The Navy SEAL’s Secret Lady

Two years and three months. That was how long it had been since Cannon Smith last set foot in his hometown.

Each time Cannon returned from deployment, the town felt farther and farther away. The frightening state of his home only reminded him more of how it had changed. He worried that, if he left for too much longer, even his trusty steed might forget him, and his home would turn into something completely foreign. Arabian Dancer was the one constant.

Cannon climbed atop the saddle of his horse. He had several steeds, but she was his favorite. Arabian Dancer had a statuesque build and perfect sheen on her coat of sandy blonde hair. She was the first horse he broke. At the time, he was twelve.

She galloped along with Cannon on her back. Even with his uniform off, it was easy to tell him apart from other ranchers in the town. He sported worn and slightly faded blue jeans, leather boots, and a red checked shirt. The simple attire, though, couldn’t hide his muscular physique or godlike jawline.

Cannon rode along the outskirts of his ranch and surveyed the land. As he did, he thought back to his childhood memories and the good times he’d had when his parents were still alive. He was still coming to grips with the loss of both his parents, his mom first and a few months later his old man. Both died the last year of his assignment.

It was good land and even better cattle raising. It had lots of pasture for a place in west Texas, just north of the Rio Grande.

He stopped the horse just before the stables and took stock of how run down the house had become after his father passed. It needed new support beams, shudders, and tiling. Not to mention that fact that the wiring needed to be fixed along with a slew of smaller jobs, which added up to a lot of money once he counted it all up. 

When Cannon rode her, the hooves made a specific rhythmic sound every time they made contact with the hard-packed dirt. With every stride, the waves of sound entered his body. He could feel the vibrations shutting out all other distractions, from the images of the knives and guns he used to train as a SEAL to the skirmishes he was forced to instigate when he was overseas. The perpetual movement of his life had grown to a fever pitch since his last visit. The noise of his horse was the only thing that could take his mind off the continuous motion of everything else.

 

The next day Cannon found himself in the same place most returning Navy men find themselves their first week back: the local barrelhouse.

“Are you going to fix up that place of yours, Cannon?” Jessica asked.

“Just pour me another drink.”

The Tavern wasn't much. It had the smell and look of a cheap bar, one with no competition.

“Bourbon it is, neat,” Jessica said.

“You could always come over and help me with it. I know you’re good with your hands, and I'm a sucker for a brunette.”

“Give it a rest. As much as I love those arms of yours, I know you're into sandy blondes.”

Jessica gripped Cannon's biceps and made careful note of the contours of his muscles. They were like sculpted miniature mountain ranges.

“In your case, I'm willing to make an exception,” Cannon replied as he gave her that look.

He was being honest. He did prefer sandy blondes. He had Arabian Dancer to thank for that, but Jessica had an edge, and he was willing to overlook the fact she wasn’t like the girls he usually dated.

“Sorry, but I'm more of a wreck than you are. Just ask my sister. Besides, your place needs more help than I can give. You know, it's funny. I had a few Navy guys come in here recently, and I remember one of them mentioning something about an extra allowance for having a live-in girlfriend.”

“Is that an offer?” Cannon asked.

“Don’t you wish. But I know you have that old high school friend. What’s her name?”

“Thelma.”

“Yeah, that’s right, Thelma. I’m sure Thelma would be willing to go along with it. She used to have the hots for you, and she’s single the last I heard.”

“You think I’m the kind of man who’s willing to lead somebody on just to get some extra cash?” Cannon asked.

“You wouldn’t be the first. Besides, what’s the harm? It’s a win win. You get the extra cash, and she gets to hang with a guy she’s wanted for the longest time. You don’t even have to lead her on. Just tell her straight up. What’s the worst she could say? No?”

“But you said it. We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. I don’t want to risk our friendship over something that stupid.”

“Come on, this is the twenty-first century. No one’s gonna stop being your friend, especially for as long as you guys have been friends, just for asking an honest question. Like I said, other guys do it all the time. It doesn’t make you a bad guy.”

“I know I’m not a bad guy, but I’m not most guys either.”

“I know you’re not, and I’m sure Thelma knows that too, so what do you got to lose? Speak of the devil,” Jessica said as she turned to look at the woman who had just walked in the door.

Thelma was unassuming, attractive by most men’s standards, with a kind, approachable face, but Cannon wasn’t most men. It was her clothes, though, that he had trouble getting past. She sported mom jeans and a flannel halter she had twisted into a knot. She did have one thing going for her: sandy blonde hair.

It took all of five seconds for Thelma to spot Cannon and walk on over to the bar.

“Cannon, oh my God! How long has it been?”

 

*****

“Thelma, what a surprise. Can I buy you a drink?” Cannon asked.

“You don’t have to ask. I’ll take a Bud Light,” she said as she put her hands on his shoulder and leaned in.

“I see you haven’t changed.”

“What do you expect? I’m a simple Southern country girl. I’m sure you’re used to women now who want all kinds of fancy shit.”

“No comment.”

Thelma shook her head and smiled, exhaling through her nose.

“So, what brings you back? I take it you’re on leave.”

