But perhaps the instructors discovered he was an inspiration to those men who were struggling to push themselves to finish. Tucker’s swim buddy, who could have been on one of the Olympic teams, dropped one day and didn’t even say good-bye. He knew some day he’d run across the man and give him the chance to explain. But the loss of his strong swim partner made the “water features” as the instructors called it, more challenging. Another good swimmer who had also lost his partner started shadowing him, and they worked the channel like he had done with his former buddy.
He also knew word had spread what Brawley had been through. He was encouraged to share some of his private thoughts about P.T.S.D. and how it could creep up on even the strongest warrior.
In the last week before graduation a subtle shift had occurred. Tucker transitioned from student to teacher. He suspected this was the role he would play in the months and days coming up.
The graduation ceremony was held in the operations building, newly renovated since Tucker’s first time out. Even the chairs were nicer and they had a screen for the hot sun that baked Coronado all twelve months of the year.
Brandy was wearing dark Navy blue, and not black, because she thought it would be bad luck. Her suit nearly matched Tucker’s dark dress uniform of the enlisted rank. He noted all the ladies were taken with the dress whites the officers chose to wear.
It was a surprise when Kyle Lansdowne walked into the gathering and began his address to the new class five-two-six. They were a small group, only twelve of the original group, plus several who would go on to do further training from previous classes, having recovered from their injuries. Several had developed mono, which sometimes forced them to wait six months or a year to graduate.
Tucker was seated on the left. Brandy and his parents were seated on the right, along with other friends and family of the other men. He’d given an invitation to Dorie, but she respectfully declined, since she was due to deliver any day. She’d been touched by the gesture.
“He’s going through BUD/S all over again, Dorie. Just without the uniform and the speeches. He already earned his Trident. Now he’s proving to everyone why. So happy for both of you.”
She’d been so overcome, she didn’t have words to give him in return.
So he was waiting for his time to walk up front and get his pin to add to the other one he’d kept in a box in his underwear drawer. He chuckled, recalling when Brandy asked him if he got to wear both Tridents at the same time.
Kyle began his speech. Tucker had heard many of them before, but this one was special because he felt it had been written just for him. Unless that was his ego talking, and that was always a possibility.
He shook it off, clearing his head, ready to listen to the man he hoped to serve with and under, and risk his life with, again.
Kyle gave the welcome to the dignitaries, and told the families that he’d remembered this day, over twenty-two years ago now. He told them he never hesitated when asked to address a new class. He’d met some of his best friends here. And some of those he lost overseas.
“We aren’t supposed to say we’re the best, because any man who wears a uniform is a hero. There is no rank to the word hero. You don’t get a medal every time you become one, or, in some cases, claw your way back to one.” He nodded at Tucker. Tucker returned the short nod in return.
“We are trained not to brag, but let me tell you, and then I’ll shut up about it, we are the best of the best. And so are the other Spec Ops guys, and the guys who deliver and pick them up. The ones who give support on the ground or arrange to get them home. The ladies who give birth to these fine men and then have to give them up to a country that doesn’t always recognize her Vets as they should all the time. But we don’t do it for that. In the old days no one knew what a SEAL was. A lot of us wish it was that way again.”
He paused to take a drink of water.
“We are lucky enough to find something we so love doing, that we do it even though we may have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. We were created because it was determined our country needed a group of special guys who can gut it out and just get the job done, no matter what was asked, no matter what the risk. I guess history will eventually tell us if we were smart or just plain stupid.”
The audience rumbled in amusement. Kyle gripped the podium and continued, scanning the whole crowd, both right and left. And then he motioned to someone at the back.
Tucker turned in his seat, winked at Brandy, who had been staring at him that way she did. His mother had her arm around her shoulders. He continued to scan the back of the room and saw a column of familiars walk up front in their dress uniforms, which was not required. There was Cooper, and Fredo, T.J., Lucas, Armando and Danny, and each one gave their wink or nod as they passed his chair.
“These are just a sampling of some of the guys we get to work with every day. Several of these men have saved my life. More than once. I’ve had a hand in rescuing some of them. We like to say that we never leave a man behind. That’s true of all the branches of service. But we’re a brotherhood and that never ends.”
He winked again at Tucker. It was making it harder and harder to keep from releasing the tears that hurt his eyes. Hearing the sniffles from the family and friends who had gathered didn’t help, either.
“Some of us come home in various stages of whatever has been our plight. We’re ready to bring it on. Bring it all on. We may not like it, but we can take it.”
He sighed and gripped the podium again. “I don’t know when I’ll retire. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life, and I say that with the full knowledge and love of my wife and kids, my extended family. There are some men who are made here. There are some men who leave here to go on and do other great things. And then there are some men who just belong here. I’m one of them. And I’m also proud that today, I’m witnessing the graduation of another of our ilk.”
There was a smattering of clapping. As should be, Tucker wasn’t named. Only the few that knew the story had that benefit and the rest had to take it on faith. But when the time came, and the men lined up to receive their Tridents, Kyle was the one to pin it on Tucker himself. His words, whispered in confidence, were ones Tucker would never forget.
