Page 12 of Shattered

She snuggled into him. “So you’re happy?”

She had to ask? “God, yes. I’m freaking thrilled. What about you?”

“I’msoexcited,” she gushed, the tremor of excitement in her voice contagious. “I was dying to tell you, but I thought I’d better tell you the other thing first, and then it just didn’t seem like the right time…”

Because he’d been so angry she’d worried that he wouldn’t have given her this reaction. Guilt hit him. She’d been waiting to tell him since yesterday morning, and he’d spoiled the big moment for her with his reaction to the news about Dara.

He buried his face in her hair. “I’m sorry I was a dick when you told me about her. But this is even more reason to cut my sister out of our lives once and for all.”

Taya kissed his neck, sending an instant rush of heat to his groin. He loved the feel of her mouth on him, even the G-rated parts. Of course, he loved the feel of it on his X-rated partsmore. “It’s okay, I get it.”

He did his best to ignore the blast of arousal she’d triggered, and focus on the happy news.Pregnant.Damn, had he been too rough with her last night? He’d been so worked up after being apart for two weeks, and she’d seemed just as hungry for him. Gliding his hand down her ribs, he splayed his palm protectively over the slight curve of her abdomen.

Their baby. Tucked safely inside her. It was too incredible. “Are you feeling okay? You’re not sick or anything?”

“Not really, only a little if I get too hungry. Mostly just tired. And my boobs are a little sore.”

No wonder she was so exhausted. “When’s the due date, do you know?” Man, under a year from now they were going to be parents. Unreal.

“Mid-summer, I think. Probably in the first half of July. I’m going to see my doctor on Monday, so I’ll know more then.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“You’ll be out of town.”

Ah, hell. “Then call me from the office as soon as you find out.”

“I will.”

He drew her back into his arms, overwhelmed with love and gratitude. “God, I love you so much.”

“I love you so much too.” The words ended with another huge yawn.

Chuckling, Nate kissed the top of her head. “Go to sleep, baby.” He held her close while she melted into his body and drifted off in his arms.

Savoring the peace washing over him, he nuzzled her curls and lay there staring into the darkness, enjoying the feel of his wife’s warm, curvy body snuggled into him. His incredible little warrior. The mother of his child.

He didn’t remember falling asleep. One minute he was holding Taya, the next his head jerked up from the pillow when his phone went off from the bathroom. He jumped up and hurried to check it, saw the message there from Tuck.

911. Training op canceled. Report to base at 04:00.

Nate rubbed a hand over his eyes, fighting a groan. It was already 02:50 now. Just enough time to get dressed, grab his gear and get to base. What was going on? Something pretty big must have come up to call them in now and cancel the training op. He’d listen to the news on his way in.

Taya stirred when he sat beside her on the bed, blinked up at him sleepily in the light coming from the open bathroom door. “What’s wrong?” she murmured, coming up on one elbow, squinting in the faint light.

“Training’s been canceled. We’ve been called in to HQ for something. Not sure what.”

Her eyes cleared and she sat up, but he stopped her, pressing her shoulders back down onto the mattress. “No, you stay here and get some more sleep.”

“You sure? I can help you pack.”

“I’m sure.” He leaned over her, kissed her forehead and the bridge of her nose before finally capturing her lips with his.

She softened, her mouth warm and inviting as she curled a hand around the back of his neck. God, he loved this woman. She was without a doubt the kindest, most courageous person he’d ever known. No way he deserved her, but he hoped he never gave her reason to figure that out.

“I’ll call you with details when I can,” he whispered. “Not sure when I’ll be back, but it could be a few days if they’re sending us out.”

“Okay. Love you.”

---