“My eight years are up. Both of my parents passed this past year, and I’ve got to fix up the house they left. I’m not sure what to do with it just yet. I’m planning on staying here for now, but even if I decide to leave and sell the house, I still need to fix up the place.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen it. It does look like it needs some work.”

“What about you? What’s takin’ up all your time these days?”

“Well, you know how it is with the bad economy and all. I finished up a two-year degree at City College a few years back, but finding a good job is tough. My parents have that shop it town, so I’ve been working for them part time. Still staying with them too. I’ve been thinking about moving, traveling. Thinking about a lot of things, actually, but not much has come together like I expected, so I’m just taking it it one day at a time.”

“I hear ya. So, does that mean you would move out of your parents’ place if you could?”

“That’s definitely the plan. I thought about splittin’ a place with some girlfriends of mine, but I decided just to rough it out a while longer and save every dollar I can. I think maybe I’ll take a year and then travel for six months once I’ve saved up enough. I’ll always have a place and a job with my parents when I get back.”

“Where are you thinkin’ about visiting?”

“I haven’t figured all that out just yet. I’ve been looking around. Thought about Europe, South America, maybe Australia. Not sure just yet though.”

“I’ve been to all those places.”

“Lucky you.”

“The benefits of being a SEAL.”

“So, which place would you recommend first?”

“That just depends on what you’re into and who you’re with when you go. Every place I’ve visited, I’ve enjoyed. You just have to find someone who’s local to help show you around. Just stay away from the rest of the Americans and you’ll be fine.”

“Says the American.”

“Well, it’s the truth. Every time I’ve seen a tour bus it’s been the same thing. They always take them to the same spots. I mean, I’ll go to a few of the places, the good ones, anyway. But I’ve always found that the small café tucked around the corner, that’s a little dirtier than you might like, always seems to have the best food. And the little beach, hidden away from the main strip, always has the most relaxing view. You just need to know where to go.”

“What was the last place you visited?”

“Visited or worked? Because I’ve been tons of places where I didn’t have time to see much of anything.”

“Where was the last place you actually got to do what you just said?”

“I was up in Vancouver not too long ago. I took a Clipper Cruise to Victoria. Really nice architecture, and I love the water. It reminds me a lot of Seattle but with a little extra charm. Not exactly the most exotic location, but it’s beautiful as anything. I’m sure you would love it. I remember on those walks we used to go on, when you were in high school, you used to talk about how you love the watering holes and the trees. They’re few and far between here in west Texas, but in southern B.C. they’re all over the place.”

“You remember that? I didn’t think you cared.”

“Of course I remember. I’m an outdoorsman myself. I loved going on those walks. If I were a tourist traveling here, you would definitely be the person I would want to show me around. I do miss it here, though. I miss my horses especially. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed hopping back in the saddle again.”

“Yeah, I remember you used to love that one. What’s her name?”

“Arabian Dancer.”

“That’s right, Arabian Dancer. Do you still have her?”

“Yeah, she’s still there. She’s as good as ever. You should come over to the ranch sometime and I’ll give you a ride.”

“Oh, really?” Thelma said with a smile.

 

The roosters did their job waking Cannon up. He never needed an alarm clock, and least not for the six months of the year when the sun rose early enough to wake the birds before he needed to get ready.         

Cannon made some breakfast, bacon and eggs, and then put on a pot of coffee. He could easily drink two pots before lunch. He needed it today, with all the work he had to do.

After a couple cups of coffee, he heard a knock on the door.

“Thelma, good morning. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Please.”

“I didn’t expect you to come over so soon.”

“I figured I’d take you up on that offer of yours. Besides, it’s a lovely morning.”

In spite of its run-down appearance, the openness of the ranch house gave it a lot of extra charm, especially on mornings when the fragments of clouds added color to sky. They orange and pinks created a silhouette that bled through windows and open spaces. 

“It is, isn’t it? Looks like there’s been a lot of rain recently. It’s nice to see the pastures green like this. So, are you up for that ride? If you are, I’ll go get Arabian Dancer from the stable.”

“Yeah, that’ll be nice.”

A few minutes later, Thelma and Cannon stood by the horse. Cannon helped her get into the stirrups, and then hoisted himself up behind her and commanded the horse with the reins. They left the stable and headed out past the ranch house.

“How long has your family had this land?” Thelma asked.

“It’s been in our family since the land was first claimed in the mid 1800s. They got it for free, I think they said. All they had to do was take care of it. That’s how it was back then. This ranch house is newer, though. I heard the first one was destroyed in a big twister back in the twenties. My great great grandparents build this one after that.”

“Does it make you feel any closer to this place? With all the history, you must be having a difficult time deciding what to do.”

“I do have a lot of memories, but all my immediate family passed away. I have lots of family and friends in the area, like most people in these parts, but it’s not the same. Not with my parents gone. I really miss them.”

Cannon showed her the rest of the land, and led Arabian Dancer all the way around until they circled back to stable. He helped Thelma down off the horse.

“Thelma, there was something I wanted to ask you.”

