Snatched (Coronado Series Book 2)

by Hart, Lea

  “What happened in the dressing room that has you so freaked out?”

  She finally focused on him, “The saleslady said the funniest thing when she was fitting me for a new bra. She asked me if I was pregnant. Isn’t that ridiculous? She said needing a larger bra without gaining weight is a common sign of pregnancy.”

  He looked at her and a huge smile spread across his face. A lot of things were starting to make sense now. “Well, when was your last period?”

  “You can’t ask me that.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t know. Let me think about it for a minute.” Her mind was whirring and nothing was coming up. She felt slightly panicked and started to feel like she was going to cry. Why was she feeling so emotional? “I can’t remember, I’ve been under a lot of stress in the last six weeks.” She felt a tear run down her cheek and quickly wiped it away.

  Max moved his chair so they were facing each other and their knees were touching. He took her hands in his and looked her in the eye and smiled. “Don’t worry about it baby.” He leaned over and kissed her gently. “This is not how I planned on asking you. I wanted to give you a really special romantic evening when I asked you, but I want to do it now. I want you to know without a doubt that I want to do this regardless if you are pregnant. I have been planning this…. before I even considered a baby as a possibility.”

  She looked at him with big eyes, “Max, you don’t have to do this.”

  “I’m asking you before we go to the doctor’s office. I want you to know that I want to - regardless of what we find out.”

  “You are going to ask me here in the Bal Harbor shopping Center?”

  “Yes, we have to leave for the doctor’s office in a little while. I will ask you again, but I want to be on record that I asked you before finding out anything. I also expect your answer to stick no matter what we find out.”

  “Well at least ask me in Nieman Marcus - that way I will have a good story to tell people.”

  “Ok, let’s go. Where is it?”

  “Right over there.” He pulled her up and hustled her along to the store. They walked inside and Rory spotted the shoe department and led him over. They both stood in front of the shoes and she looked over it with a satisfied look. “This is my happy place, if I ever need to mentally escape this is where I go.”

  “Good to know. When I’m in trouble with you, I should just bring you here and then we can work it out.”

  “Probably a good plan.”

  “Any particular area that you like?”

  She looked around and saw the table that had all of the Channel pumps displayed. She felt that was the best option, it would set the right tone. Classic, elegant, always in style - that would lend the right note to such a solemn occasion. She pointed to the table, “I’m going to have to go with the classic Channel table.”

  He nodded his head and took her over. “Is this all right?” He watched as she nodded and looked around.

  The salesman came up to them, “Anything I can help you with?”

  “Not yet. My boyfriend is going to ask me something, and then I may want to try on that sandal in a size 39.”

  Max stood patiently, “Are you ready? Anything else you want to try on?”

  “No, I’m good. How does my hair look? It’s not sticking up or anything?”

  “No, you look perfect.”

  She looked at him and kissed him gently on the cheek. “Oh wait… I want a picture of this.” She got out her phone and waved to the sales person. He walked over, “Would you mind taking a couple of photos when my boyfriend asks me his question?”

  “Of course not, my pleasure.”

  She shook out her hair and straightened her dress and stood up tall, “I’m ready.”

  He looked at her with a smile, “Are you sure?”

  She winked at him and smiled, “I have never been surer of anything in my life.”

  He leaned down and gave her a kiss before he got down on one knee and looked up at her. He saw one tear roll down her face, and she wiped it away and smiled down at him. He took a deep breath, “I knew from the first day that I met you that you were the one for me. Hell, I probably knew within the first several hours, and every moment since then has allowed me to confirm my initial feelings. I love you completely, madly and desperately - I will spend the rest of my life with your happiness as my first priority.” He noticed that the tears had really started to fall, “How are you doing?” She nodded her head and smiled. “I will take care of you and protect you, and I would be honored if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He pulled a ring out of his pocket and waited for her answer.

  Through her tears she was able to get out her answer in a very small voice. “Yes”

  He stood up and looked at her, “You said yes… right?”

  She nodded her head and put her hands on his face and gave him the kiss of a lifetime. “I would be honored to become your wife.”

  He grabbed her so tight that she had a hard time taking a breath. They heard a round of applause from the Saturday afternoon shoppers as they kissed. He dipped her over his arm and kissed the woman who had stolen his heart with everything he had. He finally tipped her upright and put the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. “You really were going to ask me - you didn’t make that up.”

  “I really was going to ask you. I love you Rory Basso, and I’m damn happy that you are going to marry me.”

  She looked down at her hand for the first time and looked at the ring he’d chosen for her. It was perfect and something she would be proud to wear for the rest of her life. He had chosen an emerald surrounded by diamonds. It was the perfect ring for her.

  They stood with their heads together and their hands clasped and the world had fallen away for a moment. “I chose this ring because it reminded me of the first time I met you and looked at your pretty eyes. I thought to myself…. she has eyes the color of emeralds and she is going to be a whole lot of trouble.”

