Page 50 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“Six? Chase told… told you that?” I splutter and chop the vegetables slower than before as I take in the revelation.

“Yes. As a matter of fact, my eldest son’s wife is pregnant withtheirsixth.” I look up to see a sly grin on his face and raise a brow in response. “Six is a good number.”

“Really, Javier?” He bursts into a laugh, rich and deep in baritone. “Now, the joke’s on you.”

“I didn’t know you had a witty sense of humor.”

“Well, I have different sides to me. You just discovered one side besides my cooking.”

“I can’t wait to discover the other sides.”

“Well, I’m glad to tell you that you’re in for a ride.”

“I’m excited! I can’t wait to find out.” I swipe the knife on the chopping board and pour the vegetables into a bowl.

“We need the salad cream. I’ll check the pantry.” He hurries into the pantry and starts searching through. I wipe my hands on the napkin and pat my jean pockets for my phone.

“I need to call someone, but I think I left my phone upstairs.” I call out to Javier but stop at the kitchen entrance when I overhear Joseph talking with Chase about his past relationships. I freeze, listening intently as they reminisce about his exes and I can’t help feeling a pang of jealousy. Did he ever love them as deeply as he claims to love me? Doubt gnaws at my insides, and I can't help but question if he’s truly moved on. Why are they bringing up the topic now?

Not going to work…clangs come from the pantry, and I can’t make out the rest of his words.With Nora.His voice becomes lower, and I can hardly hear his words.Compare her to all the others.

Chills wash over me at his words. All the others? Is this all it means to him? Like the others?My work is my priority. Nothing else is.What if he’s just in the euphoria of the undercover marriage and after all this is over, he’ll move on with his life? I thought we had something going?

“Your phone.” Javier taps me before I can hear the rest of their conversation. “You left it beside the oven.”

“Thanks. It must have slipped my mind,” I reply absentmindedly, pocketing it.

“Are you okay, ma’am?” Worry lines etch around his eyes like my father’s when he is concerned about me. I feel a pang of worry. I miss them—I’ve been keeping our calls as short as possible.

“I’m fine,” I reply, but he’s not buying it. The monitor rings, and I decide to call my parents later. “I’m guessing Lauren’s here.” Javier opens his mouth to say more but I interrupt him. “I’ll get the cake.” I place the cake on the table, and Joseph claps excitedly. He picks it up to carry it to the table only to let out a yelp from the heat before dropping it immediately. My lips curl into a faint smile, his drama uplifting some of my sad mood. Chase walks to the door to open it and goes out to welcome his sister.

“Hey Nora, pass me the oven gloves.” I hand him the gloves, and he lifts the cake again following Chase to welcome Lauren with it.

A lady of average height with a slender build who shares Chase's striking brunette hair and warm hazel eyes walks in beaming. She exchanges greetings with Joseph yet keeps her eyes on me the whole time telling me Chase has told her about me. How much, though?

Chase makes the introductions, and she pulls me into a hug, catching me off guard. After exchanging pleasantries with Javier, she squeals excitedly like a child when Javier mentions her favorite dish. The three of them seem to share a close bond, and I doubt if I would be welcomed into that.

“Chase has told me so much about you.” She starts as soon as we get into the kitchen, interrupting my thoughts.

“Oh, he has?” I reply unsure of how to feel after what I heard him say. Javier excuses himself and checks on the dishes on the stove.

“Yes. They are good things, don’t worry.” She chuckles, and I feel myself relaxing. “How are you? I know I shouldn’t be asking you this, but how did Chase get injured?”

“I’m fine but Chase isn’t. We went on a mission yesterday, and we were attacked. There was one man in particular that got into a fight with Chase. That’s how he sustained the blows to his face, but Joseph came to our rescue. He said you’d examine his wounds when you got here.”

“Yes, thanks for reminding me. I think he has a first aid box around here somewhere.”

Javier approaches with a small dish. “Miss Nora, would you like to try the paella?” he asks, holding out a spoonful.

I nod, taking a taste of the rice. My taste buds explode with flavor, and I can't help but let out a satisfied sigh. “Javier, this is incredible. You've outdone yourself. I’m going to need a full plate of that.” I exclaim, earning a pleased grin from him. Lauren takes a spoon and gives the same reaction.

“We should cut the cake.” Javier announces and hands Lauren a cake knife. “Lauren, would you like to do the honors?”

“I would love to. I mean, it’s my cake after all.” She moves to the living room and cuts the cake into slices. Javier hands each person a plate. I take a small bite out of the cake, wanting nothing else but to leave.

“Joseph, let me catch a ride with you. I need to sort out some things at work.” I drop the plate on the table and grab my bag feeling bad for having to leave Lauren so soon, but it will be difficult to think around Chase if Lauren keeps mentioning his name. Besides, the siblings could use some alone time, I’m sure.

“Sure,” he responds through a mouthful of cake.

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