“Gene!” she let out a squeak of pleasure and ran to hug him. “What are you doing here? Oh my god, it’s so good to see you!”
“Hey, kiddo.” Gene hugged her gently, aware of the sling her arm was in. “Your husband flew me out to surprise you.”
“I’m surprised and so happy.” She hugged him again. “It’s been too long—we have so much to catch up on.”
“I’m here for three days, so we have plenty of time.” He grinned.
She turned to her husband. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome.” He squeezed her hand. “I needed you to know I do trust you, and your friends are my friends, and vice versa.”
“I love you,” she said softly, looking deep into his eyes.
“I love you too.” He smiled.
“Who is this?” Antonia came into the room smiling. “Are you hungry? I am Antonia, Eric’s abuela.”
“Hello, Antonia. My name is Gene Barnes. I’m Delilah’s friend and I used to be one of her professors at MIT.”
“Come. Do you like enchiladas?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
They laughed together and moved into the kitchen.
Epilogue
Three months later
Eric felt like he’d been gone a month instead of a week. Though he loved his job, he missed his wife and son more and more each time he was called away. Part of him had begun to wonder if he was ready to retire. He had two more years on this enlistment and he was thinking it might be his last. He did have options as an analyst for the CIA, and the NSA was always looking for people with his skill set. That would mean leaving San Diego, but Delilah might even be able to go back to MIT to finish her doctorate if they were living in D.C. They could be apart for a while, couldn’t they? He would talk to her about it at some point, but tonight he just wanted to see her.
His grandmother had left two weeks ago, so this was Delilah’s first time on her own since the shooting, but he was sure she was okay. Derek was in jail, Mozart had promised to keep an eye on things, and she and Bobbi spent a lot of time together, at one house or the other. He still worried, though.
The house was dark when he pulled up, which was odd since it was only eight thirty. Delilah might be in bed, though, since she put Elias to bed at eight on school nights.
He opened the door and disengaged the alarm, calling out softly.
“In here,” she said.
He followed her voice to their bedroom and was surprised to see her in a sexy nightgown, candles lit all over the room and a sweet smile on her face.
“What’s all this?” he asked with a grin.
She pressed her lips to his. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Yeah?” He put down his bag and snaked out an arm to pull her close. “What kind of surprise?”
“Not that kind.” She laughed. “Close your eyes.”
“Okay.” He did as she asked.
“Here.” She put something that felt like a bag in his hand.
“A present?” he asked curiously.
“Yup.” Her eyes were sparkling with excitement and he slowly opened it. “What is this?” He pulled out a tiny piece of white cloth. He turned it over and froze. It was a onesie. A baby’s onesie. And on the front, it said, “My Dad’s A Super Cool Marine.”
“Are you…” He cleared his throat. “Are we…having a…baby?”
She nodded. “I’m thinking sometime in April.”
“Oh my god. Baby, that’s amazing!” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.
“Are you happy? Is this okay?”
“Happy? I’m ecstatic.” He paused to look down at her. “What about you? I thought you wanted to go back to school and finish your doctorate?”
“I do and I will. A baby isn’t a prison sentence. I can write a dissertation while I’m pregnant. Gene pulled some strings for me so I can keep working on the one I started. It’s going to take me at least a year to finish and by then I’ll be able to fly back and forth a few times to finish up and defend my dissertation. It’s complicated but not impossible.”
“I love you,” he said softly. “I love you so fucking much and this baby is going to be another beautiful piece of our little family.”
“I think so too.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “And now, I think we should celebrate by getting naked.”
“Yeah?” He slowly pulled off his T-shirt. “Sounds like fun.”
She laughed and danced out of his reach. “You, however, are going to have to catch me to take off my nightie.”
He rumbled out a laugh. “Bet I don’t.” He slid off his jeans and stood there naked.
“You’re naked!” she accused playfully.
“Yes, I am.”
She ripped off the nightgown and jumped on the bed. “Come get me, tiger.”
“On my way, beautiful.” He crawled onto the bed and grinned. “I love you, Delilah Lopez.”
“I love you too, Eric Lopez.”
He leaned in to kiss her and realized he was home in more ways than one. And it was the best feeling in the world.
If you enjoyed PROTECTING DELILAH, please consider leaving a review at the retailer of your choice—just a couple of sentences makes such a difference.
Also, take a peek on the next page for a snippet from my previous story in Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World, PROTECTING BOBBI.
