The SEAL's Stolen Child

by Laura Marie Altom

  Eve refused to even entertain the notion.

  * * *

  FORTY-EIGHT HOURS LATER, Garrett huddled in a musty-smelling cave just east of Pungsan, North Korea, with his teammates and best buds, Deacon and Tristan. Before stumbling across the shelter, he’d barely caught the shallow cave through his night-vision goggles because the snow had fallen so hard.

  They’d rocked up the entrance, leaving a peephole large enough for a scope, then set up camp by the light of red-lens flashlights.

  “See anything?” Tristan, a fellow good old boy from the Deep South, was on KP duty, assembling field supply rations for all three of them.

  Deacon grunted. “Couldn’t see a roach if it bit my eye.”

  “Where’d this storm even come from?” Garrett dried and cleaned weapons. “It sure as hell didn’t show up on the long-range forecast.”

  “We’re not exactly in The Weather Channel’s happy place.”

  “Yeah,” Tristan argued, “but our guys usually get it better than this. I mean, you’d think we could tell the difference between flurries and a blizzard on radar?”

  “Who knows.” Garrett had finished with his M14 and moved on to Deacon’s MK43.

  Tristan asked, “You two want Mexican or Italian for dinner?”

  “Neither,” Garrett and Deacon said in unison.

  Huddled around an MSR stove, the three men ate in silence, doused in the flashlights’ eerie red glow. Garrett found his thoughts drifting to Eve. A day behind him in time, what was she doing? Was she thinking of him?

  Deacon asked, “How’s the search for your son?”

  Garrett sucked the last of his hot sauce from the plastic packet, then filled both his friends in on the latest. “Not gonna lie, I was pretty bummed about Tina being another dead end, but Eve took it especially hard. She’s scary thin and fainted on Christmas.”

  Tristan stuck a twig in the meager flame. “That’s not cool. She okay?”

  “I guess.” Outside, wind howled and for all he knew, a North Korean army detail stood ten feet away, but all Garrett seemed capable of focusing on was the memory of how scared he’d been after Eve’s collapse. He asked Deacon, “How did you know you were falling for Ellie?”

  “That’s tough…”

  Tristan rolled his eyes. “Holy hell, I’ll be glad to get away from you two. Remember the good old days when we talked strippers, weapons and video-game strategies?”

  “Just wait.” Deacon elbowed the youngest of the group. “One of these days you’re going to meet a woman you crave more than a cheeseburger after six months in Afghanistan.”

  “Screw love.” Tristan pitched a pebble at the cave’s far wall. “It’s great in the moment, but when you lose it, it hurts like hell.”

  Deacon winced. “Well, there’s one way of looking at it, but to answer your question—” he turned to Garrett “—I knew I had it bad for Ell when being without her hurt worse than being with her.”

  Garrett laughed. “Swell. Last time Eve about killed me by taking off and then not talking to me for damn near a decade. After that, still can’t say I totally trust her. So, Tristan buddy, I’m siding with you. Love sucks.”

  Garrett slapped Tristan’s hand in a high five.

  They ate the rest of their meals in silence save for the wind. Only Garrett’s mind wasn’t all that quiet. Deacon might’ve meant his answer to be flippant, but the truth was, Garrett had thought of nothing but Eve and their missing son since setting foot in this country—a bad thing considering a big chunk of the world had a stake in whether or not they found and disabled the nukes intel had reported.

  “Last girl I was with—” Tristan made a makeshift toothpick from his hot-sauce packet. “That nurse? Damn near lost my mind from her complaining. Turn out the light, get her more beer, take away a pillow, add one— Ask me, women are more trouble than they’re—”

  Tristan was cut off by their rock wall being kicked in.

  * * *

  A FEW DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS, Dr. Seymour smiled upon hearing Eve’s baby’s heartbeat. “Though you’re thinner than I’d like, this little guy or gal seems fine.”

  Eve exhaled. “You don’t know how worried I’ve been.”

