Jackson hurried home. They had a possible mission in a few days, but for now, his mission was to get Kayla to marry him. He found her sunning in the backyard.
“It feels so good to be free to enjoy this lovely weather.” Kayla raised her face for his kiss, then after he sat across from her, she asked, “Good news or bad?”
“I’m not sure. Most of it concerns you.” He leaned forward. “You never told me who hit you. I suspect since I frightened you that it was another SEAL.”
“Yes, the one I dated for a while. As time went by, the guy’s temper showed more and more. Then one day he lashed out and hit me in the face. I told him to get out and never come back. He grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me hard. Said he’d be the one to decide when our relationship was over.”
“Tell me his name?”
“No. I reported the incident to the police and after the police warned him to stay away from me, he left town.”
“Good for you.”
“Yes, but I didn’t date for a long time after that experience.” She grinned. “Still, I found myself attracted to you. You always appeared cool and calm.”
“Until yesterday.”
“But I realized how I’d feel if someone threatened you. I’d want to beat the person with something hard and painful.”
“Really? I’ve got a little tiger inside my woman. I like it.” He leaned forward. “Most likely I’ll have to leave in a few days. First, I want us married. You’ll be protected and really part of the wives group.”
Kayla raised her eyebrows. “This isn’t a very romantic proposal.”
Bear dropped to his knees before her and took her hand. “Please marry me. I want to know you’ll be waiting for me when I get home.”
“What about all the solitude you like when you return?”
“I’m sure I can find room for a loving wife in my life.” Then he grinned, “And she likes to work, so I’ll have all day to unwind.”
“I do love you. The men I’ve had in my life have made me doubt whether it’s possible to have a loving relationship. You have helped me believe that I was wrong.”
“Damn honey, is that a yes? You’re leaving me hanging here.”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
Bear picked her up and kissed her. We’re going to a jewelry store, and then to the justice of the peace. I don’t have time for us to have all the trimmings.” He studied her face. “Is that all right?”
“Very much so, but we’ll need witnesses. I’ll call, Cheryl. She’s been waiting for this phone call.”
“This is too quick to call any of my family. How about we have Wolf and Caroline with us. If I ask any of my team, the rest might be hurt.”
“Sounds great.”
“Get ready, after you call Cheryl. I’ll phone Wolf and then put on my suit.” He stopped on his way to the phone. “How about your Mom?”
“She couldn’t get here in time. I’d rather wait and phone her.”
“We’ll have a party when I get back from our mission and invite everyone.”
“Just get back. We can make plans after you come home safe and sound.”
Bear pulled her close. “Are you a bit suspicious?”
“Maybe, a little.” She pushed away and headed to the bedroom. “Make your call,” she hollered back to him.
Jackson smiled as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. It hadn’t been as difficult as he’d feared, but when he glanced at his hand, always very steady in the most dangerous situations, it shook as he punched in Wolf’s number.
****
Kayla had bought some clothes for her pregnancy. Her regular dresses were getting uncomfortable in the waist. She pulled out a silky gold dress she’d thought to wear if she and Jackson went someplace special. Today, certainly qualified as very special.
Perhaps in the back of my mind, I hoped to use it for this moment. Looking in the mirror the high-waisted dress barely showed the small baby bump.
Jackson stopped in the doorway. “You look beautiful. I’ll hurry and dress. Wolf and Caroline will meet us at the courthouse in two hours. We’ll have time to find the perfect ring and get there on time. I also called a friend who’s a judge. He’ll be pleased to do the honors of marrying us.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you already had this all planned. Cheryl will meet us there. I’ll call her about the time while you put on your suit.”
“I’d given some thought to us marrying, in case such a situation arose. But no, it wasn’t totally planned. I’ll be ready in a few moments. Sit in the chair by the window and put up your feet. After we leave to go to the courthouse, you’ll be doing a lot of standing.”
“Yes, Sir.” She saluted him and did as he said. “This way I get to see your sexy body as you undress.”
“In a few years, you might get tired of seeing it.”
“No, when we’re old and gray, you will still be sexy.”
Bear strolled to her chair and leaned over her. “And so, will you.”
“Get dressed. We only have an hour and forty-five minutes left.”
She playfully pushed him away.
Once in the truck, Bear drove to an area known for quaint shops and unusual items. “There are several jewelry shops around here.” He parked in front of one, and after helping Kayla out of the truck, he took her hand and led her inside.
