The SEAL's Second Chance Baby Read Online Free Page A

under.”
    Wallace’s story trapped Effie’s heart on a spinning carnival ride. Up and down, around and around. Whereas moments earlier, she’d felt contempt for the man, she now ached for him. Had his wife blamed him for the loss of their son? And was that why their marriage died, too?
    She drew her lower lip into her mouth. Poor, poor Marsh.
    â€œI didn’t share all of this to draw pity. I don’t get out much, and am genuinely curious to hear a woman’s point of view. Was my wife right to never speak to me again? Was Marsh’s wife right to leave him?”
    Effie slowly exhaled. “Honestly, without hearing both sides, it’s hard to say. But just having heard your version, sounds like you and Marsh both deserved another chance.”
    Silent tears streamed down the man’s weathered cheeks.
    He wadded his napkin, turning his back to her while drying his eyes. “I’m a silly old fool.”
    She rose to hug him. “It’s never wrong to love someone, and it sounds to me like you and your grandson loved your wives very much.”
    Achy longing took hold in Effie’s gut.
    More than anything, all she’d ever wanted besides being a nurse was to be a great mom and to be loved. Love seemed like such a simple thing. Lots of people had it. What was it about her that Moody had found so unlovable?
    Would any guy find her worthy of his affection?
    She chided herself for even asking the question. With three kids and a grandmother and ragtag ranch to tend, the last thing she had time to even think about was a man.

Chapter Three
    Marsh woke to bright sun, cartoons and fighting. Since none of that made sense, he closed his eyes, figuring when he next woke, life would once again be normal.
    Give it!
    No!
    Yes!
    Boys!
    Something broke.
    Both of you sit down. If I have to tell you again, you’re not going to Scotty’s party.
    I hate you! I’m calling Dad!
    Colt William Washington! This voice was different—older sounding, in a scolding, grandmotherly way.
    Grandma, I’m sorry. I thought the boys would behave, but—
    â€œHey...” Marsh fully opened his eyes to find not one boy who would have been older than Tucker when he’d passed, but two. “How come you’re giving your mom such a hard time?”
    â€œYou’re awake!” A petite blonde rushed to his side. My angel? He recalled the sweetest humming and soft strokes to his hair. She clapped her hands to flushed cheeks, then her hair, then to his shoulder. “Oh my gosh. I need to get your grandpa. He’s going to be so happy.”
    One of the boys stepped alongside his mom. “Your hand blew up to the size of a football and had lots of icky gunk squirting out of it. It was awesome !”
    Not to be outdone, a clone of the first boy said, “When I was little, a stick poked out my eyeball!”
    â€œRemington, Colt, come here.” The grandmotherly voice was attached to a slim body with spiky white hair. “Leave that poor man alone.”
    Marsh licked his lips. “Would one of y’all mind helping me out with a few clues as to what’s going on?”
    The boy scampered to a window seat, where he joined his other half in coloring in a Transformers book with crayons.
    â€œI’m sorry.” The angel’s flighty hands were back to her cheeks. “I’m Effie. You were bitten by a rattler, and I found you and your horse. These little hellions are my boys—Colt and Remington. And this—” she put her arm around the older woman who had her impish smile “—is Mabel. My saint of a grandmother, who took us all in.”
    Mabel said, “We’re your grandfather’s neighbors to the east.”
    â€œGuess I owe you a heap of gratitude.” Marsh struggled just to scratch his stubble-covered jaw. “Everything that happened is kind of a blur.” Mostly what I remember is you, Effie. The way you made me