A Shepherd Afield Pt. 05

"No Gretchen dear. You deserved none of it. Rainor's cruel and heartless behavior just showed how small a man he was. A man isn't strong if he uses his strength against others. The proof of a man's strength is his willingness to be kind, gentle, and generous. Tina taught me that."

"Tina is a good woman!" Gretchen said in wonder. "And you are the strongest man I know."

Ben took her face between his hands and she immediately rose up on her knees to accept his kiss. When they pulled back her eyes were twinkling with happiness and Ben was beginning to feel a little cramped for space in his pants.

He looked at the time and saw it was almost time for him to go pick up Gabriella from the airport. Catherine had let him know she was flying in for the wedding and he was thrilled. He immediately offered to pick her up and Catherine just grinned at him and nodded like there was any question.

"I have to go pick up Gabriella. I don't know what we're doing for dinner-"

"Dinner will be at Karen and Penny's place. Lucy told me she's picking up Middle Eastern food. Everyone will be there as this is going to be the practice ceremony for Catherine's wedding." Gretchen explained.

"Ah! Great!" he said with a smile. He lifted her to her feet and stepped aside so she could take the chair. "Enjoy! I'll see you later at dinner."

"Thank you Ben!" she said touching his arm.

"It's my pleasure," he replied and headed out. She followed him to the door to the garage where he put on his coat and boots. She grinned when he realized she was following him to get another kiss before he left. He gave her what she wanted and out he went.

A car was pulling into his driveway as he tried to back out. He cleared the garage door but had to stop before it could close. He got out and saw Walter hustling up to him with his briefcase in hand.

"Sorry to be late but you said I could stop by for the signatures," the man said.

"Ah right. I was on my way to the airport but let's have them," Ben said patting the hood of his truck.

Walter opened his case and pulled out a stack of papers. The signature spots were tagged so they made their way through the forms, Walter explaining what each was and Ben signing them. The lawyer collected them from Ben afterwards and put them back in the briefcase.

"Thanks Ben! I'll get out of your way now. These will go out to Captain Kendricks on Monday," Walter explained.

Ben blinked at him. "Did they need to be signed now?"

Walter blushed. "Well... it gives me an excuse to be in the neighborhood."

Ben grinned at the man and patted him on the shoulder. "Go! Say hello to Daphne for me as well."

Walter grinned and rushed back to his own car as Ben got into his truck. He reversed out and closed the garage door before he headed out of the neighborhood.

The drive to the airport took longer than he wanted as the traffic was heavy and he ran through the terminal to get to the arrivals area. He saw people streaming out of the doors and worried that he'd missed her but the next time the doors parted she walked through. His face lit up in a big smile. She was in his arms moments later and he kissed her passionately, loving the feel of her incredibly soft lips and tongue on his. Her body felt incredible as well.

"Phew! Ben! My god! Now, that was a kiss!" she gasped happily when they finally pulled back to look at each other.

"I missed you!" he said and she hugged him, resting her cheek on his chest.

"I missed you too!" she sighed.

"Let's get you home. There are a lot of people waiting to say hello!" Ben said, smiling down at her.

She nodded and Ben took her suitcase. He was surprised by how heavy it was. Then he remembered all the outfits Miriam wore at the party. Gabriella was likely bringing Miriam the clothes from Brezza. He recalled with a smile how much the girl loved the clothing line.

"What's the smile for?" she asked as they made their way to the truck.

"I was just recalling how much fun Miriam and Daniel had at the Brezza party," he said with a smile.

Her face lit up with a smile of her own. "Oh my god Ben that was such a wonderful night! The kids had such a good time the whole weekend and they emailed me afterwards to tell me how impressed they were with the whole Brezza operation. It was such a fantastic growing experience for them both! Miriam has decided marketing is definitely what she wants to do and they're actually using some of Daniel's photos in Brezza's US campaign. He's made some income from his photography!"

"He's a pro!" Ben said with a grin.

She hugged him again then she got into the truck as he put the suitcase in the backseat.

"How are you feeling about Catherine's wedding?" Gabriella asked.

"I feel really good about it. Chanel is so good for her and Catherine clearly indicated to both Chanel and I that her relationship with me isn't over. I hope Chanel is able to cope with that. I haven't spoken with Catherine about her reaction yet."

