Page 23 of The Seal's Promise
Brooke’s huff made it clear she wasn’t very happy to see him, but Dalton crouched down to give Max a high-five and a big smile.
“What’s up, little man? Did I hear you sayboring books? I feel like those two words don’t go together. Maybe you just haven’t found the right books yet.”
“Ugh, not you too. Why does everyone think reading is so amazing?”
He laughed. “Well, aside from the fact that you can learn anything about anything from a book, you mean? Did you know I’ve had a pet dragon, a magical wardrobe, fought off enemy drones, and learned how to live in the woods?”
“See that’s what I’m talking about, I want to do that SEAL stuff,” Max said.
“Yah, I did all that while reading a book,” Dalton said.
Max’s mouth dropped open, and he thought he saw a faint smile pass Brooke’s face.
“I’ll help you find a good one today if you need a dude’s perspective.” He stood and ruffled Max’s hair.
“You’re trying to trick me, like Mom. But I’ll agree to let you help me, if you tell me a story about one of your missions.”
Dalton cocked his head because it sounded like both of those things were an advantage for Max. “Well played, Max, you’re a mean negotiator. You might be a lawyer when you grow up.”
Max smiled. “Maybe. Mom’s meeting a lawyer today.”
“Max, remember what I said about not needing to tell everyone our business all the time?” Brooke chimed in.
“Yes, Mom,” he whined.
“Hi, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it. Do you mind if I help Max look for some books while you have your meeting?” Dalton asked. He was itching to ask her what she needed a lawyer for, but knew better than to try to ask her personal questions.
“Um, no, just stay in the kids’ section—he’s allergic to chapter books, so see what you can find in graphic novel style.”
“Got it, no chapter books. Too bad Navy SEALs only read those,” he said.
“What? Alright, I’ll try a few,” Max said, stomping into the library. “Come on, Dalton,” he said, turning back to wait for him.
“I’ll just be with Declan Shaw over there,” Brooke said, pointing to a large man with deep brown skin, huge shoulders, and glasses at a round table. He had a laptop and several books open.
“Did he graduate in Wes’s class?” Dalton asked as they stepped farther into the library.
“I think so. He was in the military too, but now he’s a family attorney.” She was whispering now that they were in the actual library.
He wanted to ask more, but it was clear she didn’t want to share all her business so he just gave her a smile. “I’m going to see if I can convince Max to try out a classic.”
“Good luck,” she said, finally giving him a half smile. “Just send him over to me once he talks your ear off.”
He found Max by a stack of chapter books, sitting between two rows.
“Mr. Dalton, are you sure these books can take you to all those places?”
“Max, I would never lie to you. A man has nothing if he doesn’t have his word.”
Max nodded, mulling that over. “Does that mean men don’t lie?”
“No one should lie. But if you’re a man, you definitely don’t lie.”
“I don’t know too many men. I have my grandpa, Uncle Miles, and my baseball coach.”
Dalton noted that he didn’t mention his dad.
“I don’t think they’ve ever lied to me, but Uncle Miles always says my dad is really busy with work and that’s how come he doesn’t come to my games or visit me much. But Uncle Miles’s voice always sounds weird when he says it.”
