by Jaime Lewis
“Friend…you are so not making any sense right now. As much as I love children and would do anything to help one, especially one in need like Alejandra, I don’t understand how we are supposed to help with her transition to her new home. I mean, she’s down there, and we’re up here.” Tenley laughed more as Alex scrunched up her nose as she continued to think.
Ace chuckled, obviously getting at what Tenley was saying. “Sweetheart, your brilliant mind is overthinking. I think what Tenley is trying to tell us is that she and Potter are adopting Alejandra.”
Tenley watched as Ace’s words sunk in. “For real?!” She squealed and jumped up from her seat, almost knocking the table over in the midst of it. She ran around the table and gave Tenley a big hug. Tenley was laughing, and Ace was congratulating Potter with a big slap on the back.
Alex released Tenley and wiped the tears from her eyes. “Oh, my goodness! You have so much you need to do. What does she like? What’s her favorite color? You know she has to have the coolest seven-year-old girl’s room. Oh! We get to go shopping. I’m going to be an aunt!” Tenley couldn’t stop laughing at Alex as she jumped up and down, and neither could the others. It finally took Ace, wrapping her up in his big arms to calm her down. Damn! If her friend got that excited about becoming an aunt, she could only imagine what she was going to be like when she and Ace finally tied the knot and start having kids of their own.
◆◆◆
Later that night, Potter sat on the back porch drinking a beer. After talking with Derek and Juliette earlier, they both thought that staying at Tenley’s house would be best. With Alejandra coming to live with them, they all couldn’t very well live in Potter’s condo. She needed a stable home, and Tenley’s house was perfect. Plus having Ace and Alex next door was an added layer of protection.
Potter sensed someone behind him right before Tenley wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She placed a kiss on the side of his neck, and it sent a jolt through his body. He reached back and pulled her around until she was standing in front of him, then he patted his legs for her to sit down. She lowered herself onto him, and he wrapped her up in his arms, kissing her cheek. “You know you should never try and sneak up on a SEAL. We tend to see and hear everything as well as have a sixth sense when we know someone is near. If you’re not careful, you could get hurt.”
She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed, not making any sort of comment. Potter knew instantly something was bothering her. He shifted her on his lap so she was straddling his waist and he took her face into his hands. When he looked into her eyes, he saw sadness, and he wondered why.
“Hey, what’s with the sad face?”
She pulled the sweater she was wearing tighter around her.
“Do you think I’ll make a good mom?” She asked him seriously, and Potter wondered where this talk was coming from.
“What makes you ask that?”
She huffed out a breath. “I don’t know. Forget, I asked.”
Oh, hell, no. She wasn’t going to ask something like that and then ask him to just forget about it. Uh, uh. No fucking way. There was a reason behind the question.
Moving his hand under her long hair and cupping the back of her neck, he brought her face close to his. He could feel every breath she breathed. “Ten, you cannot ask me to forget a question like that. There was a reason you asked, and I want you to tell me the truth.”
He waited while she battled internally with herself. Finally, she took a deep breath. “I kind of failed at my first ‘mom’ duty, in a way.”
“What are you talking about?”
“With everything going on lately, I forgot about Alejandra. What happens when she gets here, and I wind up forgetting her somewhere or something like that?”
Potter chuckled, pulling her closer, and she buried her face in his neck. Christ, she was adorable when she got herself worked up. “Honey, as parents, we are going to mess up here and there, but I can assure you that we will never forget about her. Ever.”
She looked up at him with a serious face. “Are you really happy about this?”
“I’ve never been happier, Ten, and I’m so damn proud of you. I’ve seen a lot of bad shit happen to people, including kids all over the world. I’m just relieved Alejandra was lucky to have walked into your life when she did.”
She placed her forehead against Potter’s chest and inhaled, breathing in his scent. The light cologne he was wearing mixed with his masculine scent smelled good. She couldn’t believe she was going to be his wife in less than a week.
“Is there anything else that’s got you worried?” He asked, rubbing his hands up and down her back.
The man knew her too well. She was still worried about Chaz. “I know everyone keeps saying that everything is going to be fine, but I’m scared, Potter. I know for a fact that Suzette called Chaz and told him she saw me. And she more than likely told him about our engagement. That news is surely going to piss him off.”
He gripped her hips and pulled her snugly into his body. “I know you’re scared, honey, but you have to trust me to protect you. Plus, the guys, and Derek, and not to mention his buddies that can help out until we can figure something out.”
“You can’t be with me twenty-four seven, Potter. We both have lives to live. And we also have Alejandra we need to think about once she gets here.”
“I know that Tenley, and we’ll work everything out. For now, you have armed security at the hospital. Before you go back to work next week, you and I will go and talk with the security department and explain the situation to them so they are aware and can be on the lookout for anything suspicious. As for helping Alex at the office and clinic, Ace has already taken care of security there. His friends on the SWAT team have volunteered to take shifts during the hours the clinic and office are staffed. Hopefully, by the time Alejandra arrives, this situation will have blown over, and we won’t have to even worry about it.”
