“Me, too.” Kenton needed to think about it more, mull it over. Maybe then it would come to him. He wanted to know what his mistakes had been, so he could avoid them in the future. “I appreciate you guys sticking around to help me finish up.” Anderson and Patrick had stayed on base an additional two days, answering questions alongside him and helping him complete the reports when they could have gone home to their families.
“No worries. I can’t imagine having one of my kids taken from me and exploited like that,” Patrick said with a shudder. He was the father of an eight-year-old girl and a baby boy. “It makes me want to hold my kids close and never let them out of my sight.”
Anderson nodded his agreement. He’d married just prior to deploying on this mission, and he and his wife already had a little boy.
“I’ll bet your families are anxious to see you. Have you talked to them since we got stateside?” Kenton asked, feeling guilty that they’d lost out on time with their wives and kids.
“Early this morning. They’re fine.” Patrick grinned. “It’ll be complete chaos when I get home.”
“You love it,” Kenton said.
“I do,” Patrick was quick to say. “You’ll have to try it sometime.”
“I’ll get there eventually.” Kenton said. He had definite ideas about his future, and kids were part of it, he’d realized in recent months. He already had a house he loved. It was a recent purchase, but he felt sure it was the place where he’d bring his bride. First, he had to meet the right woman, and then, when the time was right, they’d have a couple of kids.
“Eventually is never how it happens,” Anderson said with a laugh. “Some woman’s going to burst into your plans and change everything.”
“You got that right,” Patrick agreed. “Just prepare yourself to catch her when she falls into your life, because you won’t get any warning.”
That seemed to be the way of it with his friends and SEAL teammates. Most had paired off in recent years and were busy raising families. Still, Kenton didn’t think a woman was going to land on his doorstep like his buddies seemed to think.
“I’ve got to be home long enough for that to happen.” If he wasn’t deployed, Kenton advised other teams about to head out. It was a life that kept him out of the country or on base the majority of the time, which was why he was looking forward to heading home. He had an extended leave coming, and he planned to take it. He wanted to take care of some projects around the house, but his true goal was to lay the foundation for his future. And that meant finding a woman to share it with.
Kenton’s phone screen lit up again with another message from his mother. Margaret Fitzpatrick was the most persistent woman he’d ever known. He’d texted her earlier in the day that he’d be headed home soon, and she’d sent him five messages since asking him to call.
“You should call or text your mom back,” Anderson said, reading the screen from across the table. “You know how she is.”
The three of them shared a grin. Margaret had been a mom to all of them since Patrick’s had walked out when he was a kid, and Anderson’s was never much interested in parenting. Margaret had been the one who made sure they all had Halloween costumes when they were little and got home from football practices in high school. She was a mother hen who didn’t put up with any nonsense.
“Later,” Kenton said. “She probably just wants to invite me to dinner. I’m not feeling it.”
“You’ve got to let the mission go,” Anderson said, standing up. “We’ve analyzed it. Viewed it from every angle. What happened wasn’t your fault, man.”
“I’m not convinced of that yet,” Kenton said. The sense of responsibility stayed with him as they drove off base and headed for Hartsville. Kenton dropped off Patrick first, at his house just outside town, and watched as his friend was engulfed in hugs from his wife and kids. Next, he took Anderson to a home in a newer development. The porch light was on, and Violet immediately stepped outside with their son Nate on her hip and a huge smile on her face.
Kenton beeped his horn as he drove off, happy that his friends had each found a mate who suited them, even if both of them had fallen into relationships in unusual ways. A few minutes later, he turned onto the tree-lined street where he lived. He’d bought the home, sight unseen, eighteen months ago, when he was on the other side of the globe. He’d viewed pictures on the internet and had his family’s assurance that he’d love it. And he did. More than he could put into words.
The dark blue Victorian was stately and graceful, the kind of place that exuded comfort and security. It was exactly what he wanted. Patrick and Anderson had teased him about the ornate trim, stained-glass transom window, and rounded turret. He’d taken the ribbing while thinking that his future wife, whoever she was, would appreciate those details.
As he pulled into his driveway, he was just glad to be there and have time and space to himself. He’d call his mom in the morning, but he wanted to sleep in his own bed first. Unpack and unwind before having to socialize. That was always best when he came off a mission. He needed time to adjust to the civilian world.
He grabbed his duffel bag, pausing when he heard a dog bark. He listened more closely. The twilight air was still and quiet, with only the hum of the cicadas and the slight puff of an early autumn breeze in the trees. He waited, and the bark came again. He could have sworn the sound was coming from inside his house, but his ears must be playing tricks on him. He loved dogs, had even gotten interested in training them in the military, but he hadn’t owned one since he was a kid.
With a shrug, Kenton let himself into the mudroom and dropped the duffel on the floor. A scrabbling of paws on the tile floor was his only warning before a large dog slammed into him, knocking him off balance and pinning him to the wall. The dog’s head was against Kenton’s chest. It didn’t move to bite him, but Kenton felt the heat of its breath and heard a low growl from its throat.
What the hell! What was a dog doing in his house?
