Heston (In the Company of Snipers #25)

Chapter Thirty-Eight

The day after Kelsey visited London, Alex pulled up to the young Marine guarding the White House point-of-entry off Pennsylvania Avenue. As usual, he handed over his driver’s license, contractor ID, and his personal pass from the Oval Office. Beneath those was a plastic container storing the oversized cinnamon roll Kelsey had sent along.

The sharply trimmed, immaculately groomed, young man in USMC blues scrutinized the documents and handed them back. Then carefully, he accepted Kelsey’s gift and tucked it, face up, under his arm. “Thank you, Mr. Stewart. Sure hope you sign on with President Adams. It’d be an honor to protect you.”

“Do I look like I need your protection?” Alex snapped.

The Marine stiffened to attention, his eyes forward. “No, sir!”

Alex nodded his approval at the loud and proud Devil Dog answer. “At ease,” he said more gently. “Don’t forget, you and the guys are coming over Christmas Eve. Bring your families if you got them. Remind everyone for me, Tony?”

Corporal Antonio Esposito relaxed as much as any Marine could. “We’re all planning to be there. You may not need my protection, Mr. Stewart, but it’d still be an honor to serve with you.”

Alex grunted. Kids in uniform. How was an old dog like him supposed to deal with a young pup’s blind loyalty? ‘We’ll see,’ was what he relied on with Lexie. But Esposito had served in combat. He deserved more. “How about you look me up when you’re done wearing that uniform? You know where to find me.”

A no-kidding grin cracked Esposito’s proud face. “Yes, sir!”

“But knock off the sir shit,” Alex growled. “I’m not military, understand? And I don’t tolerate ass-kissers.”

Grinning like a fool, Tony kept his lips zipped and waved Alex onto the White House grounds. Minutes later, Alex was admitted into the Oval Office, where he took the seat at the left of President Adams’ desk and waited for him to finish the phone call he was on.

Several years earlier, President Thomas Beauregard Adams had been the dark horse in a fiery presidential race between two mud-slinging, lying politicians. Adams had run as an independent, and he’d won by a landslide. Seemed the silent majority had been as sick of the ever-escalating political drama, backstabbing, and lies as Alex had been. Americans wanted a straight shooter and, in Adams, they’d gotten one.

The President was a dead-ringer for Mark Houston. Could have passed for him any day of the week. Had the same dark looks. Same work ethic. Same heft and country boy charm. But Adams was more polished, as a President of the United States of America should be. His brown hair was always fastidiously trimmed. His nails were short, his cuticles clean and neat. He could’ve passed himself off as a metro male, as good-looking as he was. The ladies of America certainly loved him. But Alex knew different.

Adams might look like he belonged in Hollywood, but there wasn’t a narcissistic bone in his body. He’d gotten elected because of his willingness to listen to the American public, to respond to them personally when needed, to meet them on their level in order to understand what most presidents never would—how to truly serve the people. Adams looked out for the little guy, for families struggling to make ends meet, for the homeless, and small business owners. He met one-on-one with illegal immigrants, not just popes, prime ministers, and others who thought they were God. He showed up with his shirtsleeves rolled up and ready to work when hurricanes devastated the shrimp industry along Louisiana’s shoreline. He probably drove the Secret Service crazy, but he’d worked twelve-hour days, then had the audacity to show up early the next morning, ready to start all over again.

He was known for his uncanny skill of compromise, as well as his commitment to the military. The man was a tactical genius, profoundly adept at talking obstinate senators and congress men and women into seeing things his way.

Unbeknownst to the American public, Adams was also behind the mysterious helicopter crash that had killed his first vice president, VP Winston, along with several renegade Secret Service agents, a few years back. But only after he’d discovered, via his man undercover, aka Alex Stewart, that Winston had orchestrated President Adams’ assassination. Winston had never wanted compromise, only revolution. To that end, he’d funded several radical malcontents who’d agreed that Adams had to go, including the subversive Chaos Now . Through President Adams’ devious, but well-planned counterattack—which included making it look as if Alex were murdered—Adams saved the nation’s capital, as well as thousands of lives.

In short, there was a genuine, diehard warrior in office for the first time since Teddy Roosevelt. A warrior Alex had come to disappoint.

President Adams ended his call and turned to Alex. “How’s Kelsey?”

“Getting stronger every day, Mr. President.”

