Sated, she laid her body on top of him. Sweat beaded on her back.
He wiped it away with the tips of his fingers, gently, and then pulled a blanket over them.
Will his tenderness ever cease to amaze me? She hoped not as she snuggled against him.
He held her tenderly. This was the woman of his dreams, the one he wanted to be his other half. His gratitude at having found her was boundless. Never, ever was he going to let her go. Kimberly was the only woman he wanted to be with…for the rest of his existence. If they made babies together, they would be beautiful. If not, that was fine too. She was his, and soon, he was going to put a ring on that gorgeous finger of hers.
Closing his eyes, he lost himself in her, in them, and the possibilities of a life together.
* * *
He slept for seventeen hours straight. After that, he couldn’t wait to be on his feet. Kimberly must have been out working. She wasn’t in the room, and a trail of towels led to the bathroom.
Wandering around the room wasn’t very thrilling for him, so he showered, dressed, and grabbed a protein bar before making his way to the R & D Center. The hallways were fairly empty, since the mission was complete and the facility had gone back to business as usual. He wasn’t sure what that was precisely, though it obviously involved space, but he looked forward to finding out more about their daily workings.
Using his ID, he let himself in a large door. It was the R & D Center, and blissfully, it was empty. He explored the room, discovered some great hardware and tools in the supply corner, and put himself to work building something special. Not being an engineer wasn’t hampering him too much as he put the finishing touches on his special gift. In his opinion, he had done a fairly decent design job, and he could hardly wait to surprise Kimberly with it.
“Captain, Dr. Warren is paging you,” Sally said.
“Tell her to meet me on the roof. I’m on my way.”
“Affirmative.”
Bennett took his invention and headed out the door. He made his way down the hallway and up to the roof. His feet crunched on small pieces of gravel strewn here and there.
He could see her standing in the distance and framed by the view. She looked like a painting, a cross between a Renoir and a Kinkade. The image would be burned in his brain for eternity.
The sky was pink and blue with white-hot outlines surrounding some of the clouds, and he knew the colors came from the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. This moment would be even better if he could stand on his favorite beach, just below the new Silver Strand Training Center. With the waves crashing and the scent of the salt water—well, he would remember this moment too.
He picked up his pace, rushing to her. He needed to hold her, touch her, and fill his senses with her. He gathered her up in his arms and kissed her.
“Bennett. Isn’t the sunset beautiful?”
“You are more gorgeous than anything,” he said. She smiled up at him.
With the puffy clouds of blue and pink sweeping the sky and the smell of aviation fuel and pine trees perfuming the breeze, he smiled back at her and got down on one knee. He took her hand in his and swallowed the lump of emotion rising in his throat. Withdrawing a thick metal ring from his pocket, he said, “Will you marry me, Kimberly?”
Her mouth dropped open, and her face was a mask of shock. “Yes,” she said as her body shook with excitement. “Yes. I will. Oh, my God, yes.”
Pushing the ring—comprising platinum, twenty-four-karat gold, copper, and silver wires wound together in an intricate pattern—onto her finger, he kissed her finger and the palm of her hand. He stood, pulling her into his arms. “I love you, Kimberly. Each wire represents something different that we share—our respect for one another’s lives and dreams, our enduring love, our dedication to happiness, and finally, our future entwined with whatever that will hold.”
“It’s wonderful! Did you make it?”
“Yes, in the R & D Center.”
“I love it, Bennett, and I love you.” Her voice was filled with emotion, and he kissed away the tears that dotted her cheeks. “Thank you,” she said. Her fingers played with the ring as she spun it, traced the patterns, and held it tight. He loved watching her do it.
They lay down on the roof and gazed up at the sky. He held her close, and they were both finally still as they watched the darkness descend. They pointed at the first few stars as they appeared, and then—as if someone had turned on a switch—the sky was bright and full of them.
