Married to a SEAL Read online

  Married to a

  SEAL

  By

  Marissa Michaelsen

  Contents:

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  Terminology

  This book is dedicated to all the men and women

  Who put themselves on the front lines to defend

  or have defended our freedom.

  Thank you all for your service.

  Prologue

  “You may kiss your bride.” were the last words my mother, Kylie Lang heard before she fell into the darkness.

  Eleven years ago, my parents had separated, Mom moved us back home to Denver; while my father, Kenneth Lang remained in Virginia to focus on his naval career. Jake Cage; the man I had always called Papa and his brother Bill, who went by Shooter most times. Grew up with Mom just like I had with Jake’s son, Jason; the brothers had just retired from their own service with the teams. Opening a security firm for various businesses, along with the occasional bounty hunting gig. Mom was offered to move into their home and work as their office manager until a year ago when she was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer.

  Two days ago she pleaded with Papa; to fulfill her dying wish to see me, her only child wed to a strong wonderful man. Jason was almost eighteen just graduated from High School and on his way to Illinois for Naval basic training. I had barely turned sixteen; now a young bride being married to the only man I would ever love.

  What was not to love about Jase? His hair was a dark shade of brown with eyes that always make me think of melted chocolate. Compared to him, I was just a frumpy teen. With my sandy blonde hair that hung past my shoulders and my plain blue eyes. I always felt there was never anything special about me, except for when Jase was around; he just seemed to make everything better.

  When the two of us were called into Mom’s hospital room, we were nervous that someone had found out about our secret excursion. Just the night before, I had produced two fake ID’s on Papa’s office computer; then we had gone downtown to get matching tattoos; lucky shamrocks. Neither of us wanted to forget the other while we were apart; having been best friends for the last eleven years.

  So, our absence must have been noticed by someone. Holding hands, we slowly walked into the sterile hospice room, the grim faces of Papa and Shooter countered the soft smile that glowed from the bed before us. Mom had always been vibrant and active. Going to every one of mine or Jase’s games, all while being a parent and working at the office. Now there wasn’t much left of the woman who had raised me. I knew we were on borrowed time, that soon; I would be alone in this world. Papa’s growling voice broke through my thoughts.

  “Jase,” Papa began, “we’re glad the two of you finally got here. We need to talk about some things.”

  Knowing we were probably in big trouble for sneaking out, even more for getting the tattoos. Jason stood tall, “Sorry, we just wanted to do something together before I shipped out.”

  Mom sighed, Shooter spoke out first, “What did the two of you go and do?”

  My eyes lowered to the floor while Jason held firm to his father and Uncle, “We went down to a place on Colfax.”

  A weak giggle echoed; all our eyes turned to the frail body lying in the large bed before us. “Tell them.” She strained to get the words out.

  “Tell us what?” I struggled to look into my mother’s eyes.

  Shooter stomped away briefly, “This is insane they are too young for this.”

  Taking in a pain-filled breath, “I want one last thing. This one moment, before...” She broke away, the pain becoming too much.

  “It’s already done. Soon as the Chaplain gets here; you two are getting married.” Papa barked.

  “Married?” Together we asked.

  “Yes, Kylie’s last wish is to see the two of you happily married. I will not deny her this. The paperwork has all been taken care of; you both will make this moment be her best and final memory.”

  “Kenny,” Mom whispered gaining everyone’s attention. I carefully climbed next to her, allowing her to wrap me in a weak embrace. “Don’t cry. Please, do this for me before I go.” Tears flowed; I nodded that I would follow through with her final wish. “Jase?” He too, burst with emotions, agreeing to what was being asked. “You two were always meant to take care of each other.”

  Shooter stepped to the bed, placing his hand on my shoulder to gain my attention. Holding up a shopping bag, “Sweetie, you might want to change. Everything is in there; the Chaplain is outside waiting.” When I stood, he pulled me into a tight hug, “It’s going to be alright, you’ve always been family. Now, it’s gonna be forever.”

