SEAL Forever (19 page)

“Go in, you nimrod,” said someone from behind.

There was nothing more shocking than having a group of men burst into the room and set their sights on her. Maura knew she must look like hell from all the tears, from getting up in the middle of the night, from being at the hospital and not even looking at a mirror, but she didn't care.

“Hi, I'm Maura.” She stood up and held out her hand. She had brothers. Big men or not, she wasn't going to be intimated. Nothing was going to get her out of this room until she had word about Declan's safety.

“Use your indoor manners,” said a rather buttoned-up looking guy.

“Right.” Leaper cleared his throat. “Uh, I'm Leaper, Declan's swim buddy. I spoke to you on the phone.” Leaper shook hands with her. He then took the phone that was lying on the floor and pushed a few buttons. “You turned on the locator beacon. That's how we found you.”

“Truth is…we were tracking you even before that. The call with Leaper set off a few alarms for us. I'm Sobbit Dahl.” The tallish man nodded at her.

“Right. Sorry about that.” She rushed on. “I couldn't talk when you called as Declan was about to go into surgery. I was speaking with the doctor and then the nurse. I had to put him first…”

“She's got the balls to be Swifton's wife. Excuse our manners. I'm Miller Roth, and this is Harvey Wilson, Tyler Kidding, Bunks Fox, and that's Hayes Johnson. We're…”

“Teammates,” Maura finished. “Yeah, I know. I figured it out.” She cleared her throat. “You've been gone a long time. He talks fondly about you guys.”

“He better,” smirked Sobbit. “Though he obviously didn't invite us to a wedding or a celebration party. That bastard!”

“Blah, blah, blah! It's always about you!” teased Wilson.

Bunks frowned. “Cool it, guys. The lady isn't used to us yet.”

Maura liked the banter. It eased the knot in her gut. “I have brothers. Just be yourselves, okay?”

“Sure,” said Leaper, throwing both his Teammates a stern look and then escorting Maura back to a chair and sitting down next to her. “Just tell us, in your own time, what's going on?”

“When I woke up this morning, Declan had a fever. The doctor had told him yesterday that surgery might be imminent, but when I couldn't wake him up, I called the ambulance. Now, here we are.” She flexed her fingers, trying not to get stressed while she waited. She just loved him so much, she wished she could take his pain away.

“We just got back in town. We
were
going to give Dec some crap over being MIA, when this news sort of changed our plans,” said Hayes. “What can we do to help?”

“Nothing.” Maura explained the surgery the same way the doctor had explained it. “I don't know how long it's going to be. It could be two hours. Could be ten.”

Miller nodded. “What do you need from us?”

“I'm sure Declan would be happy to know that you're here,” said Maura. Picking up the water she'd gotten from the cooler in the corner of the room, she took a sip. It was cold on her throat going down.

“Would you like some tea or coffee? I see vending machines,” said Bunks.

“You and your stomach,” commented Sobbit.

“I'm hungry.”

“It's like you have a tapeworm. You're always hungry.”

Maura found herself smiling. Sure enough, they reminded her of Declan. The way they teased each other, the way their strength was their massive energy dominating any space they were in, and this underlining kindness. Tears welled in her eyes. “I'm…I'm glad you're here.” Having people to share the experience with lightened the emotion considerably.

Leaper reached over and punched Bunks and Sobbit in the arms. “See what you did? You made her cry.”

Miller shook his head. “No way. They made her smile.”

* * *

Being in the air-conditioned room for four hours had lowered Maura's core temperature to near freezing. She couldn't drink another cup of tea or she'd be going to the bathroom every five minutes instead of every twenty.

Miller had mumbled something about his car and slipped out a half hour ago.

She wished she could step outside for ten minutes to warm up, but she didn't dare. Walking to the door, she waited for a nurse to come by and then called her. “Nurse. Is there any word?”

The woman, who had been asked the very same question at least a dozen times, shook her head and continued down the hall.

“The least she could have done was answer me with words,” Maura said softly to herself.

“They do that. Don't give out information in case it's taken wrong. Declan is strong. He's the ornery type.” Miller was standing behind her, holding a Team FIVE sweatshirt and a large bag of food. He grinned. “Only so many candy bars and snack packs a human being can eat.”

“Thanks,” she said, grateful for the sweatshirt and the reassuring words. Pulling it over her head, she relished the thick warmth. The hem landed at just above her knees. She didn't care; nothing was going to make her take it off.

Miller handed her a Styrofoam box full of hot eggs, toast, and bacon, and a bottle of fresh-squeezed orange juice. Even though it was almost lunchtime, she'd skipped breakfast, and eggs were welcome 24/7 in her book.

