“Because you had this smirk on your face and I know you well enough that you’re keeping a surprise from me.”
“Well, if you know it’s a surprise, why are you pushing me about it?” she groused. “What if I’m not ready to show you?”
Drake barked a laugh. “Well, now, you’ll really have to show me.”
His fingers tightened on her ribcage.
“Ugh! You’re so annoying,” Izabel scrambled away from him, scooted off the bed and snagged her sleeping shorts off the floor and hopped into them. “Well come on then.”
He continued chuckling as he followed his almost naked wife down the hallway, down the stairs, and into her office.
She snagged her robe off the floor and put herself into it.
“I was enjoying the view,” Drake murmured.
Izabel glared at him as she sat in front of her iMac and woke up her computer. Her expression softened when she clicked on a file and displayed its contents on screen. Drake stepped up beside her and a ball of emotion formed in his throat.
He swallowed hard.
“You did this for us?” he whispered.
“Yes, it was time to draw our new beginning.”
Epilogue
Two years later
Drake threw the New York strips on the grill. The meat sizzled as it seared. The patio was hopping with activity. Children were playing in the pool, parents keeping an eye on them… mostly… while the rest of the visitors lazed on lounge chairs, drinking beer or fruity drinks.
“Man, that’s some grill you have there,” Brick blew a low whistle as he approached and handed Drake a Bud.
“Thanks.” He accepted the drink, tipped back the bottle, and took a mighty swig.
“I want mine bloody.” His friend cheekily put in his steak request before shifting his eyes back to the sixty-inch grill. It was built into a stack of natural stone and was the centerpiece of the outdoor cooking station. To the left of the grill was a stainless steel top that could serve as a dining area and on the right was a smoker, also built into the structure. Needless to say, he was the envy of every self-respecting man present.
“Must have cost you a penny to put this in.”
“Helps to have a wife who’s well-connected,” Drake laughed.
“Is Maddox bragging about his grill?” A voice spoke behind them.
Drake spun around, his mouth stretching into a wide grin as he dragged the newcomer into a one-arm hug. “Tex, brother, so fucking glad to see you.”
“Wouldn’t miss the housewarming or the MadDog special,” Tex said. He nodded to where Izabel was standing beside Melody, showing her the retractable shade of the sunroom.“Must say, you’ve gone all out with the house. Now, Mel’s gonna want a spiffy sunroom.”
“It was all Izabel,” Drake said, a happy ache in his voice as he remembered their excitement in building their dream home. The house had a similar design to the Georgian they’d lived in prior to moving. They’d put a lot of thought in the outdoor space, making sure the sunroom could accommodate Izabel’s plants like her orchids. The slate patio had a fire pit that could convert into an area for a hog roast. Which was why a barbecue was the perfect way to celebrate the culmination of their dreams after an unexpected delay.
The delay being the precious bundle that was squirming in Izabel’s arms.
Their one-year-old daughter Ana Lisa Carmen Maddox, named after Izabel’s mother and a spitting image of his wife.
Izabel and Mel walked toward them now with Tex and Mel’s kids trailing behind them. Drake quickly turned back to the steaks and flipped them before handing the tongs to Brick. “Watch them. These should be medium. I’ll throw on the next batch later.”
He turned in time to greet Tex’s wife. “Mel,” he greeted. “Glad you all could make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. And how Ana Lisa has grown,” Melody gushed. The last time they’d seen their friends was a few months after Ana Lisa’s birth. They flew in from Pennsylvania, eager to meet their little girl who’d further solidified Drake and Izabel’s path to healing.
His wife told him that their separation, although painful, had taught her a lot about herself and her inner strength.
“How much longer until the steaks are ready?” Izabel asked. “I need to tell Cindy to get the sides out of the oven.”
“Another twenty minutes for the next batch.” Cooking steaks for a crowd was no easy feat. Everyone had their preference for how they wanted their meat, but Drake refused to cook well-done steaks except for kids below the age of fifteen.
“Poor Marcus is on lifeguard duty.” Izabel looked toward the pool at Drake’s business partner. “And looks like he needs a beer.”
“Here, let me take Ana Lisa,” Melody offered. Izabel gratefully handed their daughter over and walked away to check on their guests around the pool who were mostly her co-workers from Stockman and Bose.
Drake and his former commander started their own security business a few months ago. Task Force Deadly Spear was disbanded after Mitchell and Tierney were charged with treason. Rumors were rampant in the clandestine service grapevine that Viktor and another entity were putting together a new team to handle covert ops that had autonomy from the bureaucrats in Washington. Though changes were happening in the military and the CIA, they weren’t quick enough to address the growing problem of global terrorism.