“Tom. Call me Tom, damn it. You hired Special Operator Heston Contreras.”

Alex cocked his head, remembering Zack’s opinion of Heston. “He’s a fine operator.”

Tom was no dummy. He had a reason for bringing Heston up. “He broke up with Tuesday Smart?”

“He never hooked up with her, sir. Why do you ask?”

Tom pursed his lips. “Tom. Not sir and not Mr. President. Damn it, Alex. We’ve been over this before.”

Alex coughed and amended his reply with, “Tom then.” Problem was that respect was in Alex’s nature, and calling the President of the United States anything but Mr. President, seemed damned pretentious.

“I know damned well why you’re here today. You’re not accepting my offer of VP.”

“Correct,” Alex replied, not sure what his being VP had to do with Heston or Tuesday Smart. “It’s time I step back and let the young men handle The TEAM. They’re as much a part of it as I am, and these days, they’re a helluva lot smarter.”

“I doubt that. But if you step back from your TEAM, you’ll have more time on your hands. We can make this work. You’ll be my team.”

Alex chose to wait his president out instead of arguing with him. Tom might rely on that country boy charm of his in public, but in private and in combat, he was a tough son of a bitch who usually got what he wanted.

Not. This. Time.

President Adams huffed. “The reason I asked about Heston is Ms. Smart needs a bodyguard. Senator Hyde from Texas asked who I’d hire. I recommended you. Thought Heston would be good for the job, but if he’s busy—”

“I have other agents who are every bit as good as Hes.”

“Understood. Just thought it’d be a good match if they were already tight.”

“They’re not, and Heston is unavailable for at least the next month. I only hire good men and women. Send me the specifics and we’ll take care of Ms. Smart.”

“You sure you’re not VP material? Winnie would sure appreciate having a close friend like Kelsey in this damned mausoleum.”

Alex dipped his head in the affirmative. “I know Kelsey would love spending time with Winnie, but right now she needs me at home, sir, and I’d—”

“Tom.”

“Tom. I appreciate the trust you have in me, but my mind’s made up. I will always serve you, but this time, I cannot serve with you.”

“That shit with the Irish Mafia?”

“I’m lucky she’s alive.”

“Yes, you are.”

“That and I’ve promised Kelsey for years I’d retire. It’s time I honor her by living up to my end of our deal. I’m not getting any younger.”

“And neither am I.” Tom shoved his chair back and stood, ramrod straight with his right arm extended. “I understand, Alex. We would’ve made a great pair.”

“Yes, we would’ve.” Alex lifted to his feet and accepted the handshake. “Thank you again for your continued friendship.”

“You don’t have to be my vice president to have that,” Tom replied, releasing Alex’s hand. “Tell Kelsey that Winnie and I would love to drop by when she’s up for a visit.”

“Will do.”

“We sure married up, didn’t we?”

“Yes, we did. Good seeing you again, Mr. President.”

“Tom, damn it.”

“Yes, sir. Tom.”

“Give that wife of yours our best.”

“Will do.”

On the drive back to TEAM HQ, Alex stopped by a florist and selected a simple bouquet of red roses for the love of his life. For now, he and his family were staying in a private suite inside TEAM HQ, near the Intensive Care unit. Libby, Judy, and McKenna were adamant she needed more care than they’d be able to give her if she were home. So Alex asked Mark to collect his kids and bring them to TEAM HQ. Lexie and Bradley needed their mom, and it would do Kelsey good to see them. Alex couldn’t wait to have his family together again.

Once inside TEAM HQ, he crossed the lobby to the elevators and ran into Mother. “You shouldn’t have,” she said, eyeing the bouquet.

“I didn’t. Any news yet on who in that hospital worked for Lancaster? Besides Jolie Montgomery?”

“She’s the only one I’ve found so far. If I were her, I would’ve put some kind of Tattle Tail inside Kelsey’s room to keep track of you both, just like Mark and Beau did to track her out in the hall. Maybe she did. Maybe that was how Lancaster knew you’d taken Kelsey out of there. Maybe he was watching you the whole time.”

Which made perfect sense. That would explain how Lancaster had seemed to be one step ahead of him. “So just Jolie Montgomery then?”

“I believe so, yes. What do you want me to do with her?”

“Nothing. Where’s Mark?”

“He just took your kids down to see Kelsey. They’ve gotten so big, Alex.”