 

*****

Saturday was the busiest day at Thelma’s family shop, which wasn’t that busy. Town center wasn’t much to look at. There were only a few low-rise buildings. It was small enough to walk around in less than fifteen minutes. That just meant that the lease was cheap, and it was easy for Thelma’s parents to make rent.

Thelma had plans to do more with her life, but she loved working there. The antiques they sold were quaint, and she got lost making fantastic tales in her mind, imagining that each one of the trinkets and objects in the store held its own story.

The mornings, though, were always dead. They didn’t start getting their first customers until after 10:30. Thelma used the first half hour, like she did every day she worked, looking around the shop and doodling in her notebook whenever she got too tired of walking around.

That day, Thelma did more of the same, then eased her way into a conversation with her mother.

“So, how would you feel If I moved out? Nothing’s definite yet, but I might have a place to stay,” Thelma said to her mom, Nancy.

“I thought you wanted to save up so you could go traveling next year. Did you find a different job?”

“No, Mom. I just might have this opportunity. You won’t miss me too much if I move out, will you?”

“Of course I’ll miss you if you leave. Your dad will too.”

“And can I come back if it doesn’t work out?”

“I think you already know the answer to that question,” Nancy said.

“You see, there’s this guy.”

Thelma’s mom interrupted her before she could finish.

“This ‘guy’ wouldn’t happen to be Cannon, would it?”

Thelma pursed her lips and looked to the side, avoiding eye contact.

Nancy smiled and tilted her head.

“I knew Cannon’s family. If he’s anything like his parents, he’s a good man. What exactly is the reason, though, you want to move in with him?”

“Like I said, he’s going to let me crash there for free. I love living with you and Dad, but it would be nice to get out on my own.”

“But you won’t be on your own, will you? I’ve raised you to be an independent woman. Even if Cannon is a good man, I’m not sure it’s wise for you to be shacking up with him just to get free rent. You don’t think he’s not going to expect something from you in return, do you?”

“Shacking up? Really?” Thelma asked as she narrowed her eyes.

“I’m just being honest. You said you want to be on your own, but if he’s giving you free rent, you won’t exactly be on your own. What happens if gets redeployed or decides to put his place on the market?”

“You just said I can always come back and stay with you guys,” Thelma replied as the pitch in her voice increased. “Besides, he owns the place now, so if he gets redeployed he said I can probably stay for a while as long as I help maintain the place.”

“Yes, of course you can come back anytime. I just want you to go into this with your eyes open.”

“Mom, here’s the thing, he gets an extra allowance from the military by having someone stay with him. If he says he has a partner, he’ll get the money he needs to fix up his place, and I’ll get free rent. That’s what he’s getting, and that’s all.”

“Just make sure he knows that up front.”

 

A few mornings later, Thelma moved most of her things in with Cannon. It was the first time she’d had the opportunity to live away from her parents. There were no dorms at City College. The closest she ever gotten to living by herself was staying in a hotel for a few nights while on vacation.

“So, how does it feel finally moving out of your parents’ place?” Cannon asked.

“It feels great. But it’s not a big deal, really. I mean, I can always move back, and they’re so close.”

That’s what she said out loud, but an intense burning in her gut told her brain otherwise.

“Here, let me help you with that,” Cannon said as he grabbed a large briefcase she had been rolling.

His hand pressed against hers as he slipped his fingers into the handle. Her skin tingled, and the warm sensation triggered a rise in the faint hairs on her arm.   

The brief increase in her pulse abated, and she spent the rest of the afternoon sorting through her things and arranging the room that used be be Cannon’s. He had taken what used to be his parents’ room. It made sense. It was a lot bigger.

Thelma sat at the desk in her room after she had settled in. She took turns crossing and uncrossing her legs and making lists of different plans she had for traveling and what she wanted to do while she was in each country.

A figure in the corner of her eye stole her attention. Outside her window, Cannon was striding along on the back of Arabian Dancer. She gaped at his bare back. He spent the better part of the day fixing up what he could around the house. She could tell he put in a lot of work from the beads of sweat that trickled down his skin.

Her breathing increased and her skin flushed as she watched him ride the horse. It was the first time she saw him with his shirt off, and his muscles were more defined than she imagined. His guns were the perfect size, but the contours of his chest and stomach reminded her of something from a television ad sporting a male model.

“Want to watch a movie or something?” Thelma asked after Cannon returned from outside.

“Thanks, but maybe another time. I’m beat. I’m going to grab a bite and then crash, then I’ll start it all over again tomorrow.”

“You sure? There’s plenty of room on the couch, and I’m more than willing to pick something you might like. How about an action movie?”

“Thanks, but I really am tired. Rain check?” Cannon asked.

 

*****

The same dance went on for several weeks. Thelma woke up, went to work at the shop on the days she was scheduled, and then she returned home. Each night she asked Cannon if he wanted to do something, but he was always busy fixing things around the house. He never cashed in that rain check like he’d promised, at least not yet.

It was Friday, though, and Thelma was determined to pry Cannon away from his to-do list, at least for one night.

“How long is it gonna to take you to finish fixing things up around this place? You’ve been going at it every night. You should give yourself a break.”

