The SEAL’s Surprise Marriage (Special Forces: Operation Alpha)

by Rachel McNeely

  “I agree. I recently moved to San Diego. I taught third and fourth grade, and even at those ages the boys would tease and annoy the girls. It can be a distraction.”

  “Are you teaching now?”

  “I’m substitute teaching.” She named the school district and the headmistress nodded her understanding. “I’m sure next year will be better.”

  “If we had an opening, I’d interview you. Leave your name and number with me. You never know when something might happen. Most of our teachers have been here five years or more.”

  Mrs. Butler showed Emma all around the school, and they ended up in her office. “We have pre-kindergarten and will take a few four-year-old girls, but we must meet them first before making a decision.”

  “I haven’t met Captain Buchanan’s daughter, so I can’t tell you anything about her other than the fact she’s been largely raised by his mother, since he’s often called away for his work.”

  “Grandmothers vary and she might be well-behaved or a terror,” Mrs. Butler said with a smile. “We can’t have a child who will not mesh with the group. Our parents would be very upset.”

  “I understand. Do you scholarships to assist with fees if a child’s family might have trouble covering the cost of tuition?”

  “Yes, we do. We often get referrals from teachers at other schools. I and some of our teachers talk to the child, the parents, and the teacher referring them. If we feel we can make a significant difference in the child’s life, we will accept her tuition-free.”

  “How many scholarship students do you take a year?”

  “We get a varied number of referrals. Some years it’s only one or two, and if they can pass the necessary tests, we will take both. If it’s eight to ten, we can’t take them all. We decide on the four we think we can help the most. Sometimes we can reduce the amount to what the family can afford. We do the best we can.”

  “I’m impressed you can do so much.”

  “And I like the questions you’ve asked and your demeanor. Please send me your resume and I will keep it on top. I can’t promise anything, but you never know.”

  Emma stood and shook her hand. “Thank you, and I will mail the resume to you.”

  “Here’s my card. And it doesn’t matter whether Captain Buchanan decides on our school or not.”

  “I almost forgot to ask. Could his daughter start on Monday if he decides on this school?”

  “Of course, if we get all the paperwork we need. During his visit he said he might have to bring his daughter to San Diego at a moment’s notice. I think he was concerned about his mother’s health and her taking care of an active young child.”

  Emma got in Niall’s truck and took one more look at the school before driving back to the courthouse. She found Niall reading. He looked up and put the book down.

  “What did you think?”

  “I like the school and the headmistress. She even told me to send a resume, but she mentioned most of their teachers had been with them five years or more.”

  “Then it must be a good place to work.”

  “Yes. Even so, I’ll check the other school out after lunch. You don’t want to decide in too much of a hurry.”

  “You’re right.”

  People began to come out of the courtroom. The guard told them it was lunchtime. “Be back by one p.m.

  Emma glanced at her watch. “It’s eleven-thirty already. That gives us a little over an hour. Is there a good place to eat nearby?”

  “We’ll drive a few blocks away. Anyplace nearby is packed at lunchtime with customers from the courthouse and businesses in the area. At least that’s what the guard told me earlier.”

  “Lead the way.”

  They ordered club sandwiches with fries. Niall looked across the table at Emma. “I’m glad you liked the first school. It will be interesting to see what you think of the next one.”

  “If you don’t mind me asking, is there a great difference in price?”

  “No, they are very close in costs. That’s not an issue. I want Melissa to get a good education, but also be happy.”

  “You realize the move itself will be traumatic for her, don’t you? Your daughter is used to your mother and has, from what you tell me, done well.”

  He sighed. “I’m worried how she will react when I bring her home for good.”

  “Emphasize to Melissa that she’ll still see her Grandma as often as possible, whenever Grandma’s not traveling.”

  “I plan to reassure her. But I’m worried about when I go on missions. She may feel deserted by the two people she trusts the most.”

  “Do you plan to hire a nanny for her?”

  “I’m thinking about it.”

  “This will be a big change for you, too.”

  He nodded and looked up as the waitress brought their meal. “It smells good.”

  “It sure does. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled the food, especially the fries. I’ll have to take a long walk this afternoon.”

  “Do you always exercise?”

  “Whenever possible. It makes me feel good.”

  “Why have you never married? You are an attractive, intelligent woman.”

  His sudden question startled her. She put down the fork of food she’d lifted to her lips.

  “That’s a rather personal question.”

  “I’m sorry. It is, and I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “Let’s say I had a bad experience and never met someone to change my mind about staying single. It must seem strange to miss this mission with your team,” Emma said, changing the subject.

  “I hate not being with them. We’ve trained together so much it’s like a well-oiled machine. If one part isn’t there or breaks down, the rest might not work as well.”

  “You do have a few important reasons to stay behind. It’s essential this man be found guilty for helping the enemy, and your testimony is vital. Now you also have to deal with finding a way to take care of your daughter.”