When they entered, an old gentleman walked through a doorway from the back. The smell of roses and cinnamon tickled Kayla’s nose. Bear took her hand and squeezed it.
“How may I help you?” he asked.
“We’re looking for a special wedding ring.” Bear held up Kayla’s hand. “To fit her.”
“Ah, I see much love in your eyes. Let me see. In my safe, I’ve been saving a set of rings for a special couple. Wait here. I will be right back.”
“He probably says that to everyone,” Kayla said. “But I like the idea of a ring especially for us.”
It didn’t take long for him to return. He carried a blue velvet case and placed it on the counter where he opened the ring box. “The center stone of the wedding ring is an Amethyst. It came from ancient Greece. My great, great grandfather found it buried near his home. His words, regarding these rings, were passed down to each of us who became jewelers.
“Do not sell these rings until you find a couple who needs them the most.” The old man smiled at Kayla and Bear, and then he looked directly at Bear. “You have a job, which takes you into situations continually confronting danger.” He smiled at Kayla. “Soon, you will bring a baby into this world. You will be the mother protector, especially when your husband is gone. Always wear this ring. It will protect you and yours as long as you live a good life, a meaningful life. The side diamonds work well with the center stone.”
Kayla studied the ring. “I’ve never seen such a deep purple amethyst.”
“There are few, and they are valuable.”
“I like it, but I doubt I can afford such an unusual stone on my salary.”
“Ah, but if I sell it to you, it will not be expensive. I have waited many years to find the right couple. You must take it. For you it is free,” he said, which shocked both Bear and Kayla.
“No, we’d be taking advantage of you,” Bear said, and Kayla nodded in agreement.
“Try on the ring,” the jeweler insisted. He took her hand and slid on the gold ring with the Amethyst and diamonds. “Now, try to take it off.”
“Really.” Kayla blushed. “This is weird.” But the jeweler kept looking at her hand. Then she tried to slip it off. The ring had gone on easily but now refused to slip over her knuckle.
“I have been mistaken several times with other couples. The ring always came off easily. The story goes the ring can only go to the woman who can’t remove the ring. You”—he smiled at Kayla—“are the right woman.”
The jeweler handed Bear the larger, wider ring. It had tiny pieces of amethyst inside the gold on the top of the ring. Bear slipped it on his left hand. It fit perfectly.
“Really, what’s the price for hers and mine?” Bear asked.
“As I said, for you two, nothing. If I take money from you, it will bring me bad luck. But you must promise that when you get old and are close to death, the rings will come back to my shop. I will probably be gone, but my son will follow me in managing our business. See they are returned to him.”
“And if we don’t?” Bear asked.
“The stone will crumble and be of no value to anyone.”
“So, you are saying the rings are only good for the special couple that comes by, and they fit and won’t come off the woman. Is that right?” Kayla asked.
“Correct.”
She looked at Jackson. “It sounds too weird to me. I think we better keep looking.”
“Do you like the rings?” Jackson asked.
“Yes, they’re beautiful.”
“I do, too. But it doesn’t seem right not to pay for them. They are clearly valuable.” Bear looked straight at the jeweler. “I agree with you about that. But, the story is fascinating and difficult to believe.” Bear silently studied him and then turned to Kayla. “Still, I like the story, and I like the idea of you and our children being protected. Maybe half of the reason it supposedly works is in believing in the positive powers of good.”
“Exactly,” the old man said. “And the positive power of love.”
Bear glanced at his watch. “We’re running out of time. Let’s make a deal. We’ll take them, and if we decide the rings are not for us, we will return them to you. Otherwise, they will come back to your son at a much later date, I hope.” Bear smiled at the man and put out his hand.
The jeweler shook his hand, and then slid the ring off of Kayla’s finger. “How did you do that?” she asked.
He handed the ring to Bear. “I can remove it until he puts the ring on your finger in the ceremony. Then the wedding ring can only be taken off by him or cut off. If it is cut off, it will lose all its power. You can bring it to me to be cleaned, but you must wait while I do it in front of you. Now go and have a very happy wedding.”
Bear shook his head. “I believe in reality. Things I can see and touch.”
“I know. But the rings have chosen your beautiful bride and you. There is a reason.”
Bear helped Kayla into the truck. When he got inside, he pulled the ring box out of his pocket and opened it. The amethyst glowed, almost appearing to have life in it. “It’s spooky, but I like the idea of it.” He raised his head and smiled at Kayla.
“I do, too. And here I thought we were such sensible people.”
