," replied Sandy as she took his hand.  "I know about your legs."

"Okay," replied Brad.  "Then I'll tell you how."

Sandy nodded.

Taking a deep breath, Brad let it out as he turned to her.  "It was our usual early morning patrol," began Brad, "along a road we used to truck supplies and troops out to the remote camps.  They usually planted the IEDs along the roadside for the trucks."  He shook his head as he sighed.  "We had a disposal team with us.  A Marine and his sniffer dog.  They found three hidden IEDs on the route.  All placed on the right side of the road where the tires would ride."

"So," stated Sandy, "you stepped on one on the left side."

Brad smiled as he shook his head.  "I might be a Jar Head, but I ain't stupid."  

"Brad," stated Sandy.  "I never thought you were stupid.  Silly at times, yes."  She shook her head.  "But never stupid."

Brad hugged her.  "No," he stated.  "That trick was fairly new.  At first it was on different sides staggered along the road."

"Changing their tactics," muttered Sandy.

Brad nodded looking at her.  "We covered the road," continued Brad.  "Both sides.  The middle.  We very were though.  You have to be.  That IED must have been different.  Not even the dog picked up on it.  And that IED must have had a faulty trigger.  Or maybe a double trigger."  He shook his head.  "Private Daws was ahead of me and he must have stepped on it.  I was about four paces behind him.  I put my foot right where he had stepped.  That's something you learn quick.  Foot prints usually indicated a good spot to step."

Brad closed his eyes as he continued speaking.  "I never heard it go off."  He shook his head.  "Next thing I remember was flying through the air.  And landing hard."  He opened his eyes and looked at Sandy.

"Never felt the pain either.  I was numb."  He touched the right side of his head above his ear.  "I got hit with something real hard. Cracked my skull.  The doctors in Germany think it was like a steel ball bearing."  He looked at Sandy for a moment.  "I guess being thick headed paid off for once."  He sighed.  "At a different angle it might gone and – punched right in."

"I might have lost you."  Sandy leaned against Brad and hugged him.  "What about not feeling any pain?"

"The docs in Germany said that's normal.  Happens sometimes."

Sandy hugged him tighter.  "How about now?"

"My left foot," replied Brad.  "Still have feeling in the arch and about the ankle.  Not much more.  Muscle aches.  Nothing else."

"Okay," stated Sandy.  "So we check your foot and legs every day."

Brad took another deep breath.  He turned and looked into her eyes.  "The last thing I remember from the field was Gipper telling me he had me."

"Gipper?" asked Sandy.

"Navy Corpsman James Reagan," replied Brad.  "Our medic.  Gipper, his nickname.  He saved my life out there.  Kept me from bleeding to death."

"I remember him from your letters."  Sandy snuggled closer to Brad.

"After that," Brad paused and shook his head.  "It's a blur," stated Brad.  "Until I really woke up in Germany."  He looked at her.  "Then they told me what had happened.  You were there for that."

Sandy held his hand a little tighter.

"Sandy, I lost my right leg from above the knee," he said.  "Artificial from just above the knee, the lower leg and right foot.  All plastic and metal."  Brad looked at her.  "My left leg was badly torn up.  Lots of nasty wounds and scars.  Lots of metal holding the bones together.  Got some pins in both arms too."  Brad looked at her.  "I still get tired easy from walking.  But the doctors think that will improve as I do more.  And build up my strength again."

"We'll take it slow, Brad," stated Sandy.  "And I'll not be far away."

"What about your next tour?"

"Simple," replied Sandy.  "You're coming with me.  If you would like to."  She looked at him.  

Brad smiled and nodded.  "I'd like that."  He then took a deep breath and looked away.

"Brad, what are you not telling me?"

"The scars run up both legs," stated Brad.  He quickly glanced at her, then looked away again.

Sandy asked softly, "What is it, Brad?"

Brad took a deep breath.  "I don't know if it,"  he looked down at his crotch, "still works."  His head lowered some.  "I was told they did some repair work."  He glanced at Sandy.  "I just don't know."  He took another deep breath as he turned away.  "And I was told the chances of ... of having children ... is very doubtful."

Sandy leaned over and kissed his cheek.  "Children can wait for a bit.  As for the rest."  She turned his face towards her.  "That is something we can solve together.  Together, Brad.  What ever the future has for us, it will be us together."

"I remember you telling me that you wanted at least two.  A boy and a girl."

"Bunk beds three high," giggled Sandy.  "Times two."

"That's right!"  Brad shook his head.  "Six rug rats."

"The Cassidy Platoon," declared Sandy.

"I knew I loved you for a reason," stated Brad.  "But, Sandy, what if I can't..."  His voice faded.