  “Let’s see how much trouble after we go to the doctor.”

  He laughed, “Bring it on. I’m ready. Remember the first time we made love?” I told you I was going to put a baby in you… maybe I did.”

  “Max Bishop, shame on you. It’s the oldest trick in the book.”

  “Let’s go find out if my mighty SEAL swimmers did their job and made it to home base.”

  They were interrupted by the salesperson, as he handed her phone to her. “I think I got a couple of good photos and video as well. Do you still want to try on the sandals?”

  “I don’t need to try them on, wrap them up. I’m going to get married in them.”

  ***

  Rory ate sour gummies as she sat in the waiting room of the doctor’s office. Max watched her devour almost the whole bag, “How are you doing, baby?”

  “Freaking out, thank you for asking.”

  “Do you want me to go in with you?”

  “Of course, you’re the one responsible for putting me here. You have to hold my hand when we get the news.”

  They sat there quietly, both lost in their own thoughts. The nurse finally called them in and they walked in through the door.

  “How long can it take to look at the results? Don’t you think it’s taking a long time?”

  “I think it has only been about ten minutes, remember they’re running blood tests as well.”

  “What do you think that they’re going to tell us?”

  “I think they’re going to give us some really happy news and tell us that you’re pregnant. At least that’s what I’m hoping.”

  “Don’t you want to wait for a little while and make sure we are going to be well suited for one another?”

  “You already said that you would marry me and that you love me. I’m not letting you escape. This is it - we are going to be together for the rest of our lives.”

  “Ok, I guess. I bought the shoes for the wedding already. I should go through with it.”

  “That’s tr
ue, since you have the shoes and all.”

  “I love you, I’m just freaking out a little.”

  “I love you too, just remember that we are in this together. Whatever happens, we have each other.”

  She squeezed his hand and smiled up at him, “Together.”

  The doctor finally returned with her file in his hand and a smile on his face. “I have good news and I have good news. You do not have a stomach virus - you are actually quite healthy. It appears that you are pregnant and that is why you are experiencing the nausea and exhaustion. The initial blood work suggests that your hormone levels are quite high. That is why your symptoms seem extreme. This could be a sign that you are pregnant with twins. That can’t be confirmed until around ten weeks with an ultra sound, though.”

  Rory and Max looked at him in shock, “So you are sure that I’m pregnant?”

  “Yes, I’m very sure.”

  He turned towards her and hugged her and kissed her and let out a loud, Hooah. “I love you baby. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world.”

  “She looked at him and laughed, “I guess this is what I get when I get involved with a SEAL. Your swimmers must have super strength, you did put a baby in me after all.”

  They heard the doctor laugh, “Come to my office when you’re done, and I will give you some instructions until you meet with your doctor at home.”

  They heard the door close as they stared at each other. “I didn’t think you were serious when you said you were going to knock me up.”

  “It was only me wishing - I didn’t actually think it would happen.”

  “We both behaved in a way that was very out of character for both of us. We didn’t use a condom, and neither of us had ever done that before. We were not even that worried after we realized that we forgot.”

  “I think it was meant to be. I bet you got pregnant the first night we were together.”

  “You are probably right. Max Bishop you put a baby in me.”

  “I sure did, and I’m damn glad I did too. Hell, maybe I put two babies in you.”

  “I can’t wrap my mind around that yet.”

  “Good thing I got you to agree to marry me. When can we get married?”

  “I think after the baby is born. I’m going to be a little busy over the next seven months.”

  “No way! We are getting married before the baby comes. I don’t want my child to think that I did not want to marry his Mom.”

  “I don’t think she will think that at all - she will understand why we waited.”

  “No waiting Rory, we are going to get married very soon.”

  “We are not going to decide right now. Let’s go see what the doctor has to say.”

  ***

  They were laying on lounge chairs at the beach, after they’d finished lunch and Rory was about to fall asleep. “I think I will go in the water and cool off before I take a nap. Do you want to go with me?”

  “Of course, I’m not going to let you go in the ocean without me.”

  “Is this how it’s going to be for the next seven months?”

  “Maybe…. probably. I already feel crazy protective over you, and now you can double or triple that since you are carrying our children.”

  They walked down to the water, and Rory noticed all of the looks that Max was getting from the women on the beach. Women were ogling him, and she didn’t really blame them. He was amazing. He was a big man with large shoulders and completely ripped. He also moved with athletic grace, each muscle moving as it was meant to. He was impressive in clothes, but in swim trunks he was beyond perfect. She looked at the women, Sorry ladies, he’s mine. You can look but don’t touch.

  They walked hand in hand to the water, and as their feet hit the surf, Rory let out a sigh. “I miss the feel of a warm ocean.”