Before Kenton could attempt to shove the dog away, a baseball bat was thrust into his side. Shit. Had he entered the wrong house somehow? His fist clamped around the key he still held. No, he’d let himself in. Before he could say anything, the pressure left his side as his attacker changed strategies and swung at his head. He parried instinctively and caught the bat before it connected, but he couldn’t prevent the glancing hit to his shoulder.
He gripped the bat and wrenched it away from his assailant. At the same time, he pushed off the wall, shoving the dog back even as his senses processed who he was up against. He squinted, trying to make out a shape in the shadows. The figure was tall, but curvy. Not what he’d have expected. And he caught the faint whiff of perfume in the air.
A woman? The realization made him hesitate. He’d have had a man on the floor in no time, but…
“What are you doing here?” The voice was feminine but pitched low and threatening. Kenton would be impressed with her bravery if he weren’t so damn annoyed to find someone in his house.
“This is my house,” he ground out. The dog retreated from him and went to her. “What the hell are you doing here?”
No answer came, but a blast of light from overhead illuminated the space. She’d flipped on the old fluorescent bulb that hung above them.
“Holy hell,” he said under his breath when he caught sight of her. She was beautiful, beyond beautiful. Her dark blonde hair was streaked with golden highlights, and her eyes were green like summertime leaves. A smattering of freckles covered her nose and cheekbones. And her mouth was lush, deep pink, and made for kissing. He hadn’t been wrong about the curves, either. Her breasts were full and round under her tight-fitting shirt, but her waist was narrow and her legs long. And they were fully on display in the yoga pants she wore.
She wasn’t eye level with him—few women were—but she was taller than average. The fleeting thought that she’d fit just right against his large frame came and went in his brain in the split second they evaluated each other
.
Her chin came up, a look of challenge on her face, and she continued to hold the bat clutched in front of her, long lashes blinking over her eyes. He needed to speak, but he was still taking in the sight of her.
Her lips parted, but before she could speak, the sharp cry of a child came from overhead. A kid? There was an unknown woman, a dog, and a kid in his house? What alternate universe had he walked into?
“Oh, damn,” she muttered.
Grab your copy of The SEAL’s Instant Family
Available 14 January 2021
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BLURB
Carolyn Evert couldn’t take the constant worry and stress that came with having a Navy SEAL fiancé, so she broke it off…then realized she was pregnant. After radio silence greeted her repeated attempts to inform Zach of the pregnancy, Carolyn moved on with her life. Little Austin is happy and healthy, and while she hates the idea of him growing up without a father, she’s determined to safeguard the jewelry store her mother founded and make sure Austin never feels unwanted. But everything changes when the store is robbed at gunpoint. Carolyn outwits the robber and defuses the hostage situation—then in strides Zach as part of the security response team. Zach quickly makes it clear he had no idea about the pregnancy, and Carolyn eventually agrees to let him into their son’s life…but she’s a lot more hesitant about letting Zach back into her own heart.
Zach Vale won’t let anything keep him from being the best dad he can be. If Carolyn wants nothing to do with him, he’ll live with that. But he can’t help but want to protect her and their son. It soon becomes apparent the robbery isn’t an isolated incident—and more than Carolyn’s business is in danger, especially when she insists on investigating the robbery herself. As she works to solve the mystery of who’s behind the vicious attacks, Zach works to make himself part of their lives and keep them safe. After all, he’s still in love with Carolyn, and maybe if he can be her hero for once, he can convince her to give him another chance.
Grab your copy of The SEAL’s Surprise Son (The Admiral SEALs Book One) from
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* * *
EXCERPT
Chapter One
“Just sold an engagement ring.” Jenna poked her head in the office of All That Sparkles.
“Awesome.” Carolyn Evert looked up from the spreadsheet she was studying. “Which one?”
“The one carat heart-shaped diamond set in platinum.” From the smile on Jenna’s face, she was pleased with herself—and she should be. Both her commission and the store’s profit would be very nice.
“I love that one.” Carolyn sighed. “It’s so romantic.”
The ring had only been on display since the store reopened a week ago. Now that the remodel was complete, the neutral cream colors were gone. In their place Carolyn selected soft gray walls, chrome-edged glass display cases, modern recessed lighting, and pops of a vibrant blue for accent. The store did indeed sparkle.
“The couple looked at it yesterday,” Jenna said with a knowing grin. “I knew they’d be back.”
“You can always peg them. Congratulations.”
“Do you want me to start the closing procedure?” Jenna asked.
Carolyn checked her watch. Ten minutes to close. “Sure. That’ll be great. I want to get out of here on time tonight.”
“Got it.” Her most experienced salesperson scooted back out the door.
The thought of how the ring’s sale would help the month’s bottom line brought a smile to Carolyn’s face as she returned to the spreadsheet. Her monthly expenses for All That Sparkles were significantly higher now due to a loan for the remodel and higher security costs.
She’d disagreed with her mother about the expense. And maybe she was taking a chance, but she subscribed to the theory that you have to spend money to make it. The interior of a jewelry store reflected its reputation and merchandise, she felt. Her mother had relented since she’d entrusted the store to Carolyn, who now held the reins.
