Page 20 of A SEAL’s Vigilant Heart

Drake being Drake had been sure it would be a piece of cake. The best part had been when he had come up after a tumble and proceeded to sit up on his board and face the shore. He hadn’t seen the large wave that crashed down on top of him. Everyone on the shore had been clapping and cheering for him when he had finally come ashore. He finally started to listen to the experienced surfers after that.

“Billy, how are Jack’s lessons going? Is he listening?”

“He’s a great student.”

“You’re a great teacher. You’ve saved me from drowning the few times you’ve taken me out,” Jack drawled.

“You’ve caught on really fast,” Billy said enthusiastically.

“How’s Lacrosse going? You doing okay, despite the fact your trainer sucks?” Drake teased.

“What are you–” Billy began belligerently before he realized Drake was teasing about Finn. Then Billy shot Finn a sideways glance. “I suppose I’m doing somewhat okay. I’m hoping I might get someone who can really teach me something next year.”

Finn lunged for Billy, and Mason watched as Billy got up and sprinted down the beach with Finn in pursuit. Billy was pretty damn fast.

“You’re raising a good kid,” Jack said.

“You really are,” Darius agreed.

“He really is raising himself. Either that or Sophia is doing it.” Drake broke out laughing.

“What?” Mason asked.

“You’re the kid’s idol. Hell, he’s even taken on your mannerisms. Learn to take a compliment.” Mason threw a piece of driftwood Drake easily dodged.

“I still think you need to talk to Sophia,” Drake said.

“Our women are a lot tougher than you think.” Mason wasn’t surprised Darius and Drake had managed to fill in Clint and Finn. He turned to Clint.

“Sophia isn’t Lydia. Lydia is the type to want to fight beside you, Sophia isn’t.”

“Beth is more like Sophia,” Jack said, “wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes,” Mason said carefully.

“She has a spine of steel same as Sophia. I think you’re reading her wrong. You need to talk to her.”

“Look, guys, I appreciate your counsel, I really do. But my mind’s made up. I absolutely refuse to put Sophia in the position of the bad guy. It’s clear what her nightmares and weight loss mean. My job is to protect her, to cherish her.”

“This is going to kill you, Mase. You know you were meant to serve in the field. That’s where your skillset is it’s where your heart is.” Clint gave him the same steady gaze as everyone around the bond fire.

“And you all know our time in the field is finite. Eventually, we’ll all end up behind desks, I’m just taking the job sooner. I’ll still have your backs.”

“You’re acting like a fucking dumbass,” Drake’s accent was thicker than normal meaning he was truly upset. Mason couldn’t do anything about it.