  The sounds from the monitors and machines were a constant reminder to those in the room how fragile life truly is. The Chaplain had said, “You may kiss your bride.” We had barley pulled away from our very first kiss, when the only sound was the continuous moan of a loan monitor. Announcing my mother had slipped away; causing to mood in the room to shift from happiness to that of sorrow.

  Jason combed his fingers through my long sandy blonde hair before pulling me close to his chest. Gently he held me, whispering that it was going to be alright. I began crying, my body shaking from the weight of everything. “Kenny, look at me.” He said softly, waiting for a response, “Baby Girl. I said look at me.” Slowly I pulled back, looking deep into his chocolate brown eyes, “I mean it, it’s gonna be alright. Now, dry those baby blues; we are going to get through this together.”

  Several days had passed since Mom’s funeral. I locked myself away from everyone, including Jason. I knew he was worried about me as his report date was finally here; he was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling when I slowly opened his door. The light from the hallway cast a glow over his bare skin that showed above the sheet that was covering his body.

  “Kenny?” He spoke to my shadow in the doorway.

  “Sorry, I just didn’t want to be alone anymore. Can I come in?”

  Scooting over making room; he motioned for me to join him. Curling my body to his, I let out a soft sigh. He brought his arm around my shoulder to pull me closer; my cheek resting on his bare chest, gently he kissed the top of my head. “I hate that I’m leaving tomorrow.” He said breaking our silence.

  “Me too. I wanna come with you.” I reached up, running my fingers through his dark brown hair.

  “Wish you could, Baby Girl. Someday, we’ll be together again. You know I have to do this; this was always my plan after graduation.”

  “I know, but I’m sick of being left behind. First my Dad, then Mom; now you.” I tightened the grip I had on his head. Slowly I leaned my face to his, placing a soft kiss to his lips. I knew exactly what I wanted at that moment.

  I became relentless in the direction I was attempting to make him go. He tried to resist my sudden aggression; but caved when our kiss gave way to something more passionate. Placing my hands against Jason's chest as he rolled me onto my back. His hands had a mind of their own; they glided down my side. With a firm hold on my left thigh, he brought my leg up over his waist as he settled himself between my legs. I lifted my hips, grinding against him; it was when I let out a soft whimper he came to his senses. Breaking away, his forehead pressed to mine; both breathing heavily.

  “Ken, no. We can’t do this.” His voice hoarse.

  “Please, Jase. I’m ready for this. It’s always been you.” I pleaded, gliding my hand al
ong his jaw.

  “You’re still young. I promise if you still want me in a few years, I will. Right now, we need to wait.” Our eyes locked; I tried holding back but he could see inside me, “Don’t cry; give yourself some more time to grow up, live your life.”

  “I thought my life was supposed to be with you?” Tears slowly flowed.

  “It will be. It’s only for a little while, and then I will have made myself into someone worthy of someone like you.”

  “You already are, Jase. You’ve never been unworthy.”

  Lying back, he pulled me to lay my head on his chest, again. “All we have is tonight and I want to hold my wife until I get on that plane tomorrow. Can you give me that, Ken? Just for tonight and I promise I will come back for you.”

  Quietly I nodded my head, listening to the strong beating of his heart. He held me tight until sleep overpowered him. When he woke the next morning, I would be gone. Only the note I’d written would be lying on the pillow next to him.

  Jase,

  Forgive me; I couldn’t be left behind again. Please be safe and back to us alive and well.

  I wanted you to know before you leave that there will never be anyone I could ever love more than I love you. I will make myself into the woman you will want someday.

