A SEAL's Christmas Surprise (A SEAL Team Alpha Novella)

by Jennifer Lowery

  Today she would get to meet Myranda. Brogan’s wife. The one who owned and operated a spa. She couldn’t imagine a man like Brogan anywhere near a spa. The man was simply intimidating with his stoic silence. In truth, he made Lizzie a little uncomfortable with the way he was always watching. As if a threat lingered around every corner. In a SEAL’s world, she supposed it did.

  Michael handled the stress differently. She frowned at herself in the mirror. In fact, he never let on that there was any danger in his job. He was the same man now as when they were younger. Carefree and reckless. Hot and dangerous. Being a SEAL hadn’t changed that. If it had, he didn’t show it.

  Lizzie bit down on her lip. She hadn’t asked about his job. Not eight months ago and not now. Not that they’d talked much during her last visit. She knew he couldn’t tell her much, but she wanted to know what she could. Her baby needed to know his father outside of the rebel he’d been growing up.

  An urge to see Michael surged through her. They had talked on the phone a couple times this week, but he’d been too busy to stop in. Or, maybe he was avoiding her after their last interaction. Not that she blamed him.

  A knock sounded on the door, startling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the clock. Time to go. Probably one of the girls making sure she didn’t back out of lunch. After one last glance in the mirror she headed for the front door. Smiling, she pulled it open, the smile falling off her face when she saw Michael standing there looking handsome as a devil in jeans and t-shirt.

  “Michael,” she said, breathless at the sight of him. “I was just on my way out.”

  “I know. I’m here to offer you a ride.”

  Not this again. “On your Ducati?”

  He held out a hand. “Just come with me.”

  Sending him a look she put her hand in his, enjoying the tingle that shot up her arm.

  “You look incredible,” he said, leading her down the stairs.

  “Really?”

  He paused on the landing and looked up at her. With a small tug he pulled her down to his level and cupped her cheek. Her breath caught in her throat.

  “You are a beautiful woman, Lizzie.”

  “I’m eight and a half months pregnant.”

  “With my baby. Do you think there is anything sexier than that?”

  The low timbre of his voice, the holiday lights twinkling down the hand rail, the heat from his body. Her emotions on overload. Combine all that and she was a mess. A confused mess.

  “You think I’m sexy?” she asked softly.

  “Off the charts.”

  “But—” He silenced her with a brief, soul-searching kiss that left her breathing hard and wanting more.

  “Come on.”

  He led her through the door and into a surprisingly cloudy day. Still warm, but looking like rain.

  She looked around for his Ducati, not seeing it. There were a few cars parked in the back lot, but no bike.

  “I thought you said you were here to offer me a ride?” she mused.

  “I am.” Hand in hand he guided her to a shiny new four-door sedan and opened the passenger side door. “Get in.”

  She looked at him. “What is this? Where’s your Ducati?”

  Gently, he helped her into the seat. “I traded it in for this.”

  Stunned, she watched him close her door and walk around the front of the car to climb in the driver’s seat. He’d traded in his motorcycle for a car? A sporty, yet roomy car that smelled like it had just rolled off the lot.

  Michael brought the engine to life.

  “You gave up your bike?” Her voice wavered but she didn’t care. He had done something she never thought would happen and it touched her soul.

  He shrugged. “Can’t transport a baby on a motorcycle.”

  He’d done it for their child. Player, Michael Kreegan, had traded his beloved Ducati for a sensible car. Did this mean he was starting to accept his becoming a father? Her heart pitter-pattered in her chest. It was the holiday season. A time of miracles. Could she let herself hope she’d have her happily ever after with Michael?

  Not wanting to scare him away, she buckled her seat belt, hid a smile and settled into the plush seat as Michael maneuvered onto the street. They made the short ride in silence. Not uncomfortable, just a bit awkward. They had so much to say, but neither of them volunteered to start a conversation.

