“Yeah,” he said, kissing the top of her head and then untangling his limbs from hers. “Let me grab some jeans, and I’ll be right out.”
Laurie jumped up and dashed for the shower. “Okay! I’ll be really quick.”
“No fair,” he shouted back. “It’s no fun unless we both smell like sex.” Nonetheless, he found the clothes he wanted and headed for the bathroom. She was already toweling dry, and he snapped a towel in her direction, praising her lush curves and laughing at her small squeal of annoyance. His cock started to harden again, so he put the shower on cold and jumped in.
***
The courtyard of McP’s was packed with people. Jack parked his Jeep around the corner, and then he and Laurie walked to the gathering. From the kitchen of the pub, the smell of frying beef and chicken wafted his way, even from fifty feet away. His stomach growled. He’d worked up one hell of an appetite with this lovely lady and he was seriously hungry.
“Was that your stomach?” she asked, teasing him and then fake-punching him in the stomach. Laurie was definitely feisty tonight. “I’m starved, too!”
He nodded his head, and then ignored his hunger. Banging on the far side of his leg was a fancy paper bag. Laurie hadn’t asked what it was, and he was glad. He hoped she’d like the surprise.
The parking lot was stuffed full of cars, motorcycles, and bikes. To move anything would require a coordinated attack. Most likely everyone would be walking home anyway, and the owner wouldn’t mind. He was one of their own. Once a SEAL, always a SEAL.
A sign was taped to the gate saying Private Gathering, and they waded willingly into the chaos. To his left, a keg of Stella was propped on the table. Next to it were several trays of chicken wings and potato skins—Don’s favorite bar snacks—as well as several plates of mozzarella sticks with veggies.
Someone had set up a barbecue in the back and the turkey burgers and ribs sizzled loudly on the fire. The smell of a sweet spicy sauce filled the courtyard, in addition to a little smoke.
Their old CO, Jiffy, had once said, “Courage is not in walking blindly into battle, but fighting the battle where you know how high the odds are stacked against you.”
Jack’s eyes searched the faces. Community—Team guys and their wives—surrounded Sheila and Kona. This group never left anyone behind. Loyalty was forever, and no matter what circumstances faced a family whose warrior father had been killed in battle or training, the community would help.
He nodded at several of his brethren as he steered Laurie toward a couple of empty seats.
The party was getting loud and rowdy. Gich was holding court in the back corner, near a second keg, with a bunch of the Old Frogs and SEALs. Jack gave a small wave to them all and then helped himself to two beers. As he sat down next to Laurie, he asked, “How many of these have you been to?”
“Too many to count,” she said grimly. “My dad’s was the hardest death. I was so young, and everyone around me was the size of giants. Kona must be feeling that way. Let Sheila know, okay? I could help, talk to Kona about this, if she wants. It could be now or later… just putting it out there.”
“I’m sure she’d like that.” He nodded. “Are you going to be able… to do this?”
The implication was there… the larger question of whether or not Laurie would stick through it. Being with a SEAL took guts and a backbone of steel; none of it was easy.
Her eyes held his. “Yes.”
He cleared his throat. “You know these are part roast and part what we loved about the guy, right?”
Her eyes studied his, thoughtfully. The fact she didn’t answer right away meant she was probably really giving tremendous weight to the inquiry, just as he wanted. “Don’t look so worried. I’ll be fine. I’m familiar with how it goes. Back then, when my dad died, I had Gich. Now, I have you. I’m a strong woman and I can deal with it all. Just promise me that when we’re together, you’ll be really here with me and not thinking or wishing you were somewhere else.”
“I promise. You are my beautiful, bright, and talented lady, and I won’t disconnect when I’m home. If I do, you have my permission to call me on it.” Jack was not sweet-talking her, either. “Just don’t whack me on the back of the head for a few more weeks.”
“Ha ha!”
He reached for her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her in front of the entire bar.
“Get a room!” shouted Knotts.
“Now that’s living!” agreed Chalmers. He raised a glass in their direction. Billings hadn’t been able to attend—still on heavy meds—but it was good to see that someone had sprung Chalmers from the hospital for a few hours. Good to have most of the family together. Well, except for Seeley and Pickens, the black sheep who had been reassigned to ships rumored to be somewhere in the Arctic.
A few people clapped and yelled more comments at their next public display of affection.
