The Navy SEAL's Secret Baby: A Second Chance Romance

by LK Shaw

  David

  All was quiet when I walked in the door, so I headed to my room for a quick shower. Even though it was hot and humid outside, I contemplated going out for my daily run, but decided against it. Instead, I made a phone call to my folks. They were going to be out of this world excited to discover they were grandparents. Again. My mom answered after the third ring.

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Oh, David, it’s so good to hear from you. Wait; is everything okay? You’re still coming in a couple weeks aren’t you? Don’t tell me you’re calling to cancel?”

  “No, I’m not calling to cancel. And everything is fine. Well, it’s great actually. I have some news to share. Is Dad there?”

  “Of course, he’s here. Where else would he be?”

  I only shook my head. Silly me. Of course, he was home. He never went anywhere without my mother.

  “Can you get him on the line?”

  “Yes, hold on.” She pulled the phone away from her, but not far enough, and I cringed as she screamed my dad’s name in my ear. Within a minute, the click of another phone being picked up rang in my ear.

  “Hello, son.”

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. I just have some good news to share, and I wanted you both to hear it at the same time.”

  An excited squeal escaped my mom. “You’re getting married?”

  Trust my mom to jump to that immediate conclusion even though she knew well and good that I hadn’t dated anyone in over a year. Although, this time she wasn't widely off the mark. Not that it was going to happen right away, but it would in the not so distant future.

  “No, Mom, I’m not getting married. At least not yet.”

  “You met someone. Oh my—”

  “Mom, let me get in a word edgewise.” I took a deep breath. “You have a granddaughter.”

  Silence was what I least expected.

  “Mom? Dad?”

  “Well, this is unexpected. How did this happen?”

  “Darling, if you have to ask that, then we’ve done it wrong all these years.”

  “Hush, Thomas. You know what I mean. When did this happen? Why are we only now hearing about it?”

  “It’s a long story.” I proceeded to explain about Sofie and how we’d met. I tried to gloss over the fact that it had been a one-night stand. There were some things my parents didn’t need to know. My mom shrieked in excitement every so often. Once I’d recounted the story, my mom started in on the questions.

  “When are we going to meet them? Are you getting married? Where will you live? What will you do?”

  “Mom, stop. I don’t know. I plan to talk to Sofie later today. We’re still working things out. I’m hoping I can talk her into coming with me to meet you in a couple weeks, but I don’t know if that’s going to be possible. As far as getting married, we’re not there. Yet. I’m still working out the job aspect, but there is nothing keeping me in Richmond now that I’m retired.”

  We continued our conversation with both my parents peppering me with questions I didn’t have answers to yet. Eventually, we said our goodbyes with my promise to call them as soon as I had any news to share.

  During our conversation, I heard Kyle up and moving about. I knew I’d get a ribbing from him for not coming home last night. He could laugh all he wanted. I was happy and in love.

  I went out to the living room where, sure enough, I got jabs thrown at me. I took it all in stride. We grabbed some lunch, and I was anxious to talk to Sofie again. Later on that afternoon, I headed next door. Talking on the phone wasn’t enough. Callie answered the door and escorted me into the house while I waited for Sofie.

  She came down the stairs, and I only stared at awe at this woman, the mother of my child. I counted my lucky stars that I had found her again.

  For the next two and a half days, we spent almost every waking moment together, either making plans for our future or making love. Sofie’s appetite for me, and admittedly mine for her, was insatiable. She wore me out in an extremely good way. I felt revitalized when I was with her.

  It was the eve of her last night in Miami before she flew home in the morning. Neither of us were ready to be separated, but I knew she was anxious to get back to Mia. We’d arranged for me to come visit in two weeks. I had promised Kyle that I would spend the next week with him since I’d barely spent time hanging with him. Then, I was headed to my parents’ house in Arizona for the week for our yearly summer get together. Then, I was heading to New Hampshire to meet my daughter and the rest of Sofie’s family.

  I was antsy, scared, nervous, and excited all at once. Sofie assured me that everyone would love me, but it was still nerve-wracking knowing that I was finally going to come face to face with the little girl we’d created. I prayed I would be a good dad.

  Finally, the morning of Sofie’s flight home dawned. We’d spent the entire night making love. I’d made sure she’d had more orgasms than she could handle.

  “I wish I didn’t have to leave, but I miss Mia so much.”

  “We’ll be together soon, baby, I promise. Go home and spend this time with our little girl. Tell her how much her daddy already loves her, and I’ll be there to visit before you know it.”

  I carried her luggage out to Callie’s rental car and watched as she drove away, taking my heart with her.

  For the next week, I focused my attention on Kyle. The week dragged even though I loved him. I loved Sofie more. My only saving grace was that Sofie and I spoke on the phone every night. I even tried having a conversation with Mia. Finally, the week was over, and Kyle and I said our goodbyes. We made plans for us to get together again next year.

  The morning of my departure from Miami, Kyle dropped me off at the airport. A few hours later, I was pulling into my parents’ driveway in Tempe. When I walked into the house, my mom threw her arms around my waist and hugged me tightly like she always did. Even though I was thirty-eight, my mother always worried about me. I embraced her back and her love for me was palpable.