"What part of we'll solve this are you not getting?" asked Sandy. "When you're ready.  We try."  She placed her right hand on his chest.  "If nothing comes from that."  Taking her hand from his chest she gestured towards the window in the far wall.  "There's kids out there without parents.  Too many."

Brad glanced at the window then back at Sandy.  "Adopt?"

"It's one option," replied Sandy.  "There's others too.  But enough serious talk for now."  She looked at him.  "Lets get you comfortable."

Brad smiled.  "Okay."

"Do you want to shower before we eat?"  Sandy gave him a wicked smile. "Wait until you see the shower.  It's a walk in.  Big enough for two."

"I might rust."

"Rust!"  Sandy began laughing.  "Since when does stainless steel rust?  Any way I had some safety bars put in for you, Brad.  And non-slip floor tiles.  I even got a real heavy plastic chair in case you wanted to sit down while you shower."  She stood up and moved in front of him.  Extending her hands towards Brad.  "Time to get up and get you undressed."

"Undressed?"

"What else do you with a Marine that's just come home?" stated Sandy.

Brad smirked.  "Get him undressed."

"Yeah!"  Sandy smiled.  "And no matter what, Brad.  I'm here to stay."

Brad reached up and took both of her hands.  "You have a good strong grip."

"I play tennis, remember.  Can't have the racket go flying.  They sort of frown on that."  Sandy looked down at Brad.  "And, Brad. I'll never let you go."

Brad looked up at her and sighed.

"I can't walk away, Brad."  She shook her head.  "Not from you.  Not ever."

Sandy stepped back slowly and pulled Brad up to his feet.  "You okay?" she asked as he wavered a little and she quickly stepped in to wrap an arm about him.

"I still get tired easy.  Dizzy sometimes when I get up too fast."

"Then slow and easy," stated Sandy wrapping an arm around him, supporting him.  "We are defiantly eating in tonight.  No reason to push yourself.  That is if you want to stay in?"

"Maybe tomorrow we can walk a bit," suggested Brad.  "Have lunch out somewhere."

"Sounds good," replied Sandy.  "And I promise to be gentle with you."

Brad snorted.  "That's suppose to be my line."

Sandy giggled as they moved towards the bedroom.  She asked, "How was your flight?"

"Surprising," replied Brad.

"Really!" stated Sandy.  "How so?  Which one?"

Brad stopped and looked at her.  "When I boarded the plane in Germany, I was walking through First Class, hobbling actually with the cane, when this older guy in a three piece business suit stood up before me and asked were my seat was?"

"How come?" asked Sandy.

"He swapped seats with me," stated Brad.  He shook his head.  "He said I deserved First Class.  Then he went back and sat in coach."

"How nice," stated Sandy, as they moved into the master bedroom.  "Not to worry.  When we fly, we can either go Business or First Class."

"How can you afford it?" asked Brad as Sandy eased him down to sit on the bed.

"Easy," stated Sandy.  "I live frugally."

"Frugally?" questioned Brad.  

"Well," stated Sandy smiling at him.  "We could be in a penthouse across town cause I'm famous and beautiful."

Brad chuckled as he pointed at her.  "Not the day we went dirt biking.  I bet no one else ever saw you like that."

Sandy started laughing and leaned back against the wall behind her as she pointed back at him.  "I remember.  We were so filthy from all the mud.  I even got mud in my panties and bra."  She looked at him for a moment.  "Then we washed up in the river.  Naked!" Sandy reached over and touched his face.  "Then ... then that night you made love to me by the campfire."  

She sighed.  "Oh, Brad.  Everyday I prayed for you when I woke up.  You were my last thought when I went to sleep at night."  There were tears running her cheeks.  "I almost went crazy when your parents came over and told me you'd been hurt."

Brad took her hand from his face and kissed her fingers.  He looked up at her.  "Sandy," ha said softly, "every day I had four things on my mind.  You.  Keeping my team alive.  Keeping myself alive.  And coming home.  To you."

Sandy leaned down and kissed Brad.  After a long moment they broke the kiss and Sandy stood again before Brad.  "I love you Brad."

Brad reached out and took her hand to hold it.  "Thank you, Sandy." He looked up at her.  

"For what?"

"Your letters," replied Brad.  "The cards.  The care packages."

Sandy stated, "What's a Marine without care packages from home?"

"A sour puss," replied Brad with a chuckle.

"You got it," stated Sandy.  "And I did not want any sour puss Marine coming home to me."

"So how are we ever going to pay for this apartment?"  asked Brad.  "And first class tickets.  The travel."

"Easy," stated Sandy as she leaned back against the wall.  "I'm wicked good on the court.  I have three product endorsements behind us.  And another pending."