“Where’s Viktor?” Tex asked. “Heard a lot about him, but never seen the man.”
Brick barked a laugh. “He wouldn’t be caught dead at a barbecue.”
“Yeah, he likes living in the shadows if he can help it.”
Everyone chuckled, but there was truth that the AGS boss man had no patience for family get-togethers unless his wife forced him to attend one and play nice.
Drake hadn’t heard from Viktor since the Task Force disbanded. He had mixed feelings about it. Though he felt a measure of relief that he got to spend plenty of time with his family, the SEAL in him still cared what was happening to the country and other parts of the world. Once a SEAL, always a SEAL.
However, after his experience living the life of a ghost, he relished this normal life and there was nothing more normal than having a barbecue with family and friends.
Later that evening, Drake tidied up the kitchen, unloading the dishwasher while Izabel put Ana Lisa to sleep. The barbecue was a resounding success and, thankfully, Drake didn’t have to lecture anyone regarding the proper way of cooking a steak because he’d had not one complaint on the MadDog special … although that could have been because Izabel’s co-workers were afraid to criticize her SEAL husband.
Drake smirked.
It’d also been great to see Tex and Mel and he would have loved for them to stay overnight but their friends had several stops to make visiting the SEAL community. Drake was honored that he was their first stop.
A sound like a car door closing reached his ear. Drake carefully lowered the plate he was holding, opened the cabinet directly above him, and pulled out his Sig. He checked the round in the chamber before he lowered it to his side. Moving quietly to the staircase, he listened for sounds of activity. He heard Izabel singing to Ana Lisa.
A surge of protectiveness flowed through his system. If that was a thief, he picked the wrong house to rob.
His ears picked up the scrape of boots on the pavers and before he could sneak up on the door, there was a knock.
He knew that staccato rap.
Irritation and relief battled inside him as he checked their visitor through the peephole and confirmed his identity.
Throwing open the door, Viktor Baran stood before him.
His former Task Force chief gave a ghost of a smile, but Drake suspected the man was feeling amused because of the irritation on his face.
“Good evening, Maddox.”
“Jesus, Viktor, ever heard of texting?” he growled as he waved his hand to let the other man in. “I could have shot you.”
“You’re not that reactive.”
/>
Drake pointed to the second floor. “You’re forgetting I have my world up there. I don’t give a shit if I’m overreacting as long as they’re safe.”
“Nice house,” Viktor remarked as though Drake hadn’t just given him the third degree about showing up unannounced.
But this was exactly how this man operated—in the shadows—and Drake knew if he really wanted to sneak up on them, he wouldn’t have heard a sound.
“You missed a good barbecue.”
“Not fond of them.”
“Why are you here?”
“No!” Izabel cried. Viktor’s gaze lifted and Drake turned in time to see his wife flying down the stairs and stalking right up to them. She put her tiny frame between him and Viktor before Drake could stop her. “You are not getting your hands on him again.”
“Izabel,” Drake growled, his hands gripping her shoulders to pull her against him. “I’ve got this.”
She spun in his arms, color heightened, eyes blazing as if she was spoiling for a fight. “I know you do, but I’m here by your side. And I will fight for you.”
“That’s well and good, baby, but you get I’m the man in this house.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“It doesn’t sit well on my balls that my wife is facing up a man triple her size trying to protect me.”
Her eyes flashed. “Then what’s the use of training me in self-defense to protect against men your size?”
Drake clamped his mouth shut.
Viktor emitted a rare chuckle. “She has a point.”
“Don’t put ideas in her head,” Drake muttered.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Maddox. I just came by to congratulate you on a beautiful house. And I believe I haven’t congratulated you both on the birth of your daughter.”
Izabel wasn’t convinced and looked at Viktor doubtfully. “This isn’t a trick, is it?”
Viktor chuckled. “It’s not. In fact, Maddox, could you please retrieve the box in my vehicle? Marissa wanted to send you guys something for the house and the baby.”
“Why didn’t you bring it in yourself?” Drake asked, baffled.
Viktor grimaced, didn’t say another word, and pivoted to walk out the door. Drake and Izabel followed him to his SUV and realized why Viktor didn’t want to be caught dead holding the box.
“My wife’s been messing with me,” he muttered. “It was enough I had to carry that thing from the loft to the car.”
In the cargo area sat a big box wrapped in pink wrapping paper with unicorn prints. If that wasn’t enough, it was tied with a big white bow. Drake couldn’t help cracking up as he leaned in and lifted the box from the car.
“You should try having kids, Viktor,” Drake said. “Then you’ll get over this aversion to pink wrapping paper.”
“Fuck off,” Viktor mouthed as he slammed the tailgate closed and opened the driver’s door.
