CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Aussie pulled off his gloves and tossed them onto the gear rack with a sense of finality. His body was sore, and his mind was ready to unwind after another brutal day of training and drills.
While the others on the team decided to call it a day a few hours ago, he got roped into helping set up a training obstacle in the woods.
He got a whiff of himself and cringed. Christ, I need a shower,” he thought to himself as he grabbed a change of clothes and a towel from his bag. Just as he turned for the door to head to the showers, a voice called out from across the room.
“Aussie, a word?” Derek, his CO, stood by the entryway, his eyes sharp and unreadable.
Aussie raised an eyebrow, the hint of curiosity prickling at his thoughts. Derek didn’t often pull him aside like this.Still, whatever it was, it wasn’t his job to question it, just to handle it. With a silent nod, Aussie fell in step behind Derek, following him through the winding corridors toward the office at the end of the hall.
As they walked, he wondered what Derek could want. They hadn’t had any new assignments, at least none that he’d heard of, and he hadn’t done anything out of line, as far as he could recall. He pushed the thoughts aside, knowing that he’d know soon enough.
Once inside the office, Derek closed the door with a soft click. He motioned to a chair across from his desk. “Take a seat, Aussie.”
Aussie did, sinking back into the chair and watching his CO’s face. Derek’s mouth pressed into a thin line, and his jaw was tight. He leaned against his desk, crossing his arms as he spoke.
“I just got off the phone with some of the higher-ups. As I’m sure you’ve seen the recent news about the crime in our town, which also includes three homicides.”
Aussie felt his stomach tighten. This was what he and Snow had been talking about the other night. He nodded in acknowledgment.
Derek’s expression darkened. “Because of the severity of the crimes, the FBI is now involved. After going over some evidence, the FBI believes that these crimes are the work of a local gang looking to make their mark in the criminal world. The worst part is that they think they’re using kids to do their dirty work.”
The disgust in Derek’s voice was palpable, and Aussie felt his own repulsion stir. Kids? Forcing them into lives that could ruin them, or worse? His mind instantly flicked to Christian, grateful that the kid hadn’t been pulled into something like that. He’d had his fair share of tough breaks, but thank god the kid had a good head on his shoulders and hadn’t crossed that line.
But then Aussie’s mind circled back. Why was Derek telling him all this?
As if reading his mind, Derek continued, “The FBI and PD are stretched thin and they are seeking some assistance.”
Aussie’s pulse quickened, and his jaw clenched as Derek continued. “They’ve got leads that some community leaders might be linked to this gang activity.”
A new surge of anger rushed through Aussie. He could barely wrap his mind around it. Those who were supposed to lead and protect were allegedly the ones exploiting these kids. The thought made his blood boil.
Derek took a measured breath, his voice cooling. “Every year, the city hosts a big holiday fundraiser. The FBI has an agent who’ll attend to cozy up to some of the people they’re tracking. But she’ll need a date, a cover to blend in.”
Aussie’s entire body tensed. He realized what Derek was asking of him, and immediately, Ava’s face came to mind. He shifted in his chair, glancing away. The thought of posing as someone else’s date for a night didn’t sit well with him, not when Ava was in the picture—even if things between them hadn’t quite found solid ground yet.
But Derek seemed to sense his hesitation. “It’s just pretend, Aussie. She only needs a cover, and you won’t have to stick by her side all night. If it could help us get these gang members off the streets, it’s worth it. And before you ask, Snow and Jay Bird already had plans.”
Aussie nodded slowly, his fists unclenching. Derek knew about his interest in Ava. Silence hung in the air. Aussie could feel the weight of it pressing down on his conscience. He knew the stakes, knew the kids who’d be caught in the crossfire if they didn’t step up.
“All right,” he said finally, his voice even. “I’ll do it.”
Derek’s shoulders seemed to relax. “Thank you, Aussie. As soon as I get all the details, I’ll forward them to you.”
As Aussie left the office, a knot of guilt settled in his chest. He knew this was just like one of the team’s missions. However, the thought of posing as someone’s date, even though it was just a cover, felt like a betrayal. Even if he knew Ava might understand, it didn’t sit right. Not in the least.