  “I can imagine. Sorry I was out of town. Next time you have a problem, go to the E.R.” The doctor used a towel to clean lubricant from Eve’s belly, then removed her gloves to make a note in Eve’s chart. “And while I’m in lecture mode, do me and your kiddo a favor and take better care of yourself. Eat, drink, rest.”

  Nodding, Eve was still too emotionally charged to speak.

  “Although seems like you promised to do all of that at your last appointment, so my faith in you being able to follow orders is dwindling.”

  Hands curved over her still-flat stomach, Eve said, “This time, I promise to put nothing before keeping myself and my baby healthy.”

  Armed with pregnancy-nutrition pamphlets and more vitamin samples, Eve stood at the office checkout desk, scheduling her next appointment, when a woman entered the waiting room. Only it wasn’t just any woman, but Garrett’s mom. And before Eve could discreetly vanish into the restroom, Dina flashed a friendly wave.

  “This is a nice surprise.”

  Eve returned Dina’s hug.

  Dina asked, “Seeing the doctor about your fainting spell?”

  “Um, yes. But I’m fine. Just like I thought, I’m not getting enough rest.” Eve adjusted her pamphlets. Would it be too obvious if she shoved them in her purse?

  “That’s a relief. You scared the plum pudding out of us at Christmas.” Making a face, Dina laughed. “Now that I think about it, not a pretty image, but really, you gave us a fright. Glad you’re okay.”

  Garrett’s mom went in for another hug, only Eve was so nervous about Dina seeing her pamphlets, she ended up dropping them.

  “I’m sorry.” Dina knelt to pick them up. And then she read the covers. “‘Eating for Two’? ‘Mealtime for Mamas’? Eve, are you…?”

  * * *

  GARRETT ROLLED TO HIS LEFT, in the same motion, grabbing his 9 mm and firing off three rounds. He heard a grunt and thump, then nothing.

  “Talk to me, guys…” Tristan had kicked out the stove, in the same motion, burying the flashlight. They now sat in total darkness, the cave silent save for an echoing drip.

  “I’m behind you on the left,” Deacon whispered. “Can you reach my MK? It’s got our best scope.”

  Garrett inched forward, only to be barraged by enemy fire.

  A string of curses and God’s grace were the only things that got him back to Deacon and Tristan.

  Momentarily safe behind a rock outcropping twenty feet deeper into the cave, Garrett didn’t like being caged in. On the flip side, they held the power-position for picking off their shooters.

  What if I—we—don’t make it out of here? Who’s going to find my son? Make sure Eve doesn’t starve herself to death?

  “What’ve you got?” Garrett forced himself to ask Deacon, who stared through his rifle’s powerful nightscope. He had to shake off home-front concerns.

  Three kill shots later, judging by the shouts and then silence from outside, Deacon said, “Cover me. I wanna switch views.”

  “Hold up.” Tristan had had the wherewithal to grab their night-vision helmets and now passed them out.

  “Nice.” Deacon fastened his in place.

  Garrett typically would’ve thought to fetch those all-important accessories, but his head was back
in Florida. If he didn’t get his mind on the present game, he’d get them killed.

  “Woof?” Deacon calling Garrett by the nickname he’d earned during BUD/S from being able to puke like a dog, then return to business, jolted him to his current reality. Lord willing, his mess with Eve would still be there when he got home. In this moment, nothing mattered more than all three of them staying alive and completing their assignment. “You got my back?”

  “I’m on it.”

  The snow had lightened. Using his own “toy,” Tristan said, “Got two heat signatures that ain’t shaped like Bambi at four o’clock.”

  “On it.” Two more shots later and Deacon had eliminated the threat.

  Cockier than he should’ve been, Deacon inched farther from their cover to get a better view. Gunfire sent him back. “Shit, how many are there?”

  “I’m seeing two additional heat signatures at six.”

  “Got ’em.” Deacon took care of those, as well. “That’s gotta be it…” He crept to the cave’s mouth and so far, all was quiet.