Maura practically inhaled the food. Her body was delighted with the fuel and she felt almost human again. Flexing her fingers, she noted even they were warming up. “I appreciate it. What do I owe you?”

“Nothing,” said Miller as he tossed his container in the garbage and reached for hers.

She handed it over and stretched. Spending all this time with these guys had taught her a lot about them. They cared about Declan as if he were not just a brother, but also an extension of them. And they cross-referenced their questions to her, waiting for her to slip up.

Telling them the truth—that she lived next door, that she'd become closer to him after he rescued her from a paddleboard accident, and that he might have an upcoming duty assignment at BUD/S—had loosened some of the tongues about Declan's life before her. She enjoyed the stories; it made her feel like he was right here.

* * *

The staff shifts rotated, and a new nurse came out to speak to Maura. “I can take you back to see him. He's going in and out of consciousness, but he should be waking up shortly. He was in recovery for over an hour and a half.” To the rest of the men waiting, she said, “We'll let you know when he's ready for visitors.”

Maura followed the nurse through another corridor and was escorted through double doors into the ICU. Walking down a glass-lined hallway, it was hard not to peer into the rooms where people were lying in their most vulnerable state. It didn't alleviate any of her anxiety to see all of the nurses and doctors hovering around the patients and their families.

“In here,” said the nurse, gesturing to an end room. The shades over the window were drawn and the room was dark, except for a block of lights behind his bed. It smelled strongly of bleach in there. Maura's nose wrinkled as the nurse brought her alongside Declan's bed. “The doctor will be coming in shortly, if you'd like to take a seat.”

Maura couldn't take her eyes from Declan. Drinking in the sight of him, she willed her racing heart to slow down. Taking long, slow breaths, she kept herself from passing out and finally pulled a chair over to the bed and tentatively wrapped her fingers around his.

His lips were dry and cracked in places, and he looked younger and very vulnerable.

“I miss you,” she whispered softly, stroking his hand. The room was so silent, her words felt like they echoed.

Dr. Ekkert came in the door. “Mrs. Swifton? Sorry for the delay in speaking with you. I had a second emergency to handle.”

She nodded.

The doctor looked worn-out and at the same time relaxed. Grabbing another chair from the corner, he pulled it alongside hers and sat down. “He did great.”

“Thank you,” said Maura, letting out the breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

“There was a clot in his upper thigh. We got there in time to remove it, and the other surgeries went well. We did a few scans and didn't see any other problems, but to be on the safe side he'll be on blood thinners for a few months. Other than that, he should be waking up anytime now.” Dr. Ekkert squeezed the bridge of his nose. “I'll stick around for another hour, if Declan would like to…”

“Maura…” Declan's voice was rough. He coughed.

The doctor stood and picked up a glass of water with a straw, putting it to Declan's mouth. “How are you feeling, Master Chief?”

Declan drank several sips before spitting out the straw. “Hungry.”

Maura smiled. “He's fine.” Her stress was officially ratcheted down another level.

“Yeah, that's a good sign.” Dr. Ekkert pulled back the covers. Before he exposed Declan, he added, “Can you give us a minute, Mrs. Swifton?”

Maura blushed and rushed into the hall. Pretty nice the way doctors watched out for a patient's dignity, even if a “family member” was in the room.

She chose an out-of-the-way corner in which to wait. She rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet, needing some way to expend her energy. Every time she looked toward Declan's room, the curtain was still pulled. What was going on in there?

Sending her gaze down the hall, she could see Declan's Teammates hovering on the other side of the ICU glass door. Their presence reminded her that she needed to tell Declan about her lie before the entire Team descended on him.

“Mrs. Swifton, your husband wants to see you,” said Dr. Ekkert as he left the room and headed down an adjoining hall.

Ah, maybe that meant he knew. Maura lingered for the count of ten before she went into Declan's room. She didn't know how mad he was going to be, but she was prepared to rebut his arguments. They were together…okay, sleeping together. In some kind of logical space, didn't that give her the right to be a part of this?

“Well, well, well, here comes the bride.” The smile on Declan's face brought a smile to hers. His color was back to normal. He might not have been ready to bounce out of bed, but the vitality he normally radiated was on high beam.

“Declan, I…” She went back to her place by his bed, not sure how to begin.

He grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “It was a good idea. You wouldn't have been able to see me otherwise.” His lips caressed her skin and shivers ran up her spine. “I appreciate what you did. You saved my life.”

Those words lit her heart up. Leaning down, she kissed him. The weight of her worry had slipped away with the power of that connection.

“Maybe I should put a ring on it,” he murmured against her lips.