Alex heard the ache in Mother’s comment. He’d forgotten how much she loved his children and still grieved for Dempsey. The last time she’d seen Lexie and Bradley was last Christmas Eve. And here it was, nearly Christmas again. Alex knew how bleak this time of year had been without Sara and Abby to share it with. It had to be just as bleak for Mother.

“Come with me,” he ordered, punching the down button with the side of his fist.

“Well, I… I can’t… I mean… I just…” Mother sputtered as the door closed her in beside him. “I’ve got work to do, and—”

“Work can wait. This can’t.” The elevator took them three levels below ground level to The TEAM’s high-tech sickbay. The Stewart suite, as Libby named it, was across the hall.

When the elevator opened, Mother crossed her arms over her chest. Like Alex cared if he annoyed her? Not today. Usually not ever. But he also knew he needed to set things straight, starting with Sasha Kennedy. He wasn’t sure how yet, but it would come to him.

Mother took a deliberate step back when he stepped out. Cocking his head at her, daring her to tell another lie, he reached in, took hold of her elbow, and steered her into the hall with him.

“I really have work to do,” she grumbled, pulling out of his grip.

He palmed the door to the Stewart suite open. “So you don’t have time for these rascals?”

“Daddy!” Lexie squealed, already running full steam toward him, her dark brown curls bouncing on her shoulders.

Alex caught her under her arms and swung her high over his head. “There’s my best girl,” he crooned while she giggled. “Look who I brought to see you. It’s—”

“My other Mother!” Lexie squealed again, deserting Alex’s arms for Mother’s. “I missed you so much! Did you miss me?”

“I…. I sure did, sweetheart.” Mother had no choice but to cuddle the snuggle bug who was right then pushing her face into Mother’s neck and patting her back like little kids were prone to do. They loved everyone. Even their grouchy father, who’d just been tackled by his year-and-a-half-old son.

“Hey, Bradley Boo,” Alex said, lifting his son against him and getting a sloppy wet kiss on his cheek in return. “What’ve you and Sister been up to today?”

“Mommy!” Bradley growled, bouncing on Alex’s forearm. “My Mommy!”

Alex cast his gaze across the room at the woman he adored. Without the protective helmet, Kelsey looked like hell. Her fingers were in her braid, loosening the long plaited strands of silky chocolate, but her face was too pale. Dark circles underlined her eyes, and she wasn’t smiling. Not even a little. “You okay?” he asked, alarmed.

“I’m fine. It’s just been a long day,” she replied, licking her lips as if she’d just run a mile and was dehydrated.

“I’ll bet.” Maybe bringing the kids to stay with her wasn’t the good idea he’d thought it was.

“She’s just tired. Seeing the kids again wore her out,” Libby announced breezily as she strode out of Alex and Kelsey’s bedroom and into what passed for their open space. “We don’t have any vases, so put those flowers in a pitcher. Leftovers are on the counter. Warm what you want and put the rest in the fridge. Kelsey’s on her way to bed, so give her a hug and tell her goodnight. The kids are yours for the rest of the day. I’ll be back if you need me, but make sure Kelsey sleeps.”

Mark exited the kids’ shared bedroom. “Hey, Boss. Finished installing childproof locks on all bathroom cabinet doors in this place and put safety plugs in all the electrical outlets I could access. I lowered your bed so Kelsey can get in and out of it easier, and I installed a baby monitor in the kids’ room in case Lexie or Bradley want you during the night. I’ll be across the hall at the clinic if you need anything.”

“Anyone there I should know about?”

“Just the most beautiful woman in the world. My wife.”

“You are so getting a hug for that later,” Libby said.

Mark lifted an eyebrow. “And a kiss?”

“Maybe something else, too.” Libby shot him a suggestive wink and—

“Get out,” Alex ordered. “Play on your own time.”

“I intend to,” Mark replied as he ducked out the door with Libby in tow.

Alex handed Bradley to Mother. “Here. Hold him while I put Kelsey to bed.”

“B-b-but…” Mother stuttered as a little boy joined the wiggling little girl already in her arms.

“Like riding a bike, it’ll all come back to you,” Alex told her as he strode over to Kelsey, leaned forward, and lifted her carefully out of the easy chair she was sunk into. “You. Bed. Now.”

She circled one arm around his neck and leaned into him. “Thank you. I am tired.”

