Page 39 of SEAL's Secret

Yes, they were wildly passionate in bed, but it was more. He’d help her with stuff around the house even though he had his own home to maintain. He played with her daughter and took care of them both.

When she’d had a brief relapse of morning sickness the other day, Hudson had held her hair back as she got sick. It was mortifying, but he hadn’t missed a beat, helping her back into bed and bringing her a glass of water to sip on.

“You guys are so cute together,” Callie admitted.

“Cute?” Hudson grumbled, mock-annoyed.

“I said what I said,” Callie told him with a laugh.

Hudson shook his head, an amused look on his face. “Where’s Wyatt when I need him?”

Alexa hurried over to join the group just then. “Sorry I had to rush off before. But look at you, Layton, you look amazing!” she gushed. “I’m a photographer. If you ever want maternity photos—or family photos,” she added with a sly look, “I’m your girl.”

“Alexa has amazing photography skills,” Callie told her. “I’ve even put some things on my blog.”

“Wow! Well, I’m sure I’ll be taking you up on that offer at some point. How could I refuse gorgeous maternity shots on the beach? I’ll have to wait a few more months,” she said, absentmindedly putting a hand on her belly. “I’m sure you know all the best locations.”

“Of course! I’ll save room in my calendar, and we can touch base closer to your due date to schedule something. Hawaii has some incredible sunrises and sunsets, so we’ll aim for one of those. Hopefully, we’ll get Hudson in some of the pictures,” she added with a smile.

Layton’s gaze drifted over to where the other men were laughing over beers. Someone had thoughtfully brought mocktails for her to enjoy, and there were even juice boxes for Caroline. Hudson was still at her side though, making sure she was comfortable.

“What kind of blogger are you?” she asked Callie.

The other woman launched into an explanation of her travel blogging and her newest blog focusing solely on the island. “I should interview you,” Callie said. “Sometimes I interview local business owners. You’re a realtor, but sometimes tourists arelooking to buy property. Even thought my focus is on tourist hotspots, I like to mix it up a bit.”

“Yeah, that’d be great,” Layton said in surprise. “It’d be a good way to get my name out there.”

“Of course,” Callie said. “We’ll figure out a time.”

“You sure that’s a good idea?” Hudson asked as they wandered away from the women to grab some food. Caroline was excitedly telling Emersyn and Aaron a story, and for the moment, the two of them were alone.

Layton looked surprised. “Well, realtors have to constantly find new clients. I just took a headshot the other day at the office, so my photo will be up on the website. I’ll have business cards and postcards that I mail out. That’s all standard when you’re in real estate.”

“I suppose,” he said with a frown.

She grabbed onto his forearm, lightly caressing his skin. Hudson was tanner than her from his days out on the water, and his muscled arm felt big and masculine beneath her fingers. “Hey. I know your line of work is in the business of keeping things a secret, but when you’re dealing with the public, you have to get your name out there. It’s no different from any other business. I’m new in town and appreciate Callie’s help.”

“I know. I just worry about you,” he said, concern briefly filling his dark gaze.

“I know. You’re protective, and I like that about you,” she admitted. “My ex-husband didn’t seem to give a crap. I mean, he was literally sleeping around while we were married. You may think you’re not good with kids or aren’t used to a normal family, but you’re absolutely wrong. You’re an incredible man and will be a great dad.”

His eyes filled with warmth. “And I already know you’re an amazing mom. Your kid loves you with all her heart. You’re lucky.”

“Well, our baby will be lucky to have both of us.”

Hudson cleared his throat, his eyes serious. “I know it’s still months way, but I’m hoping we’ll have a different living situation then. I’d like if we could all be together.”

Happiness flooded through her. “I’d like that, too. You’d probably have to move into my place though. Yours is smaller.”

Hudson’s lips quirked. “Only thing about me that’s small,” he joked.

She flushed, knowing he was right. She loved that he was so much larger than her, and yes, the man was big everywhere. “Stop teasing me,” she said as she shushed him. “Everyone will see me blushing.”

He leaned closer, his lips at her ear as his arm wrapped around her waist. “You seem to like when I tease you in bed, princess.” She giggled but playfully swatted at him, waving as her daughter ran toward them.

That night Hudson stayed over again, and they made love slow and sweet. It felt more passionate than before. More meaningful. Hudson laid her on the bed and took her slow and deep, staring into her eyes, his full of emotions she couldn’t read. The words ‘I love you’ had almost spilled from her lips. He might not have said them yet either, but she could tell by his actions, by the sweet way he held her. Hudson was it for her, the only man she wanted. And in a matter of months, the baby they’d made together out of their passion would be born.

Chapter 23

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