“Don’t know. I’m nowhere near finished, but I’m at the limits of what I can do by myself. I’ve already spoken to a few contractors, and when I get my next check, I’m going to have them start with some of the things on the list. I’m not planning on doing everything at once, but I should have more free time once they start.”

“Glad to hear. You should give yourself a break then. You want to get a drink?”

Cannon paused for a moment.

“You know I am overdue. Sure. Let’s go grab a drink. Were you thinking about The Tavern?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Thelma replied.

An hour later they found themselves in the midst of a packed house.

“Bourbon?” Jessica asked as Cannon and Thelma took a seat at the bar.

“Make it a double.”

“And you Thelma?”

“I’ll have the same.”

“Two doubles it is.”

Thelma watched several couples dance once the evening was late enough and the boys were sufficiently hammered to strut out on the dance floor.

“I love this song,” Thelma said as one of the more recent country tunes started playing.

“Yeah, it’s a good song,” Cannon replied as he took another drink.

Jessica watched them chit chat and shook her head at Cannon as he cornered himself off and kept his focus on the liquid in his glass.

“You dance?” Thelma asked.

“Not a chance.”

“You say that now, but I promise I’m gonna get you on that floor before the evening’s over.”

“I’ll need a hell of a lot more whiskey.”

“It’s early,” Jessica said, interrupting.

Thelma gulped down the rest of her bourbon, then said, “I’m going out there. Join me if you like.”

Cannon sipped on his whiskey and watched as Thelma took the center of the floor and started dancing. He gave a half smile as she let loose and gave in to the music.

“You know she’s into you, right?” Jessica said.

“You think so?”

“Come on. You’d have to be blind not to see it.”

“Yeah, I guess, but I’m not looking for a relationship now, and I don’t want to make things awkward, not with her staying with me and all.”

“Dude, she’s seriously into you. Give her what she wants.”

“And then what?”

“For a smart guy, you can be an idiot sometimes. Don’t overthink it. Just have some fun.”

Cannon looked around the bar and noticed several guys looking at Thelma dance. He could overhear one group of men talking about which one of them was going to go out and ask her to dance first.

“Listen, you better get out out there before someone else does. Trust me, I think you’re going to regret it if you let her slip through your fingers.”

“I told you, though, I’m not into her.”

“Just go dance with her. Here, have another shot of bourbon. This one’s on me,” Jessica said as she placed a shot glass in front of him and filled it to the rim. 

Cannon downed the shot and walked onto the dance floor just as one of the other men looked as if he was going to approach Thelma.

He grabbed Thelma by the waist and took her hand to spin her around.

“Glad you could finally make it.”

“Are you kidding? I would miss it for the world,” Cannon said with a smile as he spoke into her ear.

“Uh huh,” Thelma replied as he took both her hands in an expert move.

“Damn, you’re good at this, aren’t you? I should have gotten you out here sooner.”

“I’m okay. Guess those dance lessons came in handy after all.”

Other people at The Tavern looked on, some in awe and a few others in jealousy. He was good,

They danced a few more numbers and chatted a bit. The liquor loosened him up, and he finally gave her a few full smiles.

“I’m having fun,” Thelma said as the up-tempo melody came to an end.

She held on to his hand as a slow song replaced the previous fast number. She could tell by his gentle tug that he wanted to sit that one out.

“Just one more, then I’ll let you go.”

Cannon hesitated and took in a deep breath, and then he acquiesced. She leaned her head on his shoulder and draped her arms around his back.

The song ended, and they sat back down.

“Another bourbon?” Jessica asked.

“Make it a double.”

 

*****

“I can’t believe you can dance that good. You should have told me. Where did you learn to dance like that?” Thelma said as she touched his arm.

“Like I said, I took lessons when I was younger. My mom used to drag me and Dad out all the time, and he hated it. She used me as an excuse for family time, so he didn’t have much choice. I guess I remembered a lot of the moves.”

“Well, you certainly are full of surprises. What else have you been keeping secret?”

“Not a thing.”

Thelma’s mouth moistened, and her face turned a noticeable red as she smiled.

Cannon and Thelma stayed for a few more drinks before heading out. The Tavern was just a short walk from the house, so they made it back home in no time.

Cannon put the key in the door and turned the knob. She followed closely behind him and fumbled around the entryway before she kicked off her heels and shut the door behind her.

“I haven’t had that much fun in a long time,” Thelma said.

“Yeah. It was good to get out for a change.”

“See? I told you.”

Thelma gave him a gentle shove and stared into his eyes as she pushed forward on his upper chest.

Cannon grabbed her hand and then hesitated, staring back at her.

They both stopped talking and just looked at each other for a few seconds until the silence became uncomfortable.

Moments later, their lips were pressed against each other. Cannon felt the moisture of her plump mouth with his own as they took turns pushing each other up against the wall.

Cannon lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around him. He slid his hand down from her upper thigh, and stroked her smooth skin down to the back of her knee as they continued kissing.  

They managed to unpin each other from the wall and move to the bedroom, leaving a trail of clothes strewn across the floor.

“Look at you,” Thelma said as she sat at the edge of the bed, unable to remove her eyes from his muscled bare flesh.