Also by Kat Mizera
Las Vegas Sidewinders Series
Dominic
Cody’s Christmas Surprise
Drake
Karl
Anatoli
Zakk
Toli & Tessa
Brock
Vladimir
Royce
Nate
Sidewinders: Ever After
Jared
Ian (TBD)
Inferno Series
Salvation's Inferno
Temptation’s Inferno
Redemption’s Inferno
Tropical Inferno (formerly “Tropical Ice”)
Romancing Europe Series
Adonis in Athens
Smitten in Santorini
Lucky in Lugano (TBD)
Alaska Blizzard Series
Defending Dani
Holding Hailey
Winning Whitney
Losing Laurel
Other Books:
Protecting Bobbi (Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World)
Protecting Delilah (Susan Stoker’s Special Forces World)
Catching Lana (Elle James’s Brotherhood Protectors World)
Excerpt from “Protecting Bobbi”
Ron Marshall wasn’t an emotional guy, but burying his 21-year-old sister was enough to make his eyes water and his chest tighten painfully. Such a senseless death, with no one to really blame; Britt had fallen asleep at the wheel and driven off a cliff. She’d died instantly. No drugs or alcohol, no evidence she’d been texting, just a tired single mom who worked two jobs and went to school part-time. She’d been so exhausted she hadn’t been able to keep her eyes open long enough to get home. Luckily, her 18-month-old daughter, Samantha, hadn’t been in the car with her.
He cut his eyes over to where his friend Erin Riser was bouncing Sam on her knee. They’d served in Afghanistan together before Erin left active duty to join the Marine Corps Reserves. She was married and had two kids of her own, but she hadn’t hesitated to get on a plane to be here for him. The rest of their old unit was here too: Louie Faulk, who worked for the NSA now; Mark Garrison, who was talking about getting out of the military; and Eric Lopez, who’d lost his wife last year and was no stranger to this kind of heartache. They were a somber group who gathered after the funeral to get something to eat.
“I really want to thank you guys for coming,” Ron said, taking a pull from the beer he’d ordered.
“Of course we came,” Erin said softly, shaking her head. “Did you think we wouldn’t?”
“You have your own families, and we’re spread all over the co
untry…” His protests sounded hollow even to his own ears. They were his family too, much more so than his blood relatives, who hadn’t even bothered to show up today.
“We’re still brothers,” Mark said. “You know that.”
“Yeah.”
“So what’re you gonna do about Sam?” Eric asked. He was a single dad, raising his year-old son, Miguel, after his wife died of complications from childbirth.
“I don’t know,” Ron admitted. “Now that I’m part of Force Recon, I’m not sure how I can raise her.” Being part of a unit that was “special operations capable,” he was often called away with no notice. As a single man, he didn’t know how he would take care of a little girl. His combat pay was excellent, but not enough to afford a full-time nanny, so he had a lot to think about.
“She left you custody?” Louie asked, his dark eyes full of sympathy.
“She didn’t have anyone else,” Ron said. “My parents wouldn’t know what to do with a toddler, even if they wanted her—which they don’t—and Sam’s father signed away his rights the day she was born. There’s no one but me…”
“I’m happy to do anything I can to help,” Erin said, her blue eyes fixed on his. “If you get called away, it’s not that far for me to get to San Diego from Vegas and—”
“Erin, you know I love you for offering, but you can’t drop everything to help me every time we get called.”
“Not every time, but I can help.”
“Sounds like you need a nanny,” Louie said.
Ron shrugged. “I have no idea how much a nanny costs, but I imagine having one on call to jump in the minute I have to go will cost me a pretty penny.”
“I can afford—” Erin began, but Ron cut her off.
“Erin, come on. You know I won’t take money from you.”
“It was Shay’s money,” she protested. “He would want you to have some of it.”
“No way.” Ron shook his head. Shay Gentry had been their unit commander in Afghanistan and had been killed on their last mission together. His life insurance had gone to Erin, whom he’d been in love with. Though she and her professional hockey player husband did quite well financially, he wasn’t comfortable taking money from her.
Erin sighed.
“Then what are you going to do?” Eric asked. “Kids are a lot of work and she’s still a baby.”
“I know.” Ron looked over at his niece, wondering just how much his life was about to change.
“At least let me help short-term,” Erin suggested. “I can come to San Diego and help you get settled. It’s going to be a big change with a toddler.”
Ron nodded. “I want to say no, but I can’t. I really can’t do this on my own, at least not in the beginning, so yeah, I’d appreciate the help. Thank you.”
“It’s going to be all right,” Erin said, reaching over to squeeze his hand. “You’ll figure it out and we’ll all be here to have your back.”
“Not me,” Louie joked. “Imma find ways to be out of the country—I don’t do babies and diapers and shit.”
“Thanks,” Ron responded dryly.
“You need a wife,” Mark said with a grimace.
Ron made a face. “With what I do for a living? I rarely get out to meet women, and when I do, they hear I’m Special Forces and they’re gone.”
“That’s not my experience,” Louie murmured.
“You’re not Special Forces,” Eric pointed out.
“I’m basically a freakin’ spy,” Louie protested. “Women are all over that shit, but after the last one…” His voice trailed off. His last girlfriend had also been part of their unit, but she’d betrayed them to a group of mercenaries, resulting in Shay’s death and the severe burns that covered 40 percent of Erin’s body. Olivia was in prison now, and Louie hadn’t dated since.
