A television truck from a local station made its way up the driveway and a camera crew filmed the event. The SEALs posed behind dark sunglasses for the woman reporter who also interviewed them. The reporter didn’t bother to interview Sophie, even though she tried to interject herself.
Devon had posted the work crew antics on her Facebook page, sending a link to her office inviting other agents to stop by. She continued taking picture of the crowds and uploading updates throughout the day. The numbers continued to grow until nearly everything was cleaned out.
Devon watched Sophie walk unsteadily, but on her own, through the vacant racks and inspect the black plastic that used to be covered in five gallon containers of cuttings she’d started and plants she’d started from seed. She knew the reality was sinking in that her dream of supporting herself by creating a boutique nursery was nearly at an end. She leaned against a post and wept. Marc came to her side and carried her into the house.
Devon announced they’d made nearly fifteen thousand dollars, which would be more than enough to cover four months’ payments, late fees and reinstatement costs that Sophie had finally confessed were piled up, including the Notice of Default she’d received the day she’d called Nick for help. Devon knew he was relieved that he wouldn’t have to add any money from his own savings in order to buy his sister more time.
The SEALs were going to leave tomorrow, so they ordered takeout and everyone ate together at the large plank table one last time. It had been a very successful day. They were all in good spirits, but Sophie couldn’t eat and went to bed early, saying her farewells and thanking the Team guys for all their hard work. Marc joined her for a bit, and then came back out.
Kyle’s phone went off. He answered, and then quickly held it away from his ear. Someone on the other end of the line was yelling at him. He put the phone on speaker and set it on the table for everyone to hear.
“And I couldn’t believe when he walked in and showed me this goddamned Facebook posting by this Devon Brandeburg. You know this person?”
“Yes, Chief. She’s right here. You want to talk to her?”
“Fuck no! Don’t you guys understand this little caper is a shitfaced idea?”
“Just helping out Nick’s sister.”
“Fuck Nick’s sister.”
A collective “wooo” went through the group.
“Sir—”
“You listen to me, Lansdowne, you get your butts back to Coronado and I don’t want to see anything else on the Internet or anywhere. What about face recognition software do you not understand?”
Devon panicked. Had her postings gotten them all in trouble? It had never occurred to her. Of course, they would have to keep a low profile, and that’s exactly what they hadn’t done today.
“I’m sorry sir. We didn’t know about that.” Kyle made a face at Devon in mock anger. He waved his hand to indicate he was just joking. “And we didn’t ask for the TV crew either.”
Several of the guys began shaking their heads as they anticipated the reaction they got.
“What? What the fuck? You had TV cameras out there? Are you fuckin’ insane, Kyle?”
“Sorry, sir. We didn’t give our names. We wore sunglasses all day. I doubt they’d be able to identify us from our naked torsos.”
The expletives on the other end of the line were escalating. Devon heard rustling and what sounded like furniture being forcibly moved. Then she heard a tinkle of shattered glass.
“He break a window?” she whispered in Nick’s ear.
“Chief, you okay?” Kyle asked.
“Oh I’m okay. I’m just fine, but your fuckin’ frog statue is in pieces.”
“I’m sorry it got knocked down. We’ll get you another one.”
“Don’t fuckin’ bother, Lansdowne. It didn’t fall. I threw it.” He abruptly disconnected the phone.
“Looks like we need to take up another collection,” Rory said.
Nick explained to Devon, “We bought a frog for Chief Timmons, when we joined Team 3. We’ve had to replace it now I think four times.”
They built a bonfire again out back by the hot tub and water tank, and Devon sat on Nick’s lap as the Team sat around the fire and told stories about the customers and the day. One by one men peeled off, said their goodbyes to Devon and Nick, and hit the rack for the long trip home tomorrow.
Left alone with Nick under the night sky, she realized she wanted to discuss future plans. Although she didn’t want to initiate it, she had to.
“You never said when you were going back. I’m guessing you have to leave tomorrow as well?”
“Yes.”
Her insides tightened. She was glad she’d have to throw herself into making sure the escrow went smoothly. It might help with the missing him part. She wanted him desperately to say something she could hang on to.
Her wish was granted.
“Devon, after this closes, I’d like you to come down to San Diego and stay for a little while. Try the place on. See if you could find yourself—” Nick’s eyes sparkled.
She leaned into him and kissed him on the lips.
“Find myself what?” she teased. She wanted to hear him say it. Her sanity depended on it.
“See if you could wrap your head around maybe being with me.”
She could tell he was struggling with the words. It delighted her to needle him further.
“But Nick,” she said as she slid her hands down to his crotch. “I’ve already been with you. Almost more times than I can count. I think that part of us works just fine.” She kissed him again and saw him crack a smile.
“Little did I know when I met that kid with the braces and scrawny arms that I’d feel this way.”
“Feel what way, Nick?”
He sighed. “Devon, I’m in love with you.”
She wanted to wait, to savor the echo of those words in the night air. But she couldn’t hold it in any longer.
“Thank God!! ‘Cause Nick, I fell in love with you five years ago. My brain just figured out what my body knew way back then. And nothing would give me more pleasure than to be with you in San Diego.”
“I warn you, it’s a different world down there.”
“I’m up for it. As long as you’re there.”
“I don’t deploy for six months, but I start workup in sixty days. Doesn’t give us much time to—”
“It doesn’t matter. We have what we have. I’ll get the property closed, and then I’ll come down and—”
He cut her off with another kiss. “And then we’ll see what happens.”
The End
About Sharon Hamilton
Sharon’s award-winning spicy Navy SEAL stories in the SEAL Brotherhood series have consistently made best sellers lists and review sites. Her characters follow a sometimes rocky road to redemption through passion and true love.
Her Golden Vampires of Tuscany are not like any vamps you’ve read before, since they don’t go to ground and can walk around in the full light of the sun.
Her Guardian Angels struggle with the human charges they are sent to save, often escaping their vanilla world of Heaven for the brief human one. You won’t find any of these beings in any Sunday school class.
She lives in Sonoma County, California with her husband, and two Dobermans. A lifelong organic gardener, when she’s not writing, she’s getting vera vera dirty in the mud, or wandering Farmer’s Markets looking for new Heirloom varieties of vegetables and flowers.
Sharon loves to interact with her fans. Her email address is: [email protected]. Find out more about Sharon, her upcoming releases, appearances and news:
Sharon’s Blog ** Sharon’s Website ** Facebook ** Twitter
Table of Contents
BOOK 3 - SEAL THE DEAL
A Note From Sharon Hamilton
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
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Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
About Sharon Hamilton
SEAL the Deal Page 13