Page 2 of Wyatt
“Wyatt, I wouldn’t be disappointed in any career you choose as long as it’s legal,” he laughed. “Being a Navy SEAL is incredibly hard, as you know. But if any young man is up for the task, it’s you. If aviation is what you want to do, then you know you’ll have the support of Doug, Savannah, and the others.”
“Somehow I knew you’d feel that way,” he chuckled. “Will you tell Mom?”
“Oh, hell no,” he laughed. “We can do it together, but you’re going to have to tell her what your choice is.”
They walked over to the offices together, heading up to the legal offices where she worked with Kari, Kat, Katrina, and Georgie. They could hear the women laughing about something, then stopped when the two men walked in.
“Hi,” said HG, kissing Maggie’s cheek.
“Hey, what are you two up to?” she asked, knowing full well what they were up to. HG had mentioned that he would try to get an answer from their son today about his future.
“Mom. I’ve made a decision,” said Wyatt.
“We can leave,” said Kari, starting to stand.
“No. You’re family,” said Maggie. “I don’t mind. Go ahead, Wyatt.”
“Mom, I want to be a Navy SEAL or an aviator. Either way, I’m joining the Navy.” She stared at him, smiling, and nodded her head.
“Well, I think that’s wonderful,” she smiled. HG stared at his wife, then back at his son. Wyatt looked at his father, then at the group of women, all smiling at him.
“Mom, that means I skip college for now. I’ll go to basic, then hopefully enter SEAL training or eventually flight school if I’m accepted.”
“Wyatt, I’ve been here long enough to know how it works. I always knew this is the path you would take. This or the Marines. You’re that kind of young man. The kind that will save those who can’t save themselves.”
“So, you’re okay with this?” he frowned.
“Okay? I’m accepting of this. I want you to be happy and do what you want to do. Don’t choose a career or path because someone else says it’s a good one, or because you think I’d be happy with it. This is who you are, Wyatt, and I cannot wait to be there, watching as your trident is pinned to your chest or your wings.”
“Wow,” he laughed. “I can’t believe this. You’re the best!” He kissed her cheek, hugged his father, and ran out of the offices. HG waited, watching as Maggie waited, hearing the door shut. Then she sobbed.
“Oh, babe,” he chuckled. “You did a good job of hiding this.”
“He’s just a boy,” she cried.
“Honey, he hasn’t been just a boy in three years. He’s as big as me and my brothers, just as strong, fast as lightning, and I’m pretty damn sure he weighs as much as Titus.”
“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” she sniffed.
“No, but I hope that it will let you see what an extraordinary young man he has become.”
“I already knew that,” she said, shaking her head.
“All the guys will help to prepare him,” said Kat. “You know that every man here will ensure that he succeeds.”
“I know. It’s just letting him go that has me scared.”
CHAPTER TWO
Wyatt made his decision to pursue naval aviation. The SEALs were amazing, but being above the clouds, in the clouds, was an adrenaline rush that couldn’t be duplicated.
Take-offs from carriers really sent his blood pumping. He’d found his Shangri-La.
As often as he could, he returned for weddings, the occasional funeral, and of course, just the holiday activities at Belle Fleur. But not once did he bring a female companion with him. There was no one who deserved to know about his family and earn that spot next to him.
It definitely wasn’t for lack of women trying. He’d been warned about it. Both by commanding officers and the men at Belle Fleur. There was something about a man in uniform. Whether he was a SEAL or a pilot, they were dangerous jobs that earned more money than the average enlisted man.
Wyatt learned to be cautious about wearing his uniform off base. He would always try to lie about his rank or position. In the early days of his career in the Navy, he studied aviation engineering at San Diego State and passed with flying colors.
