Page 5 of A Trident Christmas Baby

As Alex wrapped her arms around him, Ace held her close, his chin resting on the top of her head. He breathed in her familiar scent, a mix of coconut and the beach, and his chest tightened. Alex was his rock, always so steady, so understanding, even now when he had to leave her so close to their child’s arrival.

Her strength made him love her even more, but it didn’t erase the unease gnawing at him. She was due in just over two weeks, and anything could happen. He knew she would downplay the risk—just as she always did.

“Stop worrying, I’ll be fine,” Alex said, her voice muffled against his chest.She leaned back slightly to look up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I’ve got the ladies, plus Dad and Juliette. You focus on getting the job done.”

Ace gave her a small nod, but he still wasn’t convinced. Without a word, he bent down and scooped her up into his arms, earning a surprised laugh from her.

“Ace!” she exclaimed, her hands gripping his shoulders.

He grinned, the sound of her laughter easing some of the weight in his chest. He carried her down the hall.

When they reached the massive TV room that Alex had dubbed the game room, Ace gently placed her on the oversized couch and grabbed the remote. He flicked through the channels until he found her favorite holiday movies playing back-to-back.

“What is this?” she asked, a smile playing on her lips.

He shrugged his shoulders. “I have a few hours until I need to leave, and I want to spend it with you.”

Her eyes softened, and she reached for him. He sank down beside her, and she wasted no time curling into his side, her head resting on his shoulder.

Ace wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer as he absently rubbed small circles on her back. The warmth of her body against his, the faint sound of a Christmas movie playing inthe background was a moment of peace he wanted to hold onto forever.

They stayed like that while the movie played. They said very little but shared everything in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence. Ace kept glancing down at her, committing the curve of her smile and the softness of her breathing to memory.

He knew when the time came for him to leave, it was going to be harder than ever to walk away. But he knew he had to. And he knew, deep down, that Alex would be just fine. She always was.

CHAPTER THREE

A few hours later, Ace stood by the front door, his go-bag resting on the floor beside him. He turned to Alex, who stood a few feet away, arms crossed over her belly. He could see the emotions swirling in her emerald green eyes, and it put him on edge a little.

“You okay, sweetheart?” he asked, stepping closer when he noticed the glimmer of tears in her eyes.

Alex mustered up a faint smile as she swiped at her cheeks, but a single tear managed to escape. “Yeah,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m fine. It’s just…” She paused, letting out a shaky laugh. “I think it’s these pregnancy hormones. I didn’t mean to start crying. You know how much I hate to cry.”

Ace’s heart squeezed at the sight of her, his strong, resilient Alex showing a rare crack in her armor. Gently, he cupped her face, his thumbs brushing away her tears. “Sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice low and full of affection. “You’ve never cried before when I’ve left. Are you sure it’s just the hormones?”

She nodded, her lips quirking into a faint smile. “Yeah, I promise. It’s just that everything feels bigger this time, you know? You being gone, and the baby is due in a couple of weeks. Plus, Christmas is in a few days. I think it’s all hitting me at once.”

Ace pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. He loved her more at that moment than he had thought possible. She was tough as nails, but here she was, trusting him with her vulnerability.

“We’ll get back as soon as we can,” he promised, his voice steady. “No delays, no detours. Just a quick mission and then back home to you and the little one.”

Alex leaned into his chest, her laughter muffled against his shirt. “You better, or I might have to come hunting you down. Don’t think I won’t.”

Ace chuckled, kissing the top of her head. “I don’t doubt it for a second.”

“I mean it,” she said, pulling back just enough to look up at him. Her eyes were sparkling with mischief now. “I’ll interrogate my dad. You know I’ll get answers.”

He laughed again, the sound rich and genuine. “I do not doubt that you would. You’re the strongest woman I know. And you know what?”

“What?”

“You’re all mine,” he told her as he flashed her a smile.

Before Alex could reply, a soft whimper came from the corner of the room. They both turned to see Zuma sitting with his head tilted, his big brown eyes locked on Ace. His tail wagged slowly, and he let out another small whine.

Ace grinned. “You’re gonna miss me too, huh, buddy?”

Alex laughed, wiping the last of her tears as Zuma padded over, nuzzling Ace’s leg. Ace crouched down, rubbing the dog’s head and scratching behind his ears. “Take care of her while I’m gone, okay?” he said, his voice playful but with an undertone of sincerity. Zuma licked his hand in response, his tail thumping against the floor.

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