Small Town SEAL's Saving Grace: An Older Man Younger Woman Romance (A Man Who Knows What He Wants Book 45)
Page 13
“Thanks again.”
“Thank you. If you ever need any further instruction or continued 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. Grace 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 laugh.
“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 pokes me in the ribs and runs 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 do. I grab her and for the rest of the night I don’t let go. I think I touch every part of her body with either my hands or my mouth…or both. Jeremiah had taken Jill to see Ted 2 and ice cream after so I knew we had the house, and plenty of time, to ourselves. I lock the door an hour before they are to get home just to be safe. It would stay locked the entire night.
Grace sneaks out in the morning before Jill is awake. No need explaining the birds and the bees and why Ms. Compton was sleeping over at breakfast.
Jeremiah drops me off early at the courthouse. Where I find the appropriate office.
The regulators are there. They look like bad clones out of a Matrix sequel. They are 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 approve 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 arrive at the gym that evening for class there were over a hundred people standing outside. I can’t believe it. When I get out of the Jeep they give me a standing ovation. Jerry Harper run 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 look 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 is amazing. Even the Matrix guys from the courthouse are 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 become friends. Bonds are made. Kids practiced moves in the grass outside. Parents exchange phone numbers and plan sleepovers.
I’ve 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.” Grace looks up at me and gives 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 could 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’ve 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 pause. It was a figure of speech, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. I don’t say anything. I just maintained direct eye contact with Grace.
“Yes, I know what I just said, Caleb. The feelings you’re giving me are amazing. And not just amazing, it’s so much more. It’s protection. It’s friendship. It’s laughter. It’s passion. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s love. I love you, Caleb.”
She was right. I felt the same. There was no doubt about it.
“Grace, 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.”
Grace jumped into my arms and kissed me. I felt so good. So complete. And it was all because of her and this beautiful community.
I hear clapping. It was growing louder. Then a few whistles. I spin 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 look at each other and laugh.
“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?”
“How much older?”
“Well, that depends, but it’s going to be a few years. Maybe more than a few, but you’ll get there.”
The girl closes one eye and looks towards the sky in thought.
“Is there anyway to make that happen faster?” She says.
“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.”
A MAN WHO KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS
Book 1: Baby Lust
Book 2: Veteran
Book 3: Built
Book 4: Bambino
Book 5: Rescued
Book 6: Leader
Book 7: Professor
Book 8: Burned
Book 9: Worldly
Book 10: Pistol
Book 11: Policed
Book 12: Driven
Book 13: Lucky 13
Book 14: Lumberjacked
Book 15: Protector
Book 16: Carpenter
Book 17: Italian Stallion
Book 18: Gardener
Book 19: Budapest Billionaire’s Virgin
Book 20: Billionaire’
s Babysitter
Book 21: Cocky CFO
Book 22: Fireman’s Filthy 4th
Book 23: Mechanic
Book 24: SEAL’s Secret
Book 25: Police, Pooch, and Smooch
Book 26: Fireman’s Fake Fiancée
Book 27: Billionaire’s Virgin Ballerina
Book 28: Bitcoin Billionaire’s Babysitter
Book 29: Veterans Day Daddy
Book 30: Cowboy’s Christmas Carol
Book 31: Police Officer’s Princess
Book 32: Statham
Book 33: Bodyguard
Book 34: Greek God
Book 35: Billionaire Single Dad's Babysitter
Book 36: Mountain Man
Book 37: SEAL’s Justice
Book 38: Royal Romance
Book 39: Doctor Mountain Man’s Special Delivery
Book 40: Crocodile Dan D
Book 41: Mountain Man’s Secret Baby
Book 42: Doctor Bad Boy’s Secret Baby
Book 43: Cop’s Babysitter
Book 44: Nanny for the Cop Next Door
Book 45: Small Town SEAL’s Saving Grace
Book 46: Cop’s Fake Fiancée
Book 47: Billionaire’s Nanny
Book 48: Cowboy’s Babysitter