The Soldier's Baby Surprise (For the Baby's Sake, Book 1) Read online

  The Soldier’s Baby Surprise

  Stephanie Morris

  The Soldier’s Baby Surprise

  For the Baby’s Sake Series

  Copyright © 2015 by Stephanie Morris

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  ISBN-13:978-1502526915

  ISBN-10: 1502526913

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without permission from publisher. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights and livelihood is appreciated.

  Dedication

  To Jennifer.

  This one is for you and your hubby. Witnessing your sacrifice first hand inspired me to write this series. Thank you for the insight that you provided for the stories. More importantly thank you for being you. There aren’t enough words to tell you how much I appreciate your support and friendship. True friend like you are hard to find and I value your more and more every day.

  Chapter One

  Willow Barton jumped as her best friend let out an excited yell. She shook her head. “And you had the audacity to ask why I didn’t want to come out with you tonight. This is why.”

  Geneva laughed. “Oh come on! You need to live a little! All you do is work, go home, then get up and do it all over again.”

  “What can I say? I love my job.”

  “To the point of insanity, that’s why I dragged you out tonight. Now, let’s go inside and have some fun.”

  Willow stifled a sigh. “Okay, but as long as you promise we won’t need bail money by the end of the night.”

  Geneva laughed and stepped inside of the bar. Willow bowed her head and said a prayer for serenity once she realized her friend hadn’t promised to stay out of trouble. Then she took a deep breath and stepped inside.

  The blast of loud music nearly ruptured her eardrums and she fought back the urge to cough as the thick layer of cigarette smoke assailed her. As she handed the bouncer her ID, she did her best to smile instead of grimacing.

  He handed the card back to her. “Have a good time.”

  Willow walked over to where Geneva stood. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”

  Her friend shook her head. “Really, Willow? You do realize we’re here to have fun, right?”

  “Then we should be back at my place watching a movie and enjoying a large pizza with the works.”

  “Something is really wrong with you.”

  Willow laughed. “I know. But remember, the first step is to admit you have a problem.”

  “Please don’t make me regret dragging you out tonight.”

  “If have to suffer, so do you,” Willow responded.

  “Come on crazy woman. Let’s get a drink. Perhaps that will help you loosen up a little.”

  She followed her best friend over to the bar. The guy behind the bar was cute but he’d clearly chosen a T-shirt that was one size too small. But considering the number of women surrounding the bar with neon signs of interest in their eyes, it was working. A few minutes later he acknowledged them.

  “What can I get you ladies?”

  “Let me have a Sexy Devil,” Geneva stated.

  “I’ll take a coke,” Willow replied.

  “With what?” The bartender asked.

  “Just a coke,” she retorted.

  “Are you the designated driver?”

  “No. We took a cab,” she stated

  The look of shock that appeared on his face was amusing.

  “She’s kidding. Make it two Sexy Devil’s please.”

  The bartender walked away before Willow could refute the request. She turned to look at Geneva.

  “A drink called Sexy Devil? Seriously? That sounds like it will make you do things that’ll land you in jail with no bail.”

  “Exactly,” Geneva retorted. “That’s the entire point. Now, all I’m asking is that you have one drink and I won’t bother you for the rest of the night.”

  Willow stifled a sigh. While she loved her best friend to pieces, it was moments like this when she wanted to strangle her. Then again, if it hadn’t been for Geneva, she wouldn’t have experienced half of the most interesting and death defying things in her life.

  But at age thirty-two her perspective on life was changing. She was financially stable and had a good job she truly enjoyed doing. Now she was open to the next phase. While she hadn’t been on a date in a while she was open to the possibility as long it was with the right guy.

  She did a casual perusal of the bar. There were a few cute guys there, but none that piqued her interest. She was okay with that because she didn’t expected to find the guy she wanted to pursue a serious relationship with in a place like this.

  A few moments later their drinks were placed on the bar. Geneva handed the bartender enough money to pay for the drinks and leave a decent tip.

  “Thanks,” Geneva called out over the music, before handing the drinks to Willow. “Here you go. Now, let’s find a place to sit.”

  Willow followed her friend over to a somewhat secluded booth. Once she was settled, she took a tentative sip. It burned, and while she managed to hold back a gasp, her eyes began to water.

  “Oh my God, Geneva! What’s in this?”

  “Alcohol. Lots of it.”

  Willow shook her head and set the drink down. Based on how strong the drink was, all she would need was one. Otherwise she might not be able to see straight, let alone walk.

  She sat and tried to relax as the alcohol burned its way through her system. Glancing around the bar, she took in the people before her. The women seemed to outnumber the men two-to-one, but it was still early.