“Let’s keep your ring’s secret to ourselves.”
“I agree. Our friends may think we need to see a psychiatrist. Especially, if your captain found out.”
“We’ll say we found the rings different and beautiful, and you loved the wedding ring. The price we’ll keep a secret also.” Bear leaned across and kissed Kayla.
“You know when you parked here, I started to suggest the jewelry store two doors up from this one.”
“Me, too.”
Kayla chuckled. “This is weirding me out. Let’s go get married.”
****
Five Months Later
The nurse wrapped a towel around Bear’s newborn son and placed him in his arms. They’d decided to name their son, Jacob Heath Langley. The baby looked up at his father and Bear’s heart swelled with love for this tiny part of him and Kayla. Kayla was watching and waiting for him to hand the baby to her. Bear kissed his son’s forehead and gently placed Jacob in his mother’s arms. The baby blinked and smiled.
“I know that’s just gas,” Kayla said. “But I prefer to believe he gave Momma his first smile.”
“As he should,” Bear said. “He knows I’m the guy he has to be more serious with because I’ll be watching his behavior.”
One of the nurses came around to the side of the delivery table. “Sorry to have to take him away. I’ll be return him to your room shortly.”
They watched as she lay the baby on a nearby surface and checked him over. Then she carried him with her as she left the room, but not before checking his ankle bracelet.
“You did good, Sweetheart.”
“So, did you.”
“But my part was all fun. That’s why women have to be so strong. Having a baby is more than you think until you see the whole process. I’m glad I was here for the first at least.”
“Me too, and think this all happened because you rescued me in the parking lot.”
Another nurse standing by the doctor looked up and smiled. “I’d love to have seen that rescue. If there’s any more around like your husband, I’d like to meet them.”
“Just come to Aces Bar and Grill sometime. The place is full of handsome, big, strong men.”
“I’m going their next weekend.”
Shortly afterward, an orderly and nurse took her to a nearby room. “Goodness, the flowers are overwhelming. Stop a moment and let me smell the roses.”
Bear handed her one of the red roses. At her bedside was a huge bouquet of colorful tulips. “Can you guess who sent those?” Bear asked.
“Perhaps, my husband remembered my favorite flower.”
“He did.”
“I love them. But who are all these bouquets from?”
“I’ll gather the cards,” Bear said. “But I suspect from people you and I work with and the roses are from Mr. and Mrs. Terrell,” he said as he read the first card.
The nurse arrived with Jacob. “We may have to remove some of these flowers if it upsets your son’s breathing.”
“No problem. If so, see that to patients who have none, get mine,” Kayla said. My whole world is in this room, my husband and baby son. Nothing else is necessary. I’ve been blessed.”
The nurse started to hand her Jacob when she stepped backward. “I’d swear your ring just flickered with a golden light.”
“It’s just picking up the light from the window.”
“What type stone is it?” the nurse asked as she placed Jacob in Kayla’s arms.
“An amethyst and diamonds on the side.”
“I’ve never seen one like it.”
“I travel with my work and found it overseas,” Bear said.
“Ah, that explains it. My friend has some exquisite jewelry she bought in quaint little towns in Europe.” The nurse smiled at Kayla. “My friends and I are definitely checking out Aces Bar and Grill this weekend. You are a lucky lady.”
“Please, if you keep on complimenting him, he’ll get a big head.”
Laughing the nurse left them alone with Jacob for the first time since he was born.
“He’s all ours. I never understood how much a father could love a child until now. It makes me feel closer to my father. Who, by the way, is heading here at this moment. He’s so proud we named our son after him.”
“What was Heath’s reaction when you told him our son’s middle name?”
Bear laughed. “He actually blushed, and then said we shouldn’t have. He thought I had many better choices than him. So, I reminded Heath how he saved you and the baby by defusing the bomb.”
“I bet he’s secretly pleased. He’d never let us know.”
“That’s true. Now rest.” Bear lifted his son into his arms from Kayla’s. I’ll rock Jacob while you sleep.”
When Kayla looked over at the big handsome man she’d married, and their baby he cradled in his arms, love warmed her whole body. Father and son were looking at each other as Jackson rocked the chair. Her heart swelled with love and happiness. But in a few seconds, her eyes closed.