“I can see that.” He hip-checked their bedroom door open and took Kelsey to her side of what would be their bed until she was strong enough to go home. Which might take weeks. He pulled back the blankets and carefully laid her down. “Need help changing?”

“Yes, please.”

Alex closed the door, then proceeded to help his wife undress. By the time he had her in sleep pants and a tank top, she was drained, and he’d gotten an eyeful of the purple thong she was wearing. He winked salaciously. “You want to ask me something?”

Strenuous activity like sex wasn’t in Kelsey’s immediate future, not until her ribs, hip, wrist, clavicle, and fingers healed. She’d insisted on visiting London, but in no way was she ready for intimacy. How on earth had she gotten that thong on anyway?

Her mouth opened wide with a yawn. “I had plans, Alex. Good plans. I wanted you all to myself tonight. But then Mark showed up with the kids, and I needed time with Lexie and Bradley, and before you know it…” With a huff, she sent the dark brown tendrils that had escaped her braid flying.

Settling on the edge of the bed, Alex curled his index finger over her ear and tucked that silken lock back where it belonged. “When did you eat last, sweetheart?”

Kelsey ran an index finger under her eye, catching the tear before it fell.

“Just before you came from Tom’s place. Libby grilled hamburgers, and Mark made enough German potato salad to feed the entire TEAM. It was good. You should try some.”

Alex loved that she called the White House Tom’s place, like visiting the most powerful man in the world was no big deal. He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “But did you eat enough?”

“Yes. Half a burger and a spoonful of salad. You should’ve seen Bradley chow down on that salad. You would’ve thought he was starving the way he gobbled it up and wanted more. Mark laughed his head off.”

“You know how us guys love bacon.” Alex tucked the blanket under his wife’s chin. “If the kids are too much for you to handle, I can hire someone to—”

Screech! Stop the damned train. If the kids are too much for her to handle? His rowdy kids? After she’d survived what should’ve been her death? Oh, hell no. “Never mind,” he said, mentally chastising himself for being as dumb as ever. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll take care of you and the kids.” Me. Just me for a change. “And the day you’re ready to play, I’m your guy.”

The tiniest smile brightened her pretty face. “Well, of course you’re my guy. Who else would I play with? Could we at least kiss like we used to?”

That he could do. Alex leaned over his wife, took her jaw gently between his hands, and started out slow. Which lasted for all of two seconds. Kelsey bit his bottom lip, licked it, then pushed her tongue into his mouth, and that started a fire. His hands slid down her shoulders to her hips, then onto her backside. Her hands slid up his chest to his neck and around it. She held onto him just as tightly as he was holding onto her. They were both breathing hard when he came to his senses and slowed the roll. He stopped squeezing her ass. With one last provocative lick across his lips, she eased off, too.

Alex tucked her back under his chin, against his pounding heart. “What you do to me. How am I supposed to walk into the other room with a spike in my pants?”

He felt her lips curl into a smile against his neck. “Thanks for letting me have my way with you, even for a few minutes.”

“This downtime won’t last long, sweetheart, you’ll see. You’re getting better every day.”

Kelsey’s shoulders lifted with an unconvinced sigh. “I want it all behind me, Alex. I want my life back. I want to go home to our house. I want our kids playing in their back yard. I never minded running your dad to the clinic or running Raymond’s Place.”

“Hey, save room for me on that to-do list, because from now on—”

She pulled back far enough to stare up at him. “You turned Tom down?”

“I did. VP isn’t anything I ever wanted. I don’t like people enough. In fact, most days I don’t like people at all.”

“I am so, so glad. I never wanted to be a VP’s wife, either. Although, if that VP was you—”

“Not me. Nope. Never.” He couldn’t help it. Alex grinned like a lunatic. It’d been years since he’d felt this free. “I’m retired.”

Her brows lifted to her hairline. “Sorry, but you’ll have to convince me of that, buddy. I’ve heard it before.”

“No, really,” he said sincerely. “Mark’s managed TEAM One for years now, and Murphy’s done great with TEAM Two. They’re both better than I ever was at pulling in men and women from all services.”

“You did lean pretty heavily on the Marine Corps.”

He shrugged, never going to admit anyone was better than a Devil Dog. At least, not out loud. But she was right. He had only hired Marines when he’d first hung out The TEAM shingle. But now, both TEAMs included sailors, soldiers, and airmen. He had yet to hire a Coastie, but that day wasn’t far off. Alex ran a thumb over his chin, wondering which of his senior agents would hire the first Coastie, Mark or Murphy?

