by Lea Hart
“Me too.”
“What about Ace? I thought things were going well between you two.”
Standing, she threw her block of wax into a bucket and walked over, sitting down next to her mother. “Looks like he’s going to be a daddy and I’m trying not freak out.”
Gabriella took her daughter’s hand and squeezed. “I’m sorry. That is going to make things difficult.”
“Massive understatement, Mom.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I have no idea.”
“Do you think he could be the one you fall in love with?”
Looking up, she winced. “Seems I kind of already have.”
“Had a feeling that was the case.”
“How?”
“The way you looked at him during dinner.”
“There is a part of me that wishes I didn’t because then I could walk away from Ace, Victoria, and the baby they share.” Resting her head on her mom’s shoulder, she felt her smooth out her hair. “I don’t want to have to deal with someone else’s baby while I build a relationship with Ace.” She closed her eyes and twisted her hands together. “And, yes, I know how crappy that sounds. It’s selfish and makes me feel like a very small, closed-minded person.”
“It’s okay to admit how you feel because, once you get it out there, it’s easier to deal with.”
“This whole thing is making it very hard to hold on to my illusions that I’m a decent human being.”
“You are decent, and your feelings are completely understandable.”
“But the baby is innocent and doesn’t deserve to have someone in its life that is resentful.”
“Which is why facing those feelings now gives you plenty of time to accept and transform them into something positive. If you denied them, then they’d just come back that much stronger, and that wouldn’t be good for anyone.”
“Do you think I can, Mom?”
“Absolutely. You have the strength and capacity to do anything you set your mind to. If Ace is the man you’ve fallen in love with, then you have to find a way to come to peace with the baby.”
“I’m pissed that I have to and, again, I know that makes me sound very spoiled and immature.”
“It’s okay to be angry at the situation; just don’t stay there. And if you can’t find a way out, then you need to walk away from Ace. The only way this thing has a prayer of succeeding is if you enter it with an open heart and no expectations.”
“That’s very enlightened, Mom.”
Gabriella let out a laugh. “I’m trying, sweetie, because living without your father has made it necessary.”
Lifting her head, she kissed her mom’s cheek. “I wish you didn’t have to.”
“Me too, but there isn’t a choice, so I have to find a way to be as happy as I can until we’re reunited in the afterlife.”
“Do you think there is one?”
“I do. And if I find out there isn’t one, I’ll be pissed because I want to believe Daddy and I will be together again.”
“Me too, Mom.”
“Can you picture a life without Ace?”
“I’ve tried since he broke the news the other day, and as hard as I try, I can’t seem to.”
“Then you have your answer. Now, all you have to do is transform your frustration and fear into acceptance and begin to frame the situation differently.”
“Can I be mad for a little bit longer and pretend like I can walk away from Ace?”
“You can do whatever you want and, sweetie, you still have that as an option. It won’t make you a bad person if you decide this is something you can’t handle.”
“I don’t want to do that. I want to be a better more enlightened person who handles it with grace.”
“You can be either one, and the world will continue to spin.”
Lisa stood and looked out at the ocean. “I’m going down to the beach and pray I have some sort of revelation when I’m out there.”
Gabriella stood and brushed her hand over her daughter’s cheek. “I’ll see you when you get back. Do you want to stay for dinner?”
“What are you making?”
“Deliciousness.”
Letting out a laugh, she nodded. “So, the same thing you’ve been making my whole life.”
“Pretty much.”
“I’d love to stay and eat.”
“Have fun, and I’ll have dinner ready around seven.”
“Okay, I’ll be back in plenty of time.” Walking over to the basket that held her wetsuit, she grabbed it along with her board and headed for the gate, hoping she found the peace she so badly needed.
***
Ace walked into Kevin’s office and shook hands with the lawyer. “Thanks for taking the time to meet with me.”
“No problem,” Kevin replied. “I know how hard this situation is, and I could easily be in your shoes.”
Ace took a seat and crossed his leg over his knee. “As I told you over the phone, Victoria has informed me that I’m the father, and I need to see what my rights are and what the best course of action is.”
Kevin pulled out a yellow legal pad of paper and sat forward. “First thing we do is get a paternity test since we know Victoria has a loose relationship with the truth. I was never convinced that the three of us were the only candidates, but we were the ones with the solid careers.”
“You’re probably right.” Crossing his arms, he looked out the window. “Would you recommend the lab you used as the best option?”
“I would definitely recommend them, and they got the results back to me in three days.”
“Then that’s who I’ll use. There’s a part of me that still doesn’t believe it’s me.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She was happy as shit when she made the announcement and talking as though the two of us being together was an option. Which doesn’t make any sense since I’ve never suggested it was. In fact, I’ve been a complete hardass and made sure there was no ambiguity.”
“She hears what she wants and ignores anything that doesn’t fit the narrative.”
