Page 99 of Rescuing Erin

“Baby, I appreciate you giving me a rundown on everyone’s kids, but I don’t give a shit what Colin is. Though, I can imagine he’s probably thrilled to get his wife to himself while his mom takes the kids.”

“You’d be right. Class was good,” Ivy said, peeling off her skin-tight spandex pants.

“Sore?”

“No.”

“Good.”

I yanked my shirt off and tossed it on the bathroom floor next to her discarded pants.

“The kids?”

“Occupied. After we’re done, remind me to talk to you about homeschooling Rose.”

“We’re not homeschooling her.”

“Yes, we are. Those little fucks at school keep looking at—”

“Zane. Do you wanna stand here and talk about homeschooling or do you wanna get in the shower and help me wash my back?”

Homeschooling was the last thing on my mind when she tore off the loose T-shirt and sports bra. Standing in only her panties, I took her in from top to toe and back again. I was one lucky son of a bitch. I’d never understand how I got so fortunate or how and why Ivy put up with me. And I wasn’t asking.

“Shower, now.” I stepped out of my pants and palmed my semi-hard cock.

“Can I take my undies off first, Mr. Bossy?”

“Only if you’re quick.”

Her thumbs went under the elastic, and ever so slowly she pulled them down. The minute they pooled around her feet, I was on her. I lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around my waist. Two strides and we were in the shower, two more her back was against the wall. And one single thrust later, I was home.

“God, I love you,” she moaned.

“With every breath, I love you more.”

* * *

Six months later

Lincoln

Watching your child take the oath of enlistment is a surreal experience, watching your twin sons take it was exceptional. Overwhelming pride washed over me, and I squeezed Jasmin’s hand.

I could still remember the day I swore in. I was running, looking for an escape, and serving my country seemed like the best option. It had been good enough for my brother, Zane, I figured it was good enough for me. When I went to BUD/s I wasn’t prepared, not that one could actually prepare for the worst experience of your life, but I hadn’t had a clue. I hoped I’d prepared my sons. Today both of them were swearing in to the United States Navy, and while I was proud as hell they’d joined, I was still worried. The world we lived in was a brutal place.

I knew Jasmin was thinking about the day she enlisted, too. She stood tall and brave next to me, just as I knew my little hellcat would. I also knew she shared my fears but would never show it. Not now, not in front of her boys.

“. . . so help me God.”

Robert and Asher lowered their right hands and remained at attention while the other recruits filed out of the room. This was it. The busses were lined up, waiting to take those who were shipping out to the airport.

My sons turned, and Jasmin’s quick intake of breath was the only sign she was affected.

“You guys set? You have your orders?” she asked.

“We have everything,” Asher answered, not surprisingly. He was always the one to talk for the pair.

“Good. Come here and give me a hug so you can say goodbye to everyone else.”