Lucky Chance Read Free Page A

everything.”
    “You better not let your team hear that. Rooting for the Marines when you’re a Navy SEAL could get you stoned.”
    Ace grabbed his beer, and with a smirk he led the way to the living room. “You know the guys love your cooking. We’ll all be rooting for you, but be prepared to pay up big time if you lose.”
    “I’m sure there’s already a poll going on base. If I hear my very own brother bet against me, there’s going to be hell to pay.” A soft cry from Roulette had Lucky speeding his pace. “What’s wrong, darling?” He plucked his niece from the bassinet and cradled her in his arms.
    “I think she might be coming down with something. She’s been fussy today and has barely slept.” Gwen stifled a yawn.
    “Have you been keeping your mommy up?” He kissed her forehead but it didn’t feel warm.
    “And her daddy,” Ace added as he dropped like a lead balloon onto the sofa next to his wife.
    “Get me out of this cooking battle, and I’ll take her so you can get some sleep.” He rocked her gently, easing the cries.
    “You wish.” Ace shook his head. “But the Marines are counting on you.”
    “You’re going to make them proud and show them what you’ve got. I know you can win this if you put your mind to it,” Madison announced, and as everyone turned to look at her, the heat of embarrassment colored her cheeks. “Umm, I think I’ll wait outside.”
    “There’s no need, we’re going.” He stepped toward the sofa, and with one final kiss, he passed Roulette off to Gwen. “Now, you behave for your mommy, but make sure you keep Daddy on his toes. Also, don’t grow too much while your favorite uncle is away.”
    “Favorite?” Ace gave a deep chuckle. “See, she was telling me just this morning that Uncle Boom is her favorite.”
    “Stop it, you two; you know she has no favorites.” Gwen cut them off before they could continue to provoke each other.
    “Yes, ma’am.” He gave his sister-in-law a mocking salute, before tipping his head toward Ace. “Keep him in line.”
    “These two never stop.” Gwen met Madison’s gaze. “Wynn will be sorry she missed you, so I hope you keep your word and come back soon. It will be nice for all of us to be back together again.”
    “Soon.” Madison nodded and headed for the door.
    “Everything okay with her?” Gwen whispered as Madison opened the front door.
    “She hadn’t expected that I was the Marine she’d have to work with. I believe I’ve thrown her for a loop. If she could board a plane in the opposite direction without putting her career on the line, I believe she would.” Lucky glanced toward the door and considered his options on how to get her over this initial unease.
    “Go easy on her,” she warned. “It’s been a long time since I saw her, and I’d like to see her again soon. Don’t go messing things up so she doesn’t want to risk coming back into town.”
    He nodded, instead of stating his doubts that she would come back here even if things went smoothly. No need to shatter his sister-in-law’s hopes, not without proof. Maybe their time together would make Madison long for a reunion with her two best childhood friends. At least he could hope for their sake, and maybe a little for his own.

    Madison stood near the sliding glass door to the balcony and admired the view. Lucky’s condo was on the eighth floor, providing a beautiful view of the ocean, and even though it was clear that a single man lived there, she wasn’t surprised with how clean the place was. Mrs. Diamond had wanted each of her children to be able to take care of themselves, including cleaning up after themselves and cooking. Maybe that was where Lucky got his talent and love for cooking.
    She forced her gaze to stay focused on the ocean and the boats in the distances, instead of thinking about the life Lucky led. It was so completely different than hers. Not just because he was military and she was a government employee. But the fact