Page 13 of A SEAL’s Vigilant Heart

“I think she’s beautiful like her mother. Look at those dimples.” Ashley smiled and flashed a set that matched her daughter’s.

“Marrying your father was both the worst thing and the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“I totally get that,” Lydia said. “Being kidnapped meant I ended up with Clint, and it was both the worst thing and the best thing.” Ashley held out her fist, and Lydia bumped hers against it.

They got outside and saw the limo waiting in the street. In unison, they stared in disbelief.

“Your chariot awaits, ladies.”

“You’ve got to be shitting me,” Ashley said to Drake.

“What?” he said innocently. “Your driver got sick, and I volunteered to take his place.”

Sophia stifled a giggle as she saw Ashley’s outraged face.

“This is totally unacceptable.” She pulled her cell phone out of her tiny little purse and started to dial. Drake walked over and casually pulled the phone out of her hands.

“Hey, you can’t do that.”

“I just did.”

“Seriously Drake, this is Sophia’s bachelorette party, and you are not going to wet blanket it.”

“I’m not, I promise. Hell, I’m going to help you up on to the bar top if you want to dance there. I swear. I’m just going to make sure nobody takes advantage of four beautiful women.”

“I can take care of them. I’m taking them to safe places. I’m not stupid.”

“Nobody said you were stupid, but men are going to be crawling out of the woodwork when they get a load of the four of you. Did you do makeovers?” Sophia felt her cheeks heating as Drake took in her outfit. She watched as Beth took a step behind Lydia.

“Drake, are you making snide comments about how we look?” Lydia walked up to the man and shoved her finger into his chest.

“Fuck no, are you kidding? Lydia, Beth, and Sophia look hawt.” He turned to Ashley. “You’re a fucking menace. These three have always looked great, but you’ve turned up the dial to ten. If I were to take pictures of them right now, their men would be here so fast it would make y’alls head spin.” Ashley buffed her fingernails against the thin material of her blouse.

“I did good.”

“Too good. Which is why I’m here.”

“Jack sent you? He was worried about what I’d do?” Sophia loved seeing Beth start to build up a head of steam. It didn’t happen often but when it did it was a beautiful thing. “I’ve never given that man one damn thing to worry about.”

Drake held up his hands and backed up a step. “Whoa. This is totally my idea. Mason was worried so I–”

“Mason was worried?!” Sophia took up where Beth left off. “How dare he? I’m with Beth, I’ve never given him any reason to think I’d do anything to betray him.” She struggled with the tiny purse Ashley had given her so she could call Mason.

A shrill whistle rang out.

“Ladies, your men totally know you’re one hundred percent faithful to them. They worry about your safety. They think Ashley is a little bit crazy.” Sophia stopped fumbling with the purse. She had to agree with that assessment, Ashley was a little bit out there.

“They have no idea I’m here right now. This was all my idea, and it was a brilliant one.” Lydia snorted, and Beth giggled. “Now get your beautiful tushies into the limo and allow me to chauffeur and protect you around town.” He opened the door for them. “Where are we headed?”

“The Gaslamp Quarter,” Ashley promptly responded.

“Figures. You know the limo won’t work down there, we’ll have to park and walk.” Drake griped.

“Oh, is it too much for the big bad SEAL?”

“Again, get your butts in the car. I like walking.”

“Drake, you’re one of a kind,” Ashley said kissing his cheek as she got into the back of the vehicle.