After another long, luscious kiss, Jack released Laurie and stood. Picking up a glass of beer from the many placed on the table for just this purpose, he raised it high. “Hey! I’ve got a toast! I’d like to raise a glass to a man who knew what love was. From day one, when he met his bride, Sheila, he told me—his swim buddy who gets to see it all—that he knew what the future held for him. Sheila was the only woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Don said someday I’d be bitten, too. Well, he was right! This toast is to Don. Thanks for sharing the fact that love is real, and for allowing me the joy of being part of your world with Sheila and Kona. To Don! Hooyah!”
“Hooyah!” resounded the men and women in unison. “To Don!”
Waitresses brought in pitchers of Stella to be passed around, and trays of ribs, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers, making sure everyone had sustenance and drink.
Jules placed plates of food in front of Jack and Laurie. “I’ve never seen him so happy. Congratulations!” she said to Laurie. “You make an adorable couple. Now, where did my husband get to?”
“Don’t know. Thanks, Jules,” said Jack with a grin.
“Thanks,” replied Laurie as she reached for a burger. Jack’s hand stopped her from having a bite. She frowned at him. Obviously, the woman wanted to eat.
Another waitress placed chips and salsa on the table along with glasses of ice tea. It was quite a banquet.
A few more guys arrived, including Franks and McCullum from Team THREE. Jack greeted them with a nod before returning his attention back to the group.
“One more thing!” Jack yelled, forcing everyone to quiet down again. He hauled Laurie to her feet. “I was once accused of having an empty life, which matched my very empty walls. I’d like everyone to meet the lady I’ve fallen in love with. This is Laurie Smith, and this is a gift for my lady.”
Wolf calls, sexy whistles, and loud shouts, along with clapping, ensued as Jack helped Laurie to stand and face his military family. He handed her the fancy paper bag and said, “Here…”
“What is it?” she asked, puzzled and unusually shy.
“Open it,” he said, softly raising his eyebrows. His instincts had led him down this path, and in his mind, this was a super gift.
She gave up her uncertainty and armor, plunging her hands into the bag. Withdrawing an item wrapped in blue tissue paper, she ripped off the top and gazed at it.
“Come on, what is it?” shouted Knotts. “If it’s a nude picture, let us know so we can cover the children’s eyes.”
“Maybe it’s a lock of his hair,” shouted Gertz, a Petty Officer from Team ONE who had operated with Jack and Don on occasion. He had saved their asses. Of course, Don and he had been able to return the favor. Gertz was a good guy to have come to Don’s Celebration of Life. “Or he framed his last pair of ‘tightie whities’ from way back when… you know, BUD/S! I think my balls are still torqued.”
“I knew you’d be the heckler, Gertz. Stow it or I’ll show you pain!” remarked Jack jokingly and shooting a derisive gesture at his friends.
Gich raised a glass of scotch in
his direction. With a nod, he took a deep drink and lowered his glass.
Jack smiled. He was filled with warmth at the gesture. The relationship between him and Laurie was definitely growing on the old guy. He lifted his cup of beer and toasted back, and then he drained the brew in one long gulp.
Laurie peeled off the rest of the blue tissue wrapping. Gripping the gift in both hands, she stared at it blankly for a few minutes.
A strange smile was frozen on her lips and then slowly it warmed into a wide grin. Laurie turned it around and held the picture up like a prizefighter showing off a championship belt, proud for the entire world to see. Her words were loud. “It’s a picture of us.”
It was a snapshot he’d taken over a simple morning cup of coffee at the small table in her apartment. Leaning forward, she kissed him. “It’s wonderful. Thank you.”
“The first of many. I want to fill our walls with memories of us and our life together,” he said softly, knowing he was right about her. If he had never risked, made love to her, apologized, asked for help, and so much more, then he never would have had this journey and learned that she was the right woman for him. He had his memory back, too. It was a pretty nifty outcome.
“Yes,” she replied with tears spilling out of her eyes. Quickly, she whisked them away with the tips of her fingers and then she waved valiantly to the onlookers. This lady could definitely handle this particular group, and that was a treasured commodity.
“She likes it! Hooyah!” he shouted to the crowd, pumping his fist in the air.
“Hooyah!” his brethren roared back. “Hooyah!”