"I will speak with Chanel when I get a chance," Gabriella said to assure Ben.

He did feel better knowing his personal 'Goddess of Love' was on the case. If anyone could clear up misconceptions of love it was Gabriella.

They headed home and Ben made better time as he was moving against traffic now. Soon they pulled onto Ashburn Court and Gabriella sighed happily. "Home," she said and Ben smiled with a nod. He felt the same way.

They saw people walking up the driveway to Karen and Penny's place and realised it was Ashley with her children.

"Let's drop your suitcase off and head over," Ben said. Gabriella nodded with a smile.

The house was quiet as the kids had already headed over to the party. Ben left the suitcase in the foyer and they walked over to join the others.

Going inside they were immediately surrounded and many hugs ensued.

Rain gave Ben a big hug and kiss. She had come home first to let the guests in and get the party going. The girls and Lucy were on their way with the food.

She'd also been the one to reach out to the rest of the neighborhood with invites. The Hernandez family weren't available this weekend but sent their best wishes. She'd learned from Jayden that Rochelle was in California with his sister. The Browns, both the parents and the two ladies who worked in the daycare with the twins, were out of town visiting relatives this weekend. And finally their new neighbors Dominic and Sophia were in Las Vegas celebrating their anniversary.

Ben learned from Trish that Hannah would be over later with Ryan and Trish's son Mason was already downstairs playing with the others.

Lily was there as well and gave Ben a kiss on the cheek which he was fine with.

He gave Beth a big hug and a kiss as her kids were downstairs and wouldn't see and embarrass her.

Lisa and Lori were there looking ravishing as always. They got their kisses and told him their mom was out on yet another date with Walter. Then they joined Lily who was listening to Rain talk about her new job.

Ben suddenly found himself in a tight hug from Ashley. "I heard you were in the hospital for a week and I've been worried about you!" she whispered into his neck as she clung to him.

"I'm much better now. On the road to recovery at last," he said as he wrapped his arms around her.

She suddenly realized how clingy she was being and blushed furiously as she glanced around. Her kids were downstairs so it was just the adults who were smiling back at her. She kissed Ben and moved back to let others greet him. Gabriella gave her a hug too.

Miriam and Daniel charged into the living room and rushed over to hug their mother. Ben watched with a big smile on his face as they showed how much they missed and loved their mom. They really were great kids!

When Catherine and Chanel arrived they rushed over to Gabriella and encircled the family. Catherine's parents followed them in with smiles on their faces as well. Beth introduced herself as did Lily.

Ben shook Jack's hand and kissed Lynda's cheek.

"How went your meeting with the girls?" Ben asked with a smile.

"They called to say they were delayed but they'll be here after dinner for the rehearsal," Jack said. They both actually looked a little nervous about meeting their grandkids.

"They are wonderful, intelligent, and well-adjusted young ladies," Ben assured them.

"All the more reason to kick myself in the ass for being such a stubborn fool all these years," Jack grumbled.

"You may not forgive yourself but I think you'll find they are a forgiving bunch," Ben smiled.

Cat waved at her parents to come see Gabriella. This gave Daniel the opportunity to escape the group hug to walk over to Ben. He stopped to shake Jack's and Lynda's hand on his way over. "Hi Ben. We really need to get Karen and Penny their own game console," he said.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that. I've been a little bit occupied. You mentioned a newer model?" Ben replied.

"Actually I think it might be a good idea to get two and a second TV considering the crowd at these parties. We could get more people playing at once!"

"Daniel! Don't be spending Ben's money for him!" Gabriella gasped as she overheard him.

"No. I rely on Daniel's expertise for these issues!" Ben said to his mother. He turned to the boy. "Show me what you mean."

Daniel led the way down stairs and described how he would set up a second TV on the opposite wall so they could have tournaments or play different games without distracting each other... aside from the noise of course. Ben looked at the wall in question and realized he did have access to electricity there and could easily run the cables for the game. The second TV wouldn't have access to cable or movies unless he set up a wireless streamer but that was less useful.

"Are you available to go with me to the store to pick up the stuff on Sunday?" Ben asked.

"Sure!" Daniel said with a grin.