****
“Mommy’s asleep, little man. You gave her a rough time coming into the world, but we’re so glad to have you.” Bear touched the tip of his son’s nose, explored his ears and fingers, then opened the blanket to let him kick his legs. “You’re long and sturdy, eight pounds, a good start for a Navy SEAL, but you can be anything you want. By the time you’re grown, there’ll be a lot of new jobs we can’t imagine now.”
“Talking to your son, already?” Cheryl said as she strode into the room.
“Be quiet, Momma’s asleep.”
“Not with all this gibberish going on,” Kayla said and opened her arms to Cheryl.
Cheryl hugged her and then walked over to peek at Jacob. “I do believe he looks like his Daddy.” She turned to Kayla, “Sorry, I see little of you in him.”
“That’s all right. I happen to like how Jacob’s daddy looks.”
A knock on the door had them all glancing in that direction. “Heath, come in and join us.” Jackson stood and placed Jacob in his Mom’s arms. It’s about time you met Jacob Heath Langley.” He led Heath over to the bed.
“You should have told him no, Kayla,” Heath said. “I’m certain there were other choices better than my name to give him.”
“You’re wrong Heath. Look at him. He’s responding to your voice.” Jacob had turned his attention to Heath’s deep voice and now stared up at him.
“What a big boy you are, Jacob.”
Jacob’s little arms moved in the air. “See, he likes you,” Kayla said.
“Come closer, Cheryl and let him see you.”
“Babies scare me. They look so breakable.”
“Now I’d have thought nothing scared you off.”
Heath’s voice had Cheryl turning her head and looking up at him. “Little does, but small, wonderful creatures like babies make me want to stay far away.”
“I’ll get you over that fear when you come over to help me,” Kayla said. “Then you can find a nice Navy SEAL and marry him and have lots of babies.” She laughed out loud when Cheryl backed off.
“That’s it. I didn’t think anything could end our friendship, but taking care of a fragile baby would do it.”
They all laughed, including Heath.
Cheryl looked up at him. “You’re quite handsome when you smile.”
“Time for me to go,” Heath said and edged toward the door.
“I have to go. Don’t leave on my account.” Cheryl kissed Kayla’s forehead and briskly walked to the door. She grinned up at Heath. “Hi, big man. Are you too scared of me to ride down in the same elevator?”
“Not scared, wary and watchful.”
“You might come to like me someday.”
“I’m off all woman, especially ones like you.”
****
For a second, Heath saw a flash of hurt in her eyes which she quickly covered with another sassy remark. “I’m sorry. That was not kind of me. But, I am not interested in a relationship.”
“Who said I wanted a relationship with you, big boy?” She looked him up and down. “But a roll in the hay might be fun.” After that statement, she sashayed out the door.
“Sorry, Kayla. I ought not to have been so impolite to your friend.”
“I think it’s even. Cheryl got you back. She is a wonderful person and has been my friend for years. I wish you’d give her a chance and get to know her better.”
“We’ll see.” He waved and strode down the hall.
****
“When we send out the invitations for the party to celebrate our marriage and the baby, do you think they’ll both come?” Kayla asked. She bit the edge of her lip and looked down.
Bear tipped her face up. “They’ll come because they’re our friends.”
“For some reason, I keep thinking they’d make a good pair if they ever get over dueling with each other.”
“You may be right. Once Jacob is three months, we’ll plan the party. I’m sorry our wedding party got put off twice because of my missions. Maybe this time will work.”
****
Three Months Later
Kayla walked through the house making another round to be certain all was ready for their guests. She carried Jacob, who turned out to be the best baby ever, and all the other SEAL wives, who were mothers, envied her. He seldom cried at night after the first few weeks, he had a happy personality, and like his father, he didn’t need to be entertained all the time.
Right now, he grinned at her while chewing on his fist. Seeing her attention, Jacob waved his arms and kicked his feet. Kayla loved his little socks. One of the wives had knitted them for him and across the top was knitted little SEAL.
Jackson came up behind her. “It all looks great. I checked the patio. the fence around the pool is locked so no little ones can fall in.” He bent and kissed his son, and then his wife. “I’m glad this party didn’t have to be canceled. Look, our first guests have arrived. I’ll put Jacob in his rocker and turn on the children’s music he seems to like. Go answer the door, darling.”
****
Jackson wandered around the full room. Everyone had come and brought delicious dishes to go with the ham. He stopped at each group and talked for a moment. Then he took Jacob out of Kayla’s arms and headed outside. Jacob almost jumped out of his arms. The baby loved the outside as much as his mother. The warm breeze made it a perfect day to enjoy the patio area. Glancing around he was surprised to see Heath and Cheryl talking under the large oak tree. They appeared to be having a serious conversation.