  Tristan followed with Garrett scanning all open space.

  “I’m seeing one back at four o’clock, and—”

  “Shit balls, that hurts.” Tristan had been hit.

  “Got him,” Deacon said while Garrett assessed their friend’s injury.

  Tristan said, “Anyone else find it odd this sleepy mountain town has armed military scouts out on this hill in the middle of a freakin’ blizzard?”

  Garrett grunted. “Looks like we pretty much have our answer as to whether or not this burg is hiding a nuke party.”

  A couple more shots pinged off the rock walls.

  “I’m going out,” Deacon said. “These guys are pissing me off.”

  Garrett barked, “You’re not going anywhere without cover.”

  “Both of you go,” Tristan said. “I’m all right. He got my shoulder, but feels like it went clean through.”

  “You sure?” Garrett asked.

  “Yeah.” With his good arm, Tristan kept his heat imager steady. “Take out the shooter at eight, then your immediate path is clear. I say with the weather improving, let’s forge ahead with our mission objectives, then get the hell out of Dodge.”

  Garrett couldn’t have agreed more.

  * * *

  “DINA, I…” MOUTH DRY, knees rubbery, Eve wasn’t sure what to say to Garrett’s mom. She could lie and weave a story how the brochures were for a friend, but did she really want to go that route? She sharply exhaled, then tearfully admitted, “Yes, I’m pregnant with your son’s baby, but I’ve already lost two pregnancies and our son, I don’t have the strength to lose another and, and—” Now trembling, Eve clamped her hand over her mouth before embarrassing herself further.

  “Come on.” Dina wrapped her arm around Eve’s slumped shoulders. To the receptionist, she said, “I’m sorry, but I have to go. I’ll call to reschedule.”

  The receptionist nodded.

  Thankfully, the waiting room was otherwise empty.

  In Coral Ridge, ducks and green spaces outnumbered people and lucky for Eve, the medical park housing her doctor’s office was no exception.

  Through sun-dappled shade, Dina led her to a bench alongside a well-groomed lake. Once they were both seated and Eve had found tissues in her purse, Dina asked, “I have to know, were you ever planning on telling Garrett?”

  “O-of course. Soon. I just didn’t want him involved until I knew whether or not the pregnancy took. I really didn’t see the need in getting anyone else upset if I lose this baby, too.”

  “The need,” Dina said, “in sharing is as much good for you as our family. I refuse to believe this baby is anything but a blessing, and as such, however many months from now we’ll welcome a baby boy or girl into our fold. Should the unthinkable occur, we’ll deal with it—again, together. Eve, why would you want to tackle something so difficult by yourself? Especially when this whole town thinks of you as our own?”

  “Th-that’s just it.” Eve pressed the tissue to her nose. “All my life I’ve had to keep up this perfect public persona, only I’m anything but perfect. I—I used to have my dad to help, but now, I feel so alone. And afraid. Like I just can’t do it anymore.”

  Dina drew her into a hug and Eve dropped her guard enough to let her. Before Christmas, hugging a practical stranger would’ve been unthinkable, but now, at least with this warmhearted member of Garrett’s clan, accepting Dina’s comfort felt like the most natural thing in the world. Would she ever reach that emotional place with Garrett?

  Once Eve had stopped sniffling, she backed to her own side of the bench. “I understand if you want to tell your mom or sister, but please let me tell Garrett in my own time.”

  “Of course,” Dina said with a gracious nod, “if he’s home by New Year’s Eve, maybe then would be perfect for a big announcement?”

  “That sounds amazing, but now I really should get to the office.”

  Dina tapped the pamphlets on the wood slats between them. “Wouldn’t you rather share a nice, leisurely lunch? Carol and I already have reservations.”

  Forcing a smile, Eve said, “You know, a long lunch sounds like just what Dr. Seymour ordered.”