Cannon walked up to her, caressing her skin as he picked her up, pushing her further up on the bed and positioning himself between her legs.

He embraced her, and for the next half hour, they gave in to their desires until they both collapsed, sweating.

“That was…” Thelma said.

“Yeah, it was.” Cannon replied.

Thelma cuddled up next to him, and they both fell asleep in each other’s arms until the roosters woke them the following morning.

“You want some breakfast?” Thelma asked.

Cannon looked out the window at the bright morning sun. Its rays gleamed through the section of the window that was revealed when he peeled back the curtain.

“Yeah, that would be nice.”

Cannon put on his pants and stared out the window several minutes before walking into the kitchen.

“Here is some fresh-squeezed orange juice to go with your bacon and eggs,” Thelma said a short time later after she had finished cooking.

They ate breakfast in an awkward silence, and then went back to their routines for rest of the day. A few more days passed, and Cannon didn’t mention that night. Thelma waited for him to say something, but soon the days turned into a few more weeks, and Cannon turned his attention to the new contractor who had started working on the house.

“You wanna go check out a movie or something, Cannon?” Thelma asked.

“Maybe later. I’m just going to stay here and work alongside the contractor. I want to see how things are moving along.”

Thelma sighed.

“Do you think it was a mistake?” she asked.

“What?”

“You know what I mean. Do you think it was a mistake? Did you just have your fun with me and now you’re done?”

“Thelma, you know it’s not like that.”

“Then was is it like? Why did you make love to me if you’re not going to say anything about it or talk to me anymore?”

“Listen, I didn’t exactly plan it. It just kinda happened.”

“So you do think it was a mistake!”

“No. That’s not it. We were drunk is all. I didn’t want to rush into anything, and I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable while you are staying here. I don’t want you to feel like you owe me anything.”

“Is that why you think I wanted you? Because you think I thought I owed you something?”

“Come on. That’s not fair and you know it. Of course I don’t think that. We were having fun, we had a lot to drink, and one thing let to another. That’s it. That’s all I’m saying. It’s not a mistake. It just happened. I liked it. I like you, but I just don’t want you feeling uncomfortable.”

“If you didn’t want me feeling uncomfortable, maybe you should have tried talking to me a little more. Do something. Go out for a change. Ever since you hired the contractor, you’ve hardly looked at me.”

Cannon stopped and thought for a moment. He walked up to her and took her hand.

“Thelma, you’re right. I’m sorry. Now that I think about it, I have ignored you. Not because I thought what we did was a mistake, but because I haven’t been in a relationship in a while. I went from fighting for the country and being shot at to learning about both my parents dying. I’ve been so wrapped up in fixing up this house because it’s help take my mind off things while I sort through my life. It’s not you.”

“‘It’s not you, it’s me’? Is that what you were going to say? So I was just a distraction?”

“No, not at all. I like you. I always have. I’m not sorry about what we did. I enjoyed it. I like you. My mind just hasn’t been in it lately.”

“Well, you won’t have to worry about that. You don’t need my permission, but I’m giving it to you anyway. Feel free to ignore me. You don’t have to talk to me. Hell, I don’t want you to talk to me. This is just an arrangement, okay? I’m here for the free rent, and you’re here for the extra cash, so just leave me the fuck alone, and you can go about your business and pretend I’m not here.”

 

*****

A world away, the stale taste of sand was fused with a hint of gunpowder and explosives. 

Three Navy SEALs wearing camo and a full complement of military-issued weapons and supplies stormed the bunker that housed the suspects they had been tracking for the past several weeks.

“I got your six,” Buck shouted over the ringing in his ears that came from the explosion.

Buck and other two men from his squad, Ace and Smitty, entered from the outside while they communicated with hand signals.

“Got him,” shouted Buck, the leader of the squad, as he pinned the suspect to the ground.

“Get down!” shouted Smitty.

A barrage of bullets peppered the bunker.

“God dammit. I’m hit.”

“How bad is it, Ace?” Buck asked.

Ace peeled back the fabric from his leg, revealing a nickel-sized hole. Blood spurted through the cracks in his fingers.

“I think the bullet nicked an artery,” he replied.

The barrage of bullets abated as they went to work taking quick stock of their surroundings. Buck ripped piece of his shirt and tied it around Ace’s leg.

“You’re gonna make it out of this shit hole, Ace. I promise,” Buck said.

“I better. I’m the one who tracked down these sons of bitches, and I’m damn sure not lettin’ you get all the credit for it.”

“Just for that, I’m not sharing any of my rations with you,” Buck replied.

Buck smiled, but Ace could see that look on his face, the look Buck gave when he knew a man was about to die. He tried to comfort him anyway.

“You’re an asshole, Buck,” Smitty said as he scowled at Buck. “You can share my rations any day, Ace.”

Smitty hoisted Ace over his shoulder, and Buck followed Smitty out the door, dragging two captives with him.

Twenty minutes later, back at camp, Smitty went to work fixing up the wound as best he could, while the two men they captured were out cold in the other room.

Buck picked up the comm with the general, “We got ‘em, sir. One of my men’s hurt badly, but we got him.”

