The SEAL’s Accidental Pregnancy

by Katie Knight

  “All right, let’s see what’s happening here.” He fiddled with the stuck zipper on the back of her dress, then couldn’t resist leaning in to place a kiss on the nape of her neck, exposed by her updo. Diana shivered and he grinned. “No strapless number this year?”

  “Funny. Not.” She gave him a look over her shoulder. “Unless you want me falling out in front of all your buddies tonight, I need some support right now.”

  Demetri’s fingertips itched to reach around and cup her breasts to show her just how much support he could give her right now, but he resisted, working on her dress instead. It was pretty. Sort of a dark purply colour that highlighted her dark hair and creamy complexion. Honestly, she could wear a garbage bag and she’d still be the most beautiful woman in the world to him. He leaned over to swipe his finger through some butter on the counter and slicked it onto the zipper, then wiggled it a bit. Sure enough, it did the trick. Once he’d gotten his wife secured in her dress, he turned her to face him.

  Pregnancy had given her curves that still lingered even months after delivery, and he couldn’t say he was sorry. Her breasts brushed the front of his uniform and he pulled her closer, loving the feel of her softness against him. “You look amazing, Mrs. Lewis.”

  “As do you, Captain Lewis.” She rose up on tiptoe to kiss him, then glanced past him to the clock above the stove. “We better get a move on so we’re not late.”

  “Right.” He let her go and she rushed back to the bedroom for her bag and wrap, while he went into the living room to grab his officer’s hat from the coffee table. Somehow a plastic Lego figure had ended up on top of it. He chuckled, setting the tiny smiling warrior aside, then brushing off his hat before putting it on his head. His reflection showed a well-put-together navy man and a happy one too. Hard as those weeks had been with Rivers on their tail, he wouldn’t change them for the world.

  Those weeks had given him Diana. Those weeks had given him his life back.

  “Ready?” Diana bustled out, a cream-coloured wool wrap around her shoulders and strappy heels on her feet. She narrowly missed colliding with Izzy’s doll as their daughter tossed it out of the playpen and across the living room, but then they were both adept at dodging toys by now. Both adept at adjusting course as necessary to make their life together possible. She passed through the kitchen and stopped to kiss Aunt Rebecca before stooping down to hug their tiny daughter, then headed over to Demetri’s side.

  “Ready, dear wife,” he said, giving her a bow before offering his arm. “Your carriage awaits.”

  She snorted. “And by carriage you mean the rental car.”

  “Yep.” He winked, and waved to Aunt Rebecca. “See you in a couple of hours.”

  “You kids have fun,” she called as they walked out the door. “Take your time getting back.”

  As he walked Diana to the car, it was hard not to remember their first military ball together. That had been the night that started it all for them and now here they were, going once more. It would be a rare evening out together since Izzy’s birth. He helped her into the car and kissed her before closing the door. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”

  “Just today?” she teased, raising a brow at him.

  “No.” He smiled, so crazy in love he couldn’t even put it into words. A year ago, he couldn’t have imagined being this open, this truthful and honest and vulnerable with another person. Now, he couldn’t imagine living any other way. Franklin had been right. Life without emotion wasn’t living at all. He kissed her again, then rested his forehead against Diana’s. “Not just for today. For always.”

  End of The SEAL’s Accidental Pregnancy

  Do you love strong, sexy SEALs? Please keep reading for preview from my next book The SEAL’s Convenient Marriage and The SEAL’s Baby Deal.

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  About Katie

  It isn’t a big surprise Katie Knight ended up writing romances about the stellar, studdly men of the Navy SEALs; after all, she was a K-9 trainer for the SEALs and met her own Navy SEAL hero husband while preparing one of their K-9 partners for combat. A few years after their marriage, her and hubby decided to retire with their K-9 partner, Sam, to raise their children in the Midwest. It wasn’t long after that before Katie decided to write her own stories featuring the men of the SEAL teams and the women who love them.

  When not imagining dangerously romantic scenarios for her heroes and their feisty heroines, Katie enjoys hikes with her husband and Sam, spending time with her children, and long runs (on and off the beach).

  To learn more about Katie you can check out all her books on social media and her website.

  You can find her hanging out on:

  About Leslie

  Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women's contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres.

  Find your next Leslie North book visit www.LeslieNorthBooks.com or choose:

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  BLURB

  Already neck-deep in debt for her adopted son’s lifesaving cancer treatments, Emily Edwards’s situation only worsens when a dangerous confrontation with Matthew’s doctor leads to a deadly threat. Her son needs a new doctor, her insurance plans needs an upgrade and Emily…Emily needs to feel safe. The solution to all her problems comes in a marriage of convenience to Matthew’s older half-brother, Navy SEAL Nate Shaw. An artist and a romantic down to her soul, a businesslike union goes against everything Emily has ever wanted, but she needs the financial stability and healthcare Nate is offering. And when the threats against her escalate, she’ll need his protection, too.