Carolyn owed her mother so much. Faith had founded the store after Carolyn’s father all but abandoned the family. Her hard work had put the business on the map in Sheridan Falls. Carolyn was in awe of someone who could do all that single-handed and raise two daughters, and she felt the pressure of measuring up to her mother’s standard as she faced a similar life as a single mom and business owner. Her best efforts might not be enough even with the assistance of dedicated employees—but her self-doubt hadn’t prevented her from taking a leap with All That Sparkles.
She heard the click of the alarm. Someone was being let into the office area of the store. A state-of-the-art security system had been an integral part of their refurbishment. It made her insurance company happy and gave her peace of mind, plus, it allowed them to carry top-end merchandise, such as the engagement ring Jenna was celebrating. It was worth it, she thought, even though she grimaced every time she pulled up the expenditures page.
“Mama,” her son’s voice called, bringing an instant smile to her face. A second later her babysitter entered the office with Austin on her hip, squirming to get down.
“Hi, baby.” Carolyn took her fourteen-month-old son, hugging him tight to her and pressing her face into his thick dark hair that was so like his daddy’s. With his deep blue eyes, no one could doubt who his father was, not that Zach Vale apparently cared. She suppressed a sigh. Silence had greeted her letters and communications to her ex-fiancé telling him that she was pregnant. After sending one last notification of Austin’s healthy entrance into the world, Carolyn had stopped trying to contact Zach, who was off on a mission with his SEAL team. She couldn’t change that, so she focused on her son. “Did you have fun today?”
Austin gave her a grin and showed her a toy tractor he had clutched in his hand, zooming it up her arm.
“He’s been looking forward to coming all day,” Nina said, dropping the bag of baby supplies on a chair. “He loves being here, and he loves his mama.”
“Thanks for bringing him to me.” Carolyn gave her son a kiss before setting him on the carpet to play. She’d felt guilty about working long hours while the store was being refurbished, because she had promised herself she would never let him feel abandoned by a parent. Nothing she’d ever done to get her father’s attention had been enough. She’d tried desperately for years working to be the best student and best athlete, hoping he’d notice. She’d even begged her mother for martial arts classes because her father mentioned that he liked martial arts. She took classes for years, increasing her skill and moving on to grade after grade. Her father never once came to see her demonstrate her skills. Nothing had ever worked to get his attention.
She’d never let her son feel as she had, which might be a struggle down the road. Eventually, she knew Austin would ask about his daddy. All kids did. Whatever she decided to tell him, she’d be careful to never let it seem that he’d been unwanted.
“No problem,” Nina said. “I love the new look of the store. The blue sets everything off. On our way here, we took a little stroll past Castle Jewels.”
“Oh?” Carolyn’s primary competitor had recently updated as well. “Is it nice?”
“Classy looking. Lots of gold accents. But it was kind of stuffy, too. I didn’t feel like I could wander in and browse.” Nina wrinkled her nose. “I think you made the better choice.”
“Hope so.” She watched Austin, who played with the tractor, running it over the pattern in the carpet and making goofy faces and sounds. He was so like his father, who despite being a SEAL had loved the silly side of life, too. It had been her choice to end their relationship, but she couldn’t help missing Zach. There had been a lot to love about him.
“I’ve got to get going,” Nina said. “My boys have a baseball game tonight.”
“I’ll let you out through the secure door.” Carolyn scooped Austin up and led the way to the showroom.
Just as they reached it, the front door flung open, slamming against the wall,
and a man burst through, gun in hand. Carolyn froze in place, hoping this wasn’t what it looked like.
“This is a robbery,” he yelled, swinging his gun in an arc to encompass the store. “Hands where I can see them.”
Carolyn took in a sharp breath, fighting the panic she felt. If the robber had entered five seconds earlier, she could have secured her son and Nina in the office, but they were all too visible. She pressed the tiny button on the key she always carried, triggering a silent alarm that contacted the police and her security firm. It also gave them a live audio and video feed.
“Everybody, down on the floor,” the robber commanded. “Except you.” He pointed to Jenna, who stood behind a display of their most expensive pieces.
Carolyn gestured for everyone to comply. It seemed safest to obey him while they waited for help to arrive. On her way down, she grabbed a pair of ear protectors left over from the remodel and slipped them on Austin’s head. Maybe if her son couldn’t hear the drama unfolding in front of them, he wouldn’t be frightened. She smiled at him, whispering they were playing a game, hiding the fear that raced through her.
The robber, focused on shouting at Jenna to dump trays of diamonds and sapphires into a bag, didn’t notice what Carolyn did or that she and Nina tried to cover Austin with their bodies. If the man walked closer, he’d see the boy, but she’d do whatever was necessary to protect him.
She took a quick look around. Her other salespeople were on the floor, following procedure. They’d gone through training for this scenario, but these situations could go wrong very quickly. Please let him get what he wants and get out, she prayed. She winced at the sound of glass shattering as he smashed a display case of emeralds and shouted for Jenna to pick out the precious stones. Jenna worked quickly, filling the bag the robber held.
The SEAL’s Surprise Baby: Hartsville’s SEAL Heroes Book Two Page 15