The Soldier's Surprise Family by Jolene Navarro

good.”
    Pastor John hugged her. “Officer Kincaid was just saying how impressed he was with the Ortegas’ fast-moving organization.” With an arm around the small woman, Pastor John turned back to Garrett. “You have to thank the little general here.” He nodded to the matriarch of the Ortega family. “When she mobilizes the Ortega army, anything can get done.” He winked at the blushing grandmother. “She’s a great friend to have on your side.” He turned back to Garrett. “I’m going to gather up the boys I brought and take them for the pizza I promised. We’ll be praying for your new family.”
    â€œThank you.”
    Jake gave him another hug. “You’re doing a good thing here, keeping the kids together. Don’t hesitate to call.” Jake stood back and stared him straight in the eye.
    Garrett nodded and tried not to break eye contact. He was afraid that as a fellow marine, Jake saw too much. Jake narrowed his eyes. “Call for any reason, even if you just need to talk. I also know a man who works at the VA named Reeves. He’s been there. Easy to talk to. Don’t try to do this alone.”
    Garrett smiled and nodded. “Got it. Thanks for all the help today.”
    â€œNot a problem.”
    Vickie came into the kitchen with the now-small group of women. She wrapped an arm around her husband. “Hey, missed you.” She gave him a quick kiss. The town sheriff and former marine laughed. “Missed you, too.”
    Anjelica, her mother and a couple of other women giggled. Someone muttered, “Newlyweds.”
    Everyone started talking at once. Garrett couldn’t keep track of the conversation, but they didn’t seem to have a problem.
    Man, how did people keep their sanity with big families?
    He focused on Anjelica. She was talking to her mother. “I am more than capable of making dinner for a small family. I cook large dinners all the time.” Frustration replaced her usual cheerful smile.
    Some of the ladies agreed with her, while others started arguing.
    Buela held her hands up. “Ladies, please. You’re giving poor Officer Kincaid a headache.”
    â€œWhat about me?” the sheriff asked.
    â€œOh, Jake, you’re used to us!”
    â€œAnd on that note, I’m out of here. Call at any time, Kincaid.”
    â€œNow, mija ,” the tiny grandmother said, taking charge, “we know you are more than capable of fixing dinner for a whole mess of people. But there will be two scared babies under your care and a brand-new father. They need your full attention, so let everyone pitch in and help Officer Kincaid by providing dinners for the first week he has the children. Everyone wants to help. You should let them.”
    Anjelica’s face softened. “You’re right, as always, Buela.” She kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “Okay, Mamma, sign people up.”
    Maria Ortega turned to him. “Do you have any preference or anything you don’t eat?”
    He shook his head. “You really don’t have—” Her glare cut off any argument he might have thought he had. “No, ma’am. I eat whatever you put in front of me.”
    She smiled and nodded. “Good. Your mother did well. Okay, we are out of here. You both get some rest. You’re going to need it.”
    And with that, they were all gone. “Let’s get the kids from Jewel and take them to their new home.”
    He followed her back to the playroom. His pulse picked up as Pilar lifted her hands to him. Her grin did him in. This was why he’d sacrificed his serene one-man existence. Now he needed to prove he deserved her trust.
    â€œI think she wants you.”
    Rio crossed his arms and glared again.
    â€œHey, little man, the look’s getting old. Come on—get Selena and let’s go upstairs.” If he kept after it and stayed the course, Rio would open to