She drew back and play-punched his arm. “Don't tease. That's serious stuff.”

“Now, now, you wouldn't want to beat up an unarmed man, would you?”

“Ah, your Teammates might. They're here,” she said and whispered, “and they believe we're married.”

“Good! I don't want them to think you're fair game.” Declan laughed out loud and then grabbed his gut and his leg simultaneously. “Ouch! Damn it, that hurts. Don't let me laugh.”

“Okay, how about this, then… When you're ready to get moving, let me know, because I've read your texts and there is the SuperFROG Triathlon in a short time. We have three months to train for it, and I already signed you up. It's the perfect workout goal for you, and for me to prep myself for my gym competitions.”

“Christ, woman, what are thinking? I just had surgery on my leg. I'm a grown-ass man, you know.”

“Yeah, and you might have more healing and growing to do, but I know it is not going to slow you.” She tapped her foot impatiently. “Either you make plans and keep going or you might as well stay right where you are.”

He cleared his throat, choking on his own frustration. “You're right. I don't want you in my life. Get out.”

“Too bad,” she said, putting her hands on her hips and leaning her face into his. “I'm too stubborn to leave. You're stuck with me. So learn to love it. Because I love you.” With that, she turned on her heel and walked to the door. “I'm going to get your Teammates.”

“Hey, lady. I want you to know something.”

“What?” she asked, turning her head to the side sweetly.

“My mother…she would have really liked you.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Thanks,” she said, her voice full of emotion. “That means a lot to me. I wish I could have met her.” She came back over and wrapped her arms around him.

He held her tight, drinking in the delicious scent of her skin and hair. “My Maura.”

She nodded her head against his body as the tears fell from her eyes. Then she abruptly pulled back and walked to the door. “I'll send in the guys.”

He grinning as he stared at the empty doorway. “I love you too, Maura.” He knew in his heart she was the one for him. She'd go toe-to-toe with him and not back off or back down, and she understood him in ways no one else could.

Maura had lived through a traumatic event that changed her world, and she got it—understood that sometimes life was fine and other times it could hurt like hell. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, and neither did she. Yeah, they both had wounds that would take time to heal, but who didn't? And now they could heal together.

The next few weeks were grueling. Keeping a SEAL on the couch—or in slow-motion healing mode—was akin to holding down a lion with a flyswatter, especially when he wanted to be moving. Maura had her hands full and it was testing her patience.

Going to work for a few hours every day was her only sanity time. Maura read over the accounts that Mrs. B. had left for her and signed off on them, lingering over the paperwork as long as she could.

With Maura being gone more, Mrs. B. had logged in more hours acting as gym manager. Quite frankly, the woman had a knack. Perhaps Maura should consider having her take over full-time.

Sue Kolls popped her head into the office. “Hey, Maura, are you going to teach the teen class or can I take it?”

“You want to teach it?” Maura was surprised. This instructor was a former Marine Drill Sergeant and more appreciative of the strength-building and spinning classes for adults than working with the teens.

Stepping into her office, Sue approached the desk with precise steps. “Don't tell anyone, but I really like this program. I've never seen teens so excited to do anything. My sister has problems with her kids, and I was thinking if I'm teaching, maybe they can try a class or two for free. I think it'd help her out.”

Maura nodded. “Anyone is welcome to take a class for free. No problem. If they do decide to join, they get fifty percent off for our extended-family discount or if they can't afford it, you know we have a program for that too. But I want to know what else this class gives you and what you want to give it.”

Sue sat down across from Maura. “I want to expand the program and offer it not just once a week, but daily, Monday through Saturday. I'd like to see the teens have something to be proud of. They're so hungry for direction and activity, and if we can keep them engaged, I believe it will make a difference in a lot of lives.”

“I agree,” said Maura, pulling out several pages of notes. “Here's a list of our local gyms and their competitive programs. I'd like the teens to start competing locally and statewide in parkour and gymnastics. Would you like to spearhead the superhero teen program? And coordinate with Deidre and get the gymnastics teens to her?”

“Absolutely! I'll begin immediately…permission forms, rules, program schedules…the whole mission.” Sue stood up and headed for the door. She paused in the door frame and looked back. “I adore logistics. I…I just want to say, you've made a difference here. This gym was floundering when you arrived. You've created programs that brought in all ages and encouraged an atmosphere of growth, development, and achievement. I'm…I'm glad you came.”

“Thanks, Sue.” Maura smiled at her as she pushed back from her chair and walked to the window. She looked out at the busy gym: every square foot was in use and there were lines ready to join in. The compliment from Sue was meaningful. Given the fact the woman originally had wanted to be manager, it meant even more.