The sounds of nighttime surrounded them…crickets and frogs and the occasional hoot of an owl. The wind rustled the pine trees, releasing their scent in greater waves as the night air grew colder. He wrapped her even tighter against him, shifting his body to the side so he blocked the wind and their shared body warmth grew.
“Well, my love,” he said. “Do you want to hear a story…the one I will tell our children one day? That is, if you want them?”
“Yes.” She sighed. “As many as we can.”
“Good, because I think I forgot a condom earlier this morning.”
She smiled and then waved her hand in front of him. “Tell me the story.”
“Fine,” said Bennett. “One day, I received a call from Admiral Ouster. Now, I didn’t pick up on the first ring, because I was dozing on the beach after a strenuous event. Well, that phone call brought me to the Lester Facility, where I met you…”
Chapter 15
Visiting the Commander-in-Chief at the White House was an occasion that had several surreal qualities to it, beginning with an embossed invitation and ending with a flight on a private jet from San Diego to Washington, DC. They went through the giant gate, took a walking tour of the gorgeous gardens, and then passed through the building’s many metal detectors before they even made it inside.
This would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, let alone a sailor who had played astronaut and crashed a shuttle in the ocean. It might have been easier in a Tommy Bahama silk shirt, pair of shorts, and running shoes rather than in his dress whites.
He fingered the new platinum band on his ring finger. They’d visited the Justice of the Peace the day after the proposal and tied the knot, just the two of them. It was perfect. They were planning a party a couple of months from now—nothing garish, just a few kegs, a bunch of SEALs and Frogmen, and some scientists. It was destined to be a helluva party.
Of course it didn’t stop his lady from being the belle of the ball. She wore a long, blue silk dress, and as usual she was perfect. She was as calm as a cucumber during this White House visit, as if this were something she did every day, providing pleasantries and appreciative comments about the decor, the tour, the dishes, and the kindness of the staff.
Who needs a whole room for dishes? He supposed if he had that many historical ones, he’d probably have a dedicated room too. Maybe he’d do that with his favorite weapons. Boy, Bennett loved those. He had collected a ton of them from his travels over the years. He could dedicate a whole room to just knives and another to swords.
He had to admit he was a little unnerved by the visit. The day sped by at lightning speed, halting at a point where the exhaustion from his injuries threatened to overtake him. That was another first for him. He had hiked his way out of Syria on an Op that had gone sideways—almost two weeks humping with his Team until they could safely get a hop—and still he had never been this tired. The Lester Facility Medical Group had told him that his body would need a few more weeks, or even possibly a month, before it was back to its normal energy level.
“Are you okay?” Kimberly whispered. There was a three-carat diamond ring set in platinum next to the wire ring that he had made. Kimberly had insisted she keep the wedding ring. The materials from R & D were top grade. He was flattered, and he had to admit the rings looked pretty snazzy together.
“Sure,” Bennett replied. He was unwilling to give in
to exhaustion, but he did lean heavily on Kimberly for a few seconds. He needed a break. To onlookers, it appeared to be a private moment, a shared intimacy between lovers. No one else knew that waves of dizziness might bring him to his knees at any second, an embarrassment that he would not allow to happen. Seriously, he told himself, that wouldn’t do when one was standing in the White House surrounded by Secret Service and the top echelon of government, as well as the Leader of the Free World. Stand tall and smile.
Kimberly squeezed his arm. She smiled encouragingly at him.
The starch in his dress whites scratched his neck. Of course Kimberly was over the moon about his duds, but what lady didn’t like a man in uniform? On the other hand, what he was always thinking was how fast they could both get naked! Of course, they’d both have to wait until their White House visit was over.
He gently touched his earlobe. The bursting of his eardrum hadn’t quite healed properly, and the ambient sounds were like a radio tuner set to static. His balance was often affected, and he had four crushed disks in his neck and back. Neither of them would admit his fatigue in public, but after a full day of shaking hands and playing nice with everyone and their brother, mother, and wife, all Bennett wanted to do was to crawl into bed beside Kimberly and make gentle love. His appreciation for her went far beyond the physical connection, though. It had begun with interest and intrigue and morphed in friendship and joy, and from there he had fallen hopelessly and completely in love with her.