  “Now aren’t you glad I made you come out tonight?”

  “The jury is still out on that, Geneva. If we manage to make it through the night without getting hit on by a drunk or a fight breaking out, then I’ll consider this a successful girls night out.”

  Geneva took a sip of her drink. “Slippery Slope isn’t that kind of place.”

  “With a name like that, I’m sure you’ll forgive my skepticism.”

  Geneva shook her head, then began to move to the beat of a popular dance song playing over the sound system Willow continued her scrutiny of the bar. She had to admit that most of the patrons looked innocent enough. Perhaps they could make it out tonight unscathed.

  She’d just reached for her drink when a loud cheer went up across the bar. Glancing over, she saw a tall, muscular guy heading toward a group of men that occupied a few tables near the edge of the dance floor. Their hair
cuts and demeanor all screamed military. Which didn’t surprise her. Hopkinsville, Kentucky was only a thirty-minute drive from Army base Fort Campbell, which made it an ideal military town.

  Not wanting to appear nosey, she returned her attention to her drink and focused on attempting to finish it. One thing was certain; this would be the only alcoholic beverage she had. Otherwise she wouldn’t be able to walk out on her own.

  * * * *

  Chase Ackers spotted some of the men from his company as soon as he entered the Slippery Slope. Going out to have a drink hadn’t been at the top of his “to-do” list of how he wanted to spend his last night stateside. However, he knew a few members of his company had made plans to meet up and have a few drinks before they shipped out in the morning.

  While he wasn’t much of a party guy, the least he could do was show up and stay for a little while. It would be the last time they could relax and have a good time without being on high alert around the clock. This would be their third tour to Afghanistan, and unfortunately, they knew what to expect.

  He smiled as a cheer went up when they spotted him. “Either you all are drunk or I need to get out more often.”

  “Probably a little of both, Sir.”

  He chuckled as he took an empty chair. A few moments later a waitress came up to the table and he ordered a beer. Once it was in his hand, he took a sip, settled in and began to half listen to the conversation most of the group was currently involved in.

  He took another swig of his beer, only to stop as his gaze landed on a woman across the room. A grimace was on her face as a result from a sip of the drink she’d just taken. The woman across the table from her grinned at her friend’s reaction. Both women were beautiful. Yet the first one he’d spotted had his attention.

  He studied her for a few moments. While the lighting wasn’t the best, he could tell she was very nice looking. The booth hid her body, but that wouldn’t be a problem for long.

  His strong reaction to the woman halfway across the room shocked him a little. As a career military man, he’d intentionally avoided any entanglements that would lead to marriage or children. Years in the Army had allowed him to witness just how hard it was to keep a family together.

  As one of the leaders of a Special Forces team, the skill sets that he and his men had were a hot commodity. While news reports showed that the war in Afghanistan was over, it was really just beginning. No, the long gray bearded guy was no longer alive, but there were many under his regime that were still willing to push forward with his cause. Something new was always coming over the wire and he was a part of a group that was responsible for uncovering the facts from propaganda.

  His job was dangerous. They’d been fortunate only to lose a handful of soldiers, but even the few were too many for him. He’d seen the looks of sorrow and despair on the faces of loved ones of the fallen. Having his mom constantly worry about him was enough, especially since he was an only child. To put that sort of strain on someone else was unacceptable. So he’d vowed to avoid attachments. It was something he’d proven to be good at.

  The longer he stared at the woman across the room, the more red flags began to go up in his head. Something about her screamed stay away. Yet, something on a more primitive level said he should go over, introduce himself, and see what happened.

  He tensed as another guy walked up to the table to speak with the ladies. Both women smiled and were friendly, but it soon became apparent to the guy that they weren’t interested. When he moved on, Chase relaxed again. The instant a second guy approached the table; Chase knew what he had to do. While he could only offer the woman who’d captured his attention one night before he shipped out for six months, he’d make sure it’d be a night neither of them forgot.

  Chapter Two

  Willow leaned back in her seat and exhaled heavily. “If one more guy comes up to this table with lust filled eyes, I’m going to scream.”

  “Why? It’s a compliment,” Geneva retorted with a wink. “As long as they respect your personal space and the word no, it’s okay.”

  “Yeah, well it’s early and people aren’t past the limit of intoxication yet.”

  “Give me a break, Willow. Everyone here is not a raging alcoholic. People who come to Slippery Slope know that sort of behavior isn’t tolerated. No matter what the name of the establishment might indicate otherwise. So just relax and go with it.”

