Page 70 of The SEAL's Runaway

Grace made her way over to Sophie and Ellie. Over the past two months, she’d seen a lot more of Ellie, and it was impossible not to fall in love with her. Ellie was pure joy, bottled and made cute.

“How’s my favorite tiny person?” Grace leaned in and kissed Ellie’s soft hair and breathed in the sweet powdery scent that clung to all babies.

Ellie squealed with delight. “Tantie Tace!” She held out her chubby little arms.

“I think someone wants an auntie hug.” Sophie handed Ellie over to Grace with a knowing smile.

Grace gathered Ellie into her arms, hugging her tightly. She squashed the brief sting of sadness that she and Caleb could never have biological children of their own. She already had so much to be grateful for. With Ellie in her arms, she wandered over to join Caleb at the grill.

Ellie pointed a chubby finger in his direction. “Unca Cale. Cookie.”

Caleb’s cheeks flushed, and he held a finger to his lips, glancing around to make sure Ryder hadn’t overheard. “Hush, sweetie. Later, after Uncle Caleb has cooked you a nice juicy burger with cheese. Does that sound delicious?”

Ellie nodded, her face solemn. “Soon. Unca Cale cookie?”

He tweaked her nose. “Yes. Soon.”

He caught Grace’s expression. “Hey? What’s up?”

Grace kissed the top of Ellie’s head again, inhaling the sweet baby scent. “Just thinking about kids and things.”

Caleb’s expression softened, and he reached out to take her free hand in his, his thumb rubbing circles on her skin. “Just because we can’t have our own doesn’t mean we can’t fill our home with love and noisy kids.”

Her eyes stung, and the world shimmered as her heart swelled with love for this incredible man. “You mean that?”

He slid his fingers under her chin, tipping her face toward his as he kissed her. “I love you and there’s nothing I want more than to share my life with you and fill our house with love and family. It’s how we raise our kids that makes us worthy of the title of mom and dad, not biology.”

“Hey, less smooching around my kid.” Ryder cut through the moment. “She’ll be getting ideas that will never come to fruition because no man will be good enough for my princess.” He chuckled as he lifted Ellie from Grace’s arms.

Grace rested her head on Caleb’s chest. She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. “I love you too.”

Sarah arrived, placing two bottles of wine on the table before kissing Wyatt and hugging her dad. “Hope you lot haven’t eaten all the burgers.”

In a spotty summer dress that showcased her long legs and slim waist, Sarah looked more relaxed than usual. This side of her was usually hidden behind the tough exterior she presented as Aurora Cove’s sheriff.

“Grace. I heard your good news. Congratulations.” Sarah smiled, her eyes full of genuine happiness.

“Thanks, Sarah. That means a lot.”

She took Grace’s hand, admiring the stunning diamond ring. “That’s a corker. My brother did you proud.”

“He did.”

Sarah’s expression softened, and she pulled Grace into a fierce embrace. “Welcome to our family.”

Grace hugged her back. She had found everything she had ever wanted: a loving family, a place where she belonged, and a man she loved more than anything in the world. She had faced her demons and come out the other side, and with Caleb by her side, she knew she could weather any storm.