Page 104 of SEAL's Resolve

He flashed a grin at his friend. “My mother didn’t raise a fool.”

While Eli cleared the breakfast dishes, Rafe started a fresh pot of coffee and sliced cookie dough, arranging the slices on sprayed baking sheets. Two hours later, the kitchen was clean, cookies were arranged on trays, and the house was filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies. He might have sampled one or two. He considered it the baker’s privilege since he had to be sure the cookies tasted good.

After washing his hands, Rafe walked to the workroom to check on Kristi. “How’s it going?”

She stopped sewing and smiled at him. “Coming along. I’ve been smelling those cookies. Did they turn out?”

“They’re delicious.” He grinned.

Kristi laughed. “Did you leave any for me?”

“Of course. I saved a couple for you. They’re in a plastic bag, hidden in your tea cabinet.”

“Perfect spot. None of your teammates will bother looking in there.” She rose and came to him. “Going to bed now?”

“For a few hours. Eli and Cal are on duty. Jon’s asleep and Jackson will be close. If you need me, come get me.”

“I’ll be fine. Sleep well.”

Rafe decided not to push. If something happened, he’d know. One of his teammates would wake him. He’d as good as declared his intention to marry Kristi a couple of hours ago. That news would make his teammates all the more protective of the woman who held his heart.

He climbed the stairs to the second floor, stretched out on the bed, and dropped into a light sleep.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Kristi concentrated on assembling Maggie’s dress until Jill arrived. She glanced at her assistant who held a large to-go cup in her hand as she shuffled through the doorway with dark circles beneath her eyes. “Late night?”

Jill shrugged off her sweater and dropped her purse in the closet. “Mom was having a crisis. She and her fifth husband are fighting, and she’s worried that her latest marriage is imploding.”

“I’m sorry. That must be difficult for all of you.”

“Understatement. Is that Maggie’s dress?”

She nodded. “Want to see?” When her assistant nodded, Kristi held up the partially completed dress for Jill’s perusal.

Jill gasped. “This dress was a concept yesterday morning, and now it’s coming together right before our eyes. You’ve worked like a demon on that masterpiece. So, exactly how early did you get up this morning?”

“You don’t want to know.”

“I thought so.” She frowned. “You should have waited for me. I planned to help you assemble the dress.”

“I couldn’t sleep. We’ll be slammed again today. Since you’re here now, I’ll let you take over. I need a break.”

“Take your time.” She sipped of her drink, set the cup on the desk, and sat in front of the sewing machine Kristi used. “Show me where you stopped.”

Two minutes later, Kristi walked into the kitchen where Jackson perched on a stool at the breakfast bar with his laptop.

He looked up. “Taking a break?”

She nodded. “Is Rafe still asleep?”

“Yeah.” The medic glanced at his watch. “He should wake soon. Need anything?”

“A good night’s sleep.” She stretched, wincing. “And fewer bruises on my ribs. Sore ribs, leaning over a cutting table, and feeding material along the arm of a sewing machine don’t mix. I feel every sore spot today.”

“Do you still have the pain meds I gave you?”

Another nod.

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