"Us?" asked Brad.

"Us, Brad," stated Sandy.  "Us.  You and me.  I'll tell you the rest later.  Or we can talk some more and have boiled hot dogs and beans for dinner."

Brad smiled and shook his head.  "I promised you dinner."  He suddenly yawned.  "Sorry.  Guess I'm more tired than I thought."

"Brad," began Sandy, "We already decided on dinner.  We're eating in tonight.  That's a better idea.  You can rest.  You can take me to dinner another night.  And tonight, Brad.  I'm going to sleep curled up beside you.  And I'm going to hold onto you all night."

"Okay," replied Brad.  "The curled up with you sounds real nice."  He suddenly yawned again.  "Guess I'm more tired than I thought.  Sorry."

"Don't be, Brad.  You've had a long few days.  So what do your taste buds want?" asked Sandy.  

"What's good around here for takeout?"

"Chinese of course," stated Sandy.  "Two different places.  Both are good.  There's like four sub shops all pretty good.  Or pizza."

Brad smiled.  "Pizza!  I've not had any decent pizza for some time."

"Then pizza it is!" stated Sandy.  "We'll get two.  One plain and one with extra cheese, sausage and mushrooms, right?"

"You remembered."

"How could I forget pizza, Brad?"  Sandy smiled.  "Then tomorrow or the next day we can sit in front of the TV and watch some goofy movie with a cold cheese pizza and a couple of beers."

"Sounds perfect."

Sandy gave him a quick kiss.  "Be right back.  Left my phone on the kitchen table.  I'll call and order the pizza."

Brad watched Sandy go.  He turned back to look down at his legs and smirked.  "It's going to be okay, Brad," he told himself.


The End
Part 4


"Sandy And Brad – Ch-01"
"Home Comes The Warrior"
Part 5
"The Scars of War"


"Pizza's ordered," stated Sandy as she came back into the bedroom.

"I don't know this bed," stated Brad as he looked around.

"New," said Sandy.  "A king size.  I wanted plenty of room for us." She then got down on her knees before him.  "Besides, I  hate it when my feet hang over the edge."  She nodded towards the closet doors.  "I have some of your clothes here.  The right side.  Left is mine."  Sandy then began to untie his shoes.  

"And the dressers?" asked Brad.

Sandy began to giggle.  "The one near the closet is mine."

"Why the giggles?"

"Cause, Brad," replied Sandy looking up at him with a big smile.  "I like to pick and choose and make sure I look just right."

"You always look fine to me."

"See."  Sandy reached up and poked his chest.  "That's cause you're a guy.  And have no fashion sense."

"Well," replied Brad slowly, "as a Marine it was usually, either green or – green.  Or maybe multi-colored cammies.  Still green."

"See!" stated Sandy.  "But to me – you always looked good."

"What's the second bedroom for?" asked Brad.

"Extra closet space for clothes and our office," replied Sandy as she slipped off his left shoe.

"Office?"

"Two desks ...."  Sandy paused as she took off his left sock and saw the scars on his foot.  The missing toes.  She slowly looked up at Brad.  "Brad?" she questioned softly.

"Yep," stated Brad.  "Lost two toes on that foot.  Almost lost the big toe too."

"How bad is it, Brad?" asked Sandy.  "Your left leg."

"Have you ever seen a burn from a fire?"

Sandy nodded.  "I have.  My mom spilled hot grease while cooking.  It caught on fire.  It splashed on her arm." Sandy glanced down at his foot.  "I was just ten."  She looked up at him.  "It was not pretty. My Dad was there when it happened.  He was able to smother the fire real quick.  That's why my Mom always wears long sleeves out side. Or when we have guests.  Usually most of the time."




Sandy and Brad Ch. 01



Brad spoke softly.  "Sandy, remember my wounds from last year.  The scars?"

"Yes."

"My legs are about a hundred times worse."

Sandy looked into Brad's eyes for a long time.  She then nodded before she looked back down at his foot.  "Okay, Brad."  She looked back up at him.  "Are there any bandages I have to worry about?"

"No."  Brad shook his head.  "The healing is done.  No bandages.  It's just the recovery and ..."  Brad tapped the side of his head.  "The emotional side of things."

Sandy pointed up at his forehead as she looked into his eyes.  "Brad, if you get any odd thoughts in there, promise you will talk to me."

"I promise."

"Before you do something rash or stupid."

"Sandy, I promise."  Brad took a deep breath and sighed.  He shook his head.  "I don't plan on doing anything stupid, Sandy.  Or rash.  Now that I'm home."