“Sorry. You’re tired.” He could see it in her eyes.

“I am,” Kelsey agreed. But first…”

Alex leaned back to give her room. He was pretty sure he knew what was coming. A man in love didn’t miss the hidden clues and tiny nuances of the woman he loved. Not if he was smart, he didn’t.

“My nightmares are back.” There was a tremor behind those four words.

“Tell me about them?” he asked. The biggest thing he’d learned with this, his fourth marriage, was to use his ears more than his mouth. Talking was about him. Listening was about her.

“I’m drowning, Alex,” she whispered. “I’m somewhere dark and cold, and I can’t breathe, but I can’t stop myself from diving deeper, because I’m… I’m…” Her body shivered with the same fear that had driven her when she’d first lost Jackie and Tommy. For months Alex had listened to her scream as nightmares tore her heart apart. She’d been living with him, but locked behind his guest bedroom door back then. Only after he’d taken her to his bed after their first crazy night of lovemaking did those nightmares back off. Kelsey was the one who’d taken the step that turned their platonic relationship into heaven. Maybe it was time to lift his no-intimacy ban and join her in this oversized hospital bed like she wanted.

“I’m searching for my boys. For Jackie and Tommy. I hear them giggle. I’m so close my fingertips brush through their hair” —Kelsey’s body stiffened as she fought the upcoming meltdown “—but I can’t grab hold of them! My fingers never connect! I can’t reach them, but I can’t give up, and I keep going deeper and deeper and… Alex!”

If the unspoken ‘save me!’ in her tone wasn’t the last straw, nothing was. Alex jerked his tie off first, then his dress shirt and pants. Hurrying, he folded everything neatly over the free-standing valet chair by their shared walk-in closet—like a good Marine. Then, he climbed into bed behind Kelsey and pulled the blanket up to her chin—like a good husband. The kids were with Sasha and the most important job in his life began now.

“Sweetheart, I need you to know what happened to me on Mount Rainier.”

“Oh, no. What?”

And now he’d frightened her. Not his intention. Alex eased one arm under her neck and resting his other hand between her breasts, needing to feel her heartbeat. Poor thing was fluttering like a tiny bongo. His throat and mouth went dry. Alex coughed. Swallowed again. At least, tried to swallow. This was about her, not him. Kelsey’s tiny hand landed on top of his, and her touch was all he needed to continue.

“I dived into the White River after you fell, which was probably a dumb thing to do, but…” He shrugged both shoulders. “I am who I am, and I wasn’t letting you go without a fight.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Kelsey breathed, her fingers now circling two of his between her breasts.

“Scared the hell out of me when you fell in and disappeared so fast. That river was wicked. Tried to drown me, and you’re so much smaller. I knew what you were going through, and I fought the son of a bitch the best I could, b-but I….” Damn it. He never stuttered. Not with anyone. He commanded, and he ordered, and he led!

But he’d also failed. Alex loved Kelsey enough to tell her that. “I failed, sweetheart,” he choked. “No matter how hard I stroked and kicked to get to you, the river beat me back. It was killing me. But for me to find you, I had to s-save myself first. I had to get to shore. I had to live. I am so gawddamned sorry.” The tears he’d denied for weeks, broke free. Alex buried his face in her hair and held onto his one true lifeline.

“You did save me,” she reminded him, her nightmare seemingly forgotten, which was not what he wanted. This was about her, not him. Get to the point, Stewart!

“A man saw me struggling. He came into the river far enough to grab hold and pull me out. He got me to shore. He gave me warm, dry clothes, a jacket and water and food, so I could keep looking for you—” This was harder than Alex expected. “He and his kid were already searching for you. He knew who I was.”

Kelsey’s slender fingers intertwined with his much thicker, callused fingers. “It’s okay, Alex. You can tell me anything.”

“I know, but—”Alex dragged a rough hand through his hair. This was not supposed to be about him. “His name’s Tom, and you’re not going to believe this, because I sure didn’t, but his little boy looks just like Lexie, and his name’s Jackie, and…” Alex had no idea why he’d started down this road, or why he’d thought Kelsey needed to know he totally believed the Lord had a hand in her rescue. A mighty big hand. Alex lifted his upper body enough to look over her shoulder and down at her. He needed eye contact.