  When Michael pulled up in front of Demarco’s she expected him to turn off the engine and join her. Why else would he have picked her up if they guys weren’t having lunch with them? But he didn’t turn off the car. Instead hopped out, came around to her side and helped her out of the car.

  “Give me a call when you’re finished here,” he said. “I’ll drive you home. There’s rain in the forecast.”

  Happy she’d see him again today, she said, “I will.” She did her best not to waddle to the door since she felt Michael’s eyes following her until she stepped inside.

  Once inside she put a hand on her lower back, trying to massage away the ache that seemed to be lingering the past couple days. Too much time on her feet. Too many hours at the shop. Once the holiday season ended she’d cut back her hours. Well, after maternity leave, that is.

  That familiar twinge of anxiety ran through her. Like it always did when she thought about leaving her shop in the hands of someone else while she enjoyed her new baby. She’d been working her tail off making and freezing candy so the shop would get through the six weeks she was gone. No one had her secret recipe for making the most delicious chocolates in the world. No one except her mother and generations of Lizzie’s before her.

  “Ciao, Lizzie. How are you today?”

  Lizzie smiled at Gabriella, the oldest of the Demarco sisters. “I’m good. Thank you.”

  “If you’ll follow me I’ll take you to your seat.”

  The rest of the girls were already seated. They greeted her with hugs and soon Lizzie settled into girl chat, forgetting her fears about her business. She liked Myranda instantly. There was a calm serenity about the pretty redhead that immediately soothed.

  “You must come to the spa when it opens this spring,” Myranda said. “I’m adding a couple special therapies for moms.”

  “That sounds amazing,” Lizzie said, taking a sip of her water. The other ladies had ordered a glass of wine, except for her and Darci. They stuck to water.

  “Wonderful.”

  “Oh, I almost forgot,” Darci piped in. “My annual Christmas Eve party. You have to come.”

  That was her due date. Not that she felt even close to delivering this baby. She didn’t feel eight days from her due date.

  Cloe spoke up before Lizzie could politely refuse. “You should go. It’s a great time for the guys to relax and enjoy the holidays. There’s always lots of food and fun. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that my husband is a great cook.” She grinned when the other ladies cajoled her. They all knew Donovan Demarco came from a long line of amazing cooks.

  “Might be good for you,” Reganne said. “You’ve been working hard. You need some downtime to relax and enjoy yourself.”

  “Doctor’s orders?” Lizzie asked with a grin.

  Reganne laughed. “You bet.”

  How could she say no? It sounded like fun. And, she did need to get out of the shop more. Lately, the walls had been closing in on her. And, moping in her apartment alone on Christmas Eve didn’t sound like a good idea.

  “All right. I’ll go. What can I bring?”

  “Some of your fabulous chocolates if you have extras. Don’t go out of your way to make more.” Darci sent her a look that said she better listen or else.

  Lizzie laughed and God, it felt good. “I happen to keep a secret batch in my freezer. I’ll bring those.”

  “Yay.” Darci clapped her hands, smiling.

  Feeling lighter and happier than she had in a while, Lizzie ate her lunch, chatted like these ladies were old friends and laughed until her face hurt. The afternoon passed so quickly she didn’t
realize how late it was when they finally prepared to leave.

  “Is Mike picking you up?” Reganne asked as they stood, gathering their things.

  “Yes. I just have to give him a call.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to. He’s been sitting at the bar for an hour.” With a wink, Reganne squeezed her arm and walked away.

  Lizzie said her goodbyes and headed for the bar. How had she not noticed Michael come in? He turned on his stool when she approached.

  “Hi,” she said.

  “Hi.”

  “You didn’t have to wait for me.”

  He slipped off his stool, towering over her. “Looked like you were having a good time.” He leaned in close to say in her ear, “It was nice to see you smiling again.”

  A shudder ran down her spine when his lips touched her ear. “It felt good,” she admitted.

  “I have something else that will make you feel good.”