  * * *

  EVE WORRIED A MEAL WITH a tight-knit duo like Dina and Carol would be painfully awkward, but talk flowed naturally while waiting for a table at a local teahouse, and Eve found herself enjoying the camaraderie of women who could’ve been her mother’s contemporaries.

  An hour later, with the table cleared of sandwiches and tiramisu for three on the way, Dina cleared her throat. “Carol.” She took her sister’s hand. “Though initially even I didn’t know it, but it turns out we’re here for a very special reason. Eve, the last thing I want is for you to feel as if I’m putting you on the spot, but would you like to tell Carol our fun news or shall I?”

  “I will,” Eve offered, actually anticipating sharing her good news.

  “You two are scaring me.” After a nervous laugh, Carol sipped her tea. “Enough of the lead-in. Out with it already.”

  Eve deeply inhaled, coaching herself on the probable certainty that everything with her baby would be okay. But would it? She’d already suffered two miscarriages. Fighting the knot lurking at the back of her throat, she said, “I’m pregnant, and the baby’s Garrett’s, and—”

  Carol made a gasping sound and nearly knocked her chair over to jump up and give Eve a hug. “Sweetie, I know how much you value your privacy, but the whole town knows what you’ve been through with your pregnancies. I understand you wanting to be cautious.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I couldn’t be happier,” Dina said.

  When Garrett’s mom smoothed Eve’s hair, it was the kind of maternal gesture she hadn’t experienced since her own mother had died. Filled with an almost unbearable sweetness, she could’ve purred. She’d always enjoyed Garrett’s mom, but this… What a surprise gift. “Thank you both for not being judgmental. Trust me, no one’s more surprised than me, but I’m also happy. I want this baby. And I hope Garrett does, too.”

  * * *

  GARRETT HAD ONLY BEEN BACK in Coral Ridge fifteen minutes, and while he probably should’ve at least stowed his gear at his mom’s, then chatted with her over a turkey sandwich, all he really wanted to do was see Eve—or more specifically, see her so they could launch a fresh search for clues about their son. Knowing at three in the afternoon she’d still be at her office, he headed there.


  After damn near getting himself and his friends killed in North Korea, Garrett had to get his head back in SEAL mode. Best way to do that was to once and for all find his son, if at all possible establish a relationship with the little guy, then get back on base. As for Eve? He’d long since relegated her to his past, and that’s where she needed to stay. He was selfishly glad his team hadn’t made it back until after New Year’s Eve. That way, he hadn’t even been tempted to kiss her after the countdown.

  During the long flight home, Tristan and Deacon had urged Garrett to do a thorough search of Hal’s home, with his CO’s blessing to take the time needed to complete his search, and Garrett vowed to look through every damned file in the mansion. If the old man had buried secrets, that’s where they’d most likely be.

  Not only did Garrett not find Eve at her office, but her assistant, Darcie, said she hadn’t been in since that morning. Okay, odd, but probably a good thing. Lord knew, Eve needed rest.

  He called her cell, but it went straight to voice mail. “Eve,” he said, unsure what to even say, “it’s, ah, Garrett. I’m back in town and need to see you. Call me.”

  His next stop was Eve’s home.

  Garrett always felt uncomfortable parking his Mustang in the circle drive. What if it dripped oil on the imported stone pavers? When he’d been a teen, a butler had appeared like magic before Garrett had even rung the bell. Now it took a few minutes for Juanita to appear.

  “Meester Garrett!” The bosomy woman crushed him in a cinnamon-scented hug, but instead of her usual flamboyant hair, she was now dressed the part of a formal housekeeper.

  “Whoa,” he teased. “What happened to your fancy hair?”

  She blushed. “I only wear it for Mr. Hal. Miss Eve be soooo glad you safe home.” Eve had worried about him enough to share her concerns with Juanita? “She take nap. I wake her but have rolls in oven. You wake for me?”

  Assuming the gist of the housekeeper’s request was that he wake Eve while Juanita rescued her baked goods, Garrett agreed before heading up the imposing stairs.