Around him were the best people he knew. The trek had been tough, and as much as he had questioned if he would ever heal from the experience of this last mission, he had overcome the hurdles and reached his goal. What more could he ask for?
As the SEAL motto goes, “The only easy day is yesterday.” Thus, today would unfold exactly as it should and show him its glory. By his side was his lady, and that was one outstanding teammate.
Hooyah!
Acknowledgments and
Additional Dedications
With great thanks to:
My wonderful husband—retired Navy SEAL, EOD, and PRU Advisor—LT Carl E. Swepston. Yes, he wrote the Rule of Three and continues to share it and many more stories of his time in combat with BUD/S classes.
Retired Navy SEAL and EOD LT Commander Thomas C. Rancich, an outstanding soul, who answered a ton of questions and gave me a lot of insight on mind-set.
Retired Navy SEAL Phillip “Moki” Martin, a true inspiration; retired Navy SEAL Jerry Todd and his terrific wife, Pete; Greg McPartlin, Navy SEAL Corpsman and the owner of McP’s; former Navy SEAL Hal Kuykendall and his lovely wife, Denise; MOH Recipient John Baca, who lets me make corned beef for him and call him friend; MOH Recipient Thomas Norris, who inspires many; MOH Recipient Mike Thornton, a generous and well-spoken man; old goat-roper and good friend John T. Curtis; and to the real Jules, who waitresses at McP’s and is a treasure. Also, much gratitude to the Vietnam Era “Old Frogs and SEALs” who contributed comments and stories.
And a MASSIVE shout-out to all of our operational friends—THANK YOU!
To our dearly departed friend, Navy SEAL LT John Lynch—we miss and love you, Jack!
For Chris and Frank Toms (UDT 11/ST1) whose own love story is beautiful. We miss and love you, Chris!
To Suzanne Brockmann, thank you for your incredible support and for being a bright light as well as leading us ALL forward with your wit, charm, brilliance, and friendship!
To Cathy Mann, thank you for being so awesome and for making me laugh as I learn the business!
To my dear friends, D.C. and Charles DeVane, thank you—you are treasures and make more possible than I could put into words!
To my readers—Laurie DeSalvo, aka Lia DeAngelo, and Jan Albertie—YOU ROCK!
Cheers and thanks to good friends: C. H. Admirand; Alisa Kwitney; Kim Adams Lowe; Cathy Maxwell; Christina Skye; Angela Knight; Leslie Wainger; Christine Feehan; Domini Stottsbury; Brian Feehan; Ed and Sheila Clover English; Barbara Vey; Marjorie Liu; Tara Nina; Sara Humphreys; Kate Douglas; Shannon Emmel; Barry Eisler; Amanda McIntyre; Renee Bernard; Lori, Andy, Will and Caite; Sam and Diego; Maria R., Maria M., Gini, Maria N. and Emanuel; Kim and Paul K.; Jill and Carl H.; Brenda S. S.; Anne M.; Stephanie H.; Ing C.; Rose S.; Ginger D.; Laura L.; and the entire BB crew; Frank, Izaline, and Roger D’s Clan; and Sara, Lindsey, and Callie, who are always brave and true! To the RT Book Reviews magazine and Booklovers Convention—Kathryn, Kenneth, Carol, Jo Carol and Johnnie, Liz, Mala, Nancy, and the whole gang. And, to my terrific agent, Eric Ruben, and his wife, Karen.
Thank you to fabulous editor Leah Hultenschmidt; to the spectacular Sourcebooks crew: Aubrey, Cat, Susie, Beth, Skye, and Danielle; to awe-inspiring Deb Werksman and phenomenal Dominique Raccah.
With infinite love and respect to my parents, always…
Any mistakes are my own. I’ve taken great pains to make this work of fiction as realistic as possible. Enjoy the journey! HOOYAH!
About the Author
Anne Elizabeth is a romance author, a comic creator, and a monthly columnist for RT Book Reviews magazine. With a BS in business and MS in communications, she is a regular presenter at the RT Booklovers Convention as well as a member of the Author’s Guild and Romance Writers of America. Her published credits include stories with Atria/Simon & Schuster, Highland Press, Dynamite Entertainment, and Sea Lion Books. She is also a serious Amelia Earhart who is always on the hunt for a new adventure. Anne grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, and now lives in the mountains above San Diego with her husband, a retired Navy SEAL.
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