Baby, It's You (Uncharted SEALs Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

look, he shrugged, as if to say, What am I missing?
    Her glance went to Lee, whose lips were firmed into a straight line as he tried not to laugh.
    Again, she glanced down at Emmy. “I suppose we could ask Tilda to make another cake, just so your uncle can see you blow out the candles…”
    Emmy crossed her arms, and huffed, done with being subtle.
    Carter cleared his throat, drawing all their gazes. “If you had a gift to open after you blow out the candles, would that be more fun?”
    Emmy’s expression cleared. “My Barbie needs a horse. Mama forgot to get her one.”
    Melanie rolled her eyes. “I bought the Dream House. That was what you said Barbie needed.”
    “Well, now she needs a horse. Jus’ like Punkin.”
    “Punkin?” Carter repeated.
    She almost felt sorry for him because he couldn’t follow Emmy’s conversation. Almost. If he’d been here these past couple of years, he’d have no trouble. Melanie nodded and leaned over the table. “That’s Emmy’s pony.”
    “Ah.” The corners of his mouth twitched. “Maybe your Aunt Melanie can help me find one.”
    “She’s Mama.”
    He arched an eyebrow at Melanie, but nodded to Emmy. “Maybe your mama can help me find one.”
    Melanie winced. “I’ll have to check Amazon again. Darn things were sold out the last time I looked.”
    Carter grunted and returned his gaze to his plate.
    Melanie resumed playing with her eggs. Although fluffy and spiced with onions and tiny slivers of jalapenos the way she liked them, her appetite was gone. She was too distracted by the man sitting across from her. His gaze rarely left her, which made her wonder whether he was noting the changes to her appearance or simply trying to avoid locking gazes with Lee who glowered from the end of the table.
    Boot heels clapped on the wood floor, and she glanced at the entrance to the dining room. Her smile froze on her face. “Wayne, you’re just in time to join us.” She waved at the empty seat beside Carter, but Wayne slid into Carter, Sr.’s empty seat.
    The kitchen door opened. Tilda poked her head inside. “Coffee’s hot,” she said, with a smile directed at Wayne. Her first of the day, Melanie was sure. She’d caught the woman grumbling about Carter as she’d set his plate on the table before his arrival, her dark eyes flashing beneath her heavy brows. Tilda Gomez was no fan of Carter’s.
    “I won’t be staying that long, Tilda, but thanks,” Wayne said smoothly.
    Tilda clucked her disapproval but retreated to the kitchen.
    Emmy lifted a fork of plain scrambled eggs and flipped it at Lee’s son. The eggs landed on the tabletop, thank goodness.
    Wayne glanced at the mess then gave Emmy a flat stare.
    Emmy returned it with a wicked gleam in her eye. She’d never taken to the man, although he was a frequent visitor and often brought her gifts, trying to woo her friendship. But Emmy wasn’t having any of it. Maybe she sensed his interest in Melanie and was jealous.
    “What brings you out this early in the morning?” Melanie asked.
    Wayne’s smile seemed strained as he looked at Carter. “Heard you were back. Thought I’d come say hello.”
    Carter’s gaze narrowed, but he gave the other man a nod. “You’re looking well.”
    Wayne did. He was dressed in dark gray slacks, his silver and maroon tie loosened at the neck of his button-up white shirt. He shared the Vance men’s dark good looks.
    “I have to be at the office at ten.” His gaze went to Melanie. “Wondered if I could have a minute of your time, Mel.”
    Heat began to spill across her cheeks as both Wayne and Carter stared. “Sure. If you’re not going to eat, we could talk now.”
    Wayne pushed up from his seat and quickly walked to hers, pulling back her chair as she stood. A gesture she didn’t expect, and which made her uncomfortable because he seemed to be making some point to the man watching quietly from across the table.
    Melanie bent toward Emmy. “Finish your eggs. And no more