It didn’t come as a surprise to Tenley that Ace had already taken precautions with Alex. She knew after the ordeal Alex went through last year with the terrorist that she would be well guarded wherever she was. That was something she was getting used to with being around the team. They were all very protective.
She tilted her head up slightly and placed a kiss on his jaw. He moved his hands on to her ass and squeezed. She ran her hands over his shoulders then up his thick corded neck until her palms were cupping his cheeks. Leaning forward, she kissed him and whispered, “I trust you and I know you’ll protect me. Now take me to bed so I can show you how much I love you.”
Smiling, he gave her a chaste kiss. “Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter Seventeen
Esteban burst into Chaz’s office and took a seat in one of the leather chairs in front of the desk. “We have a problem, and if we want to secure these businesses, we need to move quickly.”
“Well, now that makes two problems we have,” Chaz admitted looking at Esteban.
Esteban frowned then glanced around the room. “I’m a little disappointed. I thought for sure you would’ve convinced Tenley to join us.”
“Well, she would be one of the two problems.”
Esteban sat forward in the chair. “What’s going on? I thought I made myself clear that she was part of this deal.”
“Yeah, well, she has always been a stubborn woman. I found out last night that Tenley ran back to her boyfriend.”
“The SEAL?”
“Yeah, but that’s not the worst part. Word has it that she’s engaged to him.”
“That won’t do. Without her, we don’t have leverage with Miguel, and he’ll be reluctant to hand over the businesses.”
“I understand that. However, you don’t know the people she’s friends with. All of the men are SEALs. Her best friend is engaged to one of this guy’s teammates. I half wonder if the best friend is military herself after what she did to Les the other day.”
“Before we can do anything, we need to locate Miguel’s whereabouts. Since
the raid at his place last week he has gone underground. Nobody, not even some of my best contacts, have seen or heard anything. He is up to something, but what I don’t know yet. He knows I’m the one behind all the havoc within his organization. That raid was a message for me. It’s only a matter of time until he surfaces and makes a move, and when he does, I’ll be waiting with his daughter. If he wants to see her alive, then he’ll give me what I want. “
“What do we do until then?”
“You’re a smart man, Chaz. I’m sure you can figure something out. I have some business to see to and will be out of the country for a few weeks. That should give you plenty of time to have Tenley waiting for me in bed. After touching her, I’m dying to get that beautiful body underneath me.”
Chapter Eighteen
Tenley stood in front of the full-length mirror admiring her dress. In less than thirty minutes, she would walk down the stairs and marry the man of her dreams—the man who had fought with all his heart for both of them to get to this day.
She took in her appearance. She was glad she went with the simple white strapless mermaid style dress. Her mom had helped her with her hair that was styled in an elegant updo with curls. Like her dress, she kept her makeup simple and not too extravagant.
Hearing the door to the bedroom open, she turned and smiled when she saw Alex. Her best friend was the bomb. Not only did she and Ace offer their house to host the wedding, but she also single-handedly managed all the decorations and food. Alex hadn’t let her see the backyard because she wanted her to be surprised. The only hint she gave was that it was a romantic and intimate setting. Tenley did not doubt that whatever Alex dreamed up was stunning, because besides being a former operative for the government turned non-profit founder, Alex was a closet event planner.
Alex hugged her. She looked beautiful as well in her lavender strapless gown. It was a floor-length dress with a small train on the back. “That dress looks stunning on you.”
Alex smiled. “I could say the same about you. You look exquisite. Potter’s going to lose his shit when he sees you.”
“Well, we’ll see if you’re right in about twenty minutes. I’m so nervous, and I don’t know why.”
“This is a big moment in your life, friend. And believe me, you aren’t the only one whose nerves have gotten the best of them.”
“Are you referring to Potter?”
“Yeah, and he wants to talk to you before you walk downstairs.”
“But isn’t that bad luck? You know, to see the bride before the wedding. I don’t need any more bad luck.”
Alex just grinned, and Tenley wondered what her friend was up to. “I think this is one time you should overlook superstition and just go with your gut. He’s right outside.”
◆◆◆
Potter walked into the room, and the sight before him stole his breath. His soon to be wife looked stunning. She stood there grinning at him, and it made him think back to the first time they met. She had given him the same look and grin that made his belly do flips.
He made his way over to her and took her hands in his. “You look beautiful,” He whispered before he leaned down and kissed her cheek. She placed her hands on his chest, and he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Her hands felt like fire. He wished they could skip all the formalities of the ceremony and just say ‘I Do’ so he could take pleasure in calling her his wife. But first, he had a special present he wanted to give her before the wedding.
Her sparkling brown eyes held his. “Potter, you know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”
“I don’t believe in that bullshit. I have something I want to give you before we get married.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything. Marrying you is the best gift I could ever ask for.”
“Well, this is one gift I know you are going to love. Literally. You see, I promised a beautiful little girl that she could come to our wedding. And you know that I never make a promise I can’t keep.” She gave him an odd look and scrunched her eyebrows together.
“Potter, I don’t understand. We don’t know anyone with a little girl.”
