Small Town SEAL's Saving Grace_An Older Man Younger Woman Romance Read online

  “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