Tears glistened in the corner of her pretty brown eyes. “Are you telling me that... Jackie and Tommy…?” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, a sure sign she knew what he was going to say next.

A chill raced up the back of Alex’s neck. “Yes, sweetheart. God sent your boys to help me find you. I prayed—never prayed so hard in my life—and He sent…” Alex bowed his face into the side of Kelsey’s head. “He sent Jackie and Tommy. I’m sure of it. Only Tommy’s a grown man and Jackie’s his son.” Alex now realized why Tom’s password, JackieNTommy, had had such a profound effect on him that night. He’d been in shock, sure, but the Lord had obviously known he had a hard head and needed to hear those names more than once before they sank in.

“Wow,” Kelsey breathed, her fingers tight around his. She was trembling. Her poor heart was now a damned kettle drum.

“I’m sorry. I thought telling you would—”

Her fingers squeezed tighter, cutting off his apology. She was shaking so hard her teeth chattered. Alex pulled her against the entire length of his body. His leg lifted automatically over hers to protect her from the pain he’d caused.

“Wow,” she breathed again. “Thank you. I… I needed to know that. So, so much.” She was crying. Instead of being the domineering asshole he knew he was, Alex waited until she decided to roll over and face him. He tucked her under his chin when she did and he held on. “I believe you. Who else would God send in our time of greatest need? Ghostbusters ?”

He pursed his lips and forced a breath. If she could poke fun at him, they were going to be okay. And just maybe, her knowing that her first two sons were still very much part of her life, was the weapon she needed to fight the nightmares. Nothing destroyed nightmares faster than truth. A little faith didn’t hurt, either.

“They both look like you. I want you to meet them. It might be hard, but—”

“But it’s the proof you wanted, isn’t it?”

Alex wasn’t sure what she meant. “Not so much proof, sweetheart, but—faith. Tom Landry and his son Jackie were the only bright lights in my world right then. They gave me precisely what I needed to get back on my feet and find you. To take that step into the dark and know that…” Alex gulped. “He’d catch me.” He, as in God, not Tom Landry.

“And to remember who you are,” she added, her breath warm against his skin. Both Kelsey’s shoulders lifted. “Maybe it’s God’s way of telling us you still have work to do.”

Licking his dry lips, Alex chose to believe his wife would always know more than he did. “Maybe.”

“Sara’s visited me before,” she whispered. “She’s happy, Alex, and she’s watching over you. Over us. You’re never as alone as you think, and I guess, neither am I. The ones who’ve gone before us are only a step ahead, which means we’re just a step behind. Sometimes we forget they’re just out of sight, not lost forever. Thanks for helping me remember.”

Threading his fingers into her lush chocolate tangles, Alex tipped her face up, needing one more taste. “I love you so damned much, woman,” he whispered before he covered her mouth and branded her as his once more. He kept the kiss short, but wet, hot, and thorough. There wasn’t one part of his body not aching for her when he eased back and wrapped her tight in his arms. “Tell me if I’m hurting you.”

Sighing, she planted a kiss to the underside of his chin. “Just the opposite. You did it again, sweetheart. You saved me. I feel better.”

“Then sleep.” Alex pulled the blanket over her exposed shoulder and up to her ear. “If you need anything, I’ll be here.”

“Thanks.” It didn’t take long before she went limp and fell asleep.

He lay there watching her. Loving her. Reaching out, he traced a fingertip over her plump bottom lip. Her lips weren’t blue or thin like they’d been when he’d first found her in that godforsaken trailer, and her cheeks were pinker and fuller, not drawn like when he’d arrived earlier. The network of worry lines at the corners of her eyes were once again perked upwaed, and he could only hope they’d turn back into laugh lines once Kelsey processed everything he’d just told her. Because it was true. Tommy and Jackie had saved him, and in doing that, Alex had been able to save Kelsey, who, for time and all eternity, would always love her first two baby boys.

Taking a deep cleansing breath, Alex thanked God again for allowing him more time with the miracle that was his wife. He held Kelsey close for as long as she needed, but when she groaned in her sleep, Alex recognized the difference between an upcoming nightmare and annoyance that he might’ve been holding her too tightly. Because, hey. He wasn’t holding her for her sake as much as his. Relaxing his arms, she rolled away from him. Ordinarily he’d spend hours spooning with her, but he needed to save Mother from his kids.

