The water lapped at the shore, long lazy waves that moved at their own pace. The sand was dark from the water, packed firm and solid beneath my feet as I ran. The early morning sun rose slowly, its rays already warm where they touched my face. The island was still asleep, the stillness and beauty that surrounded me, my own little paradise.
I loved this time of the day when I was alone. Soon our little community would be awake and the sounds of the families would echo around me, but for now it was just me. I paused, my hands on my hips as I stared out over the water drinking in the vista I would never tire of.
Endless water, blue sky, and peace. It surrounded me daily.
Love surrounded me.
I glanced toward the house, knowing soon that Jujube would be awake and looking for me. Her baby sister, Skylar, would follow about an hour later. She loved to sleep, that one—my little snuggler.
And Tally, my beautiful wife, would need help to get out of bed and start her day. Close to her due date, she found moving around difficult. The simple act of sitting, laying down, or finding a comfortable position was almost impossible for her at this stage in her pregnancy. She hated it, and although I didn’t like seeing her uncomfortable, I still enjoyed seeing every aspect of her pregnancy.
I had immersed myself when she was pregnant with Skylar, every day discovering something new and exciting. The way her body changed, how her curves filled out. The feel of her tummy as it grew to accommodate our child. I loved to talk to it. Read to it. Touch it. I rubbed her back when she was ill, made sure she ate when she could. Supplied her with the endless cravings she had for fresh fruit and cheese croissants. The bakery on the mainland had a standing order I picked up every couple of days.
I reveled in all the new things, panicked over some, while Tally remained calm, having gone through it before. This occasion, I was calmer, but still in awe of her and the entire overwhelming experience we were sharing together. It meant a lot to me. To both of us.
And this time, we were having a boy. A son. I would have been thrilled with another girl, but I had to admit, there was a male ego thing that was secretly happy at the idea of a boy. I wouldn’t be so outnumbered now.
I sat down, letting the breeze wash over my face.
This place had healed me. Healed us. I was no longer on guard and vigilant. We were safe here. Tally and my children were safe. I helped with the charter business and worked with Matteo, Marcus, and Gianna on the fund we managed to help victims. I spoke to Damien and Leo on a regular basis and had traveled back to Canada twice to help them with business decisions. But I flew back as quickly as possible, hating to be gone from my world here for long.
I returned back to my family and a life I never dreamed I would live. One filled with love and laughter. Where light and family filled my hours instead of darkness and worry.
A sound caught my ear and I turned, smiling as Tally waddled toward me, holding a cup high as she approached. I stood and went to her, taking the cup and kissing her head.
“You got up without me.”
She grimaced. “It wasn’t easy, but I did it.”
“I didn’t expect you up so early. I would have stayed.”
She smiled. “Someone is too active for me to sleep.”
I rubbed her large belly, bending and kissing the swell. “You’re keeping Mommy awake,” I tsked. “She needs her rest.”
Tally laughed. “I don’t think he cares right now. He is too impatient to join us. He’s trying to find his way out.”
I frowned. “Are you—”
“I think so. I had a few contractions.”
I shook my head. My wife was having contractions and made me coffee before walking down to the beach to tell me. “I’ll call the midwife.”
“I already did. I called Marcus too. He’s getting the boat so she’ll be here soon. Missy and Evie are coming to get the girls.”
I grasped her hand. “Let’s get you to the house.”
“No,” she replied. “I want to be out here for a while. It feels better when I walk.”
I wrapped an arm around her waist. “Lean on me.”
She beamed up at me. “I always do.”
I kissed her. “My favorite job.”
We walked for a bit, her leaning into my side more and more. I heard the sound of the boat leaving. The laughter of my daughters as Missy and Evie came to get them. They brought the girls over for hugs and kisses, Skylar burying her face into my neck as I held her.
“Sweep, Daddy.”
I chuckled and kissed her head. She was a mini Tally, right down to the freckles. “You go with Auntie Evie and she’ll let you go back to sleep. I’ll come get you later, okay?”
“Tay,” she mumbled.
Julianna was more aware of what was happening. “The baby coming today?” She asked me.
“I think so.”
“Will he be bigger than Skysky was? Can I play with him right away?”
“Not for a bit. But you can hold him.”
That satisfied her.
After more kisses and snuggles, they went with Evie and Missy. Without asking, I swooped Tally into my arms. The pained look on her face told me all I needed to know.
“He’s coming fast, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” she ground out. “I hope Marcus hurries.”
“I hear the boat. Let’s get you inside.”
**
Two hours later, I held my son. At just over ten pounds, he was a struggle for Tally, but my brave, incredible wife delivered him. He was long, wrinkled, and red faced as he pushed himself into the world, screaming his displeasure, making us all smile at his entrance.
Once he was cleaned and wrapped, I got him. I stared down at him in wonder, touching the dark hair on his head and stroking his full cheek.
“He’s perfect,” I said to Tally, who watched us from bed. She was tired and worn out, but still so beautiful.
“He is,” she agreed. “And big.”
“Strong.”
I sat beside her, lifting her hand to my mouth. “Thank you, Tally. For my son. Our girls.” I brushed my mouth over hers. “Our life.”
“Do you ever regret it?” she asked, sounding vulnerable.
“Giving up Hidden Justice? No. Not a single moment. I love it here. I love our life. Our family.” I kissed her again. “I love you.”
Our son shifted and I settled him in the crook of my arm. “Matteo once told me his children gave him something he never found in the job. I didn’t understand it until I found you. Until you gave me Julianna. Now I get it. Our children, you, mean everything to me.”
She smiled. “You mean everything to us.”
“Then know I have no regrets. I look forward to the rest of my life here with you. I’m sure the kids will keep us plenty busy.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” She sighed as she watched us. “We have to choose a name.”
“You still like Joseph?”
“Joseph Alexander Grayson. Joey for short. Yes.”
“Then welcome to the world, Joey,” I murmured. I heard the sounds of laughter approaching and I grinned.
“Time to meet your sisters. Brace yourself little man.”
I stood and gazed at my wife. “Sleep, baby. I’ll bring the girls in soon and we can have a family cuddle.”
“Sounds good.”
I pressed a kiss to her head.
“Yeah, it does.”
Thank you so much for reading THE COMMANDER. If you are so inclined, reviews are always welcome by me at your eretailer.
Long ago I had seen a meme circulating romance book groups on social media. Readers asked for the book, and I thought one day. Today is that day.
If you love a possessive alpha hero, Richard and Katy VanRyan’s story begins with my series The Contract. You meet an arrogant hero in Richard, which makes his story much sweeter when he falls.
Enjoy reading! Melanie