“You guys are a mess,” Erin said. “Look at me—I’m disfigured and still found an amazing guy. You could find someone special too.”
“Not enough time,” Louie grunted.
“Not with my schedule,” Mark added.
“Not in the mood,” Eric made a face.
“Not in the cards,” Ron said firmly. “Especially not now.”
“The right woman will change your mind,” Erin snickered. “I’m a big believer in love.”
“You stay in your little fairy tale,” Ron sighed. “I’ll be here trying to figure out how to afford a nanny.”
For more information about my books, visit my website at www.KatMizera.com
There are many more books in this fan fiction world than listed here, for an up-to-date list go to www.AcesPress.com
You can also visit our Amazon page at:
http://www.amazon.com/author/operationalpha
Special Forces: Operation Alpha World
Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold
Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey
Shauna Allen: Defending Danielle
Shauna Allen: Rescuing Rebekah
Shauna Allen: Saving Scarlett
Shauna Allen: Saving Grace
Brynne Asher: Blackburn
Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine
Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei
Julia Bright: Rescuing Amy
Victoria Bright: Surviving Savage
Victoria Bright: Going Ghost
Victoria Bright: Jostling Joker
Cara Carnes: Protecting Mari
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast
Kendra Mei Chailyn: Barbie
Kendra Mei Chailyn : Pitbull
Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth
Melissa Kay Clarke: Safeguarding Miley
Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven
Samantha A. Cole: Cheating the Devil
Sue Coletta: Hacked
Melissa Combs: Gallant
KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina
Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah
Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery
Jordan Dane: Fiona’s Salvation
Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia
Riley Edwards: Redeeming Violet
Riley Edwards, Recovering Ivy
Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Erin
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Suzie
Nicole Flockton: Guarding Brielle
Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska
Casey Hagen: Shielding Harlow
Casey Hagen: Shielding Josie
Casey Hagen: Shielding Blair
Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie
Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Savannah
Kathy Ivan: Saving Stephanie
Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Fighting for Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Defending Honor
Jesse Jacobson: Summer Breeze
Silver James: Rescue Moon
Silver James: SEAL Moon
Silver James: Assassin’s Moon
Silver James: Under the Assassin’s Moon
Becca Jameson: Saving Sofia
Kate Kinsley: Protecting Ava
Heather Long: Securing Arizona
Heather Long: Guarding Gertrude
Heather Long: Protecting Pilar
Heather Long: Covering Coco
Gennita Low: No Protection
Kirsten Lynn: Joining Forces for Jesse
Margaret Madigan: Bang for the Buck
Margaret Madigan: Buck the System
Margaret Madigan: Jungle Buck
Margaret Madigan: December Chill
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Baby
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Bride
Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Twin
KD Michaels: Saving Laura
KD Michaels: Protecting Shane
KD Michaels: Avenging Angels
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound
Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound 2
Wren Michaels: Shadow of Doubt
Wren Michaels: Shift of Fate
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Wren Michaels: Steeling His Heart
Kat Mizera: Protecting Bobbi
Mary B Moore: Force Protection
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Butterfly
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Goddess
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Vixen
LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Heartbeat
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Beauty
MJ Nightingale: Betting on Benny
MJ Nightingale: Protecting Secrets
Sarah O’Rourke: Saving Liberty
Debra Parmley: Protecting Pippa
Lainey Reese: Protecting New York
Jenika Snow: Protecting Lily
Jen Talty: Burning Desire
Jen Talty: Burning Kiss
Jen Talty: Burning Skies
Jen Talty: Burning Lies
Jen Talty: Burning Heart
Megan Vernon: Protecting Us
Megan Vernon: Protecting Earth
Police and Fire: Operation Alpha World
Freya Barker: Burning for Autumn
KaLyn Cooper: Justice for Gwen
Aspen Drake: Sheltering Emma
Deanndra Hall: Shelter for Sharla
Deanndra Hall:Justice for Aleta
Barb Han: Kace
Reina Torres: Justice for Sloane
Stacey Wilk: Stage Fright
As you know, this book included at least one character from Susan Stoker’s books. To check out more, see below.
SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series
Securing Caite
Securing Brenae (novella)
Securing Sidney
Securing Piper (Aug 2019)
Securing Zoey (Jan 2020)
Securing Avery (May 2020)
Securing Kalee (Sept 2020)
Delta Force Heroes Series
Rescuing Rayne (FREE!)
Rescuing Aimee (novella)
Rescuing Emily
Rescuing Harley
Marrying Emily (novella)
Rescuing Kassie
Rescuing Bryn
Rescuing Casey
Rescuing Sadie (novella)
Protecting Delilah - Kat Mizera Page 11
