Page 12 of SEAL of Valor

“I went to the early service today.” She sets the cookies down on the counter and turns to face me. In my early years, I spent more time at Linda’s house, hanging out with Zane, than at my own. It was just easier to avoid my dad that way.

She’s another mother to me, right alongside Vivian.

“How are ya doing, honey?”

“I’m fine.” I open the container of cookies and lift one to my lips. The flavor profile, sweet with a hint of earthiness, thanks to the macadamia nuts, is my absolute favorite. And only the way she makes them.

“Weston.” Her expression softens. “I know what today is, and I just want you to know that I’m here for you.”

“I know, Momma Knox.”

“Good.” She smiles. “Will I see you at dinner later?”

“I’ll be there. What are we having?”

“A taco bar.”

“Sounds delicious. Want me to bring some guacamole?”

“That would be lovely.” She lifts her purse again but pauses to look at me. “You’re sure that you’re okay?”

“Doing just fine.” It’s a lie, but she doesn’t have to know that.

“Well, you know where to find me if you need me. Enjoy the cookies. Don’t eat too many until you’ve had something substantial to eat,” she adds with a pointed look.

“I’m not Sawyer,” I reply. “I won’t eat cookies for breakfast.”

She laughs. “That future son-in-law of mine sure loves his sweets, doesn’t he?”

“Understatement,” I reply. When we went on missions, he survived nearly entirely on peanut butter cookies and granola bars. I don’t think it was until we moved here that he started eating actual meals. And now he’s engaged to Linda’s daughter, Anastasia. Who is like a surrogate sister to me.

She and Violet had been best friends since they were infants, and had my sister survived into adulthood, I imagine they’d still be just as inseparable.

“I’ll see you later?”

“You will,” I reply.

“Good. Love you, kid.”

“Same,” I reply with a forced smile. Uttering those words just carries too much weight. I learned a long time ago that loving someone means giving them the chance to destroy you. And I won’t ever let anyone wield that power over me again.

Chapter 5

Reese

Stormwatch Landing is just how I remembered it.

Right down to the same fall decorations adorning the front of the quaint, white steepled church. Each of the leaves is placed in the same spot on the windows, and seeing them makes me smile. Mrs. Reeves has her way, and she never strays from it. Predictable as they come and one of the sweetest women I have ever known.

According to the clock on my dash, service ended a few minutes ago, but if I’m lucky, I’ll be able to catch my mom leaving the church. I’m hoping we can grab some lunch at the diner like we used to on Sunday afternoons. I’ve so missed Maddie and Ed’s cooking.

After that, I’m hoping I can talk her into a short walk on the beach. There is just something about having my feet in the sand, and it has been a long, long time.

I’d dropped Aragorn off at her house, along with my bags, then headed straight into town. It’s a drive I haven’t made in a very long time, yet it feels like second nature to me. Honestly, a lot like coming home. Even if I can’t stay, the reminders are nice.

I pull into a parking spot right as my phone dings. After pulling it out and checking the readout, I smile.

Ash: Lookee who I found!