Free The Soldier's Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro Page B

Bumper.” Bumper stretched her neck out and licked Rio’s ear. The little boy giggled. Selena reared up on her back legs with her front paws on Rio’s leg. She pushed her nose between her boy and the fluffball of a dog.
    Tension tightened Garrett’s muscles. A dogfight could break out with Rio and Anjelica stuck in the middle, and he had Pilar in his arms. He wouldn’t be able to react fast enough if he needed to.
    Bumper barked and Selena’s tail wagged as Anjelica patted her on the head. She chuckled. “Look, Rio, they’re already friends.” She made eye contact with Garrett. Her eyes gleamed. “This is a good sign. Everything’s going to be all right.” She smiled at Rio. “Ready to see your new home?”
    He leaned over and checked out the people on the porch again. Looking up at Anjelica, he gave her a solemn look and a slight nod. Garrett had not been able to get any response from the boy—well, unless glares counted.
    God, I know I haven’t talked to You much, but it seems I really need some guidance with this little guy.
    With Rio on one hip, Anjelica released Bumper to the ground and took Selena’s leash from Rio.
    This is it. Garrett followed her again. She waved at the women on the porch. That seemed to be the permission they needed to swarm. Before he blinked, they were surrounded.
    He couldn’t keep an eye on all of them at once. Someone touched his shoulder from behind. He jerked around. Pilar lifted her head and gave a soft cry.
    Breathe, Garrett. Breathe nice and easy. No one here is trying to harm the kids. You are in Anjelica’s front yard.
    Anjelica’s mother led the pack. “We hear congratulations are in order. What a shock, right? So we are throwing you a surprise baby shower and home-warming party all at once.” All the women laughed.
    He worked to keep the panic off his face; he could play it cool. Something must have slipped, though, because Anjelica looked at him with concern. He tried to smile and reassure her he was fine, but it felt a little forced.
    â€œMom, I’m sure all he wants right now is to get the kids familiar with their rooms and settled.”
    A small herd of children ran through the yard, disappearing into the house.
    He couldn’t do this.
    * * *
    Anjelica wanted to protect Garrett from the wave of people, but she learned long ago to go with the tide. It went much smoother that way and you got out faster. She knew they meant well, but they didn’t seem to understand someone not wanting them in his life.
    She glanced at Garrett. This had to be a bit alarming for a man who sought solitude. Less than a day and his world had been turned upside down. Her heart went out to him as he tried to take it all in stride.
    â€œOfficer Kincaid! Como esta? How are you?” Buela cupped his jaw and kissed the cheek opposite the sleeping child. “They have worked very hard and the apartment is almost done! Praise God, in time for your new family.”
    â€œComo esta, Buela?” Anjelica greeted her grandmother.
    â€œ Muy bien. Good, good.” She went to her granddaughter and cupped Rio’s face. “So tell me who this fine boy is.”
    â€œRio, this is my Buela and my mother.” She shared a smile with the older women. “This is Garrett River Kincaid Jr., Garrett’s son and Pilar’s very brave brother. He goes by Rio.”
    He tucked his head against her shoulder, closed his eyes and started sucking his thumb.
    â€œHello, Rio. We heard how very brave you were to save your sister. This will be a great home for both of you and your dog. Big dogs love living in the country.”
    Her mother hugged Garrett, then placed a hand on Pilar’s back, her hand going up and down on the small rib cage. “Oh, mijo , your daughter is precious.”
    â€œMamma, this is very nice that everyone’s here to greet us, but I think it might be overwhelming for the