Sandy smiled up at him.  "Good!  Oh!  One other thing," stated Sandy.  "I have been talking to the doctors and doing some reading.  I want to check your ..." she touched his right leg above the knee.  "... stump every day.  At least once.  Maybe more once you start getting around more.  More active."

Brad just looked at her questioningly.

"For redness from rubbing," explained Sandy.  "Sores.  Chaffing.  Things like that.  Before it turns into an open sore or wound.  Blisters.  Those can get infected so easily.  Also to watch for the build up of scar tissue or callouses."

Brad nodded.  "Good idea."

"And look for wear on the socket," stated Sandy.  "I do not want you going back into the hospital."

"Neither do I."

"Well," stated Sandy, "except for checkups and regular stuff."  She stood up and began unbuttoning his uniform jacket.  She then eased it off his arms.

"Okay.  Three bedrooms?" questioned Brad.  "Why three?"

Sandy smiled as she carefully laid his jacket on the end of the bed near the closet.  Turning back to face him, her smile widened as she slowly rubbed her belly.  "Oh. Just planning ahead, Brad.  Until then, we have a guest room."

Brad watched Sandy with a slight smile.  "Sure you want another Jar Head in the family?"

Sandy sat down beside him.  "Your Mom and I talked many times, Brad. About a lot of things.  As did my Mom."  She leaned against him.  "Sometimes it was the two of them having advice class."  She sighed.  "It was good advice.  Every time you were deployed, your parents made sure I was always okay."

"Sounds like them."

"And my Mom was always asking about you," stated Sandy.  "My Dad too."

Brad nodded.

"But your Mom," began Sandy, "she told me that the most important thing a wife, a mother or a girl friend of a Marine or a Sailor or a soldier or any member of the Armed Services can do, is to stand tall and to be brave for those who go off to war so they can be focused on what they need to do and not be worried about those at home.  She told me to be brave for you.  To keep the light on for you.  I tried to be, Brad.  But I got scared sometimes."

"My parents really liked you, Sandy."  He snorted.  "Mom told me I was being stupid for not marrying you.  Dad agreed.  They said if I waited too long.  Someone might come along and take you away."

Sandy nodded.  "Your Mom mentioned that a couple of times to me too.  But, I told them you already had my heart.  I could not walk away from you.  Not for anything."  She sighed.  "They had me come with them that first time to Germany to see you.  Cause I was family as your Dad said."

Sandy took a deep breath.  "It was hard seeing you like that."  She shook her head.  "But your Mom.  Not one tear while we were in the hospital.  The two of us balled our eyes out later at the hotel." 

Brad took a deep breath and just nodded.

"Let's get that shirt off," said Sandy rising to stand before Brad. She quickly had his tie, shirt and T-shirt off.  She ran her hand across the older scar on his upper left arm.  "From your last tour. When you saved your men."

Brad nodded.  "Yeah."

Sandy then picked up his shirt, T-shirt and tie.  She opened Brad's side of the closet.  "Clothes basket," she stated placing the T-shirt and shirt in it.  "It's for dirty clothes.  Remember that."  She placed the tie on the top of Brad's dresser.

"Yes, Ma'am," replied Brad.

Sandy giggled.  "The washer and dryer are in a closet in the bathroom."  Sandy pointed at the basket in the closet.  "No room in there for dirty clothes."  She look at Brad with a stern face.  "You get me, Marine?"

"Yes, Ma'am," chuckled Brad.  "I do, Ma'am."

"Which way is easier for your pants?" asked Sandy.  "Standing or sitting?"  She moved backed around to him.

"Today," stated Brad, "I think sitting."

Sandy knelt down before him again.  She eased off his right shoe then she looked at his artificial foot of steel and plastic.  And the metal joint and part of the support shaft.

"How's the ankle joint working?" asked Sandy.  "I saw that first time you tried it."

Brad chuckled.  "That's why you have two aids and a lot of floor pads.  Working good."  

Brad then undid his belt and pulled it free from the pants.  Then pulled down his zipper.  Brad lifted himself up and Sandy pulled his uniform pants down his legs and off.

As Brad let himself down Sandy sniffed at the pants.  

She wrinkled her nose at him.  "Any special instructions on having these cleaned?"

"No!" he quickly replied.  "You try two long air flights and sitting in a New York airport for over eight hours.  See how you smell."

"I never smell this bad," declared Sandy with a smirk.  "I'm just surprised you weren't declared a bio-hazard going through customs."

Brad made a face at her.  "Maybe I should haul this hunk of bio-hazard to another room."  He started to get up.

Sandy jabbed a finger towards him.  "Don't you dare move buster.  I ain't done with you yet."  She grinned at him.  "I'll decide when and where you need to be decontaminated."  Sandy tilted her head to the left and looked at him.  "And I'll handle the cleaning myself."

