CHAPTER 1
TONY
The neighborhood is quiet. The houses are spaced far apart, their lights glowing behind curtained windows. Picture-perfect.
Providence had been so disappointed when the house sold before we could put in our bid. It seemed like divine intervention when Gretchen, our realtor, called to let me know the sale had fallen through.
Now we were coming home for the first time.Home.
I slow down as I turn into the driveway, and a sense of satisfaction settles in my chest. Our two-week vacation in the Keys helped me get my head around retiring from the Navy, but moving intoourhouse—one we both owned—solidified everything. I think it’s the first full breath I’ve taken since I drove through the gates on base for the last time.
The trip to the Florida Keys was a spontaneous decision after I’d gotten the call from Gretchen. I got lucky. Even my concern about convincing Providence to take some leave ended up being a nonissue. She was all for taking some alone time so we could find our new normal.
The trickiest part was having her sign the contract without her realizing it. Normally, I’d never deceive her. Especially about something so important, but it was the house of her dreams. Hopefully, she’ll be so excited that she’ll forgive me.
Our trip also gave my former SEAL teammates and the new members of the Knights the chance to move our belongings. Everything is ready for the next chapter of our lives together. Only one thing remains to make it perfect—Providence setting a wedding date. If I have my way, that will happen soon.
I drive my trusty 2010 Jeep Commander up the long driveway. Normally, I’d park in the garage. But Mike North, my second-in-command, brought her treasured cherry-red Alpha Romeo Spider over and parked it in the garage yesterday. The last thing I want to do is blow the surprise we all worked so hard to pull off for her.
“Umm, Tony?” Her soft southern drawl is one thing that drew me to her originally. Her intelligence, sense of humor, and need to protect the world are the frosting on the cake. But our intense physical attraction? That’s the sweet mousse filling.Fuck. If the team could hear me, I’d never live it down. When did I turn into an old softy?
“Yes, sweetheart?” I put the jeep in park and shut off the engine before I turn to meet her gaze.
“What are we doing here? I thought we were going straight home.” Confusion fills her words.
I squeeze our fingers together where they are twined together on her thigh. “We are—did. Thisishome.”
“You’re crazy, this isn’t your house. Wait, isn’t this the one we wanted to buy?”
“Yup. The original sale fell through and Gretchen called before we left. I—we—bought it.”
“How? I didn’t sign any papers.” Then her gaze moves from the house to me, and I see the wheels turning behind her eyes.“You tricked me. Those papers to renew the contract with the realtor…”
“I did, but with the best intentions. You’re the love of my life, sweetheart. I want to give you everything that’s within my power. Will you forgive me?”
The silence in the car feels like hours, but it is only minutes before she nods. “Maybe, but not without a lot of groveling first. The girls told me all about how it works.”
“It will be my pleasure, sweetheart. But first, let’s get you inside. Stay there. I’ll come and get you.” With one last squeeze of her fingers, I climb out of the jeep, wondering how she’ll take the rest of my surprise.
Providence waits impatiently for me to open her door. She’s practically vibrating with excitement while trying to play it cool. I know her too well for her to fool me.
“Ready?” She grabs my hand as I help her out of the car. I cup her cheek once she’s standing on the driveway and turn her face toward me, stealing a gentle kiss. The desire to deepen it, to inhale her sweet fragrance, and possess every bit of her mouth, wars with the need to get her inside.
“Is this really our house? You’re not punking me?” Her drawl is thicker, dragging out the words in her excitement.
“Punking?” I chuckle and shake my head. “No, I’m not. It’s ours. Promise. C’mon, sweetheart.” Pulling her with me up the walkway to the front door. The keys are waiting for us in the lockbox Mike hung on the door. He texted me the code yesterday.
“How are we getting inside? Never mind,” she says, then rolls her crystal-blue eyes. “I should know already, you’d have everything covered.”
“See, you’re learning. I’ll always take care of things.” As I tap in the code to the lockbox and pull out the keys, I swear I hearher whisper, “That’s what I’m afraid of.” But I probably mishear her.
“Ready to go inside?” I ask and tuck a strand of her caramel-blonde hair behind her ear. Any excuse to touch her works. I wonder if she realizes how deep my feelings for her are. If not, hopefully she will soon. I figure as far as grand gestures go, this should take the cake.
Unlocking the deadbolt, I tuck the keys into the front pocket of my jeans.
“Okay, but it’ll be just as empty as—” Her jaw drops and her words cut off as I bend down and slide an arm under her knees, and wrap the other around her shoulders, lifting her into a bridal carry.
“Put me down, old man. Right now. You’re gonna hurt yourself,” she demands, but the smile in her voice belies her words.
