Page 68 of Stolen Hearts

Denver sat cross-legged on the floor, his back against the couch, while Navy climbed all over him like a jungle gym. Rhae lounged nearby, leaning against a pile of cushions, her long legs stretched out and her hair loose but tangled from earlier…activities. She looked relaxed in a way that melted his damn heart.

This—this right here—was everything.

“You’re gonna be a climber, huh?” he said as Navy crawled onto his thigh, then tried to hoist herself up by gripping his shirt.

“She’s part monkey.” Rhae laughed, rolling a little stuffed fox toward their daughter. “Definitely gets that from your side of the family.”

“Hey.” Denver feigned offense. “We Malones are just adventurous.”

He just hoped Navy didn’t follow in his footsteps by falling out of trees and being kicked by horses—the two head injuries that had made him susceptible to more and more throughout his career as a SEAL.

But he couldn’t regret any of it. After all, it had placed him right where he wanted to be.

Navy shrieked happily, wobbling off his lap and heading toward the coffee table with that clumsy determination only babies had. She reached upward, catching hold of the support bar. She slapped one hand down, then the other, fingers gripping the edge.

Denver’s breath hitched as she hauled herself up—knees locking, belly out, wide stance like a little sumo wrestler. As they looked on, Navy began to move down the edge of the coffee table, holding on to the bar.

“Look at her,” Rhae whispered, sitting up straighter.

“Whoa,” Denver murmured. “Is she—?”

“She’s going to be walking before we know it!” Rhae’s voice was gentle with awe. “And she’s only nine months!”

“Smart like her mama.” Denver’s voice was thick, the pride swelling in his chest too big to contain.

Rhae turned to look at him, her mouth curving in an emotional smile. “And strong like her daddy.”

He met her gaze, the quiet bond passing between them like a spark. Yeah. They’d made this little miracle—this fierce, determined, gummy-smiling girl.

Navy let go of the table.

Time stopped.

One chubby foot shifted sideways.

Then—plop. She dropped straight onto her diapered bottom with a little grunt.

For a heartbeat, no one moved. Navy’s brows knitted together. Her mouth wobbled.

Oh no.

“Wait for it,” Rhae whispered. Both of them sat frozen.

Navy’s lip pushed out, her face contorting into the very beginnings of a storm.

“Aw, hell no. I’m not watching my baby cry.” Denver lunged forward. He scooped her under the arms and blew a loud raspberry against her belly, tickling her sides with his fingers.

She squealed. Laughed.

Crisis averted.

He sat back with her in his lap, heart pounding but light. “That’s right, baby girl. Nothing gets you down.”

Rhae exhaled a small laugh, her hand over her heart. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“I’m a…” his throat worked, “a dad.” The admission struck his heartstrings.

He settled Navy against his chest and pressed a kiss to her round head. “I think that means I’m officially qualified for emergency giggle duty.”

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