  “I’ve missed you so much, David.”

  I kissed the top of her graying head. “I missed you too, Ma.”

  “Come outside. Everyone’s been waiting for you.”

  I was then greeted by a raucous sound of relatives when my mom walked us out back. All my siblings and their kids were there, several of them splashing around in the pool. My dad was manning the grill, and the smell of hamburgers wafted around me. Seeing everyone together reminded me how lucky I was to have such a close family and how much we loved each other. I was anxious for Sofie and Mia to become a part of this family. I knew they’d both be loved.

  My brother, Garrett, grabbed me into a big bear hug when he spotted me.

  “So, tell me about this woman of yours. And a baby? Damn, bro, you got yourself a ready-made family. You always were the type who didn’t waste any time.”

  I had to laugh at his description, because it was true. I’d never wasted time in my life. Being a member of the military, there was no such thing.

  “Her name is Sofie. We met one night a couple years ago. One thing led to another, and apparently, she got pregnant. I had no idea until I met her again a couple weeks ago in Miami.”

  I knew I could share the whole truth with Garrett and not be judged. He’d been somewhat of a wild child growing up, and I’d pulled him out of more than one scrape or two back then. He’d matured nicely though and had his own family he loved more than anything. I was proud of the man he’d turned out to be.

  “That’s crazy, man. After so much time, to be able to find her again. And you love her?”

  “As much as you love Lucy. I can’t wait for you to meet her. You’ll see how wonderful she is. She’s perfect for me.”

  “I’m happy for you, bro. I can’t wait to meet her and that little girl of yours.”

  “Me either.”

  I helped my dad finish with the hamburgers and hot dogs and everyone raced to get in line for
the food. The rest of the night was spent outside while the adults caught up and the kids all played. I went to bed exhausted but happy.

  I made it three days before my mom stopped me in the hall with my packed duffle bag in hand. I looked at her quizzically when she handed me an envelope.

  “Go get your girl.”

  “Ma’am?”

  “David, son, I love you, and I’ll miss you, but as much as you’ve tried to hide it, I’m tired of you moping. I know you love us too, but right now, your heart is in New Hampshire. So, go. Meet your daughter. Spend time with Sofie. We’ll still be here at Christmas. Bring the girls with you. I want to spoil my grandbaby.”

  I opened the envelope she handed me to see two boarding passes. One was from Phoenix to Atlanta. The second from Atlanta to Manchester. I crushed my mother in my embrace. This was one of the many reasons I loved her. She always knew what I needed most. After giving her a quick kiss, I rushed out the door and headed to the airport. I couldn't wait to surprise Sofie.

  Chapter Eleven

  Sofie

  Mia had just been laid down for a nap when a knock sounded at the door. I hurried to answer it before they knocked again and woke her. Whoever it was would experience the wrath of Sofie if they dared to wake my daughter up from her nap. She had already been cranky as hell. No one wanted to deal with a cranky Mia and a cranky Sofie.

  My jaw dropped when I opened the door and saw David standing there.

  “Surprise!”

  “David, what are you doing here? I thought you were spending the week with your family?”

  “I was, but apparently my mom got tired of me and decided to ship me up here to you to get me out of her hair.”

  The shock wore off, and on impulse, I jumped into his arms, wrapped my legs around his waist, and began kissing him for all I was worth. I didn’t even care that the neighbors might see us. I’d missed David so much. Without missing a beat, he returned my kiss full-force and slowly walked us into the house, closing the door behind us.

  “Bedroom, now,” he rasped out.

  I unclasped my legs so he could set me down. I grabbed his hand and dragged him to the last room down the hall. It was times like this I was glad Mia no longer shared a room with me. Once the door was closed and locked, clothes went flying as we both undressed in record speed. David pushed me down onto the bed and immediately followed, kissing me as though his life depended on it.

  I didn’t even have time to catch my breath when my legs were spread and he thrust himself to the hilt. He began fucking me like he would never get another chance. Of their own volition, my hands grabbed his ass, and I met him thrust for thrust. Groans escaped both of us as David pumped in and out of my pussy. I’d been wet for him the moment our lips touched after I’d jumped into his arms.

  He fingered my clit, and after a few more pounding thrusts of his cock, his seed erupted inside my throbbing core, sending my climax racing through me. I shoved my fist in my mouth to stifle my scream. David continued with gentle thrusts as tiny tremors continued to shudder through me. Eventually, the shuddering stopped, and I sighed in pleasure.

  “Holy shit, that was hot,” I breathed out.

  David continued to lay on top of me, his weight supported on his elbows.

  “You can say that again.” Then he collapsed onto his side and pulled me close, our breathing heavy with exertion.

  “Holy shit, that—”

  “Very funny,” he interrupted me.

  “I try.” I smiled up at him. He leaned down to place a light kiss on my lips. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Me too. I’ve missed you.”

