Page 55 of Her Faithful Protector

“And this is new!” Morgan exclaims, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinizes her best friend some more. Her fingers weave through Ava’s bouncy hair.

In response, Ava lifts her shoulder in a nonchalant gesture, leaving Morgan’s imagination to figure out the how and why.

I did notice my girlfriend was spending more time than usual taking care of her hair this morning. She transformed her curls into beautiful waves, making them look more voluminous. She used a wand-like device that she purchasedduring one of our shopping trips, along with some hair products. Her strands appear thicker, and the blonde hues seem even shinier. And she smells phenomenal.

As the burgers arrive, our eyes are drawn to the sight of perfectly grilled patties sizzling and releasing their mouthwatering aroma. I’m dying to savor the soft sesame seed bun and the succulent ground meat melting in my mouth. Not to mention the Thirsty Fox’s secret sauce.

“So, you’re a new woman now,” Morgan remarks. “Thanks to a certain Marine.”

Ava raises her eyes to me, nibbling a lip.

Morgan continues, still intrigued by her best friend’s change. “I can’t even remember the last time I saw you wearing a dress. And to top it off, it’s a sexy dress like that!”

Ava responds calmly, “It’s the baby-daddy effect.”

Morgan mouths a ‘whoa,’ then says, “That’s bold!” She then turns to me, “Has she told you that?”

I cackle. “Something along that line.”

I have to admit, I feel flattered to be considered Quinton’s father. Ava has mentioned the idea of having more children in passing, but we haven’t had a serious discussion about it yet.

Tyler, who has been quietly enjoying his burger, chimes in, “Bozeman feels like a distant memory now. It’s hard to believe that Quinton is already eight months old.”

“And I was just two months pregnant then,” Ava adds.

Morgan cocks her head, asking me, “So, was it really love at first sight? I distinctly recall seeing you completely smitten, offering Ava your jacket. And she…” Morgan gestures toward Ava, “…she was awe-struck. I mean, you were the biggest lightning strike of the night.”

I remember that stormy night. Morgan was hiding under the protection of Red Mark after narrowly escaping an attempt on her life. At the time, I was off duty, and Sam wasshort on manpower, so I agreed to help. That night, Tyler had to travel. I was assigned to stay with Morgan at Tyler’s parents’ farmhouse in Bozeman. Little did I know, Tyler returned with Ava in tow.

“Oh, look at you blushing, baby!” Ava steps in after my extended silence.

“Shush! Let the man speak!” Morgan protests.

I look at Ava, reminiscing about her kind, radiant eyes even during the miserable weather. And her curly hair, bouncing and shining, seemed to call out to me. Being a Marine who doesn’t indulge in impossible romantic notions, I never believed in love at first sight. But with her, everything was proven possible.

I clear my throat. “Well, I didn’t just want her. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. I wish I had kissed her then and asked her out,” I admit.

Tyler whistles and addresses me by my rank, as he always has since we first met. “L.T., you’ve given the perfect answer.”

Ava leans in and kisses me, then smiles while she thumbs the lipstick marks she’s left behind.

Tyler washes down his lunch with a few gulps of beer—Fallen Angel, Cass’ own brew, which has apparently become the bestseller at this bar. He asks, “What’s next for you guys?”

I reply, “My leave ends next week, and I need to sort things out back in Hawaii.”

Ava looks at me, a thin layer of concern coating her face.

Morgan wipes her sauce-covered hands and asks, “Ave, if you could live anywhere, where would it be?”

“L.A. had been my home. But I’ve fallen in love with Montana since Bozeman. And in the past few weeks, I’ve felt it even more. If I were a baby and my mother asked me where I’d love to live—California or Montana—hands down, it’s here. There’s ample space, I can breathe, and we’resurrounded by nature. And you’re here, Morgie. What else can you ask for?”

“So, more kids are on the cards?” Morgan teases, to which Ava responds with a wink.

I smile, responding to her spontaneous delight. She genuinely wants to give Quinton siblings, as having children is a blessing for her, especially after her battle with leukemia. It’s amazing how the drugs never affected her ability to get pregnant. Any children we have together will be so fortunate to have her as their mother. But will they also be lucky to have me as their father?

Morgan continues. “Hey, I actually know someone who works at a media company here. I could put in a good word for you. You may not be producing courtroom sketches, but you could be a good fit in their design team.”

“That’ll be great!” Ava exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement as if her future suddenly becomes clear.

---