  As a Navy SEAL, Nate is used to danger. But when it becomes clear someone is targeting Emily, his protective nature goes nuclear. For some reason, she’s getting under his skin and invading his thoughts far more than he’d like. Despite their convenient marriage, Emily is actually starting to feel like a…wife. Being with her is testing not only his mettle but his long-held belief that a true marriage is out of the question for him. As the danger to Emily escalates, so do Nate’s feelings for her. He’ll do anything to keep her safe, even if that means letting her go to find someone who can love her the way she deserves…

  Grab your copy of The SEAL’s Convenient Marriage.

  Available June 11 2020.

  EXCERPT

  Chapter one

  “Slow down,” Emily Edwards cautioned as her adopted son zipped past the park bench where she sat. At four, Matthew was as rambunctious as any kid, and he was out-of-his-mind excited about seeing his big brother Nate. But cancer had taken a toll on him, and she didn’t want him to be worn out when Nate arrived.

  “Moooom,” the boy complained, returning to her slowly. “I feel good.”

  He felt better was more likely, since the treatments were proving effective against his Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thank goodness. She took small comfort when people told her there were worse forms of cancer he could have. He’d been her son for the past two years since his mother—her former boss—died in a car accident, and she didn’t want to lose him.

  “I’m glad you feel well, but Nate’ll be here soon.” She tapped Matthew on the nose. “You should save some energy for his visit.”

  Thankfully, her logic got through to the boy, who took a seat on the shady bench next to her, kicking his legs in the air.

  “When will he get here?” Matthew asked thirty seconds later.

  �
��Less than five minutes. He’s always on time.” Emily couldn’t blame Matthew for his impatience. He hadn’t seen his big brother in almost six months. Nate had been on a mission with his SEAL team to God knew where. Emily never asked questions about his job; she was just grateful he always made time for Matthew when he was back at his home base.

  “What if he doesn’t recognize me?” Matthew asked in a small voice, his hand rubbing over his bare scalp, the result of chemo treatments.

  “Oh, honey, he’d know you anywhere.” She put her arm around Matthew and gave him a kiss. She was filled, as always, with the fierce urge to protect him from anything that might harm him. Cancer had been the biggest foe she’d fought so far, but they were finally beating it. Lately, though, she’d had a new concern—Matthew’s doctor. She wished she could re-do the day a few weeks ago when she returned to the cancer clinic after hours, accidentally seeing too much. She shivered, recalling the doctor’s threatening words to her.

  So now she needed to find a different doctor for Matthew’s treatments to continue. Not an easy feat when he was three-fourths of the way through the process and her insurance was so minimal she’d already drained her savings account and the last of Matthew’s inheritance from his birth mom. She was down to darn near nothing. It would all work out, she told herself, but the feeling of desperation grew a little each day.

  “There he is.” Matthew hopped up and dashed toward his big brother, who looked…so damned good. Wow. Even better than she remembered. She’d always found Nate Shaw attractive with his dark hair, chiseled features, and muscular build. But looking at him now…he must be one of the finest looking men to walk this planet. She felt heat rise in her cheeks and had to tell herself again that he was not her type of man and in no way should she be interested in him.

  As Nate bent to pick up Matthew, swinging him in the air, his pecs and biceps flexed, making her heart race. The way he carried himself, pure confidence, caught her attention in spite of herself. This is what happens when you don’t make time to date, she scolded herself. You start eyeing up men who are totally off-limits.

  “How’s my little man?” Nate asked the smiling child.

  “Great,” Matthew responded, his worries from a few minutes ago totally gone, making her smile. They were adorable together, half-brothers nearly twenty years apart in age, but still so loving and cute.

  Emily stood when Nate carried Matthew back to the bench. He gave her a one-armed hug, bringing her in close contact with his aftershave. The scent was fresh, clean, but, oh, so masculine. Her eyes lingered on the word Helen in small script on his right bicep. Nate and Matthew’s mother’s name. Emily had always thought the tattoo was sweet, showing a softer side of the tough Navy SEAL. Helen had been a good woman, a good mom before the car accident that claimed her life.

  “How are you doing?” Nate asked after they sat again on the bench. Matthew was on his brother’s lap, looking up adoringly.

  “No complaints,” she said, hiding the multitude of things that worried her. Nate wasn’t responsible for those and she had no intention of burdening him. The whole reason Helen had asked Emily—Matthew’s nanny at the time—to take custody of her baby was so her eldest son, Nate, could continue the life and career he’d chosen without interference. Emily was just happy he chose to be an active part of Matthew’s life.

  “Thanks for keeping me informed about this guy.” He tickled Matthew in the ribs.

  “I’m happy to. Sometimes I’m not sure all my messages get through.” She’d communicated faithfully nevertheless.