“I agree, but I’m hoping that she heard some part of the speech I gave her after she gave me the news. I told her that I would be asking for shared custody and thought Lisa and I would be great parents.”
“Bet she loved that.”
“Yeah, especially when I told her that I was going to marry Lisa as soon as possible and she’d make an incredible step-mother.”
“Is that a possibility?”
“I hope so.”
Kevin wrote down a few notes and then looked up. “Let me give you the rundown on how this is going to work.”
“Okay, I’m ready.”
“Like I said earlier, we start with a paternity test and, if you’re the father, then we move to establish your rights.”
“Does the test do that, or do we have to go to court?”
“Unfortunately, we’ll likely end up in court. If you can be present at the birth of the child and be there when the birth certificate is being filled out, then legal paternity will be established, and all we’ll have to do is negotiate custody.”
“What’s likely to happen when I request joint custody?”
“You will certainly get joint legal custody and likely physical as well, but the visitation schedule will not reflect that while you are an active SEAL.”
“Because I’m gone for months at a time?”
“Exactly.”
“But when I retire from the Teams, and I’m home and have a regular schedule, then it could happen, right?”
“Absolutely. The good news is that in California both parents begin with equal rights to custody and a judge is not permitted to give preference to either parent based on gender. It’s about the child’s best interest and having access to both parents.”
“I guess that’s good news for down the road.”
“Definitely, because I think if you are, in fact, the father, then you’re going to
want to have as much influence on the child as possible.”
“Absolutely.”
“How is your girlfriend taking the news?”
“About as well as you’d imagine. We’ve only got three months together, so this is a lot to handle.”
“Went through the same thing and the one good thing to come out of the whole situation was that I found out my girl can stick. Had a couple of tough moments before it happened but she told me that no matter what she wasn’t going to get rid of me.”
“I’ve got to make sure the same thing happens with Lisa.”
“How did you two meet?”
“Met her in Yemen, she’s a journalist and was there reporting on the conflict.”
“So, not a shrinking violet.”
“No, not in the least.”
“That’s going to be important, especially if the two of you end up dealing with Victoria for the rest of your lives.”
Shuddering, he uncrossed his legs and sat forward. “I’m hoping there is a miracle in my future and that won’t happen.”
“Me too, man.” Looking down at the legal pad, Kevin nodded. “I’ll have my assistant send you the information on the paternity test, so you can get on it right away. Once it comes back, we’ll talk and plan our next move.”
“Sounds good.” He pulled his checkbook out of his pocket and opened it. “What do I owe you?”
“Nothing, man. If we get into this and have to go to court, you can settle with me then.”
“Your time is important, and I don’t want to shaft you.”
Kevin held up his hands and grinned. “Happy to help you out. Just take me out for beers sometime, and we’re good.”
Ace stood and leaned over the desk and put out his hand. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’ll be in touch.” Stepping out of the office, he made his way down the long corridor and thought about what his life was going to look like with a kid in it and wished like hell it didn’t have to happen with Victoria.
Lisa, on the other hand, was a whole different story and he hoped that he’d be as lucky as Kevin and have Lisa stand by him no matter what. It was a hell of a thing to ask a person, but he didn’t have a choice because, one way or another, he saw his future with her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Lisa finished setting the small table in her kitchen and heard the front door open and Ace call out a greeting. “In here.”
“Hi, honey, I’m home.”
Looking up, she gave him a smile and took a moment to appreciate his handsome face. “How was your day, dear?”
“Great!” He swept her into his arms and gave her several smacking kisses before letting her go. “I ran some drills in the shoot house with some new team guys, got the paternity test started, and got my truck washed.”
“Very productive.”
“What about you?”
“I finished the prep for the classes I’m teaching, did laundry, and made you a sugar cream pie for dessert.”
Ace put his hand against his chest and stepped back. “Did I hear you right?”
Sliding her hand on her hip, she gave him a satisfied smile. “You did. I looked up famous food from Indiana and decided to try my hand at the famous pie.” Seeing his over the top, ridiculously happy smile, she knew she’d made the right choice. “And before you ask, I’m never making a fried brain sandwich or chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes.”
“I’m marrying you next week.” He gathered her in his arms and gave her a tight bear hug. “Don’t make me wait. Because I need to get you locked down before anyone else discovers my treasure and tries to lure you away.”
Bending back, so she could see his face, she shook her head. “FYI, ‘lock me down,’ is not a phrase I need to hear on a regular basis.”
“Whatever, you know what I mean.”
The timer for the oven went off, and she wiggled out of his hold. “You can grab a beer and sit down, so you’re not underfoot while I finish making dinner.”
Kissing her, he nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Pursing her mouth, she nodded. “I like those good manners.”
Ace grabbed a beer, poured Lisa a glass of wine, and then took his seat. “What made you decide to spoil me with my favorite pie?”
