Page 6 of Broken SEAL

“Thanks, TJ,” said Ali. “We couldn’t have done it without all your help. Now, let’s all get a margarita and make that toast.” As she filled glasses, Deb passed them around. The men and Ali took one when offered, but Jenny declined, opting for sparkling water.

Once everyone had a beverage in hand, TJ offered up a toast. “To friends, family, and furry companions.”

The others repeated the toast before clinking glasses and downing their drinks.

“How’s that grill looking, babe?” asked Ali.

“Good to go. You let me know when you want the steaks on, and they’ll be ready nine minutes later.”

“That’s very precise,” she replied.

“Rule of three, three minutes each side and three under the hood equals a perfect medium rare.”

“Can I have mine well done?” asked Jenny.

“No problem. Any other requests?”

“Medium for me,” added Deb as she picked up the cheese board and offered it to Jenny. “You absolutely have to try the blue, it’s divine.”

“She can’t,” interjected Rick.

There was a moment of silence before Ernie spoke. “Is she allergic?”

Deb laughed and hugged Jenny, Maria squealed, and Ali clapped her hands, exclaiming. “Guys, that’s the best news ever.”

Mike glanced at Ernie and TJ, who looked as confused as he was. “What the hell is going on?”

Rick threw his muscular arms in the air. “She made me promise I wouldn’t tell.”

“Wouldn’t tell, what?” asked Ernie.

“Well, the cat’s out of the bag now, babe,” said Jenny. “Guys, Rick and I are pregnant.”

The men broke into beaming smiles, and TJ grabbed Rick by the shoulder. “That’s awesome news. We’re going to get a full team after all. Do you know what you’re having?”

“Still a little early for that,” said Jenny.

“Definitely a SEAL,” said Rick. “He’ll be a pipe swinger like his dad.”

“Or a kick-ass park ranger like her mom,” added Ali.

“By the time he or she is old enough to make that decision, being a SEAL will definitely be an option,” said TJ. “The first female candidates are already lining up for BUDs. And Rick, if anyone’s daughter could do it, it would be yours and Jenny’s.”

“Amen to that. Your kid is going to be amazing,” said Ernie. “You married up, esse. Your kids are gonna be at least three times smarter than you. Best news ever.”

“Hell yeah, it is,” said Mike. “Now, let’s get some meat on the grill and get this woman fed. She’s eating for two.”

Ali gently eased the door open to Junior’s room and peered inside. Her little boy was sleeping peacefully with one arm held high over his head. She smiled; it was the same pose that Mike often struck when he was asleep. With each passing day, the little boy was becoming more like his father. And she was completely OK with that, given how much she adored her husband.

A sigh drew her attention from her son’s angelic features to the dark shadow sleeping on the mat alongside his bed. “Goodnight, Axe.”

She was rewarded with the thump of his tail against the floor.

Closing the door, she made her way back to the kitchen. Despite hosting a party for eight adults and three children, the benches were spotless, the sink was empty, and the dishwasher was humming. Just like SEALs, their wives lived by the motto “look for work.” She glanced out the window at the barn and saw that the lights were on.

As she left the house, she could hear the clank of metal plates, confirming that Mike was working out. Sneaking out of the house, she padded barefoot along the path that led from the deck to the barn. The door was open, and she ducked inside, spotting Mike.

Her SEAL husband was hanging shirtless from a pull-up rack with weight plates strung from a chain around his waist. She watched as he hauled his muscular frame to the bar, his back muscles rippling as he let out a grunt, paused, then lowered himself. Silently, she counted the reps as he repeated the process another seven times.