The Soldier's Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro

Author:Jolene Navarro
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

A buzz vibrated Garrett’s skull. The popping of the burning wood amplified across the yard. Something in the corner of his eyesight flashed. He cleared the steps and was in front of Jordan before a complete thought formed in his head. The teen had been in charge of his missing children. A dog barked.

The pressure on his chest tightened. He needed to say something to Jordan, but he couldn’t speak. An explosion went off and he turned, ready to dive in and get the kids out.

He had lost the kids. Sounds and movements blurred. He tried to focus on his hands. They were shaking.

He was in Anjelica’s backyard. A warm body brushed against his leg as a cool nose pressed against his hand. Cool nose? He looked down and saw Selena, her one blue eye and one brown eye looking up at him. If she was here, the kids were close. They were okay.

Jordan took a step back.

“Garrett?” A hand touched his arm.

Taking a deep breath, he forced each muscle to release the tension. To lose control now would be the worst timing. Half the community stood around watching, along with the caseworker.

His hand dug into the soft coat of the big cattle dog, and he made a point to look Anjelica in the eyes. He needed an anchor and he needed it fast. He’d be useless to the kids if he wasted time battling phantom enemies from the past.

She leaned in close. “Garrett, they’re inside the garden. Under my beanpoles.”

The edge of Rio’s favorite blanket poked out from under the wooden pole structure built for the bean vines. It was in the shape of a tepee.

Jordan’s gaze darted between Garrett and the kids. “Oh, Tía, I’m sorry. They were just playing. Celeste and Rio were pulling her around on the blanket. I thought they’d be fine. I didn’t realize...”

Garrett nodded and moved that way. He had to get his children. Rio had gone into his hiding mode again. Which meant he was frightened.

As they got closer, he heard sweet giggling. For the first time since he noticed them missing, he breathed.

Don’t let them see you upset. The CPS worker was right behind him. He could not show any weaknesses, not with his guardianship of Pilar at risk.

If they thought he was unstable in any way, they might take Rio, too.

Selena barked and ran to the garden gate. She sat next to the poles. Getting as close to the kids as she could, she looked back at Garrett, her big tail thumping the ground.

A miniature goat with long gray hair and a black face had gotten into the garden and climbed the steep edge of the slanted poles. Head down, ready to butt anyone who got close to the kids.

Anjelica gathered the goat into her arms. Going down on her heels, she peeked under the superhero tent.

“Hey, guys, you worried us.” The corner of the blanket was pulled out of her hand. At the same time Celeste popped up from the other side, laughing.

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