He bent down and kissed Jacob’s neck. It must have tickled him because Jacob responded with his little hands waving. Bear whispered to the baby, “I think we may have a reluctant romance beginning. If so, it will be fun to watch.”
Spotting Bear, Heath said something to Cheryl and walked over to greet the baby and his daddy.
“I haven’t had a chance to thank you for getting them to take me back and put me on your team.”
“The team agreed they wanted you.”
“Good to know. I won’t let you down.”
“I know. By the way, I noticed you and Cheryl talking peacefully. Have you sworn a truce?” Bear asked, grinning.
Heath glanced in Cheryl’s direction and frowned. “Not exactly, but close I guess. Did you know she’s an attorney and puts the bad guys away?”
“Kayla told me. She’s the attorney who put Rocco Zaiden in prison. Kayla said Cheryl had some threats for a while, but she thinks it’s over now. You and I know with a gangster like him, it won’t be over that easy. I’ve been worried about Cheryl, but she laughs it off.”
“She’s too smart for her own good.” Heath paced across the patio and returned. “I suggested a bodyguard. The stubborn woman said the FBI was keeping an eye on Rocco’s people. I don’t like it.”
“I agree. Perhaps, Kayla can talk her into hiring protectors until more time has passed.”
“Have anyone special in mind?” Heath asked as he glanced around until he saw Cheryl standing in a nearby group.
“I know an ex-Navy SEAL who’s starting up his own company. They do various assignments, one of which is protection. I’ll give him a call, and find out if he has someone who can protect Cheryl without her knowing. Cheryl probably wouldn’t agree if we suggested it.
“My friend owns a ranch with several retired SEALs and others with similar training. They’ve left the service, but they still want to work. He called me a few weeks ago to check my status. His crew will work as bodyguards and handle other more sensitive activities. I’ll talk to Jack and see what he suggests. If they agree to protect Cheryl, our hardest job will be convincing her to accept help.”
“I wouldn’t mind being involved in an outfit like his.”
“You still have some good years left as a SEAL.”
“I appreciate you going to the higher-ups for me. I’ll stay for now as long as I can work with your Team.”
“Good. We’re glad to have you and so are the others on my Team.”
“I doubt Cheryl will agree with your plan. She seems stubborn. But then I don’t know her well.”
“She is. But she has other good qualities. She’s been a loyal friend to Kayla for years.”
“Check it out for her. I don’t think the danger will go away until Rocco’s guys are brought down.”
Bear nodded. “I’m sure you’re right. I’ll call Jack later tonight, or tomorrow. Now go enjoy yourself.”
****
“I think it went very well, tonight,” Kayla said as they watched the last car lights go out of sight.
Jackson pulled her inside, locked the door, and clicked the outside light off. He pulled Kayla tight against him and nuzzled her neck. She shivered with delight. It had gone well. She’d enjoyed watching her handsome husband move around the room talking to everyone. He might like his alone time, but he still surprised her by his ability to mix and be social as needed.
“Everyone had a good time. You decorated the house beautifully, and they all raved about the food and Jacob. He never cried,” Jackson said interrupting her thoughts.
“He is a darling. I took him into our room, fed him and put him in his crib. I think all the attention tired him. His little eyes closed, and he went right to sleep.”
“When do we move him to his own room?”
“Soon, I promise. I still don’t understand why you feel uneasy making love to me when he’s in our room. He’s three months old. If he woke and stared at us, he’d never know what we were doing.”
“I know it doesn’t make sense, but I want to be completely alone with you.”
“All right, we’ll move his things when he turns four months. But, I plan to have a baby monitor, so I can hear him if he needs me.”
“Honey, you’ll hear him. The other day you heard him sniffle from the kitchen. You’ve got mommy ears.”
Laughing, they walked through the family room and gathered cups and other items to take to the kitchen. Jackson cornered her against the sink and cupped her face in his hands.
“I used to want to be alone, but since I have you and Jacob in my life, it has opened a whole new world to me. I won’t completely change, so I appreciate how you give me space when I first return from a mission. But, you and our son have added so much to my life. I love you both more than I know how to express.”
“I see it in your eyes and actions, and that’s more important than words.”
Jackson picked her up in his arms. “Let’s go make love. We’ll hang a baby blanket over that side of the bed.”
“My silly husband.” Laughing they headed for their room.
The End