Trusting Jake

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Trusting Jake Page 10

by Casey Hagen


  His eyes went blank as the man behind them disappeared.

  His body stilled…and he was gone.

  “Destiny!” Jake dropped to his knees and ran his hands over her.

  “I’m okay,” she whispered.

  “You need the hospital,” he said, yanking his shirt over his head and pressing it to the cut on her stomach.

  “I never said I didn’t, but I won’t die.” She closed her eyes, darkness pulling at her. “I won’t die,” she whispered again before the light faded out.

  Epilogue

  The clean, Minnesota breeze swooped in, carrying the fresh scent of spring with it, as it teased the edge of Destiny’s dress where it ended at her knee.

  She’d spent a week in the hospital, mainly because of the hit she’d taken to her head. Jake had remained by her side every minute. He’d had Sean reach out to her mother, and a day later, her mother was by her bedside holding her hand.

  Her mother offered no time limit on grief. Not this time. They just cried and held each other as long as it took to wash it all clean.

  Josie being the police chief’s daughter worked in their favor. The fact that she happened to be at the scene made it all even easier.

  Destiny was running from an abusive husband. He found her. She defended herself.

  Fierce was there to witness it all.

  Even if it was through hearing alone.

  “Here it is,” Destiny said, pulling Jake along with her to the maple tree she had coveted since she was a young child.

  “So this is where you were first kissed?” he said as he stared up into the maze of gnarled trunks and branches overhead.

  “Of course that’s the only thing you remember about why I love it here,” she said, giving him a playful elbow to the side.

  He snaked his hand out, catching her wrist while he hooked her foot with his, making her squeak. Lowering her down with ease, he laid her reverently in the soft, green grass beneath their feet.

  Coming down on top of her, bracing himself on his elbows, his easy gaze roamed her face. “I think it’s time to make a new memory under this tree. One we can both be excited about,” he said, nuzzling her neck with his soft lips.

  She giggled and tipped her chin, giving him easier access. His arousal grew, the demand of it pressing against her thigh.

  “I agree. It’s why I brought you here,” she said.

  “What time did you tell your mother we’d be back?” he asked against her throat. His tongue trailed over her collarbone, and she gulped.

  “I didn’t.” She laughed and patted his arm. “Focus. I have news.”

  “I’m listening,” he said, popping the top button just above the cleavage of her dress. “You know, I didn’t picture you as a dress lover. I’m enjoying this side of you.”

  “Jake,” she said, taking his face in her hands.

  “What?” he asked, his eyes drifting shut as he turned his mouth to the meaty section of her palm and playfully bit the flesh there.

  “I’m pregnant,” she whispered.

  “That’s nice,” he muttered against her wrist.

  She laughed and clutched the hair at the back of his head to raise his mouth off her. “Did you hear me?”

  “Sure, you said you were…”

  His eyes shot open, and he took a ragged breath.

  “Pregnant,” she whispered again as she ran her finger over his bottom lip.

  “Jesus, I just tossed you on the ground like—”

  “Oh, please, you did not,” she smacked at the hands trying to lift her to her feet. “Come back down here with me.”

  He tucked in next to her and moved to lay his hand against her belly, something he did all the time, but now he hesitated.

  “I won’t break. Remember?” she asked as she took his hand and pressed his palm to her middle.

  “Are you sure?” he asked, staring at his splayed fingers.

  “Yes, I confirmed it with the doctor to be sure,” she said, trying to read the expression on his face.

  “How far along are you?” he asked.

  “Eleven weeks. I’m due Christmas Day,” she said. When they’d revealed the details of their lives, often in bits in pieces, holding each other in the dark, Jake had told her that he’d never been given a Christmas present. His father had forbidden it. It only seemed fitting that she give him his first one. “How do you feel?”

  “I don’t know what kind of father I’ll be,” he said, doubt creeping into his eyes.

  “I do. You took care of me, supported me, and made me strong in ways I’ve never been. I can’t imagine a better father. Our baby is going to adore you.”

  “Our baby.” The words rolled off his lips tinged with wonder. He bowed his head and pressed a kiss to her stomach, and she knew that, although unexpected, this child was just one more part of their healing, making them whole.

  Making them a family.

  About the Author

  Find links to all of my books, from various retailers on my website!

  www.caseyhagenauthor.com

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  ABOUT CASEY HAGEN

  Casey Hagen pens her snarky, passionate stories from the salty air of Kennebunk, Maine. She’s a born and raised Vermont native, a New England girl to the core, with Ben & Jerry’s in her heart and real Vermont maple syrup pumping through her veins.

  She’s the proud mother of three girls and a soon-to-be first-time grandma with an insatiable addiction to Fall Out Boy, and a new, rather concerning obsession with tattoos and piercings. Can you say “cool grandma?”

  The inked and pierced grandma spends her time tucked away in her office, coated in cat hair, alternating between tearing her hair out trying to find the perfect words and being one step ahead of her three scheming fur babies she is positive are plotting her demise with every swirl around her ankles at the top of her office stairs.

  She loves writing stories about real people, with complicated histories, relatable everyday problems, and giving them the hard-won happily-ever-afters they deserve.

  And she thanks every last one of you who picks up one of her stories.

  Casey is done talking about herself in the third person.