Just as he was about to head back toward the showers, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Now what? He thought to himself as he pulled it out and looked at it. It was a nine-one-one message from Nails.
Nails: Dude, I need your help ASAP.
Aussie: Where are you?
Nails: Bear’s house. I offered to babysit, but I’m in way over my head.
Aussie pinched the bridge of his nose.
Aussie: Can’t you call one of the others to help?
Nails: Nobody else will answer me. Please???? I’m desperate, man.
Ugh! He just wanted to get a shower, go home, and chill for the night. And, of course, call Ava and talk to her. However, knowing that there were kids involved, Aussie couldn’t say no.
Aussie: Fine. Give me twenty.
Nails: Fifteen
Aussie: Is someone dying?
Nails: I might be dead if you don’t hurry your ass up
Aussie shook his head, wondering what in the hell Nails had gotten himself into.
◆◆◆
Thirty minutes later, Aussie parked his truck in front of Bear and Jocelyn’s house, already grinning as he imagined the scene inside. However, Aussie knew that if Nails had actually asked for backup, it had to be serious.
He walked up the porch steps and swung open the front door, but an eye-watering stench immediately hit him. The unmistakable smell of shit hung heavy in the air. It was so potent he almost gagged. Aussie held his nose, wanting nothing more than to run back out the door, but instead, he muttered, “What the hell…?”
Moments later, Nails emerged from the hallway, holding baby Isadora at arm’s length like she was a ticking time bomb. She was wrapped in a couple of towels, and the expression on Nails’ face was somewhere between horror and helplessness.
Nails groaned, looking utterly defeated. “Did you know a human this small could expel this much crap?”
Aussie burst out laughing. The sight of the towering SEAL looking absolutely terrified of a baby was too much. He doubled over, clutching his stomach as Nails shot him an exasperated look.
“This isn’t funny, Aussie,” Nails grumbled, shifting Isadora as if she might explode again. “I thought babysitting was just keeping them alive. They don’t train us for this!”
Aussie wiped tears from his eyes, unable to contain his laughter. “Oh, Nails, I didn’t know you had such a sensitive stomach. You really didn’t think this through, did you?”
Amira and Max stood nearby, pinching their noses and looking horrified, while Sienna, Irish and Bailey’s daughter, chimed in. “It’s like a monster took over her diaper!”
Aussie glanced around, and his laughter only got louder as he took in the full scene. Yes, it was gross, but it was fucking hilarious.
Baby Isadora had apparently unleashed chaos. There was poop on her, on the towel, somehow a little on Nails’ shirt, and even a few splatters on the wood floor.
Even though Max and Amira looked horrified, they were at least trying to help, holding a container of baby wipes and a roll of paper towels like it was an offering.
“I didn’t sign up for this,” Nails said, still looking helplessly at Isadora, who was oblivious to the chaos she’d caused. “I’m telling you, Aussie, this one’s a weapon of mass destruction.”
Aussie shook his head, still chuckling. “Alright, big guy, what exactly do you want me to do? You’re the one who called me for help.”
“Yeah, you’ve got nieces and nephews,” Nails said defensively. “I figured you knew what to do! She won’t stop shitting. Every time she toots, more shit comes out.”
Aussie stifled another laugh. “I may have nieces and nephews, but between deployments and trainings, I missed the baby stages. So, this isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse either.”
Nails muttered something under his breath and glanced back down at the grinning baby in his arms. “Do you think Duke and Hannah have dealt with this before?”
“I don’t know. Why didn’t you call Duke?” Aussie asked, still trying to keep a straight face.
Nails sighed. “Didn’t wanna bother them unless it was serious. And she’s obviously fine,” he added, looking down at Isadora’s cherubic, innocent face. “Well, besides the, uh, explosive situation.”
Aussie smirked, noticing just how much of a mess this really was. With Isadora, plus the other three kids, the thought of dinner and cleanup was looking like a losing battle.
“You know, we’re gonna need backup for this,” Aussie said, scanning the disaster zone again. He thought of Ava and how incredible she was with kids. “I think I’ve got the perfect person to help.”
Nails’ face lit up with hope. “You thinking of Ava? She’s a social worker—she’s gotta be great at this kid stuff, right?”