"Great! I will call you around the lunch hour," Ben replied and heard a call from upstairs. The food had arrived.

Ben herded the kids upstairs and was jumped by Karen and Penny when he entered the living room. He hugged them back and kissed their cheeks after they kissed his. He assured them he was much better and they stopped clinging to him.

Frank and Jayden came over to shake his hand.

"I'm really sorry I wasn't more help in that fight," Jayden said with an embarrassed wince.

Ben had pushed the event of the fight into the back recesses of his mind after enduring his painful week in the hospital. It had been the trigger for the entire ordeal. He twitched as it all came crashing back and his eyes closed briefly as his head throbbed. The hole in his memory surfaced and demanded his attention. He forced a shaky smile on his lips as he looked at Jayden whose expression turned to worry. "Hey, you were hit by a coward's punch. I'm just glad you're ok. I don't... remember how it ended. Do either of you remember or hear what happened to the jerks after the fight."

Frank looked at him in surprise and began to speak but Jayden put his hand on Frank's shoulder.

"The cops got them," Jayden just said with finality.

Frank glanced sideways at his friend.

Ben frustration flared as he looked at the two men. He knew something happened and the fact that it was being kept from him was rubbing his nerves raw. "How bad was it?" he asked with a grim expression.

Tina and Lucy appeared at his elbows and took his arms to lead him to the table. Ben planted his feet and wouldn't budge. His frustration suddenly boiled up.

"No, I want to know. Hannah wouldn't tell me anything in the hospital. The nurses said they didn't know. Someone knows but no one will tell me and that's really starting to bother me." He fixed his eyes on Frank. "You were there. What happened to those men?"

"They weren't men! They were monsters!" Karen barked angrily.

Ben saw she was trembling hard and Penny looked pretty upset too. Jayden was immediately at her side holding her hand with a concerned and sympathetic look on his face. Frank collected Penny against his chest.

"They made me feel like I was back with Mr. Shakir. Like I was nothing again. The big one touched me and I felt dirty!" Karen continued. "Lisa and Lori tried to stop him but he hurt them too. Then you saved us! You stopped him. That's what happened!"

"I'm sorry. I- I didn't mean to make you relive that experience. I just have another hole in my memory and it's eating at me. I need to know."

"Maybe we should talk about it later?" Tina suggested and Ben nodded in embarrassment.

Ben nodded and felt deeply ashamed for his outburst and the scene he made. "I'm sorry," he said to the group, his cheeks burning.

"It's alright. Come on, let's eat while the food is hot," Lucy suggested.

They sat Ben down between Gabriella and Catherine and took the seats across from Ben. Once everyone was seated Ashley took her daughter's hands and was thrilled to see everyone join in until the loop was complete. She bowed her head to say her prayer and once she was done she stood.

"If I might say a word?" she said looking around the table. She saw everyone was waiting for her to speak so with pink cheeks she began.

"I just wanted to say how wonderful it has been for us since we moved to this neighborhood. The welcome and acceptance we have received has been... almost overwhelming. More than just neighbors, it feels like we've been welcomed into a family. As we gather here tonight to celebrate the eve of a very special day it reminds me that tomorrow is yet another example of that welcoming spirit. I feel blessed to be part of this extended and growing family and I'm so happy my children have the privilege of experiencing this!"

Cat and Chanel were beaming huge smiles across the table at Ashley who blushed further under their gaze. Cat's parents were pretty happy too. Jack stood up.

"I'll keep my speech short as the food smells really good!" he got chuckles for that.

"I recently got over a prolonged and acute case of being a stubborn fool and reconnected with my wonderful daughter only to find I was welcoming a daughter-in-law into the family at the same time. We've had a little time to get to know each other and I have to say I couldn't be prouder of my daughter for her choice... this time!" That got him laughs and a swat from his wife. "Welcome to the family Chanel!"

Chanel stood and hugged her soon to be in-laws.

"Let's eat!" Jack said as they returned to their chairs.

A cheer went up and the containers were opened and passed around.

The mood was joyful, light and relaxed as everyone enjoyed the dinner and the lively conversation. Ben struggled to join in but his mind just wouldn't stop returning to that gap in his memory and it spoiled his mood and appetite. Tina and Lucy were aware and traded looks.