"Really?" muttered Brad with a smirk on his face.

"Really," returned Sandy.  "I'll toss your butt in the shower and hose you down."

"That could prove interesting."

Sandy began to laugh.  "I'm sure it will be.  Always liked the idea of co-ed showers."

Brad nodded as he gestured towards the closet.  "A standard dry cleaning for the uniform is fine."

Sandy then went to Brad's dresser and got a sweatsuit and handed it to him.  She again knelt down on the floor to look at Brad's left leg.

Sandy could readily see the leg had many scars and what looked like burn marks over most of the leg from his foot to about mid thigh. But some of the scars continued up to his crotch.

"Are you sure none of this hurts?" she asked.

"Just a dull ache and from being sore," replied Brad.  

"Want some aspirin?" asked Sandy.  "Or some of your pain med?"

Brad shook his head.  "I have some pain med in my duffel bag.  I'll take one before we go to bed.  The bottle says I can take as many as three at one time.  But I get dizzy on one."

"I'll remember that," stated Sandy getting up to her feet again. "Any restrictions on them?"

"Do not mix with alcohol."

"Okay.  And I'll keep track of what and when you take them."  Sandy paused looking at Brad.  "I don't want you getting addicted to them.  So we will post a chart somewhere."

"Me either," agreed Brad.  "Charting is good."

"Brad, you get changed," stated Sandy. "I'll get plates and set up the table in the living room near the sofa.  To drink I have root beer, Diet Coke, tea or coffee.  Milk too.  Or ice water."

"Root beer will be great," stated Brad.

"Which duffel bag is your med in," asked Sandy.  "You got two."

"The one with the compo lock."

Sandy squinted at him.  "So --- what's the combination?"

Brad just smiled at her.

Looking at Brad for a moment Sandy suddenly started to giggle and shake her head.  "My birthday!  Right?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, Brad.  You get changed and I'll be back in a few to walk you back out to the living room.  Okay?"

"Okay," returned Brad.

Sandy stopped in the bedroom doorway and stood silently just looking at him.

"What?" asked Brad.

"I just like seeing you here," replied Sandy.  "Sitting on our bed."  She smiled.  "Having you home, Brad."

"It's good to be here, Sandy."

Sandy smiled.  Then turned away and left the room.

Brad watched Sandy walk down the hall then turn into the kitchen.  He sighed as he continued to look at the empty hall.  Now he felt content.


The End
Part 5

"Sandy And Brad – Ch-01"
"Home Comes The Warrior"
Part 6
"Pizza For Dinner"


About thirty minutes later the pizzas had been delivered and now Sandy and Brad, both dressed comfortably in sweat suits, were seated on the sofa next to each other with four slices of the pizza with extra cheese, sausage and mushrooms already gone.  The boxes and plates were on a coffee table pulled over before the sofa.  The television was on with a DVD movie playing.  

Brad took a large bite of pizza.  "This brings back memories."

Sandy turned to Brad and gave him a silly, questioning look.  "You either said 'rings gug ores' or something about 'amories.'  Which was it?  Unless of course you're speaking Marine, which I did not take in school."

Brad gave her a questioning look.  "Speak Marine!"

Sandy nodded.  "I know English, French and Spanish.  And some Italian.  But no Jar Head speak!  So not a clue!"

Brad started chuckling and covered his mouth as he laughed.

"That's it, Brad," stated Sandy shaking her head.  "Spew your pizza all over."  She held out a paper napkin.  "Need one of these?"

Brad chewed and swallowed.  Then took a drink of soda.  Taking the napkin he then patted the corners of his mouth gently.  Then he smiled at her.

Sandy started laughing.  "You have not lost that weird sense of humor of yours."

"I said," began Brad, "'This brings back memories.'"

Sandy looked at the open pizza box, the TV and then at Brad.  A smile appeared on her lips.  "Yeah it does."  Then she chuckled.  "Like us making out in your family room with your parents up stairs."

"And my Dad coming down every twenty minutes," Brad dropped is voice lower, "'To get the right screw driver.'"

"And your Mom!"  Sandy began laughing.  "She would knock and open door and yell, 'I'm coming down you two.'"

"Or when we were at your house, the one I liked from your Mom," Brad laughed.  "I want separation you two."

Sandy hugged him.  "Remember those moments, Brad.  Your Mom and Dad really loved you."

"You too, Sandy," said Brad.  "They loved you too."  He snorted.  "My Mom's letters always had some news about you.  She even mentioned about you sleeping over."