She pulled the pan of roasted chicken and potatoes out of the oven and set it on the stove. “I thought it would be fun to give you a taste of home.”
“My mom makes it for me whenever I visit and haven’t been back in like two years, so this is a huge treat.”
Lisa tossed the salad and then put it on the table. “You haven’t told me much about your parents.”
“Really?”
She shook her head and then plated the meal. “Are they spies or something else mysterious?”
“Hardly. Dad works for Parkview Health Systems as an administrator and Mom is a librarian.”
“Just like Courtney.”
“Exactly.”
“Is she ever going to give my boy a shot?”
“Not sure since she’s dating someone. Though the professor may not last much longer.
“I bet the thing fizzles quickly and Caid will be able to jump in and take a shot before too long.”
“Maybe.” She put the plates down and then tilted her head. “Anything else?”
“No, this looks perfect,” he replied as he took her hand and kissed it.
Taking a seat, she nodded and then put her napkin on her lap. “Dig in.” She waited for him to take his first bite and then followed, hearing him groan. “You’re making sex growls, so I guess that means you like it.”
Wiping his mouth, he gave her a cocked brow. “You making fun of me?”
“No, I like the sounds you make at the table and in bed.”
“Back at you since there’s nothing better than the sound of your breathy moans in and outside of the bedroom.”
She speared a roasted potato and shrugged. “Whatever.” Popping it into her mouth, she chewed slowly.
Smirking, he ran his hand along her leg and shook his head. “How many classes are you teaching again?”
“Two classes and they meet twice weekly, so I’ll be on campus four days a week. I’m hoping to have enough time to continue writing freelance and establish myself with the local papers.”
“What kind of assignments are you hoping to get?”
“Politics and local government if I can since that’s what I’ve focused on with the international assignments.”
“How long do you think you’ll last before you get itchy feet and beg your editor at the Guardian for an assignment?”
“I’ll have to last the semester because that’s what I’ve committed to. I accepted this teaching gig, so I wouldn’t be tempted to leave when the next exciting assignment came along. I’m testing myself to see if I can make a life here at home, free of death-defying situations.”
“The last one in Honduras might make the transition easier because I doubt you’ll soon forget the sound of RPGs exploding.”
Nodding, she looked down at her plate. “Between Yemen and the trip through Central America, I should be just fine spending the fall teaching. It’s the best time to surf anyway, and I’d hate to miss the swells that usually come up in September and October.”
“Speaking of surfing, are you ever going to invite me to join you out in the water?”
“Maybe,” she replied as she gave him a once over. “I’ve never invited anyone out, but maybe it’s time I did.”
Leaning forward, he cupped her face and kissed her hard. “I’d love to be out there with you because it seems like your happy place and I sure as shit would love if you shared it with me.”
Running her finger down her glass of wine, she let out a little breath. “My dad taught me how to surf, and it was the only time I had him to myself. We shared a lot of special moments out in the water, and it was where he helped me figure stuff out. Whether it was a friend thing or some boy I had a crush on or wh
at I was going to do with my career. Whenever I’m out there waiting on a set, I feel like my dad is there with me and it doesn’t feel like he’s gone at all.” Looking up, she wiped a tear off her cheek. “Sorry, don’t know why I got all sappy.”
Ace moved his chair closer and took her hands. “It’s because you have a big heart.” Leaning forward, he kissed her head. “Thank you for sharing, honey.”
“I actually think it would be fun to get you out there if only to see you do something that you’re not absolutely perfect at.”
“How do you know I’m not an accomplished surfer?”
“‘Cause you don’t do it on a regular basis and didn’t grow up at the beach.”
“Whatever.” He scooted his chair back and grinned. “I’ll probably be too distracted to show you my moves anyway because I’ll be ogling your fine ass and won’t be able to concentrate.”
Picking up her fork, she rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you go ahead and stick with that story.”
“Speaking of stories, when are you going to let me read the ones from our trip?”
“I’ll send you the link. The last one was published today, and it was a tribute to Igor’s legacy and the work he did to shine a light on government corruption and the gangs that ruled the daily lives of so many people in San Pedro Sula.”
“Have you heard anything about the investigation?”
“No, unfortunately. I’ve kept my eye on the wires for anything, and nothing new has come to light.”
“That’s a freaking tragedy and, unfortunately, not all that uncommon.”
“Tell me about it.” Shaking her head, she served them both salad. “So, where are you in your deployment cycle?”
“We’ve got another month in our post-deployment phase, and then I just heard we’ll start pre-deployment on September first.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’ll be wheels up by October first at the latest. So, you’re stuck with me for nine or ten weeks before you get a break.”
Setting her fork down, she lifted her wine glass and took several sips. “I don’t want a break.” She saw his shocked expression and laughed. “What?”
“Are you saying you like having me around?”
“Of course, Ace. We’ve spent all our free time together over the last six or seven weeks, and I don’t want to let you go back to work.”