  “I sometimes forget that the ocean can feel warm. I’m so used to our cold temperatures in San Diego.” They walked out past the break, and he watched Rory lean back and lift her legs. He immediately put his arms around her and supported her. “Feels good, doesn’t it?”

  “This is such a treat, it feels so relaxing. I could stay out here forever.”

  “Sounds good to me.” He leaned down and kissed her and then ran his mouth down her neck and felt her shiver. ‘Thanks for today…. agreeing to marry me and for the babies.”

  She opened her eyes and let her legs drift slowly to the sand beneath her feet, “Can we just say baby until we know for sure?”

  “Sure. Is two too much to think about right now?”

  She took a step forward and plastered herself against him and wrapped her arms around his neck, “I want to just think about one for a couple of weeks. If I think about two and then it’s only one, I don’t want to feel like we lost something.”

  “Ok, I understand. We have one, and that’s a lot to be thankful for.” He looked down at her with tenderness and also a little worry.

  “Come here, sailor.” She tightened her hands around his neck, savoring the feel of his big muscles, “Kiss me.”

  She felt his arms tighten around her back, bringing her closer to his broad chest. He cupped her head and curled a big arm around her back, and she melted into him. Her body started signaling pleasure as he held her, and she gave herself up to him. The kiss was open and flowed over every single part of her body. Her hands trailed across his washboard abs to the top of his swim trunks, and she felt him harden against her stomach.

  “We need to go up to our room right now, before I take you right here in front of everyone.”

  “Let’s go then, I think the doctor may have been right about my hormones. Because what you just said - did not sound like a bad idea.”

  He laughed as they walked to shore, “Just walk in front of me until we get to our chairs. I’m sporting the evidence of how much my very hot fiancée affects me.”

  She did as he asked, as they walked back to their chairs. They sat down, and he draped a towel around her shoulders. “Give me a minute while I sit here and think of some very bad and sad thoughts. I need to get myself together and then we can go upstairs.” She smiled at him as she dried off and combed out her hair. “Please don’t look at me like that either, that’s not helping.”

  She turned around and tried not to laugh as she put on her sunglasses and hat. She dug in her bag for her sour gummies and proceeded to eat them as she sipped on a bottle of water. “I need to go to the gift shop before we go upstairs, I’m almost out of gummies.”

  “Is this a new obsession?”

  “Yes, I found when I start to feel nauseous, I chew on a couple of these and feel better. I’m almost scared not to have them with me.”

  “I will buy you a case when we get home. Remember, the doctor said, you have to eat five or six small meals, he said that would help.”

  “I know, I think I need to work up to that. I will drink a lot of fluids and start with fruit.”

  “I’m ready to go upstairs now… if you are.”

  “She looked at him and smiled, “I’m definitely ready to go upstairs.”

  “I like these pregnancy hormones, this is totally going to work out for me. You may start to want me half as much as I want you.”

  “Remember what the doctor said, we should take advantage of it now, because after the baby comes it will definitely slow down.”

  “Oh I plan on it…. as much as you will let me. Just think about how creative we get to be farther down the road. My mind is working on a lot of possibilities.”

  “Well, I expect you to use that big creative mind of yours to think of how we are going to manage it, when I’m as big as a house.”

  “SEALs are known for their ability to problem solve and think outside of the box. “I’m going to use all of my training and experience to come up with a lot of options.”

  They got up and walked back to the hotel hand in hand, “I’m counting on it.”

  ***

  Rory laid on top of Max, completely out of breath, “Holy smokes.�
��

  He ran his hand over her behind and gave a little squeeze, “I second that.”

  She rolled off of him and tried to get her heart to return to normal. She held up her hand and looked at her ring, “Why did you bring the ring to Florida?”

  “Because I wanted to ask you to marry me, and I was worried that you were not going to give me another chance.”

  “Why did you bring it with you to the mall?”

  “It’s not a ring that I wanted to leave in the room.”

  “That’s true. It worked out, but I wasn’t expecting a ring. I thought you were just going to ask me.”

  “A SEAL is always prepared.”

  “I guess so, I’m impressed.”

  “Can we get married here, on the beach?”

  “My family would kill us if they missed it and so would yours.”

  “Can we have two weddings? I want our anniversary to be very close to the baby’s birthday. I know it’s old fashioned, but it’s important to me.”

  “Are you asking me to marry you this week?”

  “Yes.”

  “What about our family?”

  “We won’t tell them until after the baby is born. They will understand.”

  “So you want to get married twice?”

  “Yes, once this week and then again at home. We can plan something for the spring before the baby is due.”

  “I don’t know, let me think about it.”

  “Thanks, sweetheart.”

  “I want one private wedding with just the two of us and one with our family and friends. Just think…. you can have two dresses.”

  “The dresses are not important, but I could have two new pair of shoes.”

  “There you go.”

  “You realize this is crazy.”