“Care for a drink? Scotch? Beer?”
Viktor shook his head. “Marissa’s expecting me back tonight.”
“I’m touched,” Drake teased. “You mean you came all the way down from DC just to deliver this?”
Viktor gave a wry chuckle. “Yeah. I think I’m getting soft in my years.”
Drake barked a laugh as the other man started the engine and backed out their driveway.
“That was a weird visit,” Izabel said, bemused as they headed back to the house.
He didn’t answer. It was weird but it totally suited Viktor’s personality. Beyond the cold façade that Viktor projected, there was a man who cared deeply.
Izabel snuggled close to Drake, their bodies still glistening with a sheen of sweat from their lovemaking. Her husband loved her slow and sweet which wasn’t their usual style, but, given how hectic the day had been, she welcomed the pace. Usually she’d fall asleep after sex especially since Ana Lisa sucked up so much of her energy, but the appearance of Viktor had started the gears in her head, trying to understand this sudden peace that had settled in her heart.
“Full circle,” she whispered.
“What was that, baby?” Drake murmured drowsily as he shifted beside her.
“There was always that niggle of fear,” she said. “I told you this, but this last year, it hasn’t been about my trust in you. You’ve had it. Ever since I drew those plans for this house, I was ready for a new beginning with you.”
Drake was silent, then with a heavy exhale, he said, “Not quite following, Iza.”
“I didn’t trust the people who’d influenced your decision to leave me.”
“Viktor?” he guessed.
“Yes,” Izabel confirmed. “I know you’ve always been annoyed at him, but I see a grudging respect.”
“Grudging is right,” Drake muttered.
Izabel laughed softly. “He’s not all that bad it seems.”
“Is it because he got Ana Lisa that electric car?”
“No. It’s because I see how he loves his wife.”
“Because he carried that pink box for her? If that’s all it takes to prove how much I love you and Ana Lisa, I’d carry a damned pink box every day.”
She pressed her body closer. “Have I told you how much I love our life?”
“I’d rather you say you love me.” There was amusement in his voice.
She pinched his ab muscle.
“Damn, woman, what was that for?” he mumbled. “Can’t help it if your husband wants to hear it all the time … I’m a needy son of a bitch. Deal with it.”
“Oh, Drake …”
He moved and covered her body. “I’m madly in love with you, Izabel. I thought I was crazy for you before, but now you’ve given me a daughter to love as well. Both of you are my entire life. Nothing is going to take me away from my family. This is forever, baby. You, me, Ana Lisa, and all the tiny replicas you plan on giving me.”
“You want all daughters?”
“Son. Daughter. Doesn’t matter as long as they’re from you, I’ll love them.”
“Love you, Drake.” She touched his chest. “You have my heart … forever.”
***The End***
Thank you for reading my first foray into Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World.
If you are curious about Viktor Baran and the only woman who can stand up to him, his book is Smoke and Shadows, the third book of my Guardians series. All of them can be read as standalone. The first book, Fire and Ice is free!
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Also by Victoria Paige
Guardians
Fire and Ice
Silver Fire
Smoke and Shadows
Always
It's Always Been You
Always Been Mine
A Love For Always
Misty Grove
Fighting Chance
Saving Grace
Unexpected Vows
Standalone
Deadly Obsession
Captive Lies
Reclaiming Izabel
* All series books can be read as standalones
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Special Forces: Operation Alpha World
Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold
Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey
Shauna Allen: Defending Danielle
Shauna Allen: Rescuing Rebekah
Shauna Allen: Saving Scarlett
&n
bsp; Shauna Allen: Saving Grace
Brynne Asher: Blackburn
Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine
Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei
Julia Bright: Rescuing Amy
Victoria Bright: Surviving Savage
Victoria Bright: Going Ghost
Victoria Bright: Jostling Joker
Cara Carnes: Protecting Mari
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Barbie
Kendra Mei Chailyn : Pitbull
Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth
Melissa Kay Clarke: Safeguarding Miley
Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven
Samantha A. Cole: Cheating the Devil
Sue Coletta: Hacked
Melissa Combs: Gallant
KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina
Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah
Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery
Jordan Dane: Fiona’s Salvation
Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia
Riley Edwards: Redeeming Violet
Riley Edwards, Recovering Ivy
Riley Edwards: Romancing Rayne
Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Erin
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Suzie
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Brielle
Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska
Casey Hagen: Shielding Harlow
Casey Hagen: Shielding Josie
Casey Hagen: Shielding Blair
Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie
Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Savannah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Stephanie
Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Fighting for Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Defending Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Summer Breeze
Silver James: Rescue Moon
Silver James: SEAL Moon
Reclaiming Izabel (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) Page 16