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

grimaced “—you had such a great way of calming him without babying him like I always seem to do. At the time, it might not have seemed like much, but your help meant a lot to me.”
    â€œIt was no big deal. You forget I used to be a dad. I know how kooky kids sometimes get.”
    â€œOh, I know—which is why I feel bad even asking you this, but would you consider spending an hour or two a week with my boys? I’d gladly do a favor for you in return. Clean or cook—whatever. It’s just that the older they get, the more I feel like they need a strong male influence, and unfortunately, their dad took himself out of the picture.”
    She didn’t want him to spend time with her, but with her kids?
    Wow, Marsh, you’re even further off your game than you thought.
    â€œI know it’s a lot to ask, but last night, the boys tried to mop the baby, and—”
    â€œHold up—they what?”
    â€œLong story.” Her adorably toothy grin made him a little sad she hadn’t wanted that date. “Honestly, I’m not even sure what I’d need you to do. I’m just struggling with discipline—mostly with Colt—and wondering if I devise a way to nip trouble now, it won’t get worse once he’s older.”
    â€œMakes sense.” What didn’t was the way Marsh realized he’d leaned closer while she’d been talking, rapt with interest over anything she had to say. The corners of her lips had the cutest crinkle, and at that moment, he would have agreed to anything to spend more time watching her talk, which was confusing as hell.
    â€œThen you’ll do it?”
    â€œIt would be a privilege.”
    She exhaled. “I wasn’t sure how you’d take it. I thought you might think I’m a kook. Plus, I worried if being around Colt and Remington might bother you since, well, you know...”
    â€œWhat happened with my son?” His jaw hardened, and he nodded. “The funny thing is, your guys are so much older than he was that it’s somehow different. With your daughter, I remember those baby stages, but Colt and Remington are a couple of characters who make me happy—not sad.”
    â€œGood. Then we have a deal?” She held out her hand for him to shake.
    â€œHold up—not so fast.” He couldn’t resist teasing her. “You mentioned that we’d be exchanging services. What do I get?”
    â€œOh—of course.” She reddened again, and he liked the rev it brought to his pulse. “Well, I can clean, exercise your horses, cook—”
    â€œYahtzee. Me and Wallace live on TV dinners and pork ’n’ beans. How about a couple times a week, you bring over your crew and I’ll take them out riding, teach them about horses and cattle, and hopefully sneak in a few life lessons? Meanwhile, you and Cass can be inside, whipping up a meat loaf or spaghetti—oh, and pie. Lord, I’ve missed pie.”
    â€œDeal.” They shook on it. “I take it your wife was a great cook?”
    â€œYeah...” He hadn’t thought anything positive about Leah in ages. Hard to believe they’d once been in love. Where had it gone? All the emotion he’d once felt for her?
    â€œWhat’s wrong? You look sad. If you’re having second thoughts, we can—”
    â€œI’m good. I was thinking about my ex. You ever wonder how a marriage that starts out promising turns out to be a dud? Like, I get losing our son was rough on us both, but how did we also lose each other?” Marsh hadn’t meant to admit any of that out loud, but something about Effie gave safety to his confession.
    She cupped her hand over his, filling him with warmth he wasn’t sure he deserved but certainly appreciated. Once again, Effie had slipped into angel mode. She seemed to constantly be looking out for others, but when did she focus on herself?
    He flipped her hand, clasping