Several more instructors gave her a greeting or nod of acknowledgment. Perhaps it was time…to let more birds fly. When she was captain of her gymnastics squad, she had learned to create direction and encourage people to develop on their own. She'd used the same technique here, and each instructor had blossomed or left. As of now, they had quadrupled their income.

Going back over to her desk, she picked up her class listing and pen. She was going to ask for volunteers. Out there were plenty of them. It would give her more time to prepare for competition and allow her to spend more time with Declan.

Smiling to herself, she realized this was the beginning of a whole new phase in her life, one where she chose how and when to let go of control.

* * *

Maura let herself into the tumbling room. They used this space for gymnasts practicing floor routines, with additional padding for the toddler, kinder, and single-digit superhero programs.

Springs mounted under the flooring pads provided additional lift. A stack of safety mats in different spots made the difference on the landing of some of those twists and turns and surviving the experience.

Not seeing Deidre anywhere in sight, Maura put down her clipboard, went over to the music controller, and keyed up a mix of her songs. She did a series of stretches and warm-up exercises to loosen her muscles.

When “Satisfaction” came blaring over the speakers, she adjusted the volume and then walked to the closest corner of the floor mat. With a salute to her pretend judges, she began her routine. After doing three front walkovers in fast succession and ending in a flip, she moved into a dance with high leg raises, arm work, and a bouncy little movement with her head. Using her good arm, she balanced herself in the air while she did the split and then pushed off, twisting her body and landing on the ground in the same position. Her arms waved in rhythm to the music, and then she pulled herself up into a back walkover, doing them over and over until she reached the next corner. Pointing her toes in succession as she caught her breath in the corner, she prepared for her two-and-a-half double twist.

Somewhere in the back of Maura's mind she heard the door open, but she didn't pay heed as she started her run and put her body into motion. She knew this routine like she knew the back of her hand, as she'd done it over and over for years. It was part of her last floor routine before the accident.

Her body flipped and twisted, flying through the air, and she landed with her arms outstretched. Maura stood there, breathing heavily, remembering her last competitive event. Her body was primed, and yet was that who she was right now…today?

Deidre was standing in front of her. “Maura, are you alright?”

With a brief nod, Maura said, “Yes, sorry. Did you need the floor? Is there a class?”

After checking the clock on the wall, Deidre said, “Not for another hour. I liked your routine, but you have one arm that hyperextends and another that locks halfway. Is the scar tissue still catching?”

Maura shook her head. “It's called being too lazy to practice. I think I better get on my game, though. I heard from three more gyms in San Diego, and they want to do an adults-only gymnastics meet.”

Deidre grabbed her hand. “That's wonderful! Are you really going to compete? Oh, Maura, you're so talented. How can I help?”

“By putting me through my paces. If I'm going to participate and represent my own gym, I'm going to bring something special to the party.”

* * *

Maura was wiped out. She'd worked her body extremely hard and she ached in places she didn't remember having muscles. As quickly as she could, she packed up her bag in preparation for the trip home.

She stretched, listening to her joints pop and crack. Granted, there was a long way she needed to go before she competed in parkour or even gymnastics, but the overall exercise felt so good to her mind and body that all she wanted was more…tomorrow. For today, she was definitely done. Maybe there would be a nap in her future. She hoped so.

“Hello,” said a familiar voice behind her. That voice made her body melt in places.

She turned to see Declan. “Hi,” she replied, moving toward him.

They came together in a hug. He nibbled on her neck and ear, under her hair so no one could see. It was delicious, sending tremors of heat through her body.

“What are you doing here?”

Declan grinned. “I'm meeting my physical therapist here. She said that we could start training in the gym for the triathlon, so I'm here to sign up for my membership.”

“You don't need one.”

“Yes, I do,” he said. “I want to support you and the gym. Besides, I ran into some friends out there and they said they'd help me out.”

Maura leaned around Declan to see her seven-to-nine-year-old superhero group dressed and ready to go. She waved at them and they waved back. “So that's your fan club.”

“Everyone needs a cheerleader.” He waggled one eyebrow.

She felt an embarrassingly hot blast rise onto her cheeks. “Declan! I'm at work.”

He winked. “I know. I'm sorry.” Digging into his pocket, he pulled out a check. “I looked at your rates online. This should pay for the next year.”

“Wow, a whole year. You could do six months.” She couldn't keep the unspoken accusation from her voice. There were other options out there.

“This is where I want to be. Hell, if I could sign up for ten years, or twenty, I would.” He hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head. “One of these days you're going to trust my statements. I only say what I mean, and I don't make promises I cannot keep.”