“Any indication of the target, Commander?” General Harris asked Buck.

“Looks like your suspicions were right, General. But there’s something else. We tracked a whole company of ISIS fighters from Mosul. My translator’s looked at the papers and they suggest the fighters have been collaborating with several high-ranking officials in Turkey and Syria. There are cells in fourteen locations across the globe, seven back at home, the rest scattered across Europe and North Africa.”

“Good work, Commander. You’ve saved a lot of lives today. You tell that soldier he’s done his country a great service.”

Several days later, Buck and Smitty were back stateside preparing for Ace’s funeral.

“Give me a beer, and none of that foreign shit, either,” Buck told Jessica.

She went down the list of domestics. He settled for a bottle of Bud.

Cannon gave Buck a hard pat on the back of his soldier.

“It’s good to see you again, Buck. I can’t believe it about Ace. I always thought he’d be one to outlast us all. He had that lucky charm of his. Always seemed to get him out of shit.”

“Funny thing. We were in the hole taking heat. The first bullet blew that cross clean of his neck, not a scratch on him, but it blew the chain and cross right off. The second bullet was the one that killed him.”

“God dammit. Wish I could have been there with you. I would have loved take out the terry that shot our brother,” Cannon said to Buck.

“You may get your wish. I’ve got permission to put together a special team of my men, SEALs only and a just two squads. We’re gonna infiltrate and take care of business. Some shit is going down, and we’re leaving right after the funeral. That’s why I’m here. I know your time is up, but I can’t think of anyone I’d want in my team more than you.”

Jessica listened intently and poured Cannon another double without asking.

“This one’s on me. You gonna leave us again?” Jessica asked.

Buck looked back at Cannon. “The general’s givin’ me 48 hours to put together my team. I need to know by then.”

Cannon chugged down the bourbon then proceeded to finish the evening with Buck and Smitty, catching up on old times and getting completely plastered.

The following morning, Cannon woke early. He went out to the stable and began grooming the coat of Arabian Dancer.

It had been several weeks since he took her out. He had been focused on the all the things that needed fixing around the ranch house. Between his own work and watching the contractors, he had spent little time out in the stables or doing much of anything else.

Cannon lifted himself up onto the saddle and lightly tugged on the reins. Arabian Dancer complied, and she and Cannon moved slowly across the field.

Cannon took in the crisp morning air. He always loved how the cool dew felt that time of year, just after the heat of summer broke and began to bleed into fall.

He stopped. Arabian Dancer’s eyes were bright and focused forward. She gave a snort and a neigh as he gave a gentle tug on the left rein to move the horse into a better position to view the house and land.

“What do you think I should do?” Cannon said to the horse.

He ears were pricked forward, but she remained silent.  

“You’re just like all the other women in my life, aren’t you? Quiet when I need your advice the most.”

The horse neighed back in reply.

Cannon sighed and thought about what would be the best course of action. He had served in Buck’s company along with Ace and Smitty on his last tour. They were like brothers to him.

Cannon stayed out in the field for over an hour until the sun rose, well past the time Thelma usually woke up. When she did, Thelma lifted curtain in her room and saw Cannon motionless on the saddle.    

“What’s wrong?” Thelma asked once Cannon returned.

“Who said anything was wrong?”

“I can see it on your face, and I haven’t seen you ride your horse for weeks. Something’s up. What’s going on?”

“A couple of soldiers I served with came to pay me a visit. Another guy we all served with was killed in action.”

Thelma pursed her lips, and reflected on what she wanted to say.

“I’m sorry about your friend,” she said and stepped closer.

“Thanks,” he replied. He took a deep sigh.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“No. But thanks. I’m planning on going to the funeral with Buck and Smitty tomorrow.”

“What was your other friend’s name, the one who was killed?”

“Ace. His name was Ace. We go way back. I knew him before he enlisted, before we were both SEALs, and when he was still in high school. He was a cool guy. He was a great friend. Not the kind of friend that most people call friends. He was a real friend, the kind you kill for, die for. He always thought about us and never tried to take advantage.”

“Sounds like he was a good guy.”

“The best, and now he is gone.”

Thelma walked closer. Her heart skipped, and she swallowed. She looked up at Cannon and placed her hand on his arm.

“Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?” she asked.

Cannon shook his head. He looked as if he had just shaken himself from a daze to refocus his attention on something purposeful.

“You know, one time we were in Afghanistan and he saved my ass. It was right after I was commissioned, and I got my orders. I was fresh out of camp, way before I trained to be a SEAL. We were taking heavy fire and I was scared shitless. He had already served a tour ahead of me, so he knew the routine.”

“What happened?”

“I was just kind of standing there, out in the open. It was only for a few seconds, but I swear I should have been dead. The other soldiers had taken cover, and I was just frozen like a deer in headlights. Then out of nowhere, there’s this rocket propelled grenade that lands right by my feet. I stand there motionless, like a statue, and he picks it up and throws it fifty yards away. He didn’t even hesitate. The second it landed in front of me, all I saw was his hand darting down to the ground and then tossing it across the way.”

“What happened after that?”

“It exploded. I got this right here,” Cannon said as he took off his shirt and showed Thelma the scar from the shrapnel that grazed him during the incident.