He smiled down at her and winked before turning toward the door and shouted for someone to come in. When the door flung open, Tenley’s jaw dropped, and she covered her mouth with her hands as tears pooled in her eyes.
"Ms. Tenley!” Alejandra squealed, running toward Tenley and jumping into her arms, almost sending them both to the floor had Potter not been there to steady them both.
Tenley felt like she couldn’t breathe. Oh my god! Alejandra was here. So many questions swirled through her mind. She hugged her tight until she felt Potter’s arms wrap around both of them.
She sniffled and felt the tears leaking out of her eyes and knew she would need Alex to redo her make-up as it was all probably all running down her face. But she didn’t care. She looked up into those dark and mysterious eyes that belonged to her man, and all she saw was love shining through them.
“Potter. How?” She asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Derek may have made a couple of calls.” He winked at her.
“Oh my god. This is amazing. I’m speechless,” She looked down at Alejandra in her little white flower girl dress. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.” She noticed the stuffed turtle that Alejandra was holding. “Oh, you found Norman.”
Alejandra smiled up at her and then looked at Potter. “No, this is Norman Jr. It was a present from Potter. Isn’t he cute? He is bigger than the old Norman.” She hugged him to her body, and all Tenley could do was smile wider. She looked over at Potter, who was beaming as well. “I love you.”
Alex then came over. She looked at Tenley’s face, then looked at Potter and gave him the stink eye. She leaned so Alejandra couldn’t hear and whispered to Potter, “You asswipe, look what you did to her make-up. And you probably fucked mine up as well.” She lectured him as she wiped tears from her eyes.
Potter stared at Alex before bursting out laughing. He then bent down and placed a soft kiss on Tenley’s lips. “I’ll see you at the altar. Don’t make me wait much longer.”
He smiled and winked at her, then picked up Alejandra and gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek before walking out of the room.
“He loves you so much. I’m so happy for you, friend.”
◆◆◆
After the beautiful but quick ceremony, Alex sat with Alejandra and watched her scarf down a piece of cake that looked to be the size of well, half the cake. She chuckled before taking a napkin and wiping the little girl’s cheek where some purple icing had smeared.
“You must be hungry, huh? That is a pretty big piece of cake you got there.”
Alejandra smiled. “I’ve never had a cake like this before. It’s yummy.” She said as she put another fork full in her little mouth.
After she finished chewing, she put her fork down, then looked at Alex. Alex saw the frown on Alejandra’s face. She reached over and pushed a curly stray hair behind her ear. “Hey, sweetie, what’s with the sad face?”
Alejandra looked down at her lap, then back up, and Alex could see her eyes were glassy. Like she was on the verge of crying, and she wondered what was going on in her little mind to make her upset.
“Ms. Alex, can I ask you something?”
“Sure, sweetie. Are you feeling okay?” Alex asked, a little worried that something may be wrong. Maybe she should get Tenley or Potter. When she looked around the patio, she saw the two of them in a warm embrace on the dance floor. She looked back to Alejandra, who was staring up at her with her brown eyes which were lined by thick black eyelashes. Potter was right. Her eyes did draw you in.
“Ms. Shelia explained to me that my mommy and daddy are in heaven and that I’m going to live with Ms. Tenley and Potter now. She said that we are going to be a family.” Alex wanted to cry for this little girl. She was just a few years older than Alex was when she lost her dad. Alex smiled softly and took Alejandra’s hand into hers.
> “Are you okay with that, honey? I mean, with coming to live with Potter and Tenley.” Alex asked her cautiously. She prayed to the higher powers above that Alejandra said yes because if she wasn’t, Tenley would be crushed.
“I want to live with them, but…” Alejandra’s voice faded off, and she looked down at her lap again. Alex took the little girl's chin and lifted her head.
“But what, sweetie? You can talk to me.”
Alejandra scrunched up her nose, reminding Alex that she looked just like Tenley when she was deep in thought. But, what came next out of that precious little mouth of hers knocked Alex for a loop. “Well, in my family I have a mommy and daddy. I’m afraid my mommy and daddy will get mad at me in heaven if I think of Tenley and Potter as my mommy and daddy,” She explained to Alex, and all Alex could do was pull Alejandra into a big hug while she wiped her eye before the tears started to fall. She didn’t want to create a scene, but damn was it hard to hold back her emotions.
Once Alex knew she was able to speak without breaking down in a big puddle of tears, she pulled Alejandra on her lap and explained to her about her relationship with Derek and how he became her daddy when her daddy was killed in action. Alex was in awe as Alejandra asked her various questions.
As they finished up, Alejandra wrapped her arms around Alex’s neck. She gave her a big hug and then kissed her on the cheek. “Do you think Potter and Tenley would mind if I called them mommy and daddy?”
This time Alex couldn’t stop the tears that escaped her eyes, which of course, drew the attention of her fiancé. Looking concerned, Ace started to walk toward her, but she motioned to him that she was fine, and she smiled.
“I think Potter and Tenley would be over the moon if you wanted to call them mommy and daddy. But you need to do it when you feel comfortable, okay. Nobody will think any less of you if you want to call them Potter and Tenley for now. Just know they both love you very much.”
