Page 34 of The SEALs' Single Mom Baby Surprise

“Or what.” Reese’s gap-toothed smile does its intended job, and Sloane elicits squeals when she tickles her daughter’s sides.

“Up. To the bathroom. I’ll grab your pajamas. You get the water running.”

With a soft pat on her butt, Reese does as she’s told. I share a look with Sloane. She seems to be more at ease with me here at the moment.

“I’ve got the dishes.”

Her small smile is a hard-won prize, and I tuck it away for later because before the night is over, she’s going to be less than happy with me.

Once the two of them are getting her ready for bed, I call my team to update them as I examine her lock.

“Oye, how’s the feisty one? She slam the door in your face, too?” Shepard’s smile is obvious over the line.

“No. Someone broke into her apartment and left it a mess. I’m going to need replacement parts for the front door.” My matter-of-fact tone doesn’t reflect the severity of the truth.

Whatever’s going on is escalating, and fast.

“Explain.” Shepard’s voice is hard and low, and I know he’s feeling the same protective instincts for Sloane that I am. Only, I’m growing attached to Reese, too. She reminds me so much of Hannah that it hurts.

I explain. It’s simple. There’s not much to tell, no evidence that I’ve been able to collect so far. “Bring the fingerprinting kit. I’ll keep the door clear until you get here.”

Once it’s dusted, I can put something stronger in place of the flimsy handle lock. The door, however, isn’t built to put up with an assault, so it’s simply giving her a few extra seconds to prepare for an invasion than it is to keep someone out.

Reese reappears in her pjs, her hair wet and her face clean.

Sloane hovers behind her. “She wanted to say goodnight.”

I offer Reese a small smile and crouch down in front of her as she flings herself into my chest for a hug. It’s sweet.

“You’re staying tonight in case anyone comes back, right?” The twinge of fear in her words rages against my heart.

“Right.” Even if her mother won’t let me stay inside, I’ll be here, but I have a feeling she won’t kick me out. Not yet, anyway.

“Okay.” Reese pulls back and runs back to her mom’s waiting hand.

Sloane’s expression is tight, but she doesn’t argue with me.

The old ache in my chest expands, hitting harder the more time I spend with Sloane and Reese, as I hear their voices muffled through the mostly closed door. Sloane’s reading her a bedtime story.

Just like I used to read Hannah stories at bedtime when I was home.

Tucking her into bed, tickling her sides before she would settle down, how she had to touch and say hello to every animal character drawn on each page. Mari and I predicted she’d become a vet—a nice, safe occupation.

By the time I got through her favorites, she’d be snoring softly like a small, sleeping angel.

I miss that.

I miss her.

Boots stomp up the stairs outside the front door, and I open it to Hastings and Shepard before they can knock.

My finger comes up to signal quiet.

Not that I can keep the inevitable at bay.

Sloane appears, closing the bedroom door behind her. Those pretty midnight eyes narrow at the three of us in her entryway.

My hands spread, palms up and open, signaling peace.

---