Near the end of dinner as the younger members began to drift away back downstairs, the doorbell rang and Rain brought Catherine's daughters back to the dining room with her.

Jack and Lynda stood and smiled anxiously as Sophia, Rachel and Megan immediately walked up to them and gave them warm hugs. Jack had a moment when his emotions overwhelmed him and he had to dab at his eyes with a napkin. Lynda was far less reserved and let her tears flow as she clung to her grandkids. Catherine and Chanel shared in the tears as well.

Crisis averted the three ladies pulled up chairs next to their grandparents and got plates to enjoy the food. Catherine was beaming smiles at her daughters for making her parents feel so welcome.

Hannah and Ryan were next to arrive and the boy immediately headed downstairs. Ben met Hannah by the entrance to the living room and gave her a hug. She caught the desperate look in his eye and glanced over at Tina and Lucy who had worried looks on their faces. She saw Lisa and Lori looking her way as well with identical expressions of concern.

He leaned in to speak quietly to her. "I need to hear what happened to the men I fought. I remember the fight right up to starting with the last guy, the big one."

She looked at him cautiously. "Ben, this isn't really the right time to discuss that."

"I'm sorry Hannah, I tried to push it back but it's eating away at me. The more people won't talk about it the more anxious I become. I've already embarrassed myself in front of everyone tonight and while I'd like to avoid that again my brain won't let it go. People have answers to what happened during that empty interval in my memory and I need them.

Hannah looked into his eyes and saw the desperation. He could no longer wait. She knew he had a hard time with memory holes but she also knew he wasn't going to take this news well. She nodded and gestured for Lisa and Lori, who had been witnesses to join them in the living room. Tina and Lucy followed.

She guided Ben to sit in the middle of the couch and the twins immediately sat on both sides of him with their legs tucked up under them. Ben's face was showing his genuine concern. Hannah pulled the ottoman to sit before Ben. Tina and Lucy knelt on the carpet on either side of Hannah.

"There were four men who assaulted the group before you entered the room. It is my understanding you fought the man who knocked Jayden unconscious." Ben nodded. "He has a badly broken ankle but will be fine. He's in custody. Hector fought another man who is in custody as well." She paused and Ben's unease went up.

"The man who fought Frank is still in the hospital. He had a very bad concussion and is taking some time to recover. We do expect him to heal fully but it may take some time," Hannah said looking into Ben's eyes. He was beginning to tremble and the women sitting at his sides held his hands a little tighter.

"I spoke with the man whose ankle you broke. He was quite forthcoming about how the big man, Pete, liked to have 'a little fun with the bitches'. The man sexually assaulted Karen, Penny, Lisa, Lori, and who knows how many other women."

"What happened to him?" Ben said nervously.

Hannah gave him a worried look. "Ben, you had to protect the women-"

"Hannah, please!" His voice was tight with anxiety.

"He's dead, Ben."

Ben twitched badly and barely registered the twins hugging him tightly to calm his tremors. He'd beaten someone to death.

For years he'd carried the guilt of the deaths of Mr. Leparre and the four boys in the house fire but their deaths hadn't been the result of his own violence. He'd simply held the door.

The men he'd killed in France in that slave ring hide out, he'd quickly been able to come to terms with that. He'd been unarmed and they'd been armed criminals of the worst sort. It was kill or be killed. More importantly, he had to save the girls.

But this man, he beat up people and molested women. He deserved to be punished but Ben had killed him.

With his fists. Like Walter had killed Margaret.

He should feel... something... shouldn't he? Instead there was just this coldness creeping into his limbs.

"Son?"

The word and the deep masculine voice which delivered it was like a splash of cold water. Ben blinked and saw he was alone in the living room facing Master Sergeant Jack McGovern.

"It's my understanding that you've just discovered you took a man's life. This isn't your first time though, is it?" the sergeant asked.

"No... but I beat someone to death. Just like he did," Ben said.

Jack looked at him and nodded. He understood from speaking with Cat that there had been extenuating circumstances that led Ben to his violent act.

"I know a little something about how that feels. Maybe we should talk?"

Ben's eyebrows rose as he looked into the man's compassionate gaze. He nodded. He needed to talk.

Chapter 46