The SEAL's Valentine (Operation: Family) by Laura marie Altom

kept weeding her impatiens bed.
    “Usually the garden club only accepts potential new members once a year, but considering your skill—and of course, a glowing recommendation from me—I’ve managed to get you a provisional membership. All you have to do is come with me to the next meeting and you’re in.”
    “Wow.” Rocking back on her heels, Brynn wasn’t sure how to respond. “Thank you. But with the baby due in a couple weeks and after that, I’m going to start looking for a job, I’m not sure I’ll have time.”
    Georgia waved off her concerns. “None of us have enough time, dear. All you can do is make time for the things you love. And it’s plain from the sight of this impeccable yard that you truly do love gardening.”
    “That I do...” A wistful smile tugged Brynn’s lips. There had once been a period in her life when she’d spent whole days prettying her yard. Now, between washing and hanging clothes, cleaning and cooking, she was lucky for the two hours she stole each morning to pursue her passion. “But what does the garden club do?”
    “Well, of course, we officially lunch once a month. But beyond that, we share plant clippings and extras—everyone’s always dividing bulbs and such.”
    “So there’s an opportunity to get free plants?”
    “Every meeting. Want to tag along with me this afternoon?”
    * * *
    S TILL RIDING THE HIGH from receiving not just a few plant cuttings, but literally dozens of exotic bulbs and whole flats of annuals, rather than dreading her and Cayden’s outing with Tristan, Brynn looked forward to it, taking extra time with her hair and makeup.
    Though Cayden sat downstairs scowling that she wasn’t hurrying, she refused to let his impatience bring her down.
    Once again, she felt grateful to Georgia. The garden club women couldn’t have been more welcoming. Brynn had worried she wouldn’t fit in, or considering her rocky past they’d have treated her poorly, but the day was perfect, right down to the key lime pie served for dessert. Another plus: Tristan’s mom, Donna, was a member. In talking with her, Brynn had even learned of a few possible job leads.
    In deference to the day’s muggy heat, Brynn piled her red curls high, fastening them with rhinestone pins. Though they were only going to a batting cage, her limited maternity wardrobe didn’t allow for a whole lot of options. Either she wore stretch-waisted shorts, jeans or a sundress. Opting for a pale blue floral dress, she added pearl earrings and more lip gloss than usual.
    From downstairs came the muted ring of the house line phone.
    A few minutes later, Cayden charged up the stairs. “Mom! Some guy’s on the phone!”
    “Hello?” Brynn answered. “Yes... But how? I don’t understand...” After ten more minutes of the man’s droning voice, Brynn’s knees buckled and she dropped to the floor.

Chapter Seven
    Tristan parked his truck on Brynn’s gravel drive, then whistled his way to the front porch. When he heard Cayden inside, crying for help, begging for his mom not to die, Tristan yanked open the screen door hard enough to pop the simple latch-hook closure, then charged up the stairs two at a time.
    “Cayden? What’s wrong?”
    “Mom’s dead!” The boy’s face was streaked with tears. “I know she’s dead! Just like my dad! I—I’m gonna be left all alone and all I know how t-to eat is cereal!”
    Kneeling alongside Brynn, Tristan checked her vitals and found her pulse slightly elevated, but breathing normal. “Brynn?” he urgently coaxed. “Brynn, if you can hear me, I need you to let me know.”
    She groaned before delivering a drowsy nod. “I’m okay. Just give me a minute.”
    “Cayden,” Tristan said, “you know how to dial 9-1-1?”
    The still crying boy nodded.
    “No, no.” Brynn pressed her hands to Tristan’s capable chest. “I’m fine. I just...” She shook her head. “I must’ve fainted—which is kind of bizarre, but considering the