In the past, he’d thought a relationship with the opposite sex had to do with time in the sack and tolerating each other’s idiosyncrasies. Kimberly had opened his eyes to the truth. A real connection grows out of similar interests, goals, and the enjoyment of friendship with someone you just can’t wait to spend time with, with whom you have a mental and emotional link that far outweighs any other consideration. Making love to your best friend, a woman to whom you are committed as a lifelong swim buddy, is frosting on the cake.
He had to admit it was a plus that her body fit perfectly under the crook of his arm, melding to his as though they had been made for each other. Perhaps there was something to the concept of one fitting perfectly with another, like a hand in a glove. His past beliefs had dictated that a person makes their own luck and success in life, and now he knew that sometimes life itself throws you wondrous curve balls. He looked at the lady next to him. Damn, he looked forward to spending a lifetime with her and to fielding more of those, ah, curves.
“Husband, that Agent is signaling you,” she whispered.
His head snapped up, sending pain through his shoulders and arms. He focused on the Director of the Secret Service. He nodded at the man and watched him approach.
“Captain Sheraton, before you and your wife depart, there’s a visitor who would like a word. If you’ll follow me.” It wasn’t a request. As the highest law-enforcement group in the country, which reports directly to the Commander-in-Chief, this was an order an active duty Navy man could not refuse.
Bennett took Kimberly’s hand, and they followed the man into a small parlor. He smelled wood polish and the fresh roses that decorated the room in small vases along the windowsill, and his nose wrinkled as he held back a sneeze.
Left together, just the two them alone inside the small, pink-and-cream room that contained only four ladies’ parlor chairs and several paintings by Turner, Bennett couldn’t resist taking advantage of the present opportunity. Sneaking a kiss right here, where the nation’s action began, was a romantic fantasy of his. Tugging Kimberly close, he lifted his eyebrow and kissed her with the pent-up energy he’d held in all day. What could he say? He was a red-blooded man.
“Bennett, here?” she teased, blushing.
“I like how your cheeks turn such a becoming shade of red when you’re embarrassed.” His hands swept down her back and hugged her waist. Being alone had its advantages.
She squirmed against him, not to escape, but rather to fit herself closer to him. “What an incredible day. We met the Commander-in-Chief and the First Lady—very cool. And the tea cakes were so yummy. It’s just been…a whirlwind.”
“Yes, it has. You’ve done beautifully. Not that I would expect any less from my lady,” he murmured against her lips. “As you would expect your man to perform well.” Brushing tender kisses across her lips, he savored the moment. This was a day he’d keep tucked in his memories.
The door opened abruptly behind them. Someone cleared his throat. “Excuse me.”
Bennett dropped his hand as his eyes widened, and he thrust Kimberly an arm’s length away from him. He was greeted by not only Admiral Ouster, but also the Secretary of the Navy, Samuel King. It was his turn to be embarrassed. Here in person—the Navy Sailor—King was a legend for his decisive strategies and absolute loyalty to his sailors and the rest of the troops. He proved he cared about the Armed Forces every day he served in this office. Quite frankly, Bennett would follow the legend anywhere.
Bennett saluted SECNAV, standing at extreme and absolute attention. This man was the person in charge of the whole fucking Navy. In his opinion, SECNAV, as a Medal of Honor recipient, ranked even higher than the Commander-in-Chief, regardless of who was in office or what party ruled. It was SECNAV’s war record that blew Bennett’s mind.
“At ease, sailor,” replied SECNAV with an amused expression on his face. He shook hands with Kimberly next and then kissed her cheek. He gestured at the chairs. “Please have a seat.”