  Your loving wife (always), Kenny

  Chapter 1

  10 years later

  Jase:

  I was sitting in the shade away from my team, hoping it was the only way for me to relax and reflect. Lately my thoughts were straying off task, causing some distress and loss of focus. Such things for any man on an important operation could get himself or others killed. I thought to that moment five months ago, when a roadside IED killed three members of my platoon. One of them, Christopher ‘Killer’ Kilton; a brother since BUD/S who had completed the terrible quad of Killer, Hawk, Moody and Damien ‘Ash’ Sims. Now me, Hawk and Ash were left after surviving the last six years together; from BUD/s to our umpteenth tour in Afghanistan with SEAL Team 3.

  “Hey, Moody!” Ash called out. Looking up I watched my partner in crime approach my brooding location. Ash’s light blonde hair reflecting the sun, casting a glowing halo behind him; whereas my dark brown absorbed every bit of the sun’s heat.

  Leaning back against the shaded rock; “What’s up Ash?”

  “Two weeks, buddy. Just two short weeks and we’ll be back in the land of cold beer and hot women.”

  I gave him a short chuckle. That was the way of it, nine plus month rotations to the Middle East; then at most three months home to breathe and train for the next round. “Is that all you ever think about?”

  “Why not? Nothing keeping me tied down; well, not unless they want to.” Wagging his eyebrows. “Otherwise I would be a moody brooding bastard like you, Jase.”

  A smile slowly formed, “I am not brooding. I was just thinking about getting away from this shit for a while.”

  “And do what? You are a professionally trained killer; what are you gonna do? Work for you Dad and Uncle?”

  “Maybe. Maybe finally settle down and have a family of my own.” Maybe that’s exactly what I needed. I was pushing thirty, perhaps settling down would put me back on track. Maybe a gorgeous wife with blonde hair and blue eyes, who can keep up with a guy like me.

  “Dude, you’re thinking, too much. You need to keep your eye on the job. Then, when we get home; we head out to Rowdy’s, pick up a couple of eager base bunnies and forget about everything but them for a few days. Quit letting your heart do all the thinking.”

  “Like you? Thinking with your dick all the time. I just feel my priorities are shifting.”

  “Well shift your sack, Hawk wants a sit down with us.” He patted my shoulder, as he walked away. Slowly I stood and followed.

  Allowing my eyes to adjust to being inside. I caught sight of the remaining squad sitting around a table covered with various papers, maps and files; our entire Platoon was present. Making my way around to sit next to Ash; acknowledging my other squad mates; Lucas ‘Lucky’ Hamilton, Mike ‘Rebel’ Groves, Greg ‘Shark’ Wentworth, and our Special Operator Chief, Bradley ‘Hawk’ Coolidge.

  “Moody, nice of you to grace us with your presence, pretty boy.” Lucky jibbed.

  Flipping out a middle finger across the table, I eased into a seat. Brad cleared his throat in attempt to gain everyone’s full attention. Gaining the name ‘Hawk’ during Phase 3 of training when he surpassed his trainer’s expectations with his marksmanship. Standing a half foot taller than my five foot ten; he was the epitome of command and control as the head of our unit. Shooting a hardened glance at the faces, when he spoke; his strong Texan accent began shining through.

  “Listen up First Platoon! I know ya’ll are suffering from a mild case of short-timers; and some of us are still working past the loss of Killer, Preacher and Doc. We need to focus on this one last job; I mean it, if just one of you can’t keep his head out of his ass; you can sit in the brig until hell comes a knockin’.” Causing everyone to focus on me. “This is gonna be a short run; a simple support job. Follow and provide back-up to a food convoy. After that we go home.” Taking a deep breath he passed out copies from the file in front of him. “Good news, we’re getting a twofer via our new and much needed Communicator/SurvTech for first platoon; courtesy of Team 8. One week down time, then we begin work up for our next deployment. Moody, he’ll be on our squad and your responsibility.” Great. I thought. Just what I needed, playing mother goose to someone newbie.

  “A two for one? Better know his shit.” Rebel squawked reading through the paper that held the info on their newest teammate. “Fuck, only been three years operational and of course no photo.”