  Aw, geez. If he kept this up she would be a puddle of hormonal goo at his feet.

  “Come on.”

  He grabbed her hand and led her out of the restaurant. Anticipation zinged through her veins as he helped her into the car and pulled onto the street. Only, he didn’t head for her apartment. Instead, they turned toward the coast.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  “You’ll see.”

  Enjoying this lighter mood, she sat back and watched the scenery fly past. The last time she’d been in these hills had been on the back of Michael’s Ducati.

  Nope. Not going there. She was already out of sorts just being so close to him. The last thing she needed was to recall that day and the incredible sex they’d had.

  A half hour they arrived at a small, rustic looking log cabin tucked into the mountain. Michael pulled up to it and turned the car off.

  “What is this?” she asked, but he was already out of the car and guiding her up the walkway.

  He used a key from his pocket to open the door and held it open for her to go in. Confused, she walked inside. And let out an awed gasp.

  Christmas wonderland didn’t even begin to describe the dainty cabin. Everywhere she looked she saw Christmas. A real tree, decorated to the hilt, standing next to the fireplace. The mantle covered with garland and candles. A giant wreath above it. The scent of pine in the air. There was even a Christmas village under the tree, complete with train that circled slowly around it.

  It reminded her of home.

  “Oh, Michael,” she whispered.

  He stepped up behind her, his front pressed to her back. “Brogan loaned me his cabin for the night. I thought maybe it would help you feel closer to home.”

  She bit down on her lip, trying not to cry. “You did all of this for me?” Heart exploding with love for this man she turned around, gripped the front of his shirt and pulled him down for a kiss. He didn’t pull back. Oh, no. To her delight, he took over the kiss, his lips taking possession of hers.

  When they broke apart they were both gasping for air. She looked up at him, knees going weak when she saw the hunger in his eyes.

  “The whole night?” she asked.

  Michael grinned. “Yep.”

  “And what did you have planned for us to do tonight?”

  Rain had started to fall softly on the roof. A comforting sound. The fireplace crackled behind them. Everything was perfect.

  His arms went around her, pulling her as close as possible. “I thought first I’d heat up a cup of Mrs. Demarco’s pregnancy tea. Then I’d draw you a bath. And after that, a backrub and Miracle on 34th Street complete with white chocolate peppermint popcorn and cocoa.”

  “You remembered.”

  Her favorite Christmas movie had always been Miracle on 34th Street and watching it while eating her favorite popcorn and drinking cocoa was something she and Michael had done for years. She’d looked forward to it every Christmas.

  He kissed the tip of her nose. “Follow me.”

  While she lazed on the sofa, enjoying the warmth of the fire, the patter of rain outside and the feel of the holiday season wrapped around her, Michael drew her a bath and heated up tea as promised. Every time she went to get up and help he sent her a look that made her relax again.

  She refused to analyze what this was or why Michael had done this and instead let herself savor the moment. In case she didn’t get any more like it. Whatever his reasons, he’d gone out of his way to do this for her and she’d be darned if she let her head put more into it than simply that. Michael had done something incredibly thoughtful and sweet and she was going to take full advantage.

  Lizzie sighed and closed her eyes. She hadn’t taken a bath since she’d found out she was pregnant. Too risky. If she fell no one would be there to help her. Michael had insisted on helping her remove her dress. She’d tried to hide her embarrassment at the changes in her body, but Michael had lowered her hands, knelt in front of her and pressed his hands to her belly. In awe, he’d looked up at her and said, “You are so beautiful.” And at that moment she’d felt beautiful.

  After that he’d helped her into the tub, keeping a firm hand on her waist as she sank into the warm water. Not too hot. Not to cold. Perfect. Candles flickered on every surface, creating the perfect ambiance. She’d never been pampered so much in her life.

  A light knock sounded on the door. “Lizzie? You doing ok?”

  “More than ok,” she answered. “Is that popcorn I smell?”

  “Our favorite.”

