Page 75 of Fierce Protector

Ledger spoke up. “It sounds like your plans are solid. We pull together and do whatever it takes to stop Feldman. I have news too.”

A ripple ran around the table, and zapped up and down Demi’s spine. She didn’t know what Ledger was about to say yet. He hadn’t shared it with her. But she knew it must be heavy.

“When I arrived at the Petersons to find Demi last night, a man was standing along the lane, filming the fire.”

A collective gasp sounded around the table.

“My god.” She covered her belly with her palm, instinctively shielding their child.

He sat back, eyeing his men, arms folded. “If I find the guy, I’m going to need backup.”

“We’re there for you. Any time.” Colton’s declaration was echoed by Hunter next. Carver nodded.

And Zach, seated closest to Ledger, held out a fist to him in a show of camaraderie. Ledger met his eye for a heartbeat, then he made a fist and bumped knuckles with Zach.

The display of a new brotherhood seemed to lighten the mood. The thick air lifted, and Demi was able to breathe easier.

Ledger slid his chair back first, ending the meeting. He took Demi by the hand and pulled her to her feet.

“I’ll talk to you guys in a while. I’m going to take my significant other home.”

Unable to stop herself, she grinned up at him. Then she threw a wave to the group and they left the ranch.

In the SUV on the way to her house, Ledger held her hand, stroking his thumb across hers in a soft caress that sent tingles of love to her heart.

“There’s still so much to do to end this trouble.” She turned her face to the sun streaming through the passenger window.

He squeezed her fingers. “That’s true, but having a plan is most important. We know our course now. We’ll get the conflict resolved.”

She looked at him. His rugged features, handsome profile. He swung his head to meet her gaze. “What happens after that?”

His lips quirked at one side in that bad-boy smile that had ensnared her from the minute he walked up to her table at Badlands, holding a lager in each hand. “We make our own plans. A future.”

Still holding her hand, he moved it so both their hands cradled their unborn child.

Tears filled her eyes, and she swiped one away before it fell. “I guess I’m officially in the teary stage of pregnancy.”

He issued a low chuckle. “It’s all right. I’m here for you through every minute of it. Especially the sexy times.”

“Mmm. Let’s go home and explore that more. Can you drive faster?”

He slid his hand lower, between her legs and pulled a moan from her. “Driving is the only thing I plan to do fast, baby. Once I get you in bed, I’m going to take my time with you.”

Her breath hitched, and it had nothing to do with her ordeal the night before. Her heart was so full of love for Ledger, their baby and her new big SEAL family.

Epilogue

Demi gripped the paper in her hand. She wasn’t shocked when her hand wobbled, causing the sheet to flutter. After all, it contained the results of the test they performed on her in the hospital.

She knew the sex of the baby.

But Ledger didn’t.

She sat behind the wheel of her SUV, letting it all sink in.

Just weeks ago, she was shocked to see the positive sign on a pregnancy test. So much had happened since then. She went from being uncertain about her future plans to knowing without a doubt what she wanted.

It was time to surprise her baby daddy—again.

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