Page 18 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“Well, who am I to disagree with the great Chef Javier? If you say it’s Commander, then Commander it is.”

“Exactly! Feels good to be back.” He bellows with a beaming face, eager to share his adventure with Chase who looks just as happy to see him.

“My kids say, papa make us this, make us that dish. They just want me to cook when all I wanted was a short break but there’s hardly any break when you have children around. So, I had to cook and Sierra—my wife—even she wanted me to cook, too.” He looks around the house and stops when he notices me on the couch. “Anyways, she sends her regards,” he finishes, my appearance cutting his conversation short.

“So, Javier, speaking of wives, let me introduce you to my wife-to-be. Her name is Nora. Nora Evans.”

“Oh, my. Hello, ma’am. My name is Javier. Javier Rodriguez.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” I say, mustering the best smile I can offer and wondering what he thinks of Chase’s statement.

“Wife? Wait, sir. Did you say wife-to-be?” He asks, unable to hide his surprise.

I give myself a pat on the back for playing into the character even though I’m finding it difficult to hide my shock. I sort of thought he’d just tell the guy the truth.

“Yes. Javier. You heard right.”

“But that name, Nora Evans. It does ring a bell, no?” He says, and I’m praying he won’t say he saw my name in the news or something. “Or perhaps you’ve mentioned this to me or maybe the name just sounds familiar.” He shrugs. “Oh, pardon my manners. I should drop these bags.” He makes his way to the kitchen but stops short by a few steps.

“Oh, quick question, pardon me, again. When is the wedding?” Chase and I stare at each other for a few seconds then reply at the same time.

“Tomorrow.”

Color drains from Javier’s face, and it’s replaced with a mix of emotions ranging from shock to confusion. He drops the grocery bags. A bag hits his foot, and he cries out in shock.

“Ow! Those onions.” He grumbles, hopping on one foot as he struggles to find his balance before bending to pick up the onions.

He lifts the bags and takes them to the kitchen muttering incoherent words under his breath about how he is going to handle wedding preparations on such short notice, and I refrain from laughing. Who says he was going to make any preparations?

“But why tomorrow?” he asks as Chase joins us in the kitchen, placing the rest of the onions on the kitchen island. “Wait!” He holds up a finger and his eyes furrow as he goes into deep thought before turning to me. “Pardon me, but sir can be quite persuasive. Is he the one asking you to get married so quickly?” He eyes Chase suspiciously and Chase raises a brow in return.

“No. He didn’t. We just want to get married. And it’s a quiet wedding and you won’t have to do anything.” I look at Chase, hoping for some kind of support. This man doesn’t seem to believe us one bit.

“Yes, Javier. It’s a quiet wedding.” Chase adds snatching up one of the apples in the bag and earning a look of disapproval from Javier.

“That’s for apple pie,” Javier says pulling the bag away from him, but Chase shrugs as he rinses the apple and takes a bite before continuing.

“It’s simply due to the nature of our jobs. It’s for safety. And I’m sure you understand. But the wedding has to be done in this manner for our safety, and I’m sure you know what that means.”

“Yes, I see.” Javier sounds unconvinced but he doesn't push further. “I didn’t know she was a SEAL, too. Commander, like you?”

“No. I’m an intelligence analyst.” His brows furrow in confusion as he tries to find a meaning to the words.

“The tech lady. I work with computers and gadgets.”

“Oh, I see, I see. But regardless, since there’s a wedding,” he declares with a thunderous clap, catching us off guard, “we will feast!” Javier proclaims this with a gleeful grin, while Chase lets out an exaggerated groan. “Okay, I’ll make it small.” He turns and starts busying himself with the groceries. Resisting the urge to laugh, I make my way to the living room. Now this is some chef. But did he really believe us or is he just playing along even though he sees through our drama?

“He’s interesting,” I comment, grinning at Chase.

Surprisingly, Chase’s expression softens. “He’s a good man.”

I cock my head. “Sounds like there’s a story there.”

He shrugs. “I met him at a diner when I was in a pretty low spot in my life. After… after a bad mission. We got to talking, and I learned that he was working basically twenty-four seven to take care of his family. So now he works for me for half the hours and triple the pay.”

I smile.Chase is a good man, I think to myself.

“Nora,” Chase calls out as he follows behind me. “I know someone who can help with a wedding dress on such short notice. She has a clothing store and can have someone bring you a wedding dress. She’ll need your basic measurements, so I’ll send you her number.”

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