Page 24 of Fighting for Family

“Remind me of why we need this?” he said, approaching her with a spatula in his hand.

“We have kids now. You can’t be treating this place like the facility. You don’t want our girls swearing,” she informed him.

Leo pulled her close and kissed her. “I don’t know,” he murmured softly. “Their mama whispered a few trashy words in my ear last night, and I kinda liked them.”

Blushing, Catherine glanced at Grace eating her pancake. “Maybe if you’re lucky, you can hear them again tonight. It’s Kassie’s turn to watch the kids. How do you feel about dinner at home?”

“Ah, Kit Kat,” he boyishly grinned. “You’re speaking my love language.”

“Put the money in the jar. Mama needs money for the nursery,” she reminded him as he kissed her. “Your pancakes are burning.”

“Crap,” he exclaimed as he released her. “That’s not a swear word,” he said as he removed the pan from the hot stove.

“Cwap,” Grace said, stuffing her face.

Leo glanced at Catherine, clearly harassed, as he grinned and tussled Grace’s red curls.

She inhaled the scent of his shirt and focused on the memory. The baby kicked as if reminding her she needed to eat lunch while the others slept.

“Sorry, baby. Mama will feed you,” she said, rubbing her tummy. “When your big sister gets home, we’ll watch a video with your Daddy. We want you to know his voice. He wanted you more than anything. I wish you could have met him.” Walking to the fridge, she pulled out grilled chicken with roasted veggies. “Tomorrow, we’re picking up a carton of bunny tracks. Who can argue about nutrition then? It’s ice cream made of dairy, and it has peanut butter cups. The chocolate ribbon calms our nerves.”

The baby moved as if agreeing with her suggestion.

“I’m adding it to my list. We’ll need it after tonight,” she said, rubbing her tummy as she warmed the food. “The team won’t be happy with us, but Leo wants us to keep moving forward. I don’t know how we’ll do it, but your dad entrusted me with raising you.”

Taking the plate from the microwave, she placed it on a tray in the living room. She gazed at the mountain, remembering the shock when she found out she was pregnant with their fourth child. Peering down at her belly, she recalled the endless arguments over Leo’s forgetfulness. None of it mattered now. She wanted this child more than ever.

She ate, enjoying the peace for a few more minutes. “You got your wish, Leo. I’m moving on without you. As usual, you didn’t give me a say, and I’m pissed as hell about it. I’d rather have you here.”

“Daddy,” Grace called, coming out of her bedroom and rubbing her eyes.

“He’s not here, sweetheart,” Catherine said, rising and taking Grace’s hand. When she bent over, or tried to pick up her daughter, a sharp pain ripped through her belly. Playing it safe, she refrained from doing either.

“Where Daddy?” Grace asked sleepily.

“He’s gone, baby,” she said, her breath hitching. “Daddy can’t come see you right now.”

“He wook?” her daughter asked hopefully. “Me go swim. I be a sewl.”

“Come sit on the couch with me,” she said, leading Grace to the plushy cushion. Grace snuggled into her shoulder. “I know you’re too young to understand this, but Daddy’s gone. You won’t see him for a very long time. He got an owie on a mission, and he didn’t make it. I’m sorry, my love. Daddy loved teaching you about becoming a SEAL.”

“Gace want Daddy. We be sewls,” her stubborn girl demanded.

“Do you want to read about tanks or fallout shelters?” Catherine asked gently, knowing her daughter didn’t understand.

Grace puckered her mouth and furrowed her brows as she gave it some thought.

“Me want tank,” she informed her.

Catherine pulled the book close and flipped to the first page.

“Me no like. Daddy say no wepins,” Grace said, pointing to the picture.

Grace didn’t understand. It might be a blessing. She’d never feel the pain of losing him. Her daughter would remember her father as the man who taught her how to become a SEAL. Leo might get his wish after all. She already noticed military weapons and the difference in tanks.

* * *

The men gathered wood while Ragu and Knight kept watch.