Page 3 of Married to a SEAL

“Yes, we’re still on for drinks and dinner. I’ll see you later on. And try to stay off your feet!”

“Easier said than done when you’re rushing around an ER. All right, I’ll see you later.”

Rebecca said goodbye and disconnected the call, pulling into the court house parking lot a few minutes later. She blew out a breath, her wispy bangs fluttering in the air. A quick glance in the rearview mirror showed her hair had stayed back in the twist during her drive, so she grabbed her briefcase and opened the car door. Showtime.

***

Rebecca swirled the straw around in her iced tea that evening from the outdoor patio of Alison’s and her favorite seafood restaurant. Tourists walked down the sidewalk, loud music blared from cars passing by, and a block away, she could see the boardwalk and oceanfront. Families pushing strollers walked along, people leisurely peddled bicycles, and couples strolled hand-in-hand. She spotted a large group of teenagers laughing and joking, every once in a while pausing to take selfies or pictures of the ocean.

“You could’ve ordered an actual drink,” Alison said, sipping her lemon water. “Just because I’m preggo doesn’t mean you have to abstain from alcohol.”

“I’m fine. I was actually a little tired earlier, so I could use the caffeine. We’ll do drinks after the baby’s here. Maybe even bring out some of the other women for a full-fledged girl’s night.”

“That sounds fantastic. Just a few more months!”

“It’s getting close. Are you guys ready for the baby?”

“Ready as can be I guess. We’ve got the crib, stroller, and car seat. Not to mention a million teeny, tiny baby clothes. They’re really cute, but I’m ready to ditch the maternity wear.”

“God, Abby’s only five, but it feels like a million years ago that I was pregnant with her.”

“I’m not sure I’d want to relive this,” Alison groaned. “I waddle rather than walk, none of my clothes fit, and my boobs are killing me.”

Rebecca nearly spit out her iced tea as an older couple walking by their table did a double take, the elderly woman frowning and shaking her head in disbelief.

Alison shrugged and grinned. “I have to admit, I don’t mind Evan doting on me hand and foot though. After twelve-hour shifts in the ER, he’s been amazing. Back rubs, foot rubs—and I’m telling you, pregnancy sex is off-the-charts.”

Rebecca burst into laughter. “I guess I forgot about that part—the whole giving birth ordeal is mostly what’s emblazed in my brain.”

“Ugh—I’m dreading that. But I’m also totally ready not to be pregnant anymore, so…this kid’s gotta come out of me somehow. With my luck, Evan will be deployed or something when the baby arrives. I guess it’s a good thing I work in the ER.”

The waitress came over to the table, and Rebecca ordered her favorite crab cakes. “Patrick’s going to be late tonight since the guys were doing that water rescue simulation today. That probably means Abby will be bouncing off the walls when I get home later.”

“Is your nanny watching her?”

“Yeah, and Logan, too. They went to McDonald’s for an early dinner, so you know the kids are on cloud nine tonight.”

“So both your kids are at your place with the nanny? Does that mean you finally gave Patrick a key?”

Rebecca flushed, feeling her cheeks turn pink. “That I did. He and Logan are over every weekend anyway. Plus Logan’s been staying with us now when the team deploys. It’s just easier this way.”

“Mmm-hmm. Interesting. Patrick has a key and spends nearly every weekend at your place….”

“Nothing’s changing. It just made sense to give him a key with us coming and going all weekend. What’s Evan up to tonight?”

Alison grinned, evidently not at all fooled by Rebecca’s attempt to change the subject. “Not sure—he might go out with some of the other guys after training. I just told him I’d be home later than usual since we had dinner plans. He was worried I’d be too tired to meet up with you.”

“He’s sweet,” Rebecca said. “And good for you. Those twelve-hour shifts of yours have to be grueling.”

Alison’s boyfriend Evan was the youngest man on the SEAL team. Although he was only a couple of years younger than Alison, she’d been reluctant to give him a chance when they’d first met. But now? It was hard to remember a time when they hadn’t been together.

“Exactly how all the guys love to be described. Sweet. Nothing says big, bad Navy SEAL quite like that.”

“It takes one to know one. Ha. I can’t see Patrick going for that description either. He’s more of the strong, silent type, and totally okay with everyone else thinking that as well.”

“It works for him,” Alison said, leaning back in her chair with a grin. “For you too, apparently.”

“Who would’ve thunk it?” Rebecca joked. “Do you remember a year ago when we were eating out here, watching some of the guys head over to Anchors?” she asked, referring to the bar popular with the local military men and single women.

“All too well. I think I said I’d babysit for you or something crazy like that.”

Rebecca burst into laughter. “You’ll have your hands full soon enough. Plus, I think you said you’d babysit so I could go out and meet someone. As in go on a date. Since Patrick has a key to my place, I’m pretty sure we’re past that point.”

Alison snorted into her lemon water. “Just a bit.” She leaned back in her chair and absentmindedly rubbed her belly. “But I’m pretty damn happy at the moment, so I sure can’t complain.”

“Let’s go out on a double date next time—bring the guys with us.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Alison agreed. “But since they’re not here right now, let me tell you about last night….”

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