“You inspire me, Tucker. You help show them the way. Keep it up, bud. We need men like you.”
All he could say was, “Thank you.”
Chapter 15
One Year Later
The sign outside Frog Haven Winery indicated the winery was closed for a private function. Dozens of pink and deep red balloons marked the roadway in both directions. The gravel drive had been watered down the night before. Even the vines were celebrating, their shades of magenta and mahogany, golden yellows and faded greens standing fresh and proud in the fall sun. It was wine country and this time of year was always the most colorful. Harvest was just around the corner. Tourists were planning their new release tours and barrel tastings. Every weekend there was a festival honoring tomatoes, artichokes, artists and jazz. It was a feast for the eyes as well as the soul.
Brandy stood in the dress she’d picked out years ago and never told anyone. She’d gone with her mother to look at a party dress for a function she was attending, and they stopped by a bridal store. Brandy was still in grammar school. But when she saw the low-cut off-white satin gown, covered in beaded flowers and hand stitching, she was mesmerized.
“Very pretty, Brandy. You’d make the most beautiful bride of them all wearing that dress,” she said as her mother whispered in her ear.
Brandy still remembered her mother’s scent and it lingered around her today. This dress was just like that one she’d seen nearly fifteen years ago. The cut was perfect for her ample chest, showcasing it, as Tucker would soon appreciate. Even as a child, she must have had a sixth sense of what her adult size would be. She turned to see herself in profile and liked what she saw. Rose and burgundy roses were wired to the comb at the back of her head, blending with the mahogany shades of her o
wn natural hair color. Facing the mirror straight on, she said those same words herself, but she heard her mother’s voice.
“Very pretty, Brandy. You make the most beautiful bride of them all.” She felt like her mother was holding her hand, fixing her hair and tending to the fullness of the big slip underneath. Brandy closed her eyes and saw it, felt it. He mother had come to be part of the celebration.
A gentle tap on the door announced Dorie’s entry into the changing room, which was a converted case storage building, smelling of musty fermented and very patient wines.
“You need anything, Brandy?” Dorie’s burgundy gown matched the accent flowers in her bouquet, deep pink and rose red.
“I’m good. Just enjoying the moment. All the planning, and everything, and it’s all over so quickly.”
“That’s what weddings are. You’re just walking through the doorway into your new life. It’s what happens after you get there in those rooms that count. That’s where you live. This is just where you mark the spot it begins.”
“That’s lovely.” She hugged her best friend. “How’s Jessica doing?”
The baby was trying to walk and was at a squirmy stage, needing constant supervision. She had Dorie’s beautiful smile and blonde coloring, but she had Brawley’s fearless personality.
“She’s climbing all over her dad. She’s already discovered his boutonniere and has thrown it to the ground.”
“Serves him right. I guess he’s getting a dose of what his mother probably went through.”
The other bridesmaids entered, and they stood in a circle, locking arms behind them. The sound of rustling taffeta and giggles put a hush to the room.
“Thank you all. For years I never thought this day would come. And then, just like magic, Tucker appeared as my New Year’s wish. It just goes to show that anything is possible, if your heart’s all in.”
“That’s what love does. It makes the impossible possible, Brandy,” Dorie began. “Or, I guess I could say, it makes possible what we told ourselves we could never have.”
Dorie’s mother brought them a glass of champagne and led the toast like the cheerleader she was. She and her daughter stood arm in arm while she raised her glass. “To a perfect marriage, complete with all the flaws in life that make it so perfect in the first place!”
The girls laughed, but everyone followed up by sipping the pink champagne until it was all consumed.
“Thank you all,” Brandy said to her wedding party. You’ve made my day special and complete. And my father has enjoyed being father and mother to the bride, especially with all your help.”
Everyone laughed again and began chatting nervously. Brandy glanced out the small tinted window in the corner, and caught a glimpse of Tucker in his tux, laughing and hugging well wishers. He looked stunning. But, he’d complained about it for days and the week before the wedding almost threatened to boycott the ceremony if forced to wear it. They found a tailor who fixed the fit, making the cut and style what he was comfortable with. His biggest fear was that he’d remind everyone of The Beast from the fairy tale. Or, worse yet, Shrek, which was how she’d described him that first night they met.
His SEAL buddies were lining up, so it was no surprise that just after they disappeared the wedding planner descended on them and asked them if they were ready. Brandy found herself nervous beyond what she’d experienced before. The dress had been made with a lace-up bodice that could be adjusted. She hoped she wasn’t going to pass out. She grabbed the planner.
“Can you let it out a little more? I can’t breathe.”
“Sure, hon.”
In a minute Brandy was much more comfortable, and thanked her. Maybe some day she’d decide to wear something that made her look like a skinny pencil, but for now, who she was fit her perfectly. And it was what Tucker liked.
The girls went ahead of her. Cooper’s daughter and little Samantha, Kyle’s daughter, were holding hands with Gretchen’s youngest daughters. As flower girls they began walking down the carpeted aisle between the rows of vines. At a right angle, they turned and disappeared into the clearing where the ceremony was to begin. They threw their rose petals with abandon, and were done before they hit the tenth row. They took their place at the side with Christy Lansdowne herding them together.