The four of them sat in matching pink floral chairs. It was somewhat comical that they were all sitting in the dainty and tiny chairs. It made Bennett want to crack a joke as the big men across from them searched for a way to get comfortable on the small cushion. He decided to refrain from opening his mouth, wanting to be respectful and waiting instead to hear what SECNAV had to say.
SECNAV finally found a comfortable position and gave his attention to Kimberly. “Dr. Warren—or should I say Mrs. Sheraton—good to see you again.” His smile was warm and inviting as he reached across the expanse to squeeze her hand briefly. “How’s it going, Kimberly?”
“Richard, it’s a pleasure. How are Christy and the kids?” Kimberly smiled, obviously more familiar with SECNAV and his family than Bennett ever knew. “And my namesake, how is she faring?”
“Everyone’s good. Thanks. I just can’t believe we’re parents again at our age. She’s a pistol, our Kimberly—just like you. What a set of lungs on her!”
“Well, I look forward to a visit. Why not hop over to the Lester Facility with the whole family? You can get a hands-on experience. I’m sure everyone would love it.” Kimberly laughed. “I’ll put Quincy through some astronaut training.”
“He’d be over the moon for training and a visit. That reminds me. Quincy said that he would like to contact you about his report on futuristic vehicles designed for daily use. Do you have time next week for a chat via Skype or FaceTime?” SECNAV leaned forward, his elbows on his knees and his face relaxed. “Christy would yell from here to Texas if I didn’t ask for your assistance. I’ll get her to check the schedules and set up a time to visit the Lester Facility. Boy, does she have a lot to say about babies and teens right now! She’s been holding off on phone calls until your schedule, uh, settles down. Personally, I’d like to send her on a two-week vacation, but our kids might eat me alive without her.”
Kimberly laughed. “Great. I look forward to it.”
When had his honey become so familiar with SECNAV? Obviously they had been friends for a long time. Bennett had never seen the man act like this. It was good to know he was human and normal, having real relationships and issues like everyone else. He was proud of Kimberly too. How could he not appreciate a brainy, beautiful, and vivacious woman like her? Honestly, she blew his mind, and he was grateful to be spending the rest of his life right beside her.
“Of course! Any time is great with us. Just give me some warning, in case I’m ou
t flying my CarP.” She smiled. “I’m sorry, I’m hogging the conversation. We’re here for Bennett.”
All eyes shifted to him. Bennett stilled. Being in the hot seat was never a comfortable position for him. The shadows were much more to his liking. It was one of the many reasons he was a SEAL, because he enjoyed serving on a Team and being out of the limelight. Every action was for his country—well, except for loving Kimberly. That was definitely all for him. “Sir,” he said.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and Admiral Ouster,” began SECNAV, his tone more formal. “As you know, we are very grateful for the positive outcome of your mission, and I’m sure you understand the need to continue to keep the entire event covert. I don’t know if you were aware at the time, but the hub you placed in geosynchronous orbit also collects data. At the poles, the ozone layer has cleared significantly since the debris was removed. Seems the trash was reflecting light and eroding our atmosphere, which is now resolving quite well. You did a lot of good up there.”
SECNAV glanced at Ouster. “I know you have places to go and things to do, so to the bottom line. I know you have a year and half left on your current contract with the Navy. In truth, you could probably spend it all getting your body back up to speed.”
The muscle in Bennett’s jaw ticked. What was SECNAV getting at? They weren’t kicking him out for medical after this last mission. Damn, that would be a shame.
“We know your dedication has been stalwart, and we would like to honor your service with either full retirement benefits now, or you can spend the rest of your allotted time assigned to Dr. Warren’s space-shuttle project at the rank of Rear Admiral. That’s a one-star, as you’ll have to earn the two, and you can help her develop the next generation of returnable shuttles like the X-37B space plane.” SECNAV shifted in his small floral chair. “If you decide to take us up on the offer of working with Dr. Warren, we’d like to sign you up through the thirty-year mark. Do you need time to consider your options, Sheraton?”
The Soul of a SEAL Page 26