  Willow closed her eyes briefly and tried to focus on breathing slowly. She didn’t know what was wrong with her tonight. No she didn’t want to be out tonight, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t try to enjoy the company of her best friend for a little while. Perhaps if she let her guard down a little she might actually have fun. Perhaps the strong alcoholic beverage would help.

  As she reached for her drink, she smiled at Geneva. “You’re right. I’m being a really bad friend right now. I’m promise I’m going to do better, starting now.”

  Geneva reached across the table to squeeze Willows hand. “Great. Now let’s—oh my God!”

  Willow frowned at her friend, as she cut off in mid-sentence. Geneva had glanced to the side, only to do a double take, then her eyes widened in shock. When Willow went to look, Geneva’s grip tightened as she refocused on her.

  “No. Don’t.” Geneva squirmed in her chair and licked her lips. “Remember when you just said a moment ago that you’re going to scream if another guy walks up to our table?”

  Willow stifled a groan. This was too much. All she wanted to do was enjoy a simple drink with her friend, have an awesome girls night out, then go back home. Clearly, it was too much to ask.

  “Don’t give me that look, Willow. I think you’re going to like this guy. Just give him a chance before you automatically shoot him down.”

  “Give him a opportunity for what?” Willow asked. “I’m not here for some casual hookup. I don’t have time for that.”

  “You could if you allowed yourself to,” Geneva whispered a few seconds before the guy in question stopped near their table.

  Her best friend discreetly released her hand, but Willow didn’t turn to look like Geneva did. Instead she focused on her drink.

  As she took a sip, she had to give this guy credit. He hadn’t crowded the table like the two previous guys. This one actually seemed to recognize and appreciate the meaning of personal space.

  “Good evening, ladies.”

  Willow’s heart rate sped up. The husky timbre of his voice sent a shiver down her spine. When she finally looked up, the greeting she’d been about to utter, froze in her throat.

  Before her stood a tall, well-built man. His red button down shirt was loose, but still managed to reveal that a massive chest was beneath it. The well-worn jeans revealed long, well-muscled legs that told her he was just the right height to climb. Which said something, considering she was five feet and nine inches in height herself.

  Her breath caught in her throat at the thought, even as she continued her perusal of him. She’d saved the best for last. Letting her gaze continue upward, she studied his face. He had short brown hair and eyes that appeared to be blue, but the lighting kept her from being able to determine the exact shade. His face was angular in a way that she’d seen described in a few of the romance novels she’d read. His nose had definitely been broken a few times, but it added to his character. The rest of his face was rounded off with a sharp jaw line and full, kissable lips. She was so tempted to stand up and test them, that she had to force her legs against the bottom of the booth to keep from getting up.

  Have mercy! He was freaking gorgeous!

  “I hope the two of you are enjoying yourselves.”

  “We are, but I have a feeling it’s about to get better,” Geneva responded.

  Willow wanted to scold her friend for being so forward, but she couldn’t take her eyes off the sexy man standing before her. What shocked her was he didn’t seem to be able to stop staring at her either.

  “I hope I don’t disappoint you,” the handsome st
ranger responded.

  Willow couldn’t get her mouth to work, but thankfully Geneva didn’t appear to have the same issue.

  “I don’t think that’s possible,” Geneva retorted.

  When he chuckled, a tingle made its way down Willow’s spine. What was it about this man that made every part of her respond? It was frightening. She’d never responded to a man so strongly. For once in her life, she didn’t know what she should do. That scared her even more.

  Then he did something that made her heart leap into her throat. He knelt down beside her, until they were eye-to-eye.

  “I won’t ask to join you, because clearly that’s what the two men before did. Instead I’m going to get straight to the point. I’m interested in getting to know you better. However, I don’t want to interrupt a night out between friends.” He shifted slightly. “So tell me, if I leave you my number, will you promise to call me at a more convenient time?”

  Willow opened her mouth to respond, but no sound came out.

  “I think that means yes,” Geneva finally stated.

  Willow vowed to kill her as soon as she could get her brain to function.

  “Can I have your cell phone?” he asked.

  When Willow didn’t move, Geneva handed him hers instead. “Here you go. This way I can ensure she calls you.”

  He put the number in and handed it back to Geneva. “By the way, my name is Chase. What’s yours?”

  “Willow.”

  Her name came out so quickly she blinked, but she didn’t have time to process the insanity of the entire situation.

  One corner of his mouth curved upward as he extended his hand to her. The moment they touched, it felt as though an electrical current had zapped her. If he felt the same sensation, he didn’t let on.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Willow. Now, I’ve taken up enough of your time. Enjoy the rest of your night and I look forward to hearing from you.”