Zane: A Navy SEAL Romantic Suspense
Page 45
The receptionist at Optiforce placed me on hold. A strange, but somewhat logical name for an elite fighting academy. It lets you know who they are, without too much Hollywood or marketing in the name. If you need to know what they do you know. If not, you don’t. Less than one minute later she returned.
“Yes, Mr. Callahan. I can confirm you completed the course, which is the equivalent of the licensing requirement for all 50 states. The training is within the allotted time period so we can issue you a teacher’s instruction license that will be recognized by the appropriate governing bodies wherever you might find yourself within the U.S.”
“That would be great. What do I owe and what do I have to do.”
“I just need your address where I should mail the certificate and license. You took our course while on active duty. There is no way we are going to accept any payment for the certification process. We don’t charge service members for this.”
“Perfect. And how long will it take.”
“It’s still a few hours before 5pm here so we can overnight it and you’ll have it in the morning.”
“You’re a lifesaver.”
“As are you, Mr. Callahan. A very soon to be licensed one.”
We both laughed. I always liked it when someone who is very professional can inject a little humor at the right moment. She did exactly that.
“Thanks again.”
“Thank you. If you ever need any further instruction or continuing education we’re here for you. Free of charge.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind. And thank you for your generosity.”
“You’re welcome. Risking your life for our country is the ultimate act of generosity so thank you.”
“My pleasure. It’s the best country in the world.”
“That it is. Enjoy your day.”
“And you.”
I put down the phone. Carissa could see my enthusiasm. She jumped into my arms.
“Amazing. She’s going to overnight it?”
“Yep.”
“So you’re only going to miss two classes. Tonight and tomorrow morning. You can be at the courthouse right when they open to take care of all the paperwork and you’ll be back in business tomorrow night.”
“Yep.”
“A huge win.”
“Yep.”
“Do you know any words other than yep?”
“Nope!”
We both laughed.
“Hmmm. So we have tonight free then. Geez, what on earth will we do?”
“You’re right. There’s just nothing I can think of.”
“Strange. Me either!”
She poked me in the ribs and ran up the stairs. Even with a head start I should be able to grab her with my long reach just before she jumps onto the bed. And that I did. I grabbed her and for the rest of the night I didn’t let go. I think I touched every part of her body with either my hands or my mouth…or both. Jax had taken Jasmine to see Ted 2 and ice cream after so I knew we had the house, and plenty of time, to ourselves. I locked the door an hour before they were to get home just to be safe. It would stay locked the entire night.
Carissa snuck out in the morning before Jasmine was awake. No need explaining the birds and the bees and why Ms. Compton was sleeping over at breakfast.
Jax dropped me off early at the courthouse. I found the appropriate office.
The regulators were there. They looked like bad clones out of a Matrix sequel. They were actually friendly. They apologized profusely over their initial visit. I get it. They’re just doing their job. Looking out for the citizens. They even asked to pose for a picture after they happily approved my licenses to operate the gym. They had never met a Navy SEAL before. They even promised to show up for a class or two after I promised them I wouldn’t break their arms for shutting me down. They were good guys after all.
When I arrived at the gym that evening for class there were over a hundred people standing outside. I couldn’t believe it. When I got out of the Jeep they gave me a standing ovation. Jerry Harper ran right up to me.
“Mr. Callahan, promise me you won’t miss anymore classes. I had to do my training by myself last night and this morning. It’s better when we can do it together.”
I looked down at Jerry.
“It is better when we can do it together, Jerry. As long as I’m healthy and you’re willing we’re going to be doing this training together a long time.”
“Deal.”
“Deal.”
“Can we begin now?”
“We sure can.”
“Great! I think I found a new way to escape a rear naked choke.”
“I’ve got to see this.”
“And I’ve got to show you. I’m always trying to come up with a way to get an advantage on the bad guys. It’s like you said. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”
“That’s right.”
The energy in the class was amazing. Even the Matrix guys from the courthouse were there. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but it was starting to feel like the gym was on its way to becoming somewhat of a meeting point for the community. After class strangers became friends. Bonds were made. Kids practiced moves in the grass outside. Parents exchange phone numbers and planned sleep-overs.
I never felt so good. This community was already great before I had arrived, but I felt like I was really contributing. Really making a difference. And not only did I feel that way, but they felt that way too. When everyone contributes everyone wins.
“You’re becoming quite the Mr. Popular.” Carissa looked up at me and gave me a discreet slap on the behind.
“And more importantly I feel like I’m becoming Mr. Difference Maker.”
“You sure are. I never could have imagined it, but I think your classes are going to make a noticeable difference in our kids test scores. We might win for the entire state. These kids are focused. And word’s still spreading. At this rate you might have to add more classes. Or even expand!”
“Well, that side wall would be easy to knock out and there are SEALs separating all the time. Probably more than a few are looking for something to get passionate about. All it takes is a phone call.
I’ve even had a lot of parents sign contracts beyond the first initial free month. And they paid in advance. I’ve got more than enough money now to get my own place and a set of wheels. I’m going to look at a couple places tomorrow with the real estate agent, after I check and see if there are any SEALs separating this month. See if they want to join me.”
“Oooh. More SEALs in town? I’ve obviously got mine, but if you recruit some more the single ladies are going to love you. Not as much as me of course, but you know what I mean.”
I paused. It was a figure of speech, but it didn’t go unnoticed. I didn’t say anything. I just maintained direct eye contact with Carissa.
“Yes, I know what I just said, Cole. The feeling you’re giving me is amazing. And it’s not just amazing, it’s so much more. It’s protection. It’s friendship. It’s laughter. It’s passion. It’s everything I ever wanted. It’s love. I love you, Cole.”
She was right. I felt the same. There was no doubt about it.
“Carissa, you’re everything a man could hope for and more. I’m so lucky I found you. I never thought I’d be the guy to feel this way, but it’s not me, it’s you. You make me feel this way. I love you.”
Carissa jumped into my arms and we kissed. I felt so good. So complete. And it was all because of her and this beautiful community.
I heard clapping. It was growing louder. Then a few whistles. I spun around. Everyone was standing and staring. They were clapping for us.
One young girl spoke up. “Miss Compton. Is Mr. Callahan your boyfriend?”
We both looked at each other and laughed.
“Sweetheart, he is. But he’s also a lot more than that. You’ll understand when you’re a little older.”
“Miss Compton?”
“Yes, honey?”
“Ho
w much older?”
“Well, that depends, but it’s going to be a few years. Maybe a few more than a few, but you’ll get there.”
The girl closed one eye and looked towards they sky in thought.
“Is there anyway to make that happen faster?”
“You don’t want to do that. Enjoy your childhood. It’s a great time. You’ll get older faster than you think.”
“I sure hope so.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I want a boyfriend too. One just like Mr. Callahan.”
“You’ll have an amazing boyfriend, sweetie. I promise you will. Just not this one. This one is mine. Forever.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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