"Brad," began Sandy, "I was thinking of putting pictures of both our parents up on the wall."  

"I'd like that," stated Brad.  "And one of your sister Cathy."

Sandy looked at Brad for a long moment.  Her eyes got distant.  "She was only eight."  She focused back on Brad, took a deep breath and nodded.  "I'd like that."  She smiled.  "I know which picture too. The one from her dance recital." 

Brad nodded.

"Want any more pizza?" asked Sandy.  "Or shall we save it for a TV marathon on Friday?"

"Maybe one more slice," stated Brad.

"Oh!  Brad," stated Sandy.  "Tomorrow at ten AM our time, I have a video conference call with the staff of B.R.A.V.E.  I would like you to join in."

"Do I need to be dressed?"

"Brad!" sputtered Sandy.  "Not naked!"  She looked at him.  "Oh!  You meant your uniform.  DUH!"  She rolled her eyes up.  "No sweats are fine.  The call I need to make in the afternoon is a bit more dress-up.  Its hopefully with a new sponsor."

"Sandy, I can't do product endorsements in uniform."  Brad paused.  "Not sure what I can endorse.  Or if I can at all.  I just don't know."

"I know," replied Sandy.  "And I agree.  What you will, I hope, is endorse is B.R.A.V.E.  And the things it stands for and does.  As to more details and the law you should contact the national JAG office in Washington.  A Commander Ed Thomas.  I've spoken to him already a few times about BRAVE.  When I chartered the Group and the name through his office.  So we are legal for accepting tax deductible donations.  And we are tax legal with the IRS as a non-profit."

"Okay," stated Brad.  "I'll give Commander Thomas a call first thing tomorrow. But even if I get the okay.  I will not do anything to embarrass any of the Military branches."

"Brad, I would expect nothing less from you."

"So what's this new product you might endorse?" asked Brad. "Sneakers?"

Sandy gave him a narrowed eyed look.

"Ops!  Sorry, tennis shoes" stated a smirking Brad quickly.  "Maybe sports clothes?"

Sandy shook her head.  "You'll never guess."

Brad looked at her for a long moment.  "A sports car?"

Giggling, Sandy shook her head again.

"A new brand of coffee?

"I wish," muttered Sandy.  "I might make something from that."

"Tennis balls?

"Nope!"

"Okay, what?" asked Brad.

Sandy smiled.  "My own tennis racquet series.  From light weight young beginner to a senior pro.  And they'll all have my name on them!"

"Good for you!"

Sandy gave Brad a long thoughtful look.

"What?"

"Got an idea," stated Sandy.  "Not sure if it will work."  She looked down at the pizza.  She picked up another slice and took a bite.

"Well give, Sandy."

"I was thinking of Tennis for the handicapped."

"It would not be much of a sport," stated Brad.  "Imagine you going up against me.  All you have to do is hit the ball on the far side of the court and you win every time.  No way I can get a return with my legs.   The same if you were playing against someone in a wheelchair.  No contest.  I would never stand a chance against you."

Sandy nodded.  "We would have modify the game somehow."

"I like the idea," stated Brad.  "I'm willing to give it try."

"Maybe limit the court size for you to a smaller area."

"Half court wide!" suggested Brad.

"Maybe," stated Sandy.  "Look!" stated Sandy pointing at the TV.

The movie credits were scrolling up the screen.

Brad snorted.  "So much for watching a movie."

Sandy stood and looked down at Brad.  "You chill for a moment.  I'll clean up here and we'll get ready for bed."

Brad looked at his watch.  "It's still early."

"Already way past your curfew, Marine."


The End 
Part 5


"Sandy And Brad – Ch-01"
"Home Comes The Warrior"
Part 7
"Tasting Love"


Brad was resting in the bed.  It was so huge compared to the military bunks and the singles he had been sleeping in for most of his life.  He had two pillows stacked up behind him that he was resting on.  He snickered.  There were a virtual pile of pillows on the bed.  Six that he had counted.  Then there were the throw pillows of different colors and sizes.  And some stuffed animals.

He had removed his prostheses.  It was currently resting on the floor just under the edge of the bed.  And he had the sheet and blanket pulled up.  Without a shirt he was completely naked.  He would have preferred to have at least be wearing some underwear.  But Sandy had made him promise to strip down as she wanted to snuggle up to him.  'Bare ass to the world.' as she had put it.  'I want to feel you against me.  Not your undies.'

Sandy was finishing up doing something in the bathroom.  'Getting ready for tonight,' she had said.  He could hear her softly humming a song he did not recognize.  Brad closed his eyes taking a deep slow breath.  He felt like he had come home.  Even though he had never been here in this bed and place before.  He could hear the voice of the person he loved just in the other room.  He was home!  He felt a peace he had not felt for a long time.  He was home!

