“I think that’s everything.” I stood back to admire the bookcase.

Jake walked up behind me, his forehead furrowed. “Where are my Army pictures?”

I giggled. “You have a man cave in the barn. This is the living room.” I stood with my hands on my hips.

He planted a kiss on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. “I see how it is. You throw all my guy stuff outside.”

“It’s not outside,” I huffed. “You have an entire barn. And an apartment. With a new bar.” I turned my back to him to make sure the bookcase was how I wanted it.

For a man who only a few months ago could fit everything he owned in a few duffle bags, he had gone all-in on the house. He had been excited about buying furniture, and making this our home.

I rested my hands on my belly, feeling the swell under my flannel shirt and smiled. I wasn’t sure which time it was that made the magic happen, but I thought it had to be the sex on the kitchen island.

It was when all the secrets were gone. I knew who Jake really was. And why he had really shown up in my driveway all those months ago. I more than accepted him. I wanted him. More than anything I wanted his babies.

We were going to raise our family here at my family home. Together we would make new memories. We would fill the walls with love. We would canvas the yard with happiness. We would make the beach a place for fun again.

I felt his arms slide around my waist, his palms cupping my belly.

“I love you, Liv,” he growled into my neck.

“I love you, too.” I leaned into his chest.

“Thank you for giving me all of this. For giving me these babies.”

Some days I would see him look toward the ocean and I wondered what he was thinking about. Did he have memories that haunted him? Did he have regrets? Did he wish he could be out there doing more than this? Did I have enough to keep him here? Could I keep him?

“Do you miss it?” I turned, circling his neck with my arms.

“Miss what?” I could tell he was trying to muster a confused look. He knew exactly what I was talking about.

“You know what.” I eyed him. “Being a Ranger. Saving lives. Keeping the entire country safe.” I had gotten good at reading his expression the last few months.

“I have my own army here to keep safe.” He smiled.

I sighed. “I’m being serious.”

“I am serious. This family is my focus now. You and our babies. Our home. It’s all I need.”

“And what if they call you back? What if they renege on the contract” I stepped back from his arms.

It was the question that had plagued me for months. He wasn’t like other men. The Rangers weren’t like any other branch of the military. There was something that drove Jake to protect and serve. He had left once before.

“They aren’t going to call me back. I’m out for good. I promise you, Liv.” He walked over to one of the shelves, picking up a picture of him with Elliot. “Where did you find this?” He held it toward me.

“It was in that box of Elliot’s things. I had never seen it before. I finally went through the rest of his closet.”

They had their arms slung over each other’s shoulders. “I love that picture. I just wish he was here with us so he could see this.”

We walked through the kitchen to the foyer. Me first, I felt his eyes on me. It gave me a flashback to that first day together.

I turned and saw the fire in his eyes as they started trailing over my breasts. I sighed.

I took a step backward, inching my way to the staircase. Jake followed me like he was eyeing his prey.

My breath hitched in the back of my throat. I met him halfway and slowly pulled him up the stairs. The windows in the bedroom were open as we fell together on the bed. The sound of the waves below crashed as a summer storm rolled in and darkened the sky.

* * *

Thank you so much for reading!

I have some awesome surprises for you in this book. First, my book Slow Burn has never been released independently or in KU. This is the ONLY place you can read it.

Second piece of news, my friend Katerina Cole has written a new book, Second Chance Doctor that is completely exclusive to this book! She’s amazing!

I’ve also included some classics of mine and the beginning of my latest duet, available now.

Thanks for being such incredible readers!

XOXO,

Violet