“Exactly,” Aussie agreed, already dialing Ava’s number.
◆◆◆
Ava’s office smelled faintly of lavender and coffee, the remnants of the candle she kept under the warmer, and the endless cups of caffeine fueling her day.
Her desk was cluttered with files, post-it notes, and a bowl that held the remains of her chicken Caesar salad.
Across from her, Sarah was perched on the edge of her chair with her sandwich in hand. Her inquisitive blue eyes were zeroed in on Ava.
“So,” Sarah said, dragging out the word with a sly grin, “how was Thanksgiving with the SEALs? Did Aussie finally make a move, or are you still just eyeing each other like awkward teenagers at a school dance?”
Ava rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “It was nice. His team and their families were all really welcoming.” She hesitated for a moment before adding, “And…he kissed me.”
Sarah nearly choked on her food. “What? He kissed you? Details, now!”
“It wasn’t anything huge,” Ava said quickly, though the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her. “It was after dinner. We were in the kitchen, and he just kissed me. It was sweet.”
Sarah set her sandwich down, abandoning all pretense of eating. “Okay, so? Are you going on a date with him or what?”
Ava hesitated again, biting her lip. “Well, does him coming to the house for dinner and then staying to help Christian and me decorate the tree count as a date?”
Sarah’s eyes widened, and her mouth hung open. “You cooked him dinner?”
Ava laughed. “Well, it was sort of a spur-of-the-moment thing.” She explained how Aussie had taken Christian to the shooting range, and when he dropped him off, she had invited him to stay for dinner.
Sarah was smiling. “Okay, that is a step in the right direction. But when are you two planning on going on an official date? Just the two of you?”
Ava played with the corner of a piece of paper. “I don’t know.”
Before Sarah could respond, the door to Ava’s office swung open, and Clint, their boss, walked in carrying an envelope and a stack of files. His tall, lanky frame and ever-serious expression made the room feel smaller.
“Hope I’m not interrupting,” Clint said, though he didn’t wait for an answer. He set the envelope and files down on her desk. “Ava, are you still attending the city’s annual fundraising gala this Friday?”
“Yeah. I was going to stop by to make an appearance,” Ava replied, sitting up straighter, “but I wasn’t planning on staying long. Why? Is there something you need?”
“Well, considering that you are attending with Jarod, I was hoping that you could give this,” he said, tapping the large manila envelope that he had set on her desk.
Ava frowned slightly. Who in the hell told him I was going with Jarod? “I’m not going with Jarod. In fact, Jarod and I no longer have a relationship outside of work.”
Clint’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Really? Huh. I was under the impression that you two were pretty close these days,” he stated. His tone was casual but curious.
“Well, we’re not,” Ava said firmly, crossing her arms. She hoped that he would take the hint and drop the subject.
“Alright,” Clint said with a shrug. “But could you still give this to Jarod?”
“Why can’t you?”
“Because I’m not going.”
“But just last week, you mentioned that you were.”
“I was planning to. However, something came up, and I can no longer attend.”
Ava stared at Clint. He raised his bushy eyebrows.
“So? Can you?” He pressed.
She knew there was no way she could say no, considering she had already told him that she was going.
“I guess,” Ava said, picking up the envelope and putting it in her bag so she wouldn’t forget it.
Clint smiled. “Thanks, doll. I owe you one.”
“I’ll collect later,” she muttered, trying not to roll her eyes.
When the door clicked shut behind him, Sarah groaned. “I swear, sometimes I have to wonder how that dumbass was hired for his position. He clearly has no idea how to run this place.”
Ava sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Or he just doesn’t care. Either way, we’re stuck with him.”
Suddenly, Sarah sat up straighter, and her expression turned mischievous as a sly smile slowly spread across her face.
“Well,” she started, “since you are going to the gala, why don’t you ask Aussie if he wants to go with you? You know, like a date. Make a full night of it.” Sarah said, practically bouncing in her seat as if she just thought of the most amazing idea.
Ava laughed softly, shaking her head. “You think so?”
“Absolutely. You said you wanted to go on a date with him, didn’t you? And you’ll be all dressed up. Oh! And just think, Jarod will be there, and he’ll get to see you with your Navy SEAL.”