  Ours. What a fantastic word. If it was only for one night she’d take it. “I’ll be right out.”

  The door opened and Michael walked in. She didn’t argue when he drained the tub and helped her step over the edge. The robe he draped around her made her want to snuggle in.

  She sat on the couch while he prepared the movie treats. Feeling wonderful she watched him carry a tray in and set it on the coffee table. Then he sat down beside her and picked up the remote. As the movie started he handed her a bowl of popcorn. She put her head on his shoulder, loving the feel of his arm around her shoulders, his warm body next to hers. Like this, she could stay forever.

  Chapter 7

  Mike brushed a stray strand of hair off Lizzie’s cheek and tucked it behind her ear. She snored softly on his shoulder. Hadn’t even made it halfway through the movie. Or given him time to rub her back. He’d noticed how she’d been holding it lately and asked Myranda what kind of massage would help.

  When he’d started planning this night it had been for her. She worked too hard. Took on more than a pregnant woman should. And, knowing her like he did, he doubted she’d taken any time for herself. The wives had told him as much. More than once. Hell, they pretty much threatened his life if he didn’t do something to take the stress off Lizzie.

  But, somewhere along the way his plans had changed from being about her to being about them. He hadn’t realized how much he missed her. Missed the traditions of their past.

  He let his head fall back against the sofa and stared at the ceiling. What a mess. His game plan had been purely about Lizzie. Not about him getting the warm fuzzies and wanting this night to never end.

  Dammit.

  Warm fuzzies? Oh, hell, no.

  His ideas to help Lizzie relax and slow down for a night had backfired and he’d be damned if he made it about them. He knew how to stick to his guns and those bullets didn’t have ‘daddy’ written on them. Not for him.

  He picked up the remote, turned the television off, and carefully unwound his arm from around Lizzie. With care, he picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. When he lay her down and pulled the quilt over her she let out a contented sigh but didn’t wake up.

  Mike stared down at her for a moment, struck by her classic beauty once again. He had to admit, she looked even more gorgeous pregnant. It added a glow to her he hadn’t seen before.

  He reached out a hand to touch her cheek and pulled it back as if he’d been burned. No. Not getting sucked into her trap. He’d been there and done that. It lan
ded him in jail, then the Navy.

  Best to stay focused. He wasn’t dad material. End of story.

  With that thought echoing through his head he retreated to the living room to clean up and make his bed on the couch.

  And that’s where he stayed for the rest of the night.

  Lizzie woke up with a twinge in her back and joy in her heart from the memories of what Michael had done for her last night. He’d always had that sweet side, he just didn’t show it to anyone. It had drawn her in from day one.

  And she’d fallen asleep for all of it.

  With a frown, she rolled onto her side, rubbing her lower back. Pregnancy woes. Or, if the wives had their way, too much working and being on her feet. Right now, Lizzie was inclined to agree with the wives because her back was killing her.

  When that didn’t work, she rolled to her other side and tried rubbing the ache again. No luck.

  With a sigh, she reached over and turned on the bedside lamp. The clock read five am. If this were a work day she’d be late in getting to the shop. Normally, by this time she had the chocolate made and most of the candies dipped and decorated.

  Anxiety rushed through her. She had to get to the shop. She’d nearly sold out yesterday and there wouldn’t be enough to get through an entire day. Not this close to Christmas. Gina would be in at ten to work the counter, which would help later, but not with the baking. And, she had to prepare the spare room for her parents who would be here in two days. So much to do, so little time.

  Not that she wanted this private time with Michael to end, but, life had to go on. Not time for wishful thinking that this had been the start of something more.

  Michael didn’t do more. He did the here and now.

  Pushing the thoughts from her head, she went through the morning ritual of getting out of bed. Thank God no one ever witnessed this part of her day. She could only imagine what she looked like rocking back and forth, reaching for her toes that she would never reach over her protruding belly, trying to launch herself out of bed.