Page 55 of SEAL the Deal

Rick felt a sharp pain in his buttocks as the medic used a pair of forceps to pluck shot from the flesh. “Son of a bitch.”

He twitched as the wound was squirted with antiseptic then sponged dry and dressed. “You’re real lucky these didn’t go very deep.”

“That’s what she said,” joked Rick as the medic removed another pellet. “Holy shit. What are you doing back there?”

Jenny kissed him on the side of the face. “Come on. I thought you were a big tough SEAL.”

His eyes narrowed. “And I thought you were a sensitive park ranger.”

A wicked smile flashed across her face. “You’ve got a lot to learn.” Then she turned to the medic. “Any chance I can take over?”

ChapterSixteen

A little over a week later and Rick, TJ, Ernie and Dean sat in a row of chairs in a picturesque vineyard nestled in the rugged hills of Swartz Canyon, San Diego. All four were dressed in dark blue suits with matching silver ties.

In front of them under a vine covered arbor adorned with flowers stood Mike. Dressed in a tailored tuxedo he wore a smile a mile wide. Next to him sat Axe, his coat freshly groomed and a bowtie fitted to his collar.

Mike turned and Rick shot him a broad smile and a wink. A feeling of pride swelled through his chest as his teammate waited for his bride to be.

Glancing over his shoulder he spotted Jenny sitting with Leonie and Maria. His date looked beautiful in a silver dress with an exposed back. She wore her hair high with sprigs of white flowers in it. He grinned, she looked more elegant than any woman he’d ever laid eyes on.

She caught his eye and smiled. It was the look that a woman reserved for the man she loved. It was subtle, but Rick felt it like a hit of morphine. A warm sensation flooded his body and he smiled back.

Suddenly, music filled the air and he rose with the others. Everyone turned to face the red carpet that ran from the lush green vines between the rows of chairs to the altar.

Ali stepped into view on her father’s arm and the crowd let out a collective sigh. She looked stunning in a simple yet elegant off-the-shoulder dress that barely touched the ground. Like Jenny she wore her hair up, except hers was adorned with white roses.

He turned back to Mike and saw the look of pure bliss on his SEAL buddy’s face. A little over a week ago he wouldn’t have truly understood how Mike felt, but since meeting Jenny that had changed. “He looks so happy,” he whispered.

Ernie gave a quiet chuckle. “Bro, you haven’t seen the shit eating grin on your face.”

He frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re in love, essé.”

Rick leaned down so his mouth was close to Ernie’s ear. “You might be right, but if you tell anyone I’m going to kick your ass.”

He straightened up as Ali’s father passed her across to Mike. Then a priest joined the two of them.

The service was short and sweet. Axe supplied the ring. Then the priest declared them man and wife. They kissed and cheers filled the vineyard.

While the newlyweds and Axe disappeared for photos the wedding guests, under the guidance of Leonie, gathered inside the winery for drinks.

Rick and Jenny joined Ernie, Maria and TJ at the bar.

“What a beautiful wedding,” said Jenny.

“Ali looked amazing,” added Maria.

The boys ordered beers and stepped away leaving the ladies talking.

The Chief raised his beer. “So, Rick. The last man standing.”

“Once stung, twice shy,” he replied.

“You seem pretty smitten with your ranger,” said TJ.

“You’re in love, bro,” added Ernie.

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