  “Most do. I appreciate them, especially the pictures.” His dark eyes focused on her face. They were brown and warm with gold flecks that didn’t negate their sharpness.

  “I thought you’d like to see how much he’s grown.” She emailed Nate photos of Matthew as often as she could. Most recently, she’d sent pictures of Matthew’s fourth birthday party. She’d wanted to take Matthew and a group of his friends somewhere, but the expense and possible exposure to germs prevented her. They’d had a quiet event at home with two of Matthew’s closest friends instead.

  “Made my day,” he said, sounding sincere.

  “I can run really fast now,” Matthew told Nate. “I’ve been practicing. Do you want to see?”

  Nate shot Emily a look over the boy’s head. She held up one finger, and Nate nodded his understanding.

  “Sure,” Nate responded, “but you can only do it once. How about you run from here to the swings? That’ll be plenty for me to see your speed.”

  Matthew slid down, flashed a grin at them, and took off running the thirty feet to the swings.

  “Thanks,” she said when Matthew was out of hearing range. “I’m trying to keep him from overexerting himself, but he’s a kid so it’s been tough.”

  “He looks good, better than I expected.” Nate watched as Matthew reached the swings and turned to wave to them.

  “He’s responding well to the treatment.” Her eyes stayed on her adopted son. As she expected, the swings had gotten his attention. He plopped down on a seat and began pumping his legs. He’d recently learned how to do it himself and was proud he could get the swing going without a push from her.

  “You’re still worried?” Nate questioned. She should have known he’d pick up on her apprehension.

  “I…yes.” She was torn about how much to reveal. After all, Nate would likely only be home a few weeks before deploying again. She could easily hide her concerns, but he had a right to know about the boy’s health. “I need to find a new doctor and clinic for Matthew, which isn’t going to be easy when a patient is in the middle of the prescribed treatment.” She didn’t mention how limited her resources were, feeling she’d already said enough. “I’m sure it’ll all work out though,” she added, attempting a more cheerful tone.

  Grab your copy of The SEAL’s Convenient Marriage.

  Available June 11 2020.

  BLURB

  Navy SEAL David Hettinger has never wanted kids—not with his job…and not with a past that has shown love isn’t for him. But when his lifelong best friend, Eleanor Thornton, shows up looking gorgeous and asking for a big favor, he’ll have to rethink his stance on playing Baby Daddy.

  Wildlife photographer Ele knows she wants a baby—romantic partner not included. A heartbreaking marriage and messy divorce have her convinced that a traditional family is not for her. And who better to make a no-strings-attached baby with than her BFF David? He has zero interest in parenthood or a serious relationship. Besides, she’s always wondered what it would feel like to be wrapped up in those sexy, alpha male arms…

  When their babymaking soon leads to a positive pregnancy test, David and Ele are each secretly disappointed that their contracted time is cut short. Especially after David is deployed, leaving Ele to give birth to their daughter on her own. Its only when she reunites with David while on assignment in the African rainforest that their passion that never went away is reignited. But when the area is gripped by a dangerous insurgency, all of David’s fears about getting too close come rushing back. How can he possibly have a future with Ele when he can’t guarantee they’ll survive the day?

  Love is life’s greatest adventure in this sizzling SEAL romantic suspense from Katie Knight!

  Grab your copy of The SEAL’s Baby Deal here.

  EXTRACT

  Chapter One

  “Here’s a pen, Sergeant Hettinger,” the attorney said. “Just sign on the dotted line to make it official.”

  David blinked at the ballpoint held out to him for a moment before glancing at the woman beside him at the table. He’d known Eleanor Thornton since they’d both been five years old. Twenty-five years later, they were still best friends. They’d laughed together, played together, had more than one unfortunate camping adventure together.

  Now, if he signed this contract, they’d be making a baby together.

  Lord help him, he wasn’t sure if he was ready for this. True, Ele would do the raising—the p
aperwork he was about to sign was very clear about that—but he still worried they were rushing this decision. Even though he and Ele wouldn’t be bringing their child up together, this would still change everything between them, wouldn’t it? A tiny frisson of icy fear shivered through him, prompting him to turn to Ele and ask one last time, “Are you sure about this?”

  “Yes. Absolutely,” she said, without hesitation. She’d lost weight, he noticed, since the last time he’d seen her. Then again, that had been over a year prior, so of course she’d changed. That’s what people did, right? Physically, her cheekbones were more prominent now, as was that tiny hollow at the base of her throat. Her eyes were the same though. Bottle green and way too perceptive, like she could see into his soul. Those soft curves of hers were still the same too. Plump and perfect and just begging for his hands to cup and hold and caress.

  Not that he was going there. Sure, obviously they’d be doing the deed to make the kid and all, but he planned to keep things as…well, clinical wasn’t the right word either. Ugh. He just didn’t want the sex interfering with their friendship, that was all.