Page 70 of The SEALs' Single Mom Baby Surprise

The roiling in my stomach amplifies as I worry over this.

Once the investigation they’re here for is over, once they don’t need to protect me and Reese anymore, there won’t be anything left for them to stick around for. Especially if I don’t tell them.

But how can I not? Even if they resent me for it.

They will. Won’t they? Resent me for the obligation, for forcing them to stick around.

Joke’s on them. I did this once on my own. I can do it again. They don’t need to stay out of responsibility. I don’t want that.

I’ve never once wanted to be a burden, but that’s all I ever seem to be.

My timer goes off, squeezing my heart until it wants to frenzy and quit.

Blowing out a deep breath, I flip the test over. My damnation stares back at me. A clear blue plus sign.

My sob sounds like a strangled animal as I bend over my knees.

This is too much.

They’re going to hate me for this, fight with each other over who’s going to be stuck with me.

It’ll just be more fuel for the fire in Alistair’s bid to take my daughter away from me. And he is right about one thing. I’m too stupid for my own good, too irresponsible to use proper birth control while sleeping with three men. Three.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

I rub my face, smearing the tears.

Seven years, and I’ve learned nothing about life. About making good choices.

I just keep making mistakes.

Rubbing my stomach, I whisper down at the little bundle of cells that will grow into a baby. “Sorry, bub, for whatever dumb decision I make next.”

Agony rips into me again, and more tears sear my cheeks until I hear Reese’s squeal from the office.

Bad life choices or not, Reese is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. One thing that I would never, ever change.

Although I’m feeling sorry for myself right now, this baby will bring me the same joy. No matter how tough this gets.

Stuffing the test in its torn package, I shove it to the bottom of the trashcan before I wash my hands and my face.

I’m drying my face on a paper towel when there’s a soft knock.

“Sloane. You alright?” Sterling’s gruff voice is muffled by the door.

I straighten my shoulders and smooth back my hair, but the red in my eyes is too obvious. Sighing, I don’t bother hiding my mood when I unlock the door and open it to his concerned gaze.

Sterling slides a hand to the back of my neck and tips my face up. He doesn’t need to say a word to ask me a million questions.

A small, half-hearted smile hits the corners of my mouth before it falls. “Stress.”

I hate the lie of not telling the entire truth, but it’s true enough that he nods and steers me back to the office.

Rhett has Reese in his lap as she shows off a piece of artwork from school. They’ve broken down our routine, but it’s probably better today to have her show them. I’m not feeling very receptive to happy emotions at the moment.

Jack is propped in a chair opposite her, unloading food.

I come in to drop a kiss on Reese’s head, smoothing back her hair and murmuring that I love her.

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