  Niall nodded agreement and started eating, cutting off further conversation. He stole glances at Emma. His plan had to work and soon. But he had no idea what her reaction might be.

  When they finished eating, they drove back to the courthouse. “I wish I’d get called,” Niall muttered.

  Emma sat beside him. “I’ll keep you company. I have plenty of time before I need to check out the other school.”

  “No, go ahead. We can discuss both places when you get back.”

  Emma made a disgruntled sound. “You’re trying to get rid of me. You got quiet at the restaurant. Did I say something wrong?”

  “Not at all. I was considering my options regarding Melissa. I love her and want her to be happy.” Impulsively, he added, “I haven’t changed anything in my house since Morgan died. I want to update the place before I have Melissa with me. Will you go shopping with me after I get off duty here?”

  “I’d love to. It’s so much more fun when you are spending someone else’s money.” She got up and waved. “See you soon.”

  The second school was made of red brick and had ivy growing up the side. Sunlight sparkled off the windows. The large yard had few trees, but the hedges were well-trimmed. Emma walked to the door and rang the bell.

  A large man answered. “Do you have an appointment?”

  “No, but I’m hoping to talk with the head mistress regarding a possible new student. Her father, Captain Buchanan, has previously visited. He asked me for my opinion.”

  “I’ll see if she has time for you,” he said and abruptly shut the door in her face.

  Hmmm, this place doesn’t have as welcoming a look, and the person greeting me isn’t pleasant. But perhaps they are simply cautious. I’ll try and be objective for Niall and his daughter.

  The man opened the door and asked her to enter. “She has a few minutes. If you need more time with her, you can make an appointment as was mentioned in the materials given to the Captain.”

  Emma didn’t rep
ly. She followed him down the corridor and around several corners to where the offices were all in one place.

  The man brought her into a large office. It appeared to have been decorated recently. “What a lovely office,” she commented.

  The lady seated at the desk smiled. “It was completed about two weeks ago. We love it. As soon as the headmistress is off the phone, I’ll take you in to see her.”

  The man left without a word. Emma sat on one of the new chairs and picked up a current magazine. Nothing but the best for this lady, whoever she is.

  “Mrs. Ungar is ready to see you. You may go inside,” the lady at the desk said.

  “Thank you.” Emma wasn’t surprised to see the headmistress’s office had been decorated with what looked like top-of-the-line furniture and all the trimmings.

  “I do not usually see people who come without an appointment, Miss Trace,” the headmistress said in a haughty tone.

  “This is rather an emergency. Captain Buchanan’s mother is not well, and he is bringing his daughter to San Diego next week. He wants to get her in the right school as soon as possible.”

  “As I told him previously, our school is the best in the area. We have high standards. Our students, even the younger ones, are expected to excel in whatever we teach them.”

  “Do they get time outside?”

  She squinted at Emma. “What do you mean?”

  “Fresh air and time to play.”

  “Heavens, they’d ruin our lawn. No, they stay inside and have fifteen-minute breaks every three hours and, of course, thirty minutes for lunch.”

  “Is it an all-girls school?”

  “Starting in the first grade, we admit boys and girls. We take only girls at the pre-school level.” She reached in a drawer of her desk and pulled out a sheet of paper. “This is what an ordinary day is like for our students. Now, I am busy. If you have other questions, please make an appointment.”

  “I don’t think that will be necessary. I’ve seen and heard enough to help the Captain regarding his decision. Thank you for your time. I can find my way back to the front door.”

  “All right, our guard will wait to let you out.”

  “By the way, do you take children who are intelligent and gifted, but don’t have the money to enter your school?”

  “Heavens, no. We are a business, Miss Trace.”

  Emma nodded and smiled at the receptionist on her way out. She purposely slowed her steps as she passed the open doors of some classrooms, hoping for a glimpse inside. She shivered thinking about the woman she’d just met.

  At one door, she heard the teacher warn a student she’d call the guard to take her to see Mrs. Ungar if she misbehaved one more time. The girl began to cry. “I’ll be good.” She gulped and sat straight in her seat.

  The teacher glanced at the door and saw Emma. “Who are you?”

  “No one. I was leaving and heard your voices.”

  “You aren’t allowed to wander around before leaving. I’ll escort you out.” The teacher warned her class to be quiet and read their assignment before escorting Emma to the front door.

  Emma heard the lock click as she walked down the steps. Something wasn’t right at this school. I’m not certain what it is, but I plan to find out.

  Chapter 5

  Niall looked up, surprised to see Emma return so quickly. “You look angry.”

  “I am, and I wouldn’t send any child to that school.”

  “What happened?”

  She told him about the guard, the headmistress, and the teacher and tearful little girl. “It wasn’t a usual fussy cry, or a calculated bid for leniency. That child was frightened. She pleaded not to go to the office, and I think she’s scared of the guard.”

  “That’s a big jump from a short observation.”

  “True.”

