Page 8 of Winter Surprise (Seasoned SEALs #4)

“Are you positive you don’t mind watching Ian tonight?” Dylan asked Genevieve for the third time.

She was right about that. Even though six Team commanders would be there, the party would be considerably more casual than if the upper brass were there.

“We’ll bring him over to you for his afternoon nap. That’ll give you and Eve time to sleep off any hangover.”

Or recover from our personal celebration . “Thank you, we appreciate that.” Dylan gave his son one last kiss good night then drove back to his house where Eve was getting ready.

He found her in Ian’s room, staring at an empty crib.

Her beautiful black sparkly dress clung to every one of her feminine curves, the back bare from her neck to her waist. She was gorgeous.

The most beautiful woman, inside and out, he’d ever met.

They’d spent every free moment together since Christmas Eve.

She’d slept in his bed every night. His bathroom was filling up with her makeup and feminine items. He’d already made room for her in his closet to hang her uniforms and cleared out a drawer so she didn’t have to live out of her suitcase.

She’d filled his house, and his heart, with love.

“I miss him already,” Eve said without turning.

Now, Dylan. Here. It was the voice in his head he’d assigned to Kylie. She’s the right woman and this is the right time.

Dylan strode in from the hall where he’d been quietly watching her.

“I do too.” Stepping up to her back, he wrapped his arms around her then spread his hand over her belly. He dropped a kiss on her neck.

Here goes. He released the breath he’d been holding.

“Are you ready to have one to fill this crib when we move Ian into a big boy bed?”

Her gasp filled the room.

He spun her around as he went down on one knee. “I had this all planned for later tonight, after the party. I’d suggest a walk on the beach. But this feels right. It may be fast, but we feel right. I know we’re doing this backwards, but I lo?—”

Eve fell to her knees in front of him and rushed out, “I love you, Dylan.” She grabbed his head and pulled it to her, crushing her mouth on his.

She released him and continued, “I never told you this before, but I fell in love with your son the day he was born. When I held him, knowing his mother was gone and she’d never told anyone who his father was, I wanted to do whatever it took so I could adopt him.

Then the Hubbards showed up, and I knew he’d go to a loving home.

I don’t know if you believe in miracles, but I do now. Somehow, that baby brought you to me.”

“He did.” Surprise and realization were in his voice. “I was headed to the emergency room up at the main hospital because they have a pediatric clinic. I don’t know why, but I turned down the street to check the little clinic.”

“See, he brought us together.” Tears streaked her beautiful face.

“That proves it.” Dylan held out the small jewelry box. “Ian wanted us to be his parents. Eve Sanders, would you do Ian and me the greatest favor by marrying me, becoming his mother, and giving him a brother or sister? Maybe two?”

“I love you so much.” She kissed him, then held out her left hand.

He smiled at her. “I was anxious to take you to this party and introduce you as my girlfriend. I’m so fucking proud I can introduce you as my fiancée.”

The sun was setting behind the arch of summer flowers on the warm June evening as Evan Hubbard held out his elbow to Eve. “Thank you. You’ll never know how much this means to me.”

She slid her hand through the crook of his arm and gave it a squeeze.

“Thank you for agreeing.” When planning the wedding, there was no way in hell Eve wanted her own father to walk her down the aisle.

Her relationship with her stepfather was cordial but she didn’t want him by her side.

She was so pleased when Dylan suggested she ask Captain Hubbard, who now insisted she call him Evan when not in uniform.

The big man smiled down at her as the processional music started. “Ready?”

“Let’s do it.” Eve’s white dress wrapped around her like that of a Greek goddess, ending midcalf.

She’d selected the shorter version for this precise reason.

When she stepped forward, her bare feet sank into the sand, but she didn’t notice.

All she could see was Dylan holding Ian in his arms. Neither had attendants.

For legal purposes, the Hubbards had already signed their marriage certificate as the witnesses.

They walked between rows of white chairs filled with Dylan’s fellow SEALs dressed casually. After being in so many weddings in dress whites, he’d promised himself he’d never subject his friends that torture.

There was no bride-side or groom-side. No ushers had walked anyone down the aisle.

Pete and Beth Cheney sat in the front row next to Genevieve Hubbard who’d saved a seat on the aisle for Evan.

The grandmothers had also made a secret plan that should Ian become disruptive, they would grab him and take him to the side to play with toys they’d hidden in their large purses.

Eve’s mother and stepfather had managed to make the trip, as did her half-brother Chris.

His wife had stayed home with their small children.

Her father was not there. He had complained of the expense of bringing his whole family, who she’d never met, and even had the audacity to ask her to pay for hotel rooms and babysitters. She’d laughed and hung up on him.

After the ceremony, everyone moved to the huge tent set up for the meal.

When it came time to toast the newlyweds, Dylan reached under the table.

To Eve’s surprise, someone had put a small cooler next to his seat.

While waiters poured champagne into flutes at each place setting, Dylan extracted a bottle of sparkling cider.

“We’re doing this here?” She and Dylan had agreed to tell their parents and the Hubbards when they all came back to the house.

“Why wait?” He looked a little nervous under his usual confidence.

She giggled. “Why the hell not?”

He made a show of popping the cork and showing everyone the bottle before he poured their two glasses and a small amount into Ian’s sippy cup.

Dylan signaled and the DJ handed him a microphone.

“Before we get started with the rest of tonight’s activities.

” All it took was a glance and Eve stood, Ian in her arms. “Eve and I want to thank you all for joining us today.” Dylan smiled down at her lovingly.

“Not only did the Cheney family grow by one more but two.

Well, one and a nugget. Around Christmas, will be welcoming a new addition to our family.

The end.