Page 8 of SEAL the Deal

“Yes, we’ve had a big day. How’s my boy, Axe?” asked Ali.

“Hang on,” said TJ as he moved the camera.

Axe, Mike’s Military Working Dog was sitting in a chair staring at a cartoon playing on a laptop. Mike whistled and the Belgian Malinois snapped his head toward the screen. The top of his right ear flopped forward as he tilted his head.

“How’s my beautiful boy?” gushed Ali.

Axe cocked his head the other way.

“He’s so confused,” Mike said with a laugh.

TJ appeared on the screen. “He’s been a bit mopey, but apart from that he’s good. The cartoons seem to help. So, what’s news with you guys? Having a good time in Middle Earth?”

“It’s been OK.” Ali held up her hand so the Chief could see the engagement ring.

He squinted and then a broad grin split his craggy features. “Goddamn, that’s fantastic news. Rick, our boy popped the question. Mike and Ali are getting married.”

There was a clang as a dumbbell hit the ground. “Job well done, Frogman.” Rick’s face appeared. “Way to go and congratulations to you little lady.” Then the expression on his face changed, as if a bolt of enlightenment had struck him. “Fuck yeah, this means we’re gonna throw a bachelor party.”

“Whoa there, Rick. Ali and I have decided to keep this real low key. A small ceremony and that’s it.”

TJ’s face appeared. “Probably a good idea.”

“What the fuck?” Rick exclaimed in the background. “That’s so damn selfish.”

TJ rolled his eyes. “OK, you kids enjoy the last few days of your vacation. We’ll see you on Tuesday.”

“Thanks, TJ. Pass on our best to Ernie and let him know the news,” replied Ali.

They could still hear Rick ranting as the call terminated.

Ali kissed Mike’s neck. “You think he’ll be over it by the time we get back?”

He laughed. “Definitely not.”

* * *

“I can’t believe he’s not going to have a bachelor party,” Rick said as he hefted a dumbbell from the floor.

“Who’s not having a bachelor party?” a short Latino asked as he entered the team room. Ernesto, or Ernie as his friends called him, was the SEAL squad’s communications specialist. Together with Mike, Rick, TJ and Axe, they formed an elite fighting team.

“Mike, he and Ali are getting hitched,” said Rick.

“Really, when did that happen?”

TJ ruffled Axe’s ears. “Today, in New Zealand. He popped the big one and she said yes.”

Ernie grinned. “That’s fantastic news.”

Rick dumped the weight on the floor. “Except the selfish bastard isn’t having a bachelor party.”

“What, that makes no sense. You can’t get married without a bachelor party.”

“Mike can,” grumbled Rick.

“You ladies done?” snapped TJ. “You know bachelor parties were never meant to be tequila swilling strip fests. The origin of the tradition stems from the Spartans, they held a feast to toast the groom and farewell his singlehood.”

Rick yawned. “Boring. We need to take Mike to Tijuana and get him fuuuucked up.”

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