They’d chosen a selection of Baroque music played by a local quartet as, one by one, the bridesmaids floated down in single file through the colorful leaves, to join the men in front.
Brandy’s dad was close to having the meltdown she was worried she’d have. “What’s wrong, Dad?”
His quivering lower lip gave the sentimental man away. “Your mother. She’d—”
“She’s here. Honest. She came to me. She’s all around us today, Dad. Everywhere. Can’t you feel her?”
He nervously searched the area.
“Close your eyes. She’ll come to you.”
He obeyed her suggestion and soon had a smile on his face. “I think you’re right,” he said with his eyes still closed.
The wedding planner gently touched her dad’s shoulder and encouraged him to start down the aisle. The beautiful lute music was Brandy’s favorite tune. He guided her through the narrow aisle, the planner walking behind and unsnagging the dress as she made her way to the clearing. Standing erect and not looking anything like Shrek or The Beast, Tucker’s chest pumped up as he inhaled big and looked startled. Her father gave her a kiss, and then retreated to the side.
Tucker’s hands were shaking. He whispered something to her and she asked him to repeat it.
“I’m scared.”
Though he’d tried to say it softly, everyone in the wedding party and the front two rows heard his declaration very easily.
“Dammit,” he whispered.
“You’re doing fine, Tucker. Just hang on. I’m right behind you. I’ll never let you fall, and I’ll never stop loving you.”
His own words, spoken on the day they skydived together a year ago, echoed between them and he squeezed her hand.
The rest of the day whirled away like the magical ball in Cinderella’s castle. The reception was held in the tasting room nearby. The mix of children chasing each other and the handsome SEAL Team members and their wives and girlfriends, plus extended family felt private and intimate, though the numbers were not small.
Tucker lured her out into the vineyard again. She had hooked her skirt up, but the long gown was catching along the way, making the trek more difficult. Tucker took care of the fabric, and stooped, carefully untangled where she was caught and did so with patience. The sight of his huge body attending her made her giggle inside.
He took her hands in his, and guided her to sit on a pile of wooden boxes.
“We were here before, weren’t we?”
“Yes, sweetheart. This is where I asked you to marry me.”
“That was a wonderful night.”
“And it never has to end.” He cleared his throat and began saying something she knew he’d rehearsed. “I was a real mess when I met you. I don’t know what you saw in me. I still shudder when I think of bringing you that day to my apartment. I mean,” he slapped his forehead, getting animated, “what was I thinking?”
“I had fun. I’d never met anyone like you.”
“Well, that’s probably true. There’s only one big green monster on the planet, after all.”
“No, you’re wrong. What I meant was I’d never met anyone who was so much like me. I never had to adjust or be careful around you, because I could just be myself, without pretense. You make my life sane and you give me joy. You make me laugh.”
“I never deserved this. But I promise, Brandy, nothing’s going to change that. If I hadn’t met you, I’d have never had the courage to try out for the Teams again. I’m always going to be here for you because you’ve always been there for me. No matter what.”
“No matter what. That’s a promise Tucker.”
Want more? If you haven’t read New Years’ SEAL Dream, the novella that
launched this beautiful love story, I’ve got a special bonus for you. Because you’ve preordered this or been one of the first purchasers, I’m delivering this to you for a short period of time, right here! My gift to you.
Or, are you ready to just jump right in and start from the beginning of the whole SEAL Brotherhood series? Consider one of these fantastic collections:
Ultimate SEAL Collection, No. 1 (Books 1-4 with two novellas)
Ultimate SEAL Collection, volume 2 (Books 5-7)
New Years SEAL Dream
Bone Frog Brotherhood Book 1
Sharon Hamilton
Chapter 1
“No thanks needed, Tucker. I didn’t ask you to be part of the wedding party because I didn’t think you’d fit into a 5X tux on top with your XL waist. You’re an action figure, Tuck. Besides, you drool.”
Tucker growled as he turned his back on the groom, Brawley Hanks. The dressing room full of handsome penguins grunted and politely guffawed, since they were all dressed up and on good behavior.
“And there’s, no room for even a Barbie on his arm. Damn those church aisles,” barked Riley Branson.
Another former Teammate, T.J. Talbot, grabbed Tucker’s arm and drew him out of the Room of Doom, as the single SEALs called it. “Pay no attention to them. They’re assholes. Also, who wants to walk down the aisle with a Barbie Doll?” He winked at Tucker.
He felt at ease immediately. Tucker’s huge hands and fingers knotted themselves to oblivion, having no place to hide and looking like a bushel of antlers he was carrying. “Thanks, T.J. I hate these things,” he said, pulling on his lapel. “But I’ve been out of commission so long, thought it would be nice to see some of the guys.”
“And now you’ve seen that nothing has changed.” T.J. was nearly as tall as Tucker, perhaps an inch shorter. He bumped foreheads. “But the girls will be younger because of Dorie, and that’s probably a good thing,” T.J. whispered.
SEALed At The Altar_Bone Frog Brotherhood Novel Page 8