Page 21 of A Trident Christmas Baby

Alex smiled up at him, though it was weary. “Hanging in there. My back’s just sore from all the standing and walking. Just need a warm bath and maybe a few hours off my feet when I get home.”

Derek’s concerned gaze softened, though he looked unconvinced. “You’ve been doing too much, Alex. You’re supposed to be taking it easy, remember?”

She rolled her eyes playfully. “I know, I know. Don’t worry. I’m planning to kick back as soon as I’m through here.”

Derek chuckled, but his tone grew serious. “Actually, I stopped by to deliver some good news.”

“What’s that?” she asked.

“Ace and the team are on their way home.”

Alex’s heart skipped with happiness. Relief filled her, knowing Ace was coming back safely. “That’s the best newsI’ve heard all day,” she said, her voice barely containing her excitement.

Derek smirked. “I thought that would make you happy. They should be home sometime tomorrow. I was hoping I could get them back late tonight, but they had some weather issues.”

“I think I can handle things alone until tomorrow,” she teased, giving him a wink. “Can I tell the others?” she asked.

Derek nodded, and Alex turned to the ladies, practically beaming. “Guess what? Our men are on their way home!”

Cheers erupted around the room, but as everyone celebrated, Alex felt another sharp pain shoot through her back. She gritted her teeth, forcing a smile, not wanting to worry anyone. They were nearly finished, after all, and she just had to make it a little longer.

Anna Grace and Campbell took over organizing the gifts, creating neat stacks, and carefully labeling each pile by family. They were ready to call the local Santa, who’d volunteered to deliver everything the next day, on Christmas Eve.

After the room was finally tidied up, everyone began to gather their things and head home.

Derek waited until Alex was ready, and he walked her out to her car.

“Are you sure you’re doing okay?” He asked, and Alex gave him an odd look, wondering why he asked that—unless….”

“Did Tenley talk to you?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

He grinned. “Maybe.”

She sighed. “I’m fine. I told her that if the pain in my back continues, I’ll call my doctor.”

He held up his hands. “Alright. I just wanted to make sure. I care about you and want to make sure that both you and my grandbaby are good.”

She smiled. “I know, and I appreciate it. I just need to get off my feet and rest.”

When they got to her vehicle, he put her bags in the passenger seat and then walked around the driver’s side where she was standing.

He pulled her into a hug. “I love you, honey.”

She hugged him back. “I love you, too.”

When he released her, he looked at her. “Call me if you need anything.”

She smiled. “I will.”

He opened her door, and she carefully slid into the seat. With one last wave, he shut the door, and she started the engine. She watched as Derek got into his car. He looked over, and she waved again before pulling out of the parking lot.

By the time she pulled up to her house, Alex was more than ready to call it a night. She trudged inside and greeted an energetic Zuma. After giving him some love, she let him out to do his business and fixed herself some decaf hot tea.

As soon as her tea was ready and she had poured herself some trail mix to snack on, Zuma was ready to come inside. Together, they headed up the stairs. Every step on the staircase was a challenge, her back throbbing and her body exhausted. When she finally reached their bedroom, she felt as if she’d run a marathon.

She went straight to the bathroom and peeled off her clothes. She filled the bathtub with warm water and a generous scoop of some lavender Epsom salts. She set her teacup on the edge of the tub before climbing in. A faint sigh escaped her as the warmth of the water enveloped her, soothing the ache in her back and easing the tension in her legs.

As she lay there soaking her exhausted body, she rubbed her belly, whispering, “You know, you’ve got one brave dad, little one. He’s a Navy SEAL, just like Grandpa. And he’s on his way home to us right now.” She chuckled softly. “So, if Aunt Tenley isright and you are ready to meet us, I need you to hold off just a little longer, okay?”

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