Ava chuckled. But before she could respond, her phone buzzed on the desk. She picked it up and smiled when she saw Aussie’s name on the screen.
“Speak of the devil,” Ava said, holding up the phone for Sarah to see.
“See, it’s fate,” Sarah joked.
Ignoring her friend's laughter, she swiped the screen and answered.
“Hey, Aussie.”
“Hey, Ava,” he said. His warm, deep voice melted her insides. “I hate to bother you, but I could really use your help over at Bear and Jocelyn’s place. Well, actually, Nails and I. Think you could swing by?”
Ava glanced at the time. She needed to pick up Christian at school in about thirty minutes.
“Sure,” she said into the phone. “What’s going on?”
“I’ll explain when you get here,” Aussie replied. “Just promise you won’t laugh too hard.”
Ava chuckled, her curiosity piqued. “No promises. I just need to pick up Christian from school, and then I’ll be there.”
When she hung up, Sarah leaned forward, her grin widening. “So…the SEAL needs rescuing. Guess it’s your chance to save the day and ask him to go to the gala.”
Ava shook her head, laughing. “We’ll see.” But as she grabbed her coat and headed out the door, her heart was already racing. She was going to see Aussie and ask him out on a date.
◆◆◆
On the way to Bear’s house, Ava swung by the school and grabbed Christian.
“What do you think happened that they needed to call you to help with?” Christian asked her as she pulled her SUV into Bear and Jocelyn’s driveway.
“Your guess is as good as mine. Aussie just said that he would explain when I got there. Oh, and I had to promise that I wouldn’t laugh.”
Christian chuckled. “Well, now I’m curious.”
Ava smiled. “Me too. Come on, let’s head in.”
As she and Christian walked up to the house, she admired the Christmas decorations. The warm white lights decorating the house gave the home a soft glow, giving off a cozy vibe. However, that vibe was quickly shattered the moment she opened the door and was instantly hit by a smell that could only be described as diaper disaster meets biohazard. She scrunched her nose up as she exchanged a knowing look with Christian, who was already pinching his nose, clearly regretting his decision to tag along.
“Here goes nothing,” she whispered, holding her breath as they stepped inside.
The first thing she saw was Nails, who was shirtless and appeared freshly showered. He looked as if he’d been through a battle of ages. He was toweling off his hair, and from the faint smell of shampoo, it was clear he’d just survived an emergency decontamination. Aussie stood nearby, smirking, clearly enjoying Nails’ suffering.
“Oh my God,” Ava laughed, taking in the chaos. “What happened here?”
Nails groaned, gesturing at the scene with an air of resignation. “Let’s just say that the explosive poop got everywhere, including me.”
Ava couldn’t stop her laughter, and even Christian let out a snicker beside her. The scene felt surreal. One tiny baby nearly undid two battle-hardened SEALs.
Just then, Aussie leaned down, catching Ava by surprise as he greeted her with a soft kiss. The warmth of his lips sent a jolt of surprise and happiness through her. The kiss lingered a second too long, and when they broke apart, she could feel the eyes on them.
Nails raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Well, look at that.”
Christian, not missing a beat, smirked, folding his arms with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Nice job keeping this little development a secret.”
Ava’s cheeks burned. “Alright, alright,” she said, laughing off the attention. “Can we focus on the matter at hand here? First, let’s open some of the windows. I don’t care if it’s December in Virginia. We need fresh air, stat.”
With some reluctance, Nails and Aussie started cracking open windows, letting the cold, crisp air rush in. Ava turned her attention to baby Isadora, who was happily gumming on a shaker toy in her playpen. She was wide awake, clean, and grinning as if she hadn’t just caused a biohazard incident.
“Where’s her diaper bag?” Ava asked, glancing around.
Nails pointed at the white bag with pink polka-dots by the couch, and she rummaged through it. She was happy when she found the thermometer. Gently, she held it to Isadora’s forehead, breathing a sigh of relief when the reading came back normal. “She’s fine,” Ava said, looking up at the guys. “Nails, did you feed her anything?”
“Yeah,” he said, scratching his head. “I gave her some baby food that Duke and Hannah left. It was some green mushy stuff. But I only gave what they said to give her.”
