Page 19 of SEAL's Doorstep Baby
“It was an honor serving with all of you.” I return the salute, most likely the last one I would ever make as a SEAL. “At ease.” I command, and they relax. The moment passes, but I know it won’t be one we will forget anytime soon.
I feel different already, like something has irreversibly changed in me. I would share it with them, but I don’t know how to put it into words, so I remain silent.
Right then, Allison pokes her head through my open door looking for Maddie. “Is Maddie there with you?”
“Yeah. I’ve got her.”
“Oh good, I was worried she had run off somewhere.”
“Hardly.” I mutter dryly. “Maddie’s more likely to order someone to take her anywhere before she lifts a finger herself.”
Allison notices the call and waves a greeting to them. “Hi,” she calls out.
Pete and Micky’s response is a mischievous chorus, and I know they are about to start something. I need to cut them off so I turn back to Allison planning to ask her something—anything to take her attention off them—but she beats me to the chase.
“I’m making breakfast. You want some?”
“Sure. Thank you very much.” I haven’t eaten more than coffee and toast, and the stress of not sleeping has stolen my appetite.Allison’s reminder kickstarts it. “I could literally eat a horse right now.”
“Okay. Come this way when you’re done.” With a parting wave, she heads back to the kitchen.
I turn back to the screen to see my men holding back laughter, and like I’ve learnt through years of battle, it is always better to go on the offensive than wait for another attack.
“I can’t believe either of you is old enough for service. God! You sound like five-year olds talking about getting cooties from girls.”
The stubborn men are not the least bit ashamed of themselves, and I can’t help but join them in the laughter. It feels good to let loose with them.
“I’m not going to let you give me a hard time. Besides, I’m hungry. We’ll talk later, gents.” I hurry out before I end the call along with their incessant cackling. I chuckle as I do, because I couldn’t be angry at them even if I tried.
Chapter eight
ALLISON
Calla lilies, carnations, and daisies are what make up the entire arrangement. They are all in white, contrasting against the deep black wood of the casket, and the umbrellas of the same color.
Calla lilies for rebirth and resurrection.
Carnations for purity and sweetness.
And finally, daisies, for a heartfelt farewell to the one who has left in youth.
I had picked these flowers from my store by myself; my final farewell to my best friend.
Moving away after high school had been a decision I didn’t make lightly, feeling every second like I had abandoned Emily, but I’d tried my best to be with her as often as I could. Skyping and calling had helped, but these were no substitute for being a real friend.
But it had felt like my path—my destiny. I felt like I had to leave this town, and go to college as far away as I could afford.It was always my dream to be a flower farmer, a botanist, a florist… Anything, really, that had to do with plants and science and nature.
I’d gotten close, too. A few internships here and there. But…
When Emily fell pregnant, I promised myself I’d be here till she got back on her feet. A few months ago, I’d even started thinking about heading out again.
Things change, though.
I’m glad I never left, though. Now I could say I had done everything I could to be there with her.
But not enough.I remind myself. I hadn’t been there when she had driven to meet Jacob.
I should have forced her to take me along. I should have done anything to be with her, and maybe I’d have been the one driving. Maybe, just maybe, we’d be home right now, laughing at the horrible acting in a sitcom.