“Luckily for us, he threw it when he did. If he had waited a split second, we’d all be dead. I’d be dead. And that wasn’t the first or last time either. The guy was like a vampire. He never died. He wore this funky-looking cross on a chain. That was his good luck charm, he always used to tell us. He saved Smitty and Buck and bunch of times. I don’t know how he did it, but he saved my ass. He saved all of our asses a dozen times over.”

“Well, I’m sorry about your friend.”

“I appreciate that. But his death has got me thinking.”

“Thinking about what?”

 

*****

“Nothing. I just need a drink,” Cannon said.

“What is it? You said it’s got you thinking. What are you thinking?”

“My tour is up, but I’m going to reenlist. Those damned terrorist killed Ace. Nobody kills Ace, not without some retribution. Buck asked me to join his company for a tour back in the desert. We’ll be able to get some justice and protect the country at the same time. Best of all, if I go, I’ll be able to get a reenlistment bonus of twenty-five grand.”

Thelma’s heart sank.

“And how long would you be gone for? How long would your tour last?”

“I don’t know, eighteen months at least. Could be longer. Most likely I’ll be gone for another four years. After I finish my mission I’m sure my superiors will station me elsewhere for reallocation and training.”

“And what about the house? When are you planning on leaving?”

“A couple days.”

“A couple days?”

“Don’t worry, Thelma. You can stay in the house. I wouldn’t ask you to leave. Besides, I really could use your help in making sure that contractors don’t steal anything and that they get all the work done.”

“What about us?”

“I didn’t realize there was an ‘us’ anymore. I mean, it was only one time, and you haven’t exactly been warm to me in the last month. I thought you would be happy if I left.”

She looked in his direction and shook her head.

“You really are clueless, aren’t you?”

She stepped closer.

“I told you before, relationships aren’t my thing. I’ve never been good at them.”

“But you’re a good man.”

“You think so?”

Thelma took another step. Only a few inches separated her from his skin. She took her other hand and grabbed his arm, feeling his biceps and letting he hand fall down to his fingertips.

“I know so. You care about your friend. You miss your parents, and I’ve know you since you were a kid. You always want to do the right thing, even if it’s not the smart thing. You’re loyal, and honest, and kind.”

She took another step. Now her body was touching his. Her chest was pushed up against him, and it was difficult for him to think of anything else except the warm bosom that was pressed to his chest.

Thelma titled her chin up, inviting him to kiss her lips. Her heart pounded faster, and her skin turned pale.

Cannon caressed the skin on her face and moved closer.

His pulse quickened, and he felt the warmth of her lips on his,

She pulled back.

“What is it?” Cannon asked.

“I have something to tell you too.”

 

*****

“So, how dangerous is this mission of yours, Cannon, if you go?”

“Dangerous. But I’ll be with the best. We’re the best. That’s why I think I have to do this. Our country is in danger. I know it’s worth it. I’m not afraid to die.”

“I don’t want you to go. I think it’s great you want to serve your country, but you’ve already done enough. Don’t you think there’s another way you can help out without going to war?”

“Maybe so, but Ace is dead. They killed Ace.”

“I don’t want you to die also. Don’t you think there’s been enough death in the last year, first with your parents and now with your friend Ace? Do you think this is what he would have wanted?”

“Yes. I do. Ace would have done it for us. The least we can do is find the people who shot him and go kick their asses. Now, you said you had some news of your own. What is it?”

“A couple weeks ago, I could tell something was wrong. I was getting these headaches. They just wouldn’t go away. And then I started to feel tired all the time. I started having dizzy spells, and then I woke up one morning and I couldn’t breath. I started wheezing, and it took me several minutes to catch my breath.”

“What was it? What was wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, Cannon. I wasn’t sure what it was at first, but then my mother started noticing when I came around the shop. She could tell something was off.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she recognized what was going on, and she told me to take a test, so I did.”

“What did the test say?”

“It said I’m pregnant.”

Cannon’s eyes widened, and a tingling sensation overtook his body. He could feel his skin heating up, and he felt like he was about to pass out.

“You’re what?”

“I’m pregnant.”

Cannon stood there in silence and swallowed.

Thelma stared back at him, beckoning with her eyes for him to say something. After a few moments of letting the initial shock wear off, he asked, “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, Cannon. I’m sure. I took the test three times, and then I went to the doctor and confirmed it. I’m having a baby. Your baby.”

“I’m not sure what to say.”

Cannon put his hand on her stomach.

“You’re not going to be able to notice anything just yet. I’m only a month along.”

“Is this what you want? Do you want to be with me?”

“Of course, Cannon. I want to be with you.”

 

*****

The next morning, Cannon woke up and made a pot of coffee.

“Thelma, I thought about it. I even dreamed about it.”

Cannon brought the cup of steaming hot coffee to his mouth and took a sip.

“Here’s the thing. I called the general last night. I’ve spoken again with Buck, and I’ve really thought this thing through.”

“And what?”

“I have to go serve my country. I need to find out who did this, and take him out. I’m going to track down the enemy and then I’m going to kill him.”