Ava laughed. “Well, that’s probably what did it. Maybe avoid any more of the ‘green mushy stuff’ until Duke and Hannah are back.” She turned to the guys, adding, “She seems fine, but be sure to let Duke and Hannah know.”
“I don’t think anybody will miss what happened around here,” Nails muttered as he opened up another window.
Meanwhile, Christian had rounded up the other kids, entertaining them with some silly antics until the smell got to be too much for them.
“Alright, we’re going upstairs to escape the smell!” Amira announced, holding her nose dramatically as she and Sienna ran up the stairs.
Ava couldn’t help but laugh as she watched the girls dart upstairs, trailing giggles behind them.
With the smell thankfully dissipating, she turned back to Aussie and Nails. “Alright, you two. Time to tackle the aftermath.” She eyed the remnants of the “disaster zone” on the floor and the walls. She swore that she saw some on the curtain by the front window.
Nails groaned. “I knew you’d say that.” He looked toward the kitchen. “The kids still need dinner. Jocelyn left stuff for macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, and green beans. But,” he added quickly, holding up a hand, “I vote that we skip the beans. I can’t handle any more poop.”
Ava laughed, rolling her eyes. “Deal. Mac and cheese and tenders it is.”
She walked into the kitchen and found a mop, some floor cleaner, and disinfectant. She handed it all to Aussie and Nails.
“You guys work on cleaning up the mess, and I’ll fix dinner. Oh, and make sure you check the front curtains. I think I saw some poop on it.”
With little resistance, the guys began their clean-up efforts, and she got to work in the kitchen. Thankfully, the smell faded to a faint memory as dinner took shape. About twenty minutes later, she set the table and called everyone to the kitchen to eat.
She looked up just as Aussie entered, cradling a now-sleeping Isadora in his arms. Her heart skipped a beat as she took in the scene. He looked like a natural, with the baby resting against his chest.
She blinked, shaking herself out of her little reverie as everyone sat down.
As they started eating, Nails took a moment to thank her. “Thanks for coming, Ava. Really. I don’t know how we would’ve survived without you.”
But Ava couldn’t take her eyes off Aussie, who was eating while Isadora slept peacefully in his other arm. He looked relaxed, happy—even radiant, and it stirred something deep in her that she hadn’t felt before. Her mind wandered to images of him holding their baby in his arms, a thought that both thrilled and startled her.
Holy crap, where did that thought come from?
She looked away quickly and focused on the food on her plate.
Everything seemed calm as the kids whispered and giggled as they munched on their tenders.
That was until Amira, her cheeks smeared with ketchup, turned her bright eyes on Nails.
“Uncle Nails!” she piped up, her tone dangerously curious.
Nails sighed. He was already looking wary. “Yes, Amira.”
“Who was your lady friend that was with you last week at Bayside?” Amira asked, her head tilted like she was genuinely trying to solve a puzzle.
“What are you talking about?” Nails asked. Ava could tell he was clearly stalling.
“She wasn’t the same girl you were with on Halloween. You know the thick witch—”
Nails spoke up quickly, cutting off the rest of Amira’s sentence, and Ava wondered what the reason behind that was.
“How do you know they weren’t the same person?” Nails retorted.
Amira looked at him like he was stupid. “Because the Halloween one had really big boobs,” she declared, using her hands to emphasize the point.
Ava froze mid-bite, Christian choked on his drink, and Aussie had to cover his mouth with his hand to keep from laughing out loud.
Sienna, sensing an opportunity, jumped in with wide-eyed curiosity. “Do you have a lot of lady friends?”
“What?” Nails asked, looking frightened as two little girls were interrogating him.
“Do you like the one with the big boobs? Or the other one from Bayside?” Sienna asked as she leaned forward, her eyes wide with innocent wonder.
Ava covered her face with her hands, shaking her head, while Christian buried his face in his arms, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Aussie was trying his best not to jostle Isadora as he tried to keep his laugh to a minimum.
Nails’ face turned bright red as he glared at Aussie. “Are you gonna help me out here?”
“Not a chance,” Aussie said between gasps of laughter. “This is too good.”
