She nodded and the sweetest smile lifted her lips.
Poor Eli didn’t know what to do. He crossed his arms, then rammed his hands in his jean pockets. He bobbed his head briskly and an audible hiss cut the silence as he inhaled through his teeth.
Rayne’s brow arched, seemingly enjoying his discomfort. “Elijah, you look…unsettled.”
Josh’s buddy found his center and quickly crossed the kitchen, then cupped Rayne’s face. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
She chuckled. “What do you think I’m saying?”
“Oh my fucking, God.” The massive warrior wavered and took an unsteady step backward.
“Quick, Josh,” Dixie prodded. “He needs a chair.”
When Eli plunked down on the kitchen stool, Josh leaned over and clamped a hand on his shoulder. “You’re damn lucky the rest of the Frogs aren’t here or they’d be giving you the gears. Get your shit together, man. You’re gonna be a great father.”
Eli slapped both hands over his face and shook his head. Rayne grinned and slid onto his lap. She opened her mouth to say something, but her boyfriend literally assaulted the woman’s lips. He kept kissing her like it was the last one he’d ever get. His hands roamed around her waist and clamped her to his chest.
Dixie squeezed Josh’s arm and nudged her head. “Think they need a minute, blabbermouth.”
“Take your time,” Josh said as he led Dixie upstairs.
He and Dix lingered for a second at the top of the stairs to hear Elijah say, “For real. Rayne. My sweet, sweet, Rayne. We’re having a baby?”
“Uh huh. Are you happy?” she asked.
“Sweet Jesus, woman. I love you so damn much.”
Dixie’s ponytail swayed as she chuckled. “Think Lt. Bach is gonna be fine.”
Josh stood behind Dix and brushed his lips against the pulse in her neck. “Yeah, these are moments the men live for. When things get rough out in the theatre, this is what gives a team guy the strength to keep fighting. Rayne just gave Eli the best reason to come home. And believe me, he will.”
She turned in his arms. “Did you really think of me when you were active in the field?”
Josh cradled her lean figure against his body. “I couldn’t let go of your memory. I always wanted to see you again. My biggest fear was facing that day. Finding out someone else hadn’t made the huge mistake I’d made.”
Dix slid her hand down his arm and grasped his hand. “You not only found me. You changed my life because you, Josh, were the missing piece of the puzzle. When I imagine what the finished picture looks like, I see framed family portraits on the fireplace mantle. Our children’s bicycles on the porch and a basketball hoop over the garage door. I see the wrinkles at the edge of our eyes deepening with all the milestones yet to come. Every year we share will push the dark moments of our past into a cupboard that we never have to open again.”
Josh nodded, but try as he might, tears glazed his eyes as he and Dix linked their fingers. “I’m all in, sweetheart as long as you’re there with me.”
The End
Other books by Nat
A Warrior’s Challenge Series
Code Name: Ghost – Book One
Code Name: Kayla’s Fire – Book Two
Code Name: Nina’s Choice – Book Three
Code Name: Luminous – Book Four
Code Name: Forever & Ever – Book Five
Code Name: Redemption – Book Six
Code Name: War of Stones – Book Seven
A Warrior’s Passion Series
Cricket Under Fire – Book One
Dixie Under Siege – Book Two
Vyro Creek Series
Arizona Lightning – Book One
Arizona Thunder – Book Two
Contemporary Romance
SEALed with a Weekend
Twila’s Tempest
Unquenchable Cravings: Gamble on Love
His Perfect Imperfection
Committed to Chase
Legend of Spiralling Cedars
Message from CDR Josh Hunter
Thank you for spending time with the cast of Dixie Under Siege. In case you’re wondering, yes, Dix and I made it to the altar. I put a ring on her finger and it’s a day I’ll never forget. We enjoyed the reception with friends, Frogs, and family. Think everyone sported a hangover the next day.
Are you wondering what’s going on in Nat’s writing lair? She might have hinted that she’s working on book three of her Vyro Creek series. (Grin) Dixie loves her sexy Irish vamps. And when my wife gets fired up, I reap the rewards, if you know what I mean. There’s intel that suggests Ed Saxton (Cracker) and Avis are in for a surprise.
Natasza is always looking for trusted ARC readers. Drop her an email.
If you’d like to catch up on Nat’s other books visit her author’s page on Amazon or BookBub and don’t forget to click the follow button. Subscribe to her newsletter for giveaways and news.
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Dixie Under Siege (A Warrior's Passion Book 2) Page 33