  “I didn’t tell you the one I preferred. I wanted your unbiased opinion. I agree the first school you visited has a much more pleasant atmosphere, and I like that the girls get outside for part of the day unless the weather prevents it.

  “But the headmistress and the guard were very nice to me when I arrived at the other school. She escorted me to several of the classrooms. I can’t understand their behavior with you.”

  “There were two reasons you got treated better. First, I expect you had an appointment.”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “I didn’t, and that irritated the guard and her. She didn’t have time to arrange certain classrooms for me to see. Second, you are tall, dark, and handsome, a big plus for most women.”

  His hazel eyes, grayer today, sparkled with mischief. “Do you think I’m tall, dark, and handsome?”

  “If I did, I wouldn’t tell you. You’d get too big a head.”

  Niall bent over laughing. When he sat straight, he smiled. “You’re good for me. I haven’t laughed much or smiled since this trial came up and Mom got sick.”

  “I’m glad I’m of some use.”

  “I’ll do the paperwork for Melissa to attend the first school. The next problem is my house. I’d like you to see it and tell me what changes I should make before she arrives. Like I said, everything is the same since Morgan died four years ago, except for Melissa’s room.

  “She has new furniture. Mom and Melissa helped pick it out when she outgrew her baby furniture. Melissa had an opinion of what she liked even then. She’d point and jump up and down in my arms when she saw what she liked.

  “You might consider hiring a decorator for all the changes you’re considering.”

  “No, I want something homey, yet nice and new.”

  “I’ll be glad to look at what you have and make suggestions. It won’t hurt my feelings if you don’t agree.”

  “Good. When I can leave here this afternoon, I’ll take you to my home. I can put on the barbecue while you wander around and get ideas.”

  Emma agreed to the plan and looked off into the distance. Whenever they were together, she found herself liking Niall more and more.

  I fear I may start liking him too much. He hasn’t mentioned looking for a mother for his daughter, just someone to take care of her when he’s busy with work.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I’m looking forward to seeing your house and helping you make some changes. I don’t think it’s a good idea to redo everything at once. It wouldn’t seem home to your daughter. Change a few pieces of furniture, and then let her help you choose some other pieces. And unless she asks for changes to her room, leave it alone.”

  “Smart lady. I’ll get her this weekend. How about riding with me? You can meet Melissa and my Mom.”

  “Maybe you ought to go alone.”

  “No, Mom will like having another lady around, and Melissa will love showing you all her pictures and toys.”

  “I admit, I’d like to meet them.”

  “Then say yes.”

  “Yes.”

  The courthouse guard walked over as she spoke. “Judge Carter is stopping the proceedings for the day.”

  “Thanks. I have a lot to get done, and this will give me extra time to get started.”

  The Captain’s house was closer to the sea than Emma’s condo. She smelled the salt air when she got out of the truck. A nice breeze rustled the tree leaves in the front yard.

  “You don’t live in the same area as most of the members of your team.”

  He chuckled. “No. They like me, but I’m sure they’d not care to have me for a neighbor.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m their commanding officer.”

  “Ah, I see what you mean.”

  “And this is closer to the base.”

  He opened the door to a large living room and led the way into a connecting family room where he pointed out a fireplace and view of the backyard and pool. “I’m having a high, metal fence put in around the pool with a lock on it.

  “Melissa hasn’t visited here much, and when she did, I always watched her closely. She’s learned to swim and
may feel like she can manage on her own. I want her to swim much better before the fence will come down.”

  “Good idea.” Emma glanced around the room.

  “What do you think so far?”

  “The living room needs some updating, but the family room is a place where I’d suggest you make no big changes. I’d bet you two spend more time in the family room than any other room.

  “I like the tile floors and wood walls. The pictures of the sea are nice. You might replace the curtains with plantation shutters. Melissa will like shutting and opening them. At first, you’ll have to warn her not to play with them too much. Eventually, the novelty will wear off.”

  “I can see that. It’s a good suggestion. When Melissa’s here, we do spend a lot of our time with the television or games she likes to play.”

  He pointed to a door on the left. “That’s the kitchen. I’ve considered taking this one wall down and opening the kitchen more to the family room. I want to do the work, but I’m never home long enough to get it done. I don’t want to leave a mess for weeks or months.”

  “It's expensive to have it done by an expert, but you can put it on your list for later.”

  “Good idea.” He went to the end table beside what was clearly “his” chair. It was large and manly.

  Emma had to smile at the child-sized chair perched close beside his. “If you hire a live-in nanny, you’ll have to get her a chair for this room.”

  “I don’t like the idea of a live-in nanny. I want someone who will only stay here when I’m away.”

  “What if that person isn’t reliable and doesn’t show up? Someone living in would be more apt to stay. At least, that’s my opinion.”

  “I’ll think about it. You wander around and put your suggestions on this pad,” he said as he held out it and a pen. “I’m going to start the grill and get dinner ready.”

  “Can’t I help?”

  “No. I need you to help me more with the suggestions for the house.”