Page 36 of A Moment Never Forgotten
“No,” he snapped. “Cancer.” He sucked in a slow breath as though fortifying himself. “According to…it doesn’t matter…during her first ultrasound they discovered ovarian cancer. The doctors suggested she…”
He closed his eyes and kissed the baby’s head. “She decided to keep the baby, my baby, and take her chances with the cancer after Kenzi was born.”
Mak swallowed hard. “They couldn’t operate, or give her chemotherapy, or radiation, or anything to treat the cancer while she was pregnant.”
He sucked in a ragged breath. “Mom, I had no idea she was pregnant. I would have—”
Berit placed two fingers over her son’s lips. “Her cancer is not your fault.” She glanced at the bundle under the blankets. “The baby is.” She cocked her head to the side. “Are you sure it’s yours?”
“Yeah. When…her friend…brought me Kenzi, that’s her name—Mom, Annie named her after me, kinda. It’s spelled different, more girlish. Anyway, supposedly Annie never dated anyone else after I broke up with her. The timing is right.”
“She said a fuck of a lot more than that,” the blue-eyed man said.
“Shut the fuck up, Casper.” The second man on the floor stood.
Micah wasn’t going to let anybody get into a fight in front of Berit or anywhere near the baby, so he took an imperceptible step forward.
Mak exhaled on a huff. “I guess I really should get a paternity test.”
“We told him he should do that,” Casper claimed.
“Back off, Casper.” The man in the chair stood. “I’m going to bed. We’re in the tank at oh-six hundred and I need my beauty rest, since I didn’t get any last night. Mak, now that your mother has swooped to the rescue, please tell me you don’t need me anymore.” He walked over and gave Berit a kiss on the forehead. “Night, Mom Barker. Thanks for coming.” He grinned at her. “Trust me when I tell you, we appreciate it as much as Mak.”
“Good night, William.” She caught his hand. “Thanks for helping out.”
“Since I live here, I had a choice to either listen to that tiny thing scream or do whatever I could to calm her down.” He glanced toward the baby. “I’m just glad my sister was home. Nothing on fucking Google worked.”
Berit gave a short giggle while slowly shaking her head side to side. “I can’t believe you guys trusted Google over an experienced mother. Especially one with twins.”
Another of the men stood. “Mak, I’m heading home.” He yawned then hugged Berit as he passed. “Do you think you’ll be cooking while you’re here, Momma Barker? Because if the answer is yes, I’ll see you tomorrow for supper.”
“I’m sure I’ll be cooking supper tomorrow night, Lincoln. You’re more than welcome to join us.” She looked up at him. “Consider it a thank you for helping my son take care of my…” She smiled. “My granddaughter.”
Casper chuckled. “I’m not sure how much he helped. The Rock was shattered by a fifteen-pound baby in less than an hour. The man who is solid under fire broke into pieces when he couldn’t get Kenzi to stop crying.”
Hazel eyes flashed at Casper. “You didn’t do any better, dickwad.”
“Yeah, but I at least was thinking out-of-the-box.” The man with gray hair at his temples thumped his chest.
Micah smiled deep down. These were his SEALs, at least for another two weeks. None of them had left Mak’s side. Their never-quit attitude carried all the way through their civilian lives.
“Men, thank you for helping Mak.” Micah stood and looked each man in the eye. “I’m proud of you for staying with your friend and offering assistance. One of you mentioned that you have to be in the tank tomorrow morning. I suggest that you all get some sleep. Berit and I will deal with the situation.”
“Who the fu—” Casper started to ask, but was cut off.
“Captain Reid. Sir, yes, sir.” William practically came to attention.
Casper stared at Micah then stood straight. “Sir, I apologize.”
Micah waved him off. “It looks like it’s been a long and intense twenty-four hours for you men. We’ve got this.”
“Yes, sir.” Casper and William said in unison.
“I’m outta here,” Lincoln announced as he headed toward the door. “Do you need a ride in the morning? It’s Friday. My turn to drive.” He asked the room.
“You said it. It’s your turn to drive.” William turned toward the stairs. “I’m going to follow the captain’s orders and go to bed. Casper, I suggest you do the same.”
“Right behind you.” Silently he joined his housemate.