She leaned upward and looked in his eyes. “And…”

“And I love you. That's not going to change.” He kissed the top of her nose. “I better get going before my entourage gets restless. You know how kids are about lovey-dovey stuff at that age.”

“Yes,” she said, smiling at him. “I'll see you at home. I'll make dinner.”

“No way. It's my turn to cater to you. I'm cooking,” he said, turning around spryly.

“I'd like that.” Under her breath she added, “That's my boyfriend.” Picking up her bag, she looked around the office and laughed at herself.
Hard to believe I was once scared of talking to him
, she thought.
And now I'm yours and you're mine.
The idea filled her with head-to-toe warmth, and her heart leaped for joy.

Now if she could just find her keys. She pushed the door open and stepped into the fresh air.

A woman bumped into her.

Maura's automatic response was to say “Sorry,” but it sat on her tongue and never came out as she stared at none other than Olivia Fenwick. “Olivia? What are you doing here? Do you need directions?”

The petite blond bombshell looked down at her feet for several seconds and then met Maura's eyes. “I was kicked out of the Coronado Community Center.”

Maura frowned. “Isn't that open to all residents?”

“Yes, but I, uh, violated some of their rules,” Olivia admitted, obviously embarrassed.

That fact did not surprise Maura. After their first meeting, she'd assumed that Olivia was a walking violation to most souls. Letting internal dialogue out unfettered was not the best game plan to win friends. “So you want to join this gym?”

“You can't keep this body looking the way it does without maintenance.” Olivia said snidely. “Think about it.”

Maura raised her eyebrows.
Really, that's the road you want to go with me.

Olivia lifted her hands in surrender. “I'm sorry. I'd be shocked if you took me in, after all the attempts I made to steal Declan from you.” She rocked onto her toes. “Okay, okay. They kicked me out for having sex on the premises of the gym and for hitting on the members while they were using the facilities. The director told me to get therapy. She thinks I'm a sex addict.”

Maura tried not to smile, to sympathize with the woman. Insecurity got the best of everyone once in a while. She wanted to give Olivia a second chance. “We have rules here, too, that are very similar to the CCC's. Definitely no hitting on the members, and no sex stuff on the grounds—we have kids here. Plus, you're not allowed to chat on your cell phone or play video games while on the premises. Can you abide by those rules?” Maura was doubtful, but she enjoyed the adrenaline rush of keeping herself fit and knew the type of dedication it took. “Olivia?”

“I'm thinking.” Her shoulders dropped in defeat. “Yes, I can.”

“Then right inside the door is the office. Stop there for an application—for residents outside of Imperial Beach, you have to be approved. Fill it out and the staff on duty can give you a tour.”

“I, uh, never heard from Declan about the contents of my envelope. Tell him he doesn't need to thank me for the gift I made to NSW.”

“I'll let him know.” Maura waited until the woman began walking for the door before she added, “Oh, and Olivia, just so you know, you can make your future contributions directly to the organization. He's mine. We won't need to talk about this again, right?”

Olivia pursed her lips and nodded her head. Her face was mottled with red, but she didn't give a single retort. Perhaps the woman was making personal progress.

Maura walked toward the door with a bounce in her step. She'd stood up to Olivia, was secure in her love for Declan, and was running the most successful gym in San Diego. Life was picking up in Imperial Beach.

* * *

A strong wind was blowing over the ocean. There was a slightly salty tang in the air that made her lick her lips several times. Maura could hardly wait to put on her bikini and dip into the ocean. At least this time, she was going to have the good sense to watch the wind and current, but a dip in the ocean felt like a just reward after the day she'd had.

She'd finished a load of paperwork, worked out, seen her man motivated, and dealt with the past. How could things be better?

As she rounded the street corner, she could see a ruckus in the apartment complex's parking lot. As she got closer, she recognized the culprits. Leaper and Dahl were lifting Declan's motorcycle, nicknamed Joy Juice, and his beloved road bicycle, named Paula after the song, onto blocks when she arrived home. “Maura, wait until you see us jack these bikes up,” shouted Leaper as he hauled boxes full of chrome parts out of his Mustang.

“What are you two up to?” Maura hesitated. “Wait, don't tell me. I don't want to know.” She held up her hands. “I didn't see anything. Just let me sneak upstairs.”

“Maura.” Dahl touched her arm as she walked by. “We do this, a lot of us…adapt machines for disabled vets. There are those businesses that do it for a price, but these are our family members…we bleed with them. It doesn't matter if we know 'em directly or not, a lot of us go to the homes of disabled veterans and fix their transportation so there's no problem. No doubt on their part that they, these guys, can be independent, have their joy back, or at least their ability to get a ticket for speeding.”