  “I missed you too. I’m sorry that you cut your visit with your family short though. I hope your mom doesn't think I wanted you to leave them.”

  “Are you kidding? My mom was the one who bought my ticket. She practically threw me out of the house this morning with strict orders to bring you and Mia down for Christmas. She wants to spoil her granddaughter. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you got a phone call from her soon. She wants to meet you. She said that if I love you, then they would love you too. I have great taste, you know.”

  I lightly slapped his shoulder at his teasing.

  “I’m also here because I love you, Sofie Chambers. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I didn’t buy a ring yet, because this wasn’t something I had planned. But it feels right. Will you marry me?”

  Tears spilled down my cheeks as I nodded my assent. “Yes, yes, I’ll marry you. I love you so much, David Marshall. I want to spend the rest of my life with you as well. You’ve made me happier than I’ve ever been.”

  This time our kiss was a benediction. A homecoming of sorts. When David began moving inside me again, it was with slow, deep thrusts. We took our time with our lovemaking. There was no rush as we savored each other. We worshipped each other’s bodies and expressed our love through touch and taste. I enjoyed this quiet time with him, basking in this moment.

  With David here, we could begin our journey as a real family together. He, Mia, and I. Along with any other children we had together. I knew David was going to be an amazing father. Both of us reached our peak together, and I drifted off to sleep, safe and secure in the love of my life’s arms.

  TURN THE PAGE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE BONUS FULL-LENGTH NOVEL

  Secrets of Submission, Secrets, Book 1

  Secrets of Submission

  COPYRIGHT: Secrets of Submission: Secrets, Book 1 (c) 2016 by LK Shaw

  Cover design (c) 2016 by Ella Dominguez

  eBook ISBN: 978-1523938674

  All rights reserved. No part of this work may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from Author. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then, technically, you have stolen it and/ or pirated it and are a despicable human being. Return to an ebook retailer and purchase your own copy.

  Available in ebook and print editions.

  Chapter Twelve

  Penny

  Butterflies fluttered in my belly as I wiped my sweaty palms on my pant leg. My heart beat a hundred times a minute. My mind urged me to run. I was about to step outside my comfort zone. My safe, vanilla comfort zone. A comfort zone that, to date, had brought me nothing except heartache. I sat in my car contemplating changing my life for that very reason. Would it change for the better? I didn’t know, which made it even more nerve wracking. How it changed couldn’t be any worse than the stagnant life I currently led. I was floating through life without a paddle. I needed direction. The fact that I continued to sit here contemplating this made me question my sanity. This being showing up to a vanilla potluck attended by people in the BDSM community.

  Vanilla meant a non-kink, family environment. A casual get-together to laugh and have fun. I’d spent weeks researching the kink community on the internet and had waffled back and forth so much about showing up today that my head ached from all the tension. My muscles tightened with anxiety. My emotions volleyed like a ping-pong ball between excitement and nervousness. Mild panic caused my heart to flutter, my face to flush, and sweat to bead across my forehead.

  So many questions rattled around in my head. What would I wear? What should I bring to eat? Who do I talk to? Most importantly, WHAT do I talk about? I imagined everyone there would know exactly what I was — a thirty-five-year-old, overweight woman, whose longest relationship had only lasted a year.
A relationship so toxic I don’t even know how I managed to find myself again after I broke it off.

  Throughout the entire relationship, my ex told me I was fat. That I wasn’t smart enough or good enough. He spoke of it so subtly, though, I didn’t even realize it had been happening until one night when we were out with some friends. I had come back from the bathroom when I overheard my ex talking to one of the guys about me. About how he had to turn the lights off when we had sex, because he couldn’t stand to look at me. He even joked about how I had no idea the number of women he had on the side. At that point, I realized what I’d allowed him to do to me and my self-esteem. I felt so stupid for being oblivious to how I’d allowed him to treat me. The pain radiated like a slap to the face. It spoke to how beaten down he’d made me feel that I hadn’t recognized the signs. That moment defined me and made me realize that I deserved better. Without a word, I walked out of the bar and never saw him again.

  I had dated some since then, except I never let anyone get close enough emotionally to hurt me. I fiercely guarded my heart, afraid to open myself up again and be vulnerable to the kind of hurt I’d already experienced. I fought back against the insecurities that had become so engrained in me. I hadn’t fully recovered my confidence or self-esteem, but every day, I studied my reflection in the mirror and told myself, “You are beautiful, smart, and good enough for any man.” I continued to have bouts of the self-doubt bullshit to work through, but I figured that the more times I said it, soon enough I would believe it. I also worked on opening my heart to someone, which I found extremely difficult. Once trust is broken, it’s hard not to become cynical about love.

  As if having low self-esteem wasn’t bad enough. My sex life turned virtually non-existent. I had never gotten any real enjoyment out of sex when I’d been with my ex or any of the guys I’d briefly dated since then. I had tried to love fucking as much as the next woman, but something always seemed to be missing. I rarely orgasmed, but I became a pro at faking one. If I did come, it usually happened because I resorted to getting myself off when my partner fell asleep.