Free The SEAL's Second Chance Baby by Laura Marie Altom

kiss.
    â€œAw, thank you, sweetheart. You’re my favorite two-legged critter, too.”
    Marsh and Effie shared at look.
    The happy couple had been at this for a good hour, and if a decision wasn’t made soon, he was damn near ready to bolt—only this time he’d take Effie and Cassidy along for the ride. The lovebirds could fend for themselves.
    Cherry noted the selection on her iPad. “So let’s see. We’ve got the T-bone, prime rib and lobster for the buffet’s meats. Ready to get started on the side dishes?”
    Marsh raised his hand. “Mind if we take a break? I need to stretch my legs.”
    â€œMe, too.” Effie was already standing.
    â€œHow about you two take a quick walk?” Mabel said. “I’ll keep an eye on the munchkin.”
    â€œThanks.”
    Marsh waited by the door while Effie gave her grandmother a sideways hug. Once they were outside, he asked, “What time do your boys get out of school?”
    â€œThree fifteen.”
    â€œDamn. I was hoping it was earlier so you and Mabel would have an excuse to stop this party sooner rather than later. It’s only noon.”
    â€œDon’t think I haven’t had the same idea.” They headed toward the north park. Marsh was glad. It had the best mountain view and the most shade.
    â€œWonder how much longer till this heat breaks?”
    â€œWish I knew. It’s getting old.” He stepped aside while an elderly couple crossed in front of them to enter Halliday’s Insurance.
    â€œAw, they were sweet,” Effie said when they’d passed. “But do you ever feel like we’re the youngest folks in town?”
    He chuckled. “Now that you mention it—yes. Just wait till the wedding. We’ll be the youngest at the altar by forty years.”
    â€œIt’s funny, but also kind of sad. Wish Wallace and Mabel had met sooner, but who knows? Maybe having each other will give both of them such a health boost that they’ll live extra years.”
    â€œHope so.”
    They waited for five cars and a truck hauling a cattle trailer to pass before crossing the street to the park.
    They meandered down a winding blacktop path until reaching an aspen-filled glade. It was too hot for the usually alpine trees, and the leaves drooped.
    â€œThose trees look how I feel.”
    Effie laughed, then sat on a bench near a man-made gurgling stream. Her pale blue sundress matched her eyes, and Marsh fought an irrational urge to tug the band barely holding her long hair in place.
    â€œNow that—”
    â€œWhat do you—”
    After both tried speaking at once, they shared a smile.
    â€œLadies first,” Marsh said.
    â€œAll right...” She ducked her gaze and now held her hands tightly clasped. “I’m not even sure where to start. I guess I was going to say that now that I’ve got you alone, I’ve got an odd question for you—and if you’re not interested or it feels forced, I completely understand.”
    â€œThat’s the most intriguing thing I’ve heard in a while. What’s up?” Is she asking me on a date? Why else would she need me alone? She’d never given any indication that she was even attracted. But if she is? He wasn’t sure how he’d feel. Since his divorce, women had been the last thing on his mind.
    â€œWell...” Beneath her freckles, her cheeks turned an appealing pink.
    Shit. Should he man up and ask her out? “Effie, if you want to go on a—”
    â€œMarsh, I need you to—”
    They cut each other off again, but this time it was good, because Marsh welcomed the comic relief. With luck, she’d aborted her mission and realized she wouldn’t want to spend any more time than necessary with a head case like him.
    She forced a breath, then began again. “The other afternoon at the house, when you made Remington forget his missing eyeball—” she