  *Casey out*

  Fierce Protectors Series

  Special Forces: Operation Alpha

  Shielding Nebraska

  Shielding Harlow

  Shielding Josie

  Shielding Blair

  Falling in Paradise Series

  Falling in Fiji

  Falling in Angel Falls

  Sassy Ever After

  Bewitching Sass

  Captivating Sass

  Paranormal Dating Agency

  On The Run

  Livingston Valley

  Sunset at Lake Crane

  The Aegis Network

  Safe House

  There are many more books in this fan fiction world than listed here, for an up-to-date list go to www.AcesPress.com

  You can also visit our Amazon page at:

  http://www.amazon.com/author/operationalpha

  Special Forces: Operation Alpha World

  Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold

  Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey

  Shauna Allen: Defending Danielle

  Shauna Allen: Rescuing Rebekah

  Shauna Allen: Saving Scarlett

  Shauna Allen: Saving Grace

  Brynne Asher: Blackburn

  Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine

  Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei

  Julia Bright: Rescuing Amy

  Victoria Bright: Surviving Savage

  Victoria Bright: Going Ghost

  Victoria Bright: Jostling Joker

  Cara Carnes: Protecting Mari

  Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast

&nb

sp; Kendra Mei Chailyn: Barbie

  Kendra Mei Chailyn : Pitbull

  Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth

  Melissa Kay Clarke: Safeguarding Miley

  Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven

  Samantha A. Cole: Cheating the Devil

  Sue Coletta: Hacked

  Melissa Combs: Gallant

  KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina

  Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah

  Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery

  Jordan Dane: Fiona’s Salvation

  Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia

  Riley Edwards: Redeeming Violet

  Riley Edwards, Recovering Ivy

  Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria

  Nicole Flockton: Guarding Erin

  Nicole Flockton: Guarding Suzie

  Nicole Flockton: Guarding Brielle

  Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska

  Casey Hagen: Shielding Harlow

  Casey Hagen: Shielding Josie

  Casey Hagen: Shielding Blair

  Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie

  Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah

  Kathy Ivan: Saving Savannah

  Kathy Ivan: Saving Stephanie

  Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor

  Jesse Jacobson: Fighting for Honor

  Jesse Jacobson: Defending Honor

  Jesse Jacobson: Summer Breeze

  Silver James: Rescue Moon

  Silver James: SEAL Moon

  Silver James: Assassin’s Moon

  Silver James: Under the Assassin’s Moon

  Becca Jameson: Saving Sofia

  Kate Kinsley: Protecting Ava

  Heather Long: Securing Arizona

  Heather Long: Guarding Gertrude

  Heather Long: Protecting Pilar

  Heather Long: Covering Coco

  Gennita Low: No Protection

  Kirsten Lynn: Joining Forces for Jesse

  Margaret Madigan: Bang for the Buck

  Margaret Madigan: Buck the System

  Margaret Madigan: Jungle Buck

  Margaret Madigan: December Chill

  Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Baby

  Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Bride

  Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Twin

  KD Michaels: Saving Laura

  KD Michaels: Protecting Shane

  KD Michaels: Avenging Angels

  Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound

  Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound 2

  Wren Michaels: Shadow of Doubt

  Wren Michaels: Shift of Fate

  Wren Michaels: Steeling His Heart

  Kat Mizera: Protecting Bobbi

  Mary B Moore: Force Protection

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Butterfly

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Goddess

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Vixen

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Heartbeat

  MJ Nightingale: Protecting Beauty

  MJ Nightingale: Betting on Benny

  MJ Nightingale: Protecting Secrets

  Sarah O’Rourke: Saving Liberty

  Debra Parmley: Protecting Pippa

  Lainey Reese: Protecting New York

  Jenika Snow: Protecting Lily

  Jen Talty: Burning Desire

  Jen Talty: Burning Kiss

  Jen Talty: Burning Skies

  Jen Talty: Burning Lies

  Jen Talty: Burning Heart

  Megan Vernon: Protecting Us

  Megan Vernon: Protecting Earth

  Fire and Police: Operation Alpha World

  KaLyn Cooper: Justice for Gwen

  Aspen Drake: Sheltering Emma

  As you know, this book included at least one character from Susan Stoker’s books. To check out more, see below.

  Delta Force Heroes Series

  Rescuing Rayne (FREE!)

  Rescuing Aimee (novella)

  Rescuing Emily

  Rescuing Harley

  Marrying Emily

  Rescuing Kassie

  Rescuing Bryn

  Rescuing Casey

  Rescuing Sadie

  Rescuing Wendy

  Rescuing Mary

  Rescuing Macie (April 2019)

  Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series

  Justice for Mackenzie (FREE!)

  Justice for Mickie

  Justice for Corrie

  Justice for Laine (novella)

  Shelter for Elizabeth

  Justice for Boone

  Shelter for Adeline

  Shelter for Sophie

  Justice for Erin

  Justice for Milena

  Shelter for Blythe

  Justice for Hope

  Shelter for Quinn (Feb 2019)

  Shelter for Koren (June 2019)

  Shelter for Penelope (Oct 2019)

  SEAL of Protection Series

  Protecting Caroline (FREE!)

  Protecting Alabama

  Protecting Fiona

  Marrying Caroline (novella)

  Protecting Summer

  Protecting Cheyenne

  Protecting Jessyka

  Protecting Julie (novella)

  Protecting Melody

  Protecting the Future

  Protecting Kiera (novella)

  Protecting Dakota

  SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series

  Securing Caite (Jan 2019)

  Securing Sidney (May 2019)

  Securing Piper (Sept 2019)

  Securing Zoey (TBA)

  Securing Avery (TBA)

  Securing Kalee (TBA)

  New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

  She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

  If you enjoyed this book, or any book, please consider leaving a review. It’s appreciated by authors more than you’ll know.

  www.stokeraces.com

  www.AcesPress.com

  [email protected]

 

 

 

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