"Are you ready, Brad?" came Sandy's voice.

"Ready?" questioned Brad.

"Silly, Marine," laughed Sandy.  "Do you need to use the bathroom?"

Brad chuckled.  "Not at the moment."

"Good!" 

"Sandy," said Brad, "what's going on?"

"I have a surprise for you."

"Oh!!?"

Sandy stepped into the bedroom and paused just within the doorway.

Brad looked at her as his eyes widened.  "Wow!"

Sandy stood seductively in the doorway, looking over at him, as she leaned with her right side against the door frame with her left knee bent slightly.  She was wearing a very long, form fitting, multicolored green, cameo shirt that went way down past her knees.  It was also very much see through.  The material of the shirt appeared to be more colored netting than shirt.  Up near her collar were letters printed in big, bold black on a back ground of light green. 'M.N.R.M.S.'

Brad could clearly see her breasts sway as she moved.  Her navel was there.  A round circle clearly observed.  Lower there was a dark patch covering her groin.  He could see the curve of her hips through the material.  And then the incredible long length of her legs.

She looked better now than the last time he had seen her with so little on.  A sheer black neglige which had left a lot more to the imagination.   

Which he remembered was the night before he reported for his last deployment.  He and Sandy had stayed the night at his house, while his parents spent the night with Sandy's parents, to allow them some privacy.

Sandy spoke bringing him back to the here and now.  

"Is that all you have to say, Marine?" she said softly with a slight smile.

"Sandy," he breathed.  "Wow!"

Sandy's smile grew.  "That will do for now, Marine."

Brad shook his head.  "I have to ask.  What does the M.N.R.M.S. Stand for?"

Sandy spun in a slow circle doing a 360.

Brad could see most of her beneath the material that hung on her body.  Her ass cheeks were clearly visible.  The outline of her spine.  He took a deep breath and blew it out.

"At least you pass the eye test, Marine," said Sandy softly as she spun around again.

"This is all for you, Marine."  Sandy stood and took one step closer towards the bed.  "This," she waved her hands at what she wore, "is your standard issue Marine Night Ready Maneuvers Suit."

Brad just looked at her as he smirked at the hidden meaning in the name.  "A Marine Night Ready Maneuvers Suit?"

With a smile Sandy stood tall with her hands on her hips. "Do you require a mission briefing, Marine?"

Brad chuckled.  "I think I need one."

"This is one of our biggest money makers for BRAVE," stated Sandy. "Comes in Green for the Marines and Army, Blue for Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.  And Gold for the Brass."

"Gold!" muttered Brad with a chuckle. 

Sandy began to giggle then quickly put a stern look on her face.  "Pay attention, Marine.  This," she waved at herself, "is the Marine Night Ready Maneuvers Suit.  It is fully equipped with the following." Sandy brought up her hands and pointed as she spoke.  "You have Triple E.E.N. Sensors."  Sandy pointed.  "Eyes.  Ears.  Nose.  You also have a Fuel Intake Port."  She pointed to her mouth.  "The suit systems run well if plied with alcohol and other such liquids.  Or a good box of chocolates."

Brad laughed.

Sandy smiled at Brad's laughter.

As she lowered her hands down beside her breasts, Sandy knew Brad could see through the wide colored netting material the MNRM suit was made from.

She paused a moment to let Brad view her.

Brad took a deep breath as he could see the outline of Sandy's full breasts.  The large brown colored areola with their hard, engorged nipples. 

Sandy then continued her briefing.  "The suit is equipped with Twin Turbo Battering Rams."  She moved her hands to her breasts and lifted them up slightly.  "Both are equipped with highly sensitive pressure sensors."  She then squeezed her nipples.  "Hummmm.  Good working order."

Brad was starting to feel hot as he watched her.

"Oh yeah," she muttered.  She covered her breasts with her hands and gave her breasts a couple of good squeezes.  "They require priming sometimes."  




Sandy and Brad Ch. 01



Brad could only stare at her with his mouth open.  He had never seen Sandy act like this.  While she was an aggressive lover, she had never been so openly seductive.  Erotic.  So ... dirty.  There was a sudden twinge from his groin.  He glanced downwards then back up.

Sandy smiled.  She had seen Brad's downward glance.  Playing for him she continued to squeeze and massage her breasts.  "Sometimes," she said softly, "they need extra priming.  And tender care."

Brad could feel another stirring in his groin.  "Oh my!"

Sandy continued playing with her breasts.  "Sometimes you need to adjust the sensors."  Sandy then reached up and began to tweak her nipples even more.  "Oh yeah," she breathed.