“Why are we talking about this?” Nails groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Can we not?”
But Amira wasn’t letting up. “You gotta pick, Uncle Nails! Big boobs or Bayside lady?” Then, her little brown eyes widened as if she had an epiphany. “Or, what about Ms. Vanessa? The lady at the mini golf place who smiles every time you ask her to wash your balls. She nice and pretty.”
Ava couldn’t take it anymore, and she laughed out loud.
Nails groaned, slumping back in his chair. “This is my nightmare.”
Aussie was practically crying at this point. “Cheer up, Nails. At least you’ve got options, right?”
Nails groaned again, muttering something about needing new friends, while the rest of the table dissolved into another round of laughter.
Once the kids were finished with their dinner, Christian took the kids back upstairs to play, and Nails carefully took Isadora from Aussie’s arms. He gave her a wary look. “Alright, little one, no more of that toxic warfare stuff, okay?”
With Nails handling the baby and getting settled in the living room, Aussie lingered in the kitchen with Ava, rolling up his sleeves to help clean up. But as she was about to reach for a dish, he stepped in close, caging her gently against the kitchen island. His face was inches from hers, eyes twinkling with amusement and something else.
“Do you know how hard it was to sit through dinner while you kept staring at me?” he murmured, voice low and teasing.
Ava’s cheeks flushed. She tried to look away, but he wasn’t having it. He leaned in, brushing his lips over hers in a kiss that was tender, lingering, and left her breathless. She didn’t hold back, sinking into the kiss, letting the warmth of it chase away every last bit of embarrassment. But just as things were heating up, they were interrupted by a tiny voice.
“Are you playing the tickle monster game?”
Ava looked up, startled, to see Sienna standing in the doorway. She was eyeing them with all the curiosity of a young child.
Ava looked at Aussie, hoping to get some clarification on Sienna’s comment, but she noticed that he was trying, though slightly failing, not to burst into laughter.
Aussie cleared his throat and handed Sienna a couple of juice boxes, but he ignored her question. “Here you go, kiddo. You better hurry back upstairs because I just heard Amira calling for you.”
Once Sienna was out of earshot, Ava looked at Aussie.
“What in the world is the tickle monster game?”
Aussie chuckled and then proceeded to explain to Ava how the “tickle monster” game came about.
“Apparently, Sienna walked in on her mom and dad getting a little cozy on the couch one night. Irish told her they were playing the tickle monster game.”
Ava’s laughter bubbled over. “That was quick thinking. I’ll give him that.”
“Irish has got his hands full with that one,” Aussie admitted, and Ava agreed. Sienna was a little firecracker.
They stood there in the kitchen looking into each other’s eyes.
Feeling a little brazen, Ava pushed up on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to Aussie’s lips.
Before she could pull away, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against his body.
“I’m glad I got to see you today,” he said, smiling against her lips.
She grinned, feeling the same. “I am, too.”
“I guess we better finish the dishes,” he said.
She nodded, but really, she wanted to stay wrapped up in Aussie’s arms.
He released her, and her heart raced as she went back to washing the dishes. After spending this evening with Aussie, she was ready to take that next step. Before she left, she vowed that she would ask Aussie if he would be her date for the gala.
◆◆◆
Aussie leaned against the counter, his hands damp from the dishwater. He could still feel the warmth of Ava’s lips against his. He caught himself smiling as he watched her put away a few of the dishes. Being around her had become so natural, and yet, each time they were together, he felt that familiar thrill. The feeling only intensified when he remembered how she’d looked at him while he was holding Isadora.
What would a baby with Ava look like? The thought was quick, unexpected, and made him pause, almost as if he’d crossed some invisible line. They’d only recently decided to take things to the next level. He needed to rein it in—but he couldn’t shake that image.
He chuckled to himself, still amused by the memory of Sienna catching them in the middle of a kiss, innocently asking if they were “playing the tickle monster game.” The girl had practically become a legend in their circle for that one.
But all joking aside, Aussie felt something stir within him. He had a craving for more than stolen kisses in kitchens and lingering glances.
Ava glanced over her shoulder, a soft, almost shy smile playing on her lips. “I should probably head home. Christian still needs to finish his homework.”