Thelma’s face turned white. She could hear a ringing in her ears that silenced everything else around her.

“What about us? What about the baby?”

“I want you both, but I have to do right by my country too.”

“So, you’re just going to leave? You’re going without me, and you expect me to wait around for four years hoping that you’re still alive, leaving me to raise our baby alone until you get back years later?”

“Well, not exactly. Like I said. I spoke to the general. He said that he would allow me to extend my service without signing on for another full tour. I could be in and out in a few months, and be back before the baby is born, if everything goes as planned. I’ll find the terrorists responsible and gather enough intel, which I’ll hand off to Buck and the rest of the SEALs to take them on without me.”

“But you could still die. I might end up raising our child alone, without you,” Thelma replied.

“Life is full of risk. Every decision we make, everything we do has some risk. I could die tomorrow walking across the street or doing just about anything.”

“It’s not the same.”

“You’re right. If I die for my country, my death with have meaning. I’m not going to lie; it’s going to be dangerous. The chances of me not coming back are very real. Small, but still very real. Come with me to the funeral. I want you to meet Buck. Talk with my friends and listen to what they have to say about what kind of man Ace was. I think after you speak with them awhile you’ll understand.”

Thelma’s body quivered. Her stomach was turning in knots.

“I don’t want you to go.”

“We can’t always get what we want.”

“I’m begging you. Please don’t go.”

“I can’t do that, Thelma. I have to go, for Ace, for my country, and to kill those assholes who want to kill women and children like you. I have to go for you and for our baby and for other mothers and their babies.”

Thelma felt faint. She sat down by the table after pouring herself a glass of cold water.

“So, this is it then. You’re going to leave.”

“Not completely.”

“What do you mean?”

Cannon looked at her and smiled. He pulled a box from inside of his pocket, an expensive-looking velvet box.

Thelma gasped. Her hands started trembling and she covered her face as she exhaled.

“Is that…”

Cannon got down on one knee and opened the box. She could see a large stone gleamed on a circle of white, pressed down in the holder. He pulled the ring from the box.

“Thelma, I know I don’t deserve you. I’ve been a jerk, self absorbed, focused on everything else except for what’s been in front of my face all along. From the first time I met you when we were still in grade school, I knew there was something special about you. I was stupid to let you go then, and I was stupid to almost let you go now. Well, I can’t let you go. And it’s not just the baby either.

“From the first time we made love, I knew something was different. It just took me until now to see it. You have the kindness of my father, and the brains of my mother. You’re considerate and thoughtful, and you’re willing to call me out on my bullshit. And that’s okay, because it keeps me honest and will make me a better man. What I’m trying to say is, will you marry me?”

Thelma’s body trembled. He foot tapped uncontrollably on the floor. She had to step on it with her other foot to make to it stop.

“Yes. Yes, Cannon, I’ll marry you.”

Thelma took the ring from Cannon and slipped it on her finger.

“This thing is huge. How did you pay for it?”

“It was my mother’s. A family heirloom. She told me a long time ago that whenever I found the right woman, she wanted her to have it. That woman is you.”

Thelma smiled. Her cheeks were flush, and a warm sensation covered her entire body. She had to sit back down and take another sip of water.

 

Later, Thelma stood with Cannon, holding hands among the crowd of soldiers at the cemetery listening to Buck speak after a full military salute to Ace’s passing.

“Ace was a good soldier. He was a hero, fearless, and a better man than any one of us. I know that every one of his brothers in arms, anyone who knew him personally, feels it should be us in this grave instead of him. He never had the chance to start a family and have kids, but he died so that we could. And I promise, we promise, that we’re going to find those cowards who took him away from us and we’re going to bury them in the ground.”

After the ceremony, Thelma spent time talking with Buck and several other soldiers who knew Ace. She listened to their stories about how funny he was and all the times he lifted their spirits when they were tired or bored out their minds. She listed to each of the different times Ace had saved their lives, and how his good luck charm gave him an extra pair of stones. Afterwards, she understood why Cannon and his friends felt as strongly as they did. She still didn’t want to see him go, but she never said another word about it after that.

 

Several months later, Cannon found himself in a fire fight.

“Over the hill. The sniper’s over the hill,” Buck shouted.

Cannon raced across the ground the moment the bullets let up. His several months’ journey came to an end. One bullet to the head, and his enemy was on the ground. Buck came around and confirmed the kill.

Over the next week, Buck and his select group of SEALs were able to secure all the intel they needed to find the location and targets of the planned attacks. The general was able to get boots on the ground in the overseas operations and FBI back in the homeland. Cannon was headed back to west Texas.

 

A week later, Thelma stood by the baggage claim at the airport, waiting for Cannon to appear. Her stomach had a noticeable bump, and her face gave off a motherly glow. She kept her eyes fixed on the escalators until she saw the familiar face.

“Cannon!” she shouted once she was sure it was him.

Thelma ran over, and Cannon caught her in his arms and gave her a passionate kiss.

“I told you I’d come back safe.”  

“Did you get him?”

“I got the sucker. We got ‘em. If we have a boy, I want to name him Ace.”

*****

THE END