  Studying the vague profile of our newest addition. It was curious that there wasn’t anything more than just these few basic lines. Shaking my head, I returned my attention to the plans on our next jaunt into the hills. Everyone jumped in on how we were going to handle the simplest of tasks; even putting our two cents in on contingency should things get FUBAR. Glancing back at the paper; I read the information again just before we were dismissed.

  Name: K. Decker Rank: Petty Officer Second Class Naval Service: 8 years

  Skills: Linguistics - German, French, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, Italian and Russian

  Info Tech, Surveillance, Field Medic, Marksmanship Lvl 4

  Service Duties: USS Nitze - Norfolk, VA

  BUD/S - Coronado, CA

  NSWG Group 2 Team 8 - Little Creek, VA

  This was just another shit assignment. Why in the hell can’t another branch do escort jobs? We’re SEALs for fuck sake not damn babysitters. I thought over every contingency while keeping watch for any trouble from insurgents that may be hidden among the rocky hillside. Maybe it is time to think about getting out. Dad has been begging me to come home and take over the family business.

  Driving south to Camp Dwyer was all routine, nothing out of the ordinary. I prayed it would stay that way on our return trip back. My mind wandered again to making a list of the many willing bodies that would warm my hotel bed once we got home, maybe; just maybe one of them would be the one to keep on a more permanent basis.

  Our return trip back to the FOB; just a few more miles, a couple hours of sleep. Tomorrow morning we all would be boarding a transport heading home. The sun was setting, as soon as it was dark enough our convoy would go lights out. Everyone would don their NVGS for the remainder of the ride. I caught sight of some movement as a trail of white smoke hurled towards the vehicle just ahead of me. It took a moment to sink in before I heard Lucky yell out, “RPG!”

  ************

  Kenny:

  A low jazz tune played through the speakers of his high-price sound system. I was trying my damnedest to block the droning sound out so I could concentrate on the report I needed to finish for Papa. “Kendall, you remember what day this is?” Declan asked breaking into my thoughts.

  “Hmm? Sorry what did you say?” I asked trying to keep focused on my work. r />
  “I asked if you remembered what today is.” Leaning over the back of the couch with his lithe frame and strawberry blonde hair tickled my cheek as he ran his tongue along the shell of my ear.

  “It’s Thursday.” I looked up from my laptop. “Dec, I have to finish this and get it sent out to Papa; before I meet my new team, tomorrow.” Please back off and shut that jazz crap off.

  He growled in frustration, “Come on, Kendall. It’s been eight years today, when we were introduced by your father. Eight years of standing by your side through all your training and various deployments.”

  Caving in to his persistence, I shut down and looked up, “Does that mean we’re going out tonight?”

  He flashed me a wolfish grin, “And then some, hopefully.” I rolled her eyes, “Now, don’t start; go get ready. I’m taking you to dinner then out for a drink.”

  “Rowdy’s?” I perked up. Please, pretty please. I loved surrounding myself with others that also served. Especially those who were on the teams; they truly knew how to have a good time. As a bonus I wouldn’t have to listen to Declan’s shitty taste in music all night long.

  Stepping away he mumbled, “Sure why not.” I quickly started for my bedroom to change, thankful he had a spare room so I didn’t have to share with him. “But just for a drink or two!”

  “Of course, I have to report to Commander Birk at 0730. You remember I get my billet assignment.”

  “How could I forget? Are you gonna be leaving any of your shit here, this time?” He grumbled. “I figured they would make an exception since you already had an established living arrangement. Why not just move in? I’m sure your Dad would allow the exception.”

  “You of all people know I planned to stay in the bachelor billet for a while with my Team. When it comes to transfers of non-married personnel, you know how it goes. Even you did, when you first got here. Furthermore I am not about to ask him for any kind of special treatment; end of story. So, deal with it. Besides, you’re going to be on that new rotation at the hospital and you know that when we are starting a work up; I am the earliest of frogs. My training schedule is gonna interfere with you getting any decent rest.”