Aussie stifled a sigh. The thought of her leaving was like losing the warmth in the room. But he knew she was right. Christian had his studies, and Ava took that role in his life seriously. It was something he admired deeply about her.
“Yeah, don’t want to mess with school.” He took the last dish and put it away.
As they walked through the living room, they found Nails sprawled on the couch. He was sound asleep with baby Isadora asleep on his chest. Her tiny hand was clutching a fistful of his shirt. Ava stifled a giggle, immediately taking out her phone to snap a picture.
“Tell me that’s not the cutest thing you’ve seen all day,” she whispered, holding up her phone.
Aussie chuckled and nodded. “It is pretty damn cute.”
“I’m going to run upstairs and get Christian,” she said.
“I’ll go with you,” Aussie replied.
They climbed the stairs, and as they approached Max’s room, the murmur of voices caught Aussie’s ear. He was about to announce their presence when he heard Amira’s voice questioning Christian.
“So, is Ava, like, your real mom?” Amira asked, her voice curious but innocent.
Aussie glanced at Ava, whose expression was still, her lips pressed together, her eyes reflecting a hint of vulnerability. She looked nervous.
“No,” Christian answered after a brief pause. “But she’s the closest thing to a mom I’ve ever had. So, I kind of think of her as my mom.”
Ava inhaled sharply, her hand going to her mouth, her eyes glistening. Aussie placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing, silently letting her know he was there.
The other kids were quick to offer their own experiences, as though this were the most natural thing to talk about in the world. Amira piped up first. “Bear and Jocelyn are our real mom and dad now. They adopted us after they saved us.”
“I’m adopted too,” Sienna said matter-of-factly. “My real mommy didn’t want me, so Uncle Irish and Aunt Bailey adopted me. Now they are my mommy and daddy.”
Ava glanced up at Aussie, her face full of gratitude, surprise, and maybe a little wonder. He gave her shoulder another gentle squeeze, pride swelling in his chest as he looked at her, feeling her emotional reaction without her having to say a word.
Finally, Aussie rapped lightly on the doorframe, breaking up the conversation. “Alright, time for you guys to wrap up. Ava and Christian are headed out.”
As they said their goodbyes, Aussie walked Ava and Christian to the car, taking their time as they stepped into the brisk December air. Christian climbed into the passenger seat and leaned out, wrinkling his nose playfully. “I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from that poop smell, Aussie. Like, ever. ”
Aussie laughed, giving Christian a gentle swat on the shoulder. “Hey, you survive one, you’re ready for anything.”
Once Christian was settled in the car, Aussie turned back to Ava, his gaze soft. “Thanks again for coming over. You saved us.”
She brushed it off with a wave, though her smile softened. “I was happy to help. I know you’re more used to battlefields than babies.”
She hesitated, her expression shy, and then, almost like she was steeling herself, she glanced up at him. “Um, are you, by chance, free next Saturday night?”
Just as he was about to answer and tell her that his schedule was clear, the realization dawned on him that next Saturday was the night of the fundraiser gala. The one he’d agreed to attend undercover with the FBI agent.
His stomach twisted, and he felt a twinge of guilt. “I actually have a work thing that evening.”
He could see her disappointment flash across her face, but she forced a small smile, trying to play it off. “Oh, okay. Another time, maybe.”
Aussie wasn’t about to leave her feeling dejected, not if he could help it. He brushed a hand over her cheek, his voice soft. “If it weren’t work-related, I’d cancel it in a heartbeat to be with you. That’s a promise.”
He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss, pouring every bit of his apology and affection into it. Her arms looped around his neck, and she kissed him back, her soft sigh the only sound in the still night. He lingered, his hand gently caressing her cheek, savoring the warmth of her mouth against his, the way she pressed close, as though she didn’t want to let him go either. When they finally pulled apart, her eyes sparkled, and he could see she believed him.
“I understand,” she whispered, nodding. She gave him one last kiss on the cheek before climbing into the car.
Aussie stood back, watching as Ava’s car pulled away, a pang of regret settling in his chest. He hadn’t wanted to say no to her, not for anything, and watching her drive off left him feeling more than a little frustrated. But he vowed that he’d make it up to her.