She glanced up at Brad.

Brad's eyes could not have gotten much larger.

"Some times tweaking the suit goes better," stated Sandy, "if your partner helps out."

Brad's mouth fell open.

Sandy looked seductively over at him as she lowered her hands to point directly at her crotch, where there was a black square of material.  "There is of course," stated Sandy as she reached down and with her right hand and held the material around the black patch, then with her left she lifted.

"The most important part of the Marine Night Ready Maneuvers Suit," stated Sandy.

There was the sound of Velcro separating as she slowly pulled off the black square away revealing a large opening which clearly exposed the thick patch of untrimmed, reddish hair surrounding her swollen pussy lips.  She could already feel the moisture building within.  Being seductive was sort of fun, she thought.

Sandy continued speaking as she tossed the square of material at Brad.  

Brad caught the square of material.

Sandy stated, "The quick release hatch cover for ... my ... torpedo tube."

Brad's eyes widened even more as he felt another twinge from his crotch.  He looked down and saw the slight bump in the blanket over his crotch.  He could feel his cock twitch as it began to swell and grow.  He looked up at Sandy.  "Sandy!"

Sandy moved to the end of the bed and quickly climbed on hands and knees across the bed to him.  Kneeling next to him she reached out and ran her hand across the growing bump in the blanket.  She could feel it twitch beneath her hand.

"Sandy," muttered Brad looking at her.

Sandy reached down and pulled up the extra long shirt she had on over her head and away.  She knelt there totally naked before Brad.  She looked at Brad's face and she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.  "Brad."

Sandy then pulled the blanket down off of Brad's legs to expose his hard cock standing up hard and twitching.  

She saw the stump of his right leg and the numerous scars on his left.  But her focus was on the erect pole of his seven inch cock.

In one move, Sandy leaned over and kissed Brad on the lips.  The kiss was hard and wet.  Sticking her tongue into his mouth, as she used her left hand to grab his cock and started to massage it slowly up and down.  It felt so hot in her hand.  Hotter than she remembered.

Brad met Sandy's kiss with a passion he had not felt in a long time. His left hand went to the back of her head to hold her in the kiss. With his right he began to rub her bare breasts.  His tongue danced with her's in his mouth.  His fingers flicked across the nipples, feeling how hard they were.  

With their eyes closed their mouths worked hungerly at each other. Their tongues danced with each moving back and forth between Brad's mouth and Sandy's.  Then back again. 

Sandy stroked his cock and could feel Brad getting harder.

She felt Brad's hips push up suddenly.  His cock slid through her encircling fingers.

Sandy looked back at Brad giving him a wicked smile.  Then as she leaned over she kept looking up at him until her face was on level with the tip of his hardened, twitching manhood.

Sticking out her tongue, Sandy quickly gave the head of his penis a slow liquid swipe with her tongue running around the head.

She heard Brad take a deep ragged breath.

Then she plunged her mouth down the length of his shaft, taking every inch until her nose was buried in the trimmed, short bush of pubic hair.  She then slowly dragged her sucking mouth upwards as she watched the expression on Brad's face.

To her, the look of total surprise, was wonderful.  She then bobbed her head up and down a few times letting Brad enjoy the moment.  As much as she was.

On the next pull upwards she released his stiff penis and on hands and knees raised her face up to look at Brad in his eyes.  Then she kissed him long and hard.

Sandy broke the kiss and quickly moved to straddle Brad.  She had her left hand on his shoulder and her right reached down between them to grab his hard cock.  She could feel it throbbing with her fingers as she guided it towards her pussy. 

Looking in his eyes she whispered, but it came out more of a whimpering plea, "I want you, Brad.  Make love to me."

"Condom!" he muttered.  "I don't ..."

Sandy felt the tip of his cock slide across her already wet lips.  She quickly lowered herself down, taking him in completely.

She gasped.  Not in pain.  But relief.  "Oh, Brad!" she sobbed as slowly she began rocking her hips back and forth.

"What if you ..." 

"Get pregnant," finished Sandy.  She smiled as leaned over to kiss him.  Breaking the kiss she looked into his eyes.  "Then, Brad, that will be just fine."  She kissed him again longer as she contracted her muscles to stimulate him.  Again, looking Brad in the eyes, she said softly, "If we get pregnant - that will just be perfect."

"Okay," agreed Brad.

Sandy smiled and kissed him long and hard again.  She then sat up and began slowly to move up and down upon his hard cock. A big grin filled her face.  "Okay, Marine, you have your orders.  Fuck me silly!"

And Brad happily complied.


The End
Part 7
"Home Comes The Hero"
"Sandy and Brad – Ch 1"