Lifting carefully out of bed, he dressed. It’d been a long time since he’d been as scared as he’d been these past weeks. Losing Kelsey would’ve destroyed him, and he wasn’t ashamed to admit it. Kelsey was every last breath in his body and the reason he was able to keep on keeping on. Might sound cliched, but without her, he really was nothing.

Closing the bedroom door behind him, he drew in a sigh of contentment and assessed the new life unfurling before of him. Handling his kids was a given. Yes, Lexie and Bradley would keep him busy, but time spent with them was pure pleasure, not work. Caring for his dad was another done deal. Mel wasn’t going anywhere but back home with Alex, once Kelsey was strong enough to make the move. The light in his life might be a fragile glow at the moment, but Kelsey had proven her courage and determination before. She’d soon be back on her feet.

As if on cue, the persistent tension that had plagued his shoulders and neck for most of his adult life gave up their hold. A startling wave of warm oxygenated blood rushed up his scalp into his brain. The goosebumps caused by the loss of that grip chilled him.

So this was retirement, huh? Felt like a brand new life, like a hearty dose of exhilaration and freedom. Okay, then. Upward and onward. The TEAM was in excellent hands. With Obermeyer and the Wirths in the ground, Kelsey and London had nothing to worry about. Let the future begin.

He stopped in his tracks when he caught sight of Mother sitting with Lexie and Bradley. Leaning against the wall outside his bedroom door, Alex crossed his arms over his chest to enjoy what he was seeing: Mother on the couch across the room, reading one of Lexie’s storybooks to his children. Bradley was sitting quietly on her lap, listening, but nosey Lexie jabbered away beside her as only she could do. That girl was too smart for her age. She needed more mental stimulation and—

“But why don’t rats have fuzzy tails like squirrels?” she asked.

“Because rats and squirrels grew up in different neighborhoods,” Mother answered. “Squirrels live in tall trees, so they had to grow furry tails to help navigate through the air when they jump from branch to branch. But rats don’t want to live in trees. They like keeping their grubby, little rat feet on the ground.”

“But why?” Lexie asked earnestly, her brows knitted together, which made her look so damned cute.

Alex rolled his eyes. Lookout, Mother. Here comes the never ending, ‘Why, why, why?’

Mother looked her in the eye. “Think about it this way, honey. Were all of your daddy’s Marines just like him?”

Lexie’s lips puckered into an adorable pout. “That’s a really silly question. Of course not. Not just anyone can be like my Daddy,” she replied with attitude and the cutest, “Hmmpf. Everyone knows that.”

Alex nearly laughed out loud. Yup, Lexie was his daughter all right.

The loveliest smile broke through Mother’s usually stern countenance. “Well, it’s the same with squirrels and rats. Not every animal in the world wants to fly through trees. So squirrels grew furry tails to help them fly better. They use those furry tails like rudders, while rats use their furless tails to keep cool, and sometimes, to run through tunnels and grip sewer pipes beneath the ground.”

Lexie stared up into Mother’s face. “What’s rudders? And if rats can grip pipes, why can’t they grip branches? Why don’t they want to live in trees with squirrels? Then they could be friends and maybe they could teach each other fun stuff. Besides, climbing trees is awesome. My Daddy built me a treehouse, and it’s my favorite place in the whole wide world because I can see forever when I’m up there. Sounds to me like squirrels and rats use their tails for the same reasons, Sasha. Are rudders like steering wheels? My daddy’s got a steering wheel in his car. He lets me sit on his lap and drive sometimes. I even get to honk the horn.”

Alex didn’t need to hear more. He knew who needed to spend more time with his kids. Someone who could challenge Lexie. Someone who was a helluva lot smarter than him. Mother. And to get her to agree, she needed to be happy again, like she’d been when she had Justice Sandler in her life.

Alex intended to get to the bottom of what happened with their alleged marriage. Sasha hadn’t ever given him a straight answer. Had she divorced Justice or had she run out on him? For that matter, had they ever legally married? Was he pining away the same as she was? Had he cut himself off from his family and friends, too? Alex needed to know. Because the woman reading patiently to his children had motherhood stamped all over her. The false mystique Sasha Kennedy had created to keep everyone away, was about to end. Alex might not be her boss anymore, not that she